
Updated by Bobby
Updated on February 28th, 2022
Removed Mick Thomson Jackson Soloist and replaced it with the Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess. Updated Ibanez language to include Edge and Lo Pro Edge bridges. Thanks to Tyler, in the comments.
I've always been a fan of the Floyd Rose locking tremolo system.
That type of flexibility and tuning stability is impossible to replicate in a traditional tremolo bridge, which is why the Floyd Rose has become a must for many lead guitar players who specialize in whammy bar use and high-end lead technique. It has also given way to a handful of imitation locking tremolo systems, including the Edge Zero by Ibanez, which functions - and appears - nearly the same as a full Floyd Rose.
In this article we're looking at electric guitars specifically with Floyd Rose locking tremolo systems installed.
We'll also do a second table with the Edge and Edge Zero systems, all of which are from Ibanez.
Instead of putting all of this in a ranking, we're simply listing all of the electric guitars we could find that shipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo. Keep in mind, these are not modified or custom guitars, but rather examples of guitars that arrive with the Floyd Rose tremolo already installed and ready to use.
For those wanting that as their primary feature, we've done the rest of the sorting for you.
Best Electric Guitars with a Floyd Rose and Edge Zero Tremolo Systems
Again, it's important to mention that we aren't ranking these guitars, because they're all quite good. They all just have a Floyd Rose system installed, which allows you to pick through all the guitars that already have your primary feature covered.
Please keep in mind: We partner with Sweetwater and use their links in the orange buttons below. This provides links to products we recommend without adding any extra cost to you.
Floyd Rose (FR) Table
The first table includes Floyd Rose only. Since Floyd Rose is its own company, we see them show up in a number of different brands, whereas the Ibanez-developed Edge Zero only shows up in Ibanez guitars. We've included a photo, the full name of the guitar model and the rating column. For these particular tables, if the rating column isn't filled out yet, that just means we haven't rated this guitar specifically for its own write up.
Guitars | Details | Rating | Shop |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Fender Player Stratocaster HSS with Floyd Rose | n/a | |
![]() | PRS DW CE 24 Floyd | n/a | |
![]() | PRS SE Custom 24 Floyd | n/a | |
![]() | ESP LTD EC-1000FR | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter Avenger FR S Apocalypse | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter C-1 FR-S Apocalypse | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Limited Edition HM Strat | n/a | |
![]() | EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Relic | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter Banshee Mach-7 | n/a | |
![]() | Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR7 | n/a | |
![]() | Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4 Authentic Signature | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR | n/a | |
![]() | Schecter Reaper-6 FR-S | n/a | |
![]() | Gibson Custom Les Paul Axcess | n/a |
Edge, Lo Pro Edge, Edge Zero (Ibanez) Table
As we mentioned above, the Edge Zero tremolo system is unique to Ibanez, though looks essentially the same as the Floyd Rose tremolo.
There are also several variations of this system, primarily the following:
- Edge
- Lo Pro Edge
- Edge Zero
The locking functionality and floating spring system functions the same as the original Floyd Rose design, though Ibanez has made some minor adjustments to their version. For those interested in a guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, the Edge is a perfectly acceptable alternative and - in our mind - not a downgrade.
Ibanez | Details | Rating | Shop |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ibanez Premium S1070PBZ | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Prestige S6570Q | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS2480 | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Steve Vai Signature PIA3761 | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Nita Strauss Signature JIVA10 | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM77 | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Axion Label RG60ALS | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Prestige RG5320 | n/a | |
![]() | Ibanez Prestige RG5170G | n/a |
Common Floyd Rose Brands
As we mentioned, Floyd Rose hardware can and has shown up in a wide variety of guitar brands. However, there are a few guitar makers that have shown to be more inclusive of the tremolo system over the years. They include - but are not limited to - the following:
- Schecter
- ESP LTD
- PRS
- Fender
- Jackson
Again, there are other brands that use Floyd Rose systems, but these are the bigger names that most guitar-savvy people will recognize.
Other "Floating" and Locking Tremolo Systems
Aside from Floyd Rose and Ibanez, there are a handful of companies that have tried their hand at building a similar locking tremolo system. Most of them range from "okay" to fairly cheap, which is why we don't necessarily recommend them here. They're also usually sold as extra parts and not on an already setup electric guitar.
For those looking into other Floyd Rose alternatives, here are some of the companies that make them:
Low-End Budget Brands
- Musiclily
- Wikinson
- Dopro
- LYWS
Mid to High-End Brands
- Gotoh
- Schaller
- Callaham
Floyd Rose VS Edge (Edge Zero)
Between the two front-runners - Floyd Rose and Edge systems - which one is better?
That question can get a little subjective when you're talking about two devices that essentially mirror each other. Floyd Rose has the advantage of being the original design, but that doesn't mean the Edge and Edge Zero can't compete. Aside from some minor dimension differences, there isn't much variance between the two pieces of hardware.
Thus, figuring out which one is better is going to have far more to do with the guitar they're attached to, which is what this roundup is primarily about.
In other words:
- Don't hold out for a Floyd Rose by avoiding an Ibanez electric guitar
- Don't shun Ibanez electrics just because you're afraid of the Edge systesm
Both are good and will do the job, assuming they're fitted to a reliable instrument.
Typical Dimensions
Since Floyd Rose has a patent on all their designs, dimensions are easy to pull together. We listed them here along with a graphic that shows the dimensions in millimeters. Edge and Edge Zero dimensions aren't readily available since they come with an Ibanez guitar, though we would expect them to be appreciably similar to the Floyd dimensions.
Floyd Rose Dimensions (inches)
- Post Width: 2.91 inches
- Full Width: 3.27 inches
- String to String Width: 0.39 inches
- Height: 2.28 inches

Dimensions in millimeters.
