Help me ID this trem

[metropolis_4]

Is this an Ibanez Edge? Looking at a listing for a guitar so I don’t have any other pics or details. This is on an 80’s Japanese Fender, but that doesn’t look like the original trem.

 

[laxu]

Yeah looks like the original Edge trem to me. Based on the sloppy carving under the bolts, I wouldn't be very confident that it has been installed correctly. The posts look like they are not the Ibanez Edge posts for one.

This is how it should look. It seems there are models with the Licensed text and without it.

 

[Los-D]

Paging Dr @Eagle

 

[Eagle]

Yes an Edge but the rout is for the TSR . The TSR is junk.

 

[metropolis_4]

Yes an Edge but the rout is for the TSR . The TSR is junk.

I thought the TSR might be junk. Looks like a sloppy route job, but probably functional?

In general what kind of problems should I keep in mind if I’m looking at older guitars with trems? I’ve heard things about the knife edges dulling and becoming less accurate in returning to pitch

 

[saarangnarayan]

In general what kind of problems should I keep in mind if I’m looking at older guitars with trems?

Knife edge health and trem post health is pretty much the biggest thing. If those two are fine, then things should be more or less good. But an often overlooked aspect is burring on the string saddles. Over time, strings can create all sorts of divots, cuts, and burrs on the saddles, especially the lower 6 strings which can create tuning issues at best and string breakage at worst. Corrosion of the metal parts is of course to be expected but isn’t always detrimental to the performance of the trem itself. You may also want to make sure that the little bolts that hold the strings inside the saddles are fine and are original (some folks mistakenly put Floyd Rose ones in Ibanez and they aren’t really compatible even if they fit). Also stripping of any of the screws (saddle intonation, string locking) can be problematic in setting up but that is an easy replacement.

 

[Eagle]

Post lean on the body is the worst problem. The rest is easier to repair. Original Floyd,Gotoh 1996, kahler steeler Ibanez edge and lo pro edge are all great but I would steer clear of the rest.

 

[unix-guy]

Corrosion. The Ibanez Edge trems are very expensive $500+ to replace and custom order.

People who sell used Edge trems have learned to photograph them at certain angles that make them look not as bad. That gold one is absolutely trashed.

Real Floyds corrode, but you can get a replacement for around $200 or less.

There are a number of them brand new on Reverb for less than $300.

Corrosion is cosmetic and has no impact on function.

Over the years I've bought quite a few used that were in excellent condition.

They are, in my opinion, the best available Floyd Rose bridge... And I also really like the Gotoh 1996T.

The Edge is also made by Gotoh.

 

[unix-guy]

I thought the TSR might be junk. Looks like a sloppy route job, but probably functional?

In general what kind of problems should I keep in mind if I’m looking at older guitars with trems? I’ve heard things about the knife edges dulling and becoming less accurate in returning to pitch

The other issue is heavily corroded and/or stripped (the head, not threads) saddle screws (in the front of the saddle, under the strings). You need to loosen them for setting intonation.

On the one you posted they look overall very good.

That bridge isn't really too bad cosmetically... A little bit of pitting and some finish worn off.

 

[Eagle]

If you stick to my list short of serious abuse or excessive rust you will be fine.

 

[metropolis_4]

Thanks for the help!