The great Floyd Rose Big-Block Shootout.

[dfrattaroli]

I think the Brass block was brighter but to me, the Titanium block sounded alot like the standard block. While I might pay $40 to try a block upgrade, $200 is crazy. IMO, that is. Now, if you found me a replacement trem arm for the Floyd in my Charvel San Dimas that doesn't have any play in it, I'd pay skillions for that. That's the one thing I miss about the Floyd on the Suhr Modern I sold. That thing was rock solid in every way. The only drawback was how long it to took to screw the arm in an out. I'd usually get my Godfather box set and put in the first dics, press play, start spinning the arm and by the time we got to the "Every time I try to get out, they drag me back in!" line, I'm done.

 

[bobbyd]

awesome!


i have been a BIG fan of Adam's parts........they rAWK.

i like the brass block.....it FELT different immediately. you could feel more resonance and sustain before you even plug in.

the SS screws are REALLY good too.....


floydupgrades.com FOR THE WIN.......

 

[Marshall Freak]

I haven't listened to the clips on my regular computer with half way decent speakers yet, but I just put a brass block on my Charvel, and I like what it did to the tone and feel. Definitely worth the money I spent. I didn't get any screws or springs though, never crossed my mind.

 

[jhale667]

Thanks to those that have taken the time to listen. Adam treats his customers well. But beyond that, I'm fascinated with how the block materials enhance different woods in different ways; but if you're not interested, by all means don't read it. As for those that are:

I think the Brass block was brighter but to me, the Titanium block sounded alot like the standard block. While I might pay $40 to try a block upgrade, $200 is crazy. IMO, that is. Now, if you found me a replacement trem arm for the Floyd in my Charvel San Dimas that doesn't have any play in it, I'd pay skillions for that. That's the one thing I miss about the Floyd on the Suhr Modern I sold. That thing was rock solid in every way. The only drawback was how long it to took to screw the arm in an out. I'd usually get my Godfather box set and put in the first dics, press play, start spinning the arm and by the time we got to the "Every time I try to get out, they drag me back in!" line, I'm done.

To me at least, the Brass block sounds warmer, and has more "chunk" in the low-end. The Ti has more sparkly highs, IMO, but to me it's worlds apart from the standard block, so would have to respectfully disagree with you there. While it's true, I scored a killer deal on the first Ti block on Ebay, or perhaps I wouldn't have made the original investment - in retrospect, glad I did. That having been said, the Titanium may not be for everyone, but I think anyone could appreciate a Brass one.

However, one clear indicator in my experience that the Ti block sounds nothing like the standard - did a gig with the Koa Strat, and before I'd even mentioned the block, people were coming up to me going "That thing sounds AMAZING." Plus, the standard does not impart the sustain, nor "liquid" vibe to soloing or single-note lines like the Ti does, but I didn't do lead-tone comparison clips, perhaps I should have. I still could, but I can see that may cause the panties of some to further knot, can't have that...

The brass claw is also an improvement. You wouldn't think something small like that would have an impact, but it does. I like the springs too, but not sure I'm going to do ALL of my guitars with them yet. Claws? Oh yeah.

Oh, and as for the bar? No clue there (haven't tried the FU offering), if you find one (besides the old-school one you need the wrench to take off, LOVE -and still search out those) let ME know. Sounds like your Suhr had the old-type, but it never takes me that long to get them on and off...

I haven't listened to the clips on my regular computer with half way decent speakers yet, but I just put a brass block on my Charvel, and I like what it did to the tone and feel. Definitely worth the money I spent. I didn't get any screws or springs though, never crossed my mind.

Try listening to 'em with headphones, maybe?

 

[jhale667]

While I can see why some might not be interested - not sure why if not, you're reading the thread anyway, but this bit is kinda ghey...

Why do you keep bumping a 3 month old thread?

Well there, Mr. Pud -
This thread was started Jan 2nd. Nice how you worked in the "3 month" BS twice in the same post, too. But thanks for playing.

As for a "meaningful reply" - A question: which block do YOU think would sound better in the Ash body?