Are floating tremolos just a lead guitar thing?
I mentioned earlier that these kinds of tremolo systems are often used by pro-level lead guitar players, particularly the following:
- Joe Satriani
- Steve Vai
- Eddie Van Halen
- Alex Lifeson
- Mick Mars
- Kirk Hammett
You can checkout more on Floyd Rose's artist list.
This trend begs the question: Are guitars with a Floyd Rose or similar floating tremolo system just a lead guitar thing?
We would say that the floating tremolo itself is definitely exclusive to the lead guitar style. For whammy bar use, tremolo technique, and deep dive bombing, that's all related to lead guitar and melody-focused playing. However, that's not to say that guitars with a Floyd Rose can't double as a rhythm guitar while the floating tremolo serves a lead-only purpose.
Most players who use them play a lot in both a rhythm and lead role. Thus, we'd summarize up this section as follows:
- Floyd Rose and floating-style tremolo systems do serve a particular function for lead guitar players
- However, the guitars that house these tremolo systems are not limited to lead-only playing
If you are exclusively a rhythm guitar player, we'd recommend avoiding this type of tremolo system, simply because you aren't likely to use it. Instead, here are a few electric guitars for rhythm players we recommend.
Possible to mod a non-Floyd Rose guitar?
Another question that comes up: Is it possible to mod and non-Floyd Rose guitar to fit that kind of bridge and tremolo system? In most cases, this is something I would recommend staying away from, just because it's almost always going to be a heavy modification with a lot of cutting into the original guitar's body, especially if there was just a stop-bar there to begin with.
You'll also spend a pretty large amount of money for the modification and the bridge itself, even if you make it a DIY project.
For most, we'd recommend buying the guitar and the Floyd Rose in the same package, already put together.
Are Floyd Rose trem systems hard to keep in tune?
If they're set up right, floating tremolos with locking tuners are extremely stable when it comes to tuning. Since the tuners can lock at the nut position (right before the headstock) the strings have nowhere to go after they've been stretched.
How do you tune them?
There are also two different ways to tune a Floyd Rose-style tremolo system with locking tuners:
- In the unlocked position: Traditional tuning pegs on the headstock
- In the locked position: Fine tuning screws
Those small circular screws on the bridge allow you to tune the guitar from the bridge itself, while the locking mechanism is in place. As they turn, you'll notice they cause a far less dramatic shift in pitch compared to the traditional tuning heads. This is where you get the term "fine tuning screws" as they're helpful for making really small adjustments that aren't easily thrown out of tune.
Conclusion
All of the guitars in these two tables provide the functionality and experience of a locking tremolo system. As we come across electric guitars we like that have these bridges, we'll list them here and expand both tables.
Addition & Your Questions
In the meantime:
If you know of a guitar with a Floyd Rose or Edge system that you think is worth including in this list, feel free to drop it in the comments section below and I'll take a look.
You can also leave questions about the guitars already listed.
Talk to you there.
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Written by Bobby on Electrics and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Electrics and Roundups
the edge zero table is inaccurate, most of those guitars have a regular edge bridge. The only one that has an edge zero is the Ibanez Premium S1070PBZ.
You are correct. Thanks for pointing this out. Updated language to include Lo Pro Edge and Edge, as well as the Edge Zero.
Takes a bit longer to set up a tremlo guitar but when it’s right its amazeing I use a pair of dean ml,s that are high maintenance I wouldn’t trade them for nothing I was sceptical of shector guitars at first my son was getting into playing so I bought him a hellraiser hybrid once it arrived I slow ly starter to play it test the waters if you will long short he got a Jackson js22 cause it was awesome flawless it’s family now I prefer it over guitars I own worth way more money and learned to not be so quick to dismiss new things was like omg I’m becoming closed minded wish we had today’s gear back in the day when five of us were glaring at a guitar world mag pretending we could read tab none of us could then ten year olds pride turned me humble the fire never left me got more heavy with time I spend my free time teaching local kids how to play as a man in central FL did me in the 80,90’s kept me out of trouble my son is a beast at 11yo is about to take my crown who knew all the guitar speaches I gave he was listening I’ll be a proud dad that day I can’t rip arpeggios like him I’m barely hold ing strong it’s pushing my skill at his age I couldn’t touch him I was all smoke on the water he’s summer song all day I have three sons my youngest is the only one who chose to pick one up on his own he’s my hero and he don’t even know it yet I don’t want to give him the big head he riped cowboys from hell last night flawlessly my jaw is still on the floor I was like you allmost got it in my head I was like wow I made that and I ask ole ball an chain who she cheated on me with she’s cool she says which one🤪great article I know some hate the floid I love them allways have I think if every one learned how to set them up right every one would love them but the time I spend working on them I enjoy since my lil guitar tec got trained right I’m geting to miss it lol
Hey just FYI, that Jackson Mick Thomson does NOT have a Floyd. It looks like one, but it isn’t. It’s a hard tail with precision tuners and a locking nut.
It says it in the specs, but also if you look through the pics you’ll see there are no springs/trem cavity. Not a massive deal I just wouldn’t want anyone specifically looking for a Floyd guitar to be misled.
Thanks for pointing that out Tyler, and sorry for the mistake on our end. I went ahead and removed that guitar and replaced it with the Gibson LP Axcess.
Again, thanks for the help. Gave you a shout out in the article update tag as well.
Hey my pleasure, buddy! I only want you and everyone else in the community to have all the info we can 🤙 that may have come across a TOUCH snotty online haha but I assure you my only interest is clarity for all, and not to name and shame.
No problem at all, Tyler. I definitely appreciate the help and rely on thoughtful comments like that. Thanks again.