Kahler Trems - What's The Deal?

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fluff191

fluff191

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I just picked up a G&L Rampage Cantrell sig model which has the Kahler 4300 trem which I realize isn't the top of the line Kahler, but damn this thing can't return to pitch to save its life.

When using it lightly, it either returns sharp or flat. Wtf? Is there something I am missing in setting it up or should I just lock it and call it good?
 
have you messed with the spring tension that's probably it. are your strings stretched?
 
I did mess with the trem spring and it did help. I will try stretching the strings a bit more.
 
Only Kahler worth using is the Steeler. The rest are kinda lame.
 
Kahler used to be standard on all USA BC RICH guitars, and we're for the longest time considered superior to the Floyd Rose because it was a cam-driven design and you didn't have to cut the ball ends off the strings. The fatal flaw was that somehow, by using the trem heavily, the ends would somehow unwind from the ball end. By the time people figured out they could combat this by putting a dab of solder on the winds, it was too late... Floyd Rose had captured too much of the market. Plus, there were many licensed Floyds, but no licensed Kahlers.
 
I had one on an Aria Pro back in the 80's and hated it. Just did not fell right to me.
 
I've had them on several guitars over the years. I was able to make them work for me and in fact preferred them to a Floyd for a short time in the mid 80's (probably due to my love of BC Rich and Charvel). They have a much spongier feel and allow you to do more subtle trem work than you can with a Floyd, but for all out trem wankery, nothing beats the FR.
 
I had one years ago on a guitar and remember hating it. I finally figured out how to keep it in tune by doing a quick pull up on it
 
Check the knife edges. When they are worn they won't return to pitch.

The Kahler trems on my 2 Washburn Davies N4 are awesome. Stay in pitch very well.
 
rupe":285sangb said:
I've had them on several guitars over the years. I was able to make them work for me and in fact preferred them to a Floyd for a short time in the mid 80's (probably due to my love of BC Rich and Charvel). They have a much spongier feel and allow you to do more subtle trem work than you can with a Floyd, but for all out trem wankery, nothing beats the FR.
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THis^

and LOL on some of these responses and some that will come after. (Even mine! :lol: :LOL: Grain of salt)

I had a Kahler Pro installed in my Rich in 82, and I still have the guitar, and in fact, have subsequently sold off every Floyd equipped guitar I've ever owned since.

Fuck clipping/clamping down strings, a process to change strings!! (Number one reason for NMF/No More Floyd's)

I've NEVER had strind ends unwinding

Never had pitch problems (Am I lucky?! dunno) I had the heavy springs, and thick bar done on mine.

I have broken a string during a set and not had the guitar take a tuning shit on me like a floyd would/ and has... (Important to me anyway) (Number #2 NMF)

It is a more subtle trem experience. It won't pitch up when you lean on it cause it's always floating. For exacting pitch variations, you cant beat it. (#3 NMF)

I totally understand "I don't like the feel, or look, or dive bombing attitude that a FLoyd gives. Different animals.

But Just outright crap just because? haha.. :cry: :D

It's an excellent system if you buy the professional model of it and have it set up right. LIKE ANYTHING. I mean, how bout those "Jackson knock off Floyds from the 80's" or pot metal Floyds? Shit sticks, won't stay in tune to save they're lives...

It's the only Locking trem guitar I have kept because of it's features/playability, and stability/quality coupled with my style of playing.
 
I've never had problems with Kahlers either. Always liked the adjustable saddle heights too.
 
fluff191":2cacmkxq said:
THere are no knife edges on a Kahler.
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Oops sorry. There are knife edges on the Kahler Steeler, I see now you were asking about the 4300, in which I have no experience with.

However, lets not give Kahler trems in general a bad rap here, I love the Steeler that are on my Davies N4. In fact, I prefer it to the OFR in some regards, such as for palm muting.
 
They have a much spongier feel and allow you to do more subtle trem work than you can with a Floyd
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I agree, you could depress the strings to blubber with your pinky on a Kahler. Much less force required which allowed finer control.

Used to have a Kahler Pro back in the 80's, which was their top of the line unit back then (I think).

Classic examples of the trademark Kahler squiggle can be found in old Slayer "turkey gobbler" solos (as some like to call it :lol: :LOL: ).
 
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