Floyd Rose (OFR) vs Edge Zero Bridge (ZPS3)

[Deleted member 8761]

What tremelo system do you prefer? I got myself a high end Ibanez (RGT320Z) with the Edge Zero Bridge with ZPS3 spring system. This tremolo system is well thought out. It has very good tuning stability due to a stop bar with additional springs. The intonation process is much easier too, because you can use a special screw that locks the sadle. A few turns will adjust the sadle and you're done. An additional plus is that you can easily adjust spring tension without removing the back plate. Just a matter of turning the wheel in the back. The trem feels a bit stiff though, but the guitar is new so that may change. Can anyone tell me any drawbacks?

I'm used to (USA) Jacksons and the OFR's. Setting up an OFR can be a pain sometimes, but I learned a few tricks to get the job done. Adjusting spring tension and setting intonation takes more time than with the Ibanez. Even with an intonation tool like "the key". It seems to take a fraction more time with tuning of new strings. Tuning stability is very good too. A well set up OFR plays smooth and is a proven concept.

I'm looking for a new guitar, but I'm still on the fence on the preferred tremelo system. What do you think, RT?

 

[Shawn Lutz]

OFR is the only one I used since about 84 or so. I only have one guitar that is TOM, everything else is original Floyd's. Set them up once and your done with it...

 

[Deleted member 8761]

OFR is the only one I used since about 84 or so. I only have one guitar that is TOM, everything else is original Floyd's. Set them up once and your done with it...

Once in a while, something will change. Be it a small neck adjustment due to weather changes, a tweak with the action or spring tension (as sometimes the bridge is not parralel to the body). So I wouldn't say done with it even though I try to keep a constant environment.

 

[Fenderoid]

I would the OFR over every other locking tremolo.Depending on the use of the tremolo and the type of the guitar maybe you should consider a recessed standard tremolo with high quality (locking maybe) machine heads.

 

[PeteLaramee]

I like the OFR. I was a big fan of the Lo-Pro and Edge Pro, but don't like the zero and hated its predecessor in the S7. The strings would go flat during palm mutes. WTF is that?

 

[dwizted]

I like the zero better. It was easier for me to set up.

 

[racerevlon]

ZPS is so much more stable and user-friendly than an OFR I've ever played. Gotta give the ZPS the nod here.

 

[THEE HAMMER]

The ZPS really surprised me when they first started showing up to be set up in our shop. Cool unit but not for everyone.
The "1984" Floyd Rose system is my current favorite of that family of products, with the original Edge and Lo-pro my favorites in the ibanez camp.

 

[primerib]

OFR all the way. I think the only reason Ibanez designed all those odd trem bridges was to avoid paying $$$ because of the floyd rose patents. But I know some of those will be expiring shortly so I expect to see Ibanez to push more FR bridges instead of that zero stuff

 

[Shawn Lutz]

OFR is the only one I used since about 84 or so. I only have one guitar that is TOM, everything else is original Floyd's. Set them up once and your done with it...

Once in a while, something will change. Be it a small neck adjustment due to weather changes, a tweak with the action or spring tension (as sometimes the bridge is not parralel to the body). So I wouldn't say done with it even though I try to keep a constant environment.

there are exceptions to every rule but I think you get the jist of it. Rarely do you have to re-set up an OFR if you keep the same tuning, string make and gauge. 98% of the time its one and done. I have about 18 guitars with OFR's and the only time I need to make any changes if I decide to make another guitar tuned to Eb or an Eb guitar back to E tuning. Never had to adjust intonation for truss rod tweaks.

 

[Schaf]

OFR all the way. I think the only reason Ibanez designed all those odd trem bridges was to avoid paying $$$ because of the floyd rose patents. But I know some of those will be expiring shortly so I expect to see Ibanez to push more FR bridges instead of that zero stuff

I'm pretty sure the floyd rose patent expired quite a while ago. How long's it been out? at least 27 years.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

OFR is the only one I used since about 84 or so. I only have one guitar that is TOM, everything else is original Floyd's. Set them up once and your done with it...

Once in a while, something will change. Be it a small neck adjustment due to weather changes, a tweak with the action or spring tension (as sometimes the bridge is not parralel to the body). So I wouldn't say done with it even though I try to keep a constant environment.

there are exceptions to every rule but I think you get the jist of it. Rarely do you have to re-set up an OFR if you keep the same tuning, string make and gauge. 98% of the time its one and done. I have about 18 guitars with OFR's and the only time I need to make any changes if I decide to make another guitar tuned to Eb or an Eb guitar back to E tuning. Never had to adjust intonation for truss rod tweaks.

Why don't you lend me a few of your nice Charvels so I can share your experience

Jokes aside, I do get your point. OFR's are stable. Thing is that I do have to change something at least once a year. Perhaps due to humidity or that strings are not always produced with same tension as the previous batch, I don't know. Besides, I flip guitars on a regular basis which means that I do a set up often. The zero edge seems more user friendly. That's the reason why I ask for user experience here.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

I like the OFR. I was a big fan of the Lo-Pro and Edge Pro, but don't like the zero and hated its predecessor in the S7. The strings would go flat during palm mutes. WTF is that?

Was that with the zero edge as well? I would expect this to be more the case with the OFR than with the zero because of the additional springs/stop bar. Gonna check this out.