Yeah, the Special is total garbage. The 1000 is made in Korea with inferior metals, (still hardened steel, but I suspect the material and parts come from China), and the Special is even more inferior using zinc alloy. A German OFR is 100% German steel, craftsmanship, and attention to detail by Schaller. They're now being made in the USA again, I haven't experienced one yet. However, they only state the locking nuts and saddles are made in the USA, but oddly don't mention that the baseplate is?? I'm guessing Schaller still makes the best version, the Lockmeister with all German C45 Forged steel.
All that said, I'll say it again. I'll take a Gotoh 1996T any day.