Guitars with non recessed Floyd Rose

[Estilo]

I love that headstock, especially when reversed, and on a superstrat BCR. I really dig the ST in black and orange, wouldn't mind Ferrari Red also.

Regarding the OP, the Jackson Adrian Smith has a top mount OFR. The cheap import series punches WAY above its weight and can be nicely upgraded, although the O.G. is much better of course. I have a custom USA that was already modified when I snagged it, so I added the EVH D Tuna and it is one of the best guitars I've ever played. Almost feels like cheating! A perfect Trad Metal Steed.


View attachment 149299

The Pro series Adrian Smith SD comes with the Floyd Rose Special, which usually causes longevity issues. But if trem abuse isn't on the pipeline, and especially if like me one does not need the trem use, only a double locking system with the bridge decked, it the Special should pose less of an issue.

 

[jl-austin]

ESP LTD '87 M1
Kramer Nightswan re-issue

I'm sure there are more, top mount isn't my thing though so I don't know of all models.

 

[nightsprinter]

Every one of those Kramer import swans I've ever laid hands on have been ass but I still want one for some reason.

 

[eaeolian]

I love that headstock, especially when reversed, and on a superstrat BCR. I really dig the ST in black and orange, wouldn't mind Ferrari Red also.

Regarding the OP, the Jackson Adrian Smith has a top mount OFR. The cheap import series punches WAY above its weight and can be nicely upgraded, although the O.G. is much better of course. I have a custom USA that was already modified when I snagged it, so I added the EVH D Tuna and it is one of the best guitars I've ever played. Almost feels like cheating! A perfect Trad Metal Steed.


View attachment 149299

Well that came out nice. Is it swimming pool under the guard?

 

[eaeolian]

Every one of those Kramer import swans I've ever laid hands on have been ass but I still want one for some reason.

Really? I haven't played one but the Barettas are OK.

 

[nightsprinter]

Really? I haven't played one but the Barettas are OK.

Felt like a budget Indonesian-made guitar. Nothing remarkable. I'd definitely snap one up for like $400 if I saw one locally.

 

[Slaeyer]

Thanks for saving me lots of time with this thread, as I'm also on the hunt for a top mount FR guitar.

View attachment 149299

I'm really tempted by the Adrian Smith Jackson, but have issues even thinking about adjusting the truss rod requires removing the neck.... I had that with an ESP Maverick and it was annoying as hell.....

 

[nightsprinter]

Thanks for saving me lots of time with this thread, as I'm also on the hunt for a top mount FR guitar.


I'm really tempted by the Adrian Smith Jackson, but have issues even thinking about adjusting the truss rod requires removing the neck.... I had that with an ESP Maverick and it was annoying as hell.....

A floyd + vintage heel mount truss is my personal nightmare combo. Wayyy too lazy for that.

 

[Marked Man]

Thanks for saving me lots of time with this thread, as I'm also on the hunt for a top mount FR guitar.


I'm really tempted by the Adrian Smith Jackson, but have issues even thinking about adjusting the truss rod requires removing the neck.... I had that with an ESP Maverick and it was annoying as hell.....

I only use Eb or Drop Db on my 6 strings, so it's set up once and done for me (I got a pro setup for it, 9.5-44). The USA Smith is an exceptionally high quality guitar and holds its tune and setup very well. Even compared to the much loved early '90s Jackson and Charvel MIJs (comparable to USAs of the time), this guitar is easily a cut above.

It would be a nightmare to have a finnicky guitar with no quick access to the truss rod, however...

 

[Crumbling]

I've been keeping an eye out for another 1990/1991 Grover Jackson Custom for a while now, those has the 90s Charvel style top mount + pull up route combo and it feels much better for palm muting to me than recessed Floyds, and you get the full range Floyd. The newer ones are all recessed, and modern top mounted stuffs are all 80s superstrat tribute models. The crackle LTD looks fucking sick though

There is that Alexi-esque Concept Rhoads with the single hum as well, but no pull up route, and it cost nearly as much as a used RR1

 

[Kosthrash]

Also this MIM Dave Murray strat

Dave Murray Stratocaster® | Electric Guitars

Dave Murray Stratocaster®, Rosewood Fingerboard, 2-Color Sunburst

www.fender.com

 

[USMarine75]

Not sure how I never chimed in on this but I can confirm that anything EVH/Peavey Wolfgang fits this. Not sure the MII hate because I have around 30-40 that are killer.

For EVH, I felt like I needed at least one MII Wolfgang WG in my stable so I bought one for around $400. Absolutely killer guitar. It had one weird fit/QC issue where the trem backplate was too big for the carve, so it was bent and jammed in there. Once I levered it out there is no way I can get it back in. But it sounds and plays so good I couldn't send it back. I have it in E-flat standard / Drop C# but I've had it down to Drop B.

Speaking of MII, I'm a huge new Kramer fanboy. I have the Snake Sabo Baretta, Nightswan polkadot, First Strike, RIP Mustaine V, ghost flame Gunstar, and Baretta Viper guitars. I absolutely love them. The Snake Sabo has a Jim DeCola designed pickup (he created the Peavey Wolfgang pikcup and now works for Gibson CS).

There are some other EVH guitars if you don't like the Wolfgang shape. The Circles guitar is my fav EVH model at the moment. You can't tell from the photos but it has a satin finish. The

Pro tip... you should add a spring or screw the claw in more so it stays locked down. If you go larger than 46-9 set of strings you can pull the trem up when bending or get slight flutter.

Magic Mark XXL on Instagram: "🇮🇩 EVH Wolfgang Standard Xotic in Midnight Sunset. I’ve been banging on the trem all day and the Sonic Research ST-300 tuner says it’s still spot on. The Wolfgang pickups in this sound meaner - chunkier and more full.

28 likes, 1 comments - bigguitarenergyxxl on October 13, 2024: "🇮🇩 EVH Wolfgang Standard Xotic in Midnight Sunset. I’ve been banging on the trem all day and the Sonic Research ST-300 tuner says it’s still spot on. The Wolfgang pickups in this sound meaner - chunkier and more full. Very...

www.instagram.com

I can also recommend Charvel... I have several including a Rick graham that I love. Plus it has BKP custom pickups.

 

[USMarine75]

Stupid Deal of the Day | Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend adds a fresh Stupid Deal of the Day every day. These deals are in limited quantities so act now to get the best deals across every instrument category.

www.musiciansfriend.com

EVH Wolfgang WG (MII) for $450 new.

 

[Marked Man]

Also this MIM Dave Murray strat

Dave Murray Stratocaster® | Electric Guitars

Dave Murray Stratocaster®, Rosewood Fingerboard, 2-Color Sunburst

www.fender.com

That link no longer has one, but here it is:

I'm probably more drawn to his old skool black Strat with white HSH, but no Floyd.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

Those old Ibanez Roadstars and Prolines made between 1985 - 1987 all (mostly) had non-recessed Edge tremolos.

 

[jco5055]

Do you guys know if the modern “Shannon soloists” or any USA Jackson’s had the top mount/recessed combo? Or just the mij stuff?

Is Caparison the only modern/current brand doing the combo short of custom builds?