6 Stratocasters with Floyd Rose Hardware (roundup)

We're rounding up Fender Stratocasters that ship with a Floyd Rose tremolo system (bridge hardware) already installed.

Pretty simple.

If you're looking for a Fender Strat with a Floyd Rose floating tremolo, you have several options. Though the easiest and most straightfoward approach is to buy a Strat that already has the bridge installed.

Just to review, here is what a Floyd Rose tremolo system looks like:

These tremolos lock the strings in place from the bridge and nut position which gives you a lot more tuning stability. In my opinion, it's a far superior design from the traditional Stratocaster tremolo, even if you don't plan on heavy trem bar usage.

How to Identify Stratocasters with a Floyd Rose Bridge

Stratocasters with a Floyd Rose tremolo are pretty easy to identify, though you need to be careful to make a distinction between modified Stratocasters and Stratocasters that actually ship with a Floyd Rose already installed.

For example, here's the American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster on Sweetwater that already comes with a Floyd Rose bridge:

The alternative is a modified Stratocaster, where somebody purchased a Strat without a Floyd Rose and then later had one installed. That's not what I'm addressing in this list.

If you want to install your own Floyd Rose, it can be a fairly involved process.

Nevertheless, here's a list of Floyd Rose bridges we recommend:

Read more: Best Floyd Rose bridges

Another thing to watch out for is Floyd Rose knockoffs or off brands. While these aren't super common, they're easy to rule out by simply identifying the "Floyd Rose" signage on this part of the bridge:

A Word About the Edge Zero Tremolo System

Ibanez makes their own version of the Floyd Rose called the Edge Zero tremolo system. These are good systems and not what we'd consider "knock offs," but they're exclusive to Ibanez guitars. We don't usually see them on other brands, but it's just something you need to be aware of when browsing the Floyd Rose and bridge hardware market in general.

Fender Stratocasters with Floyd Rose Bridges

Our list is short, but complete. These are six Fender Stratocasters with Floyd Rose hardware already installed. Note that we've included two models that are quite rare, from the Fender Custom Shop. Also note that the Sweetwater buttons (not the Reverb buttons) are partner links, which help support our site but cost you nothing extra.

If you have questions about the Strats, drop them in the comments section below and I'll help out as much as possible.

Current Models

The first four Stratocasters in our list are models that are currently in production and can be purchased new. It includes the following, but is always subject to change depending on when and where you're looking:

• Fender Ultra Luxe Strat
  
• Fender Player Strat
  
• Tom Morello Signature
  
• Dave Murray Signature
  

All four of these Stratocasters ship with a Floyd Rose and are currently being built by Fender year to year. Based on the research I've done, there aren't any other current Strat models in production that include a Floyd Rose.

Custom Shop

There are a lot of different Custom Shop Stratocaster, many of which are not available to the public or produced on a large scale. Though I have noticed two that show up a lot on Reverb, so I've included them in this list.

• Alley Cat
  
• Wild West (White Lightning)
  

Both of these guitars are extremely expensive.

However, they both come with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, thus fitting the criteria of our list. 

Depending on how you feel about buying high-end used guitars, they may or may not be a good fit for you. For what it's worth, I've been on both the buying and selling side of Reverb and it has largely been a positive experience.

What about bridge mods?

As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of folks who prefer to mod their current Stratocaster and install a Floyd Rose. While this is an option, it's a fairly technical procedure that would likely involve cutting the body of the Stratocaster to better fit the Floyd Rose.

In my experience, this can be extremely tricky to do right and doesn't make the best DIY project.  

If you're comfortable with doing the job yourself, go for it.

Otherwise, buy a Strat that already has the Floyd Rose equipped.

What is the best option from this list?

Let's be clear:

There are some really nice Strats in this list, and it's hard to beat the Custom Shop options.

But if I were to choose the best option from the first four mainline models, I'd go with the American Ultra Luxe Strat. If you just want the most affordable and economical option, go with the HSS Player Strat.

Conclusion

By design, Stratocasters are lead-focused guitars.

The use of single coil pickups, fast-playing fretboards, and floating tremolos have made them a favorite of lead guitarists for decades. Adding the Floyd Rose just feels right and it definitely expands on the lead guitar aspect of the Stratocaster.

I'd also argue it looks really cool.

So if you're in the market for a Stratocaster with Floyd Rose hardware, we'd recommend one of the six in this list, or at least one of the four mainline options.

Your Questions and Additions to the List

If you have questions about the Strats we've covered, or perhaps your own Stratocaster and Floyd Rose love story, share it in the comments section below and we'll chat.

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