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

This is kind of starting to seem like a farce to me. Why do you keep bumping a 3 month old thread? What's in it for you? Why have you barely taken part in any other convos or left any other comments here on RT? Why do you just keep bumping this thread over and over? Is the dude giving you free blocks for trying to get him some business or something? I'm sorry but I just sense something fishy about this. I love a lot of products that I've had success with but I don't just keep bumping my own thread and swinging off a particular suppliers nuts for three months straight...

+1 It is a farce
You can see here he is an acquaintance & why he signed up here
But of course you know that already
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57202&p=653209#p653209

 

[Motorpud]

This is kind of starting to seem like a farce to me. Why do you keep bumping a 3 month old thread? What's in it for you? Why have you barely taken part in any other convos or left any other comments here on RT? Why do you just keep bumping this thread over and over? Is the dude giving you free blocks for trying to get him some business or something? I'm sorry but I just sense something fishy about this. I love a lot of products that I've had success with but I don't just keep bumping my own thread and swinging off a particular suppliers nuts for three months straight...

+1 It is a farce
You can see here he is an acquaintance & why he signed up here
But of course you know that already
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57202&p=653209#p653209

BUSTED I could swear the other day when I looked it said this was posted in november I found it pretty coincedental that this post came directly after another guy was slamming floydupgrades for a "flawed" block and bad customer service

 

[jhale667]

+1 It is a farce

You can see here he is an acquaintance & why he signed up here
But of course you know that already
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57202&p=653209#p653209

BUSTED I could swear the other day when I looked it said this was posted in november I found it pretty coincedental that this post came directly after another guy was slamming floydupgrades for a "flawed" block and bad customer service

You didn't answer the question, Mr. Pud...
OOooh, soooo happy is the hater thinking he nailed me. Still wrong. Again, if you're not interested you don't have to read this thread, much less post in it. Yet you continue to. Thanks for the bumps, btw.

As for the post from November in the other thread referenced (gee, who was "bumping a months old thread" or tried to- there?) did indeed result from an email conversation I had with Adam during a purchase where he mentioned there was an a*hole slamming him needlessly (which he was) in multiple forums. NOT cool. Excuse me for (as many did) stating my positive experience with the dude, his products, and customer service skills. So yeah, after only lurking here previously, I signed up and responded to the aforementioned a*hole. Now it's your turn to play RT's resident hater welcome-wagon, I take it?


As for the "acquaintance" thing: In conversation we've discovered we met randomly at a NAMM show years ago (before he even started FloydUpgrades), but neither of us realized it until very recently. But I've purchased SEVERAL of his blocks over the last year+ and began talking tone with him, (he 'gets' it - totally clear once you deal with him) and now I do consider him a bro, yes. I wrote a positive review when I first tried the Brass blocks prior to corresponding with him (beyond further purchases, at least). And yes, I AM on a mission to pimp the **** out of my Floyds. Oh, wait - I did...lol.

I was not cajoled, coerced or bribed into doing the shootout at all, nor am I just kissing the dude's ass. If you made something cool I'd ended up putting in a bunch of my guitars and turning several of my friends in the really-real world, not just teh interwebs maybe I'd give you props too. I also read I'm an asshole for mentioning KnE bodies are great and Mitch was also cool to deal with in this thread too? (Damn, and I did it again!)

I genuinely think the block is the coolest thing to happen to Floyds in eons, and I saw/see people asking about the differences in tonality imparted by the two block types. It's becoming as much if not more fun to me than playing with pickup-swaps. So I took the time and did it to share with others. Seems many have found it useful indeed - and I didn't do it in the hopes Adam would bro me out some gear, but I will admit I'm stoked he thought enough of once it was done and posted here to use it on his own site. Pretty cool I think, and I'm out to spread the word about something I truly dig. Sorry if you don't like it, but with this thread getting over 1000 views, the Soundclick clips having gotten over 1900 listens in five weeks (from posting the shootout here and a couple of other gear forums I frequent)and the positive comments I'm getting far outweighing your whining (I can still count the troll-posters on one hand, welcome to the club) , it's safe to say you're in the minority. There will be those that "don't give a fuck" as someone so eloquently put -about bridge blocks - or wood types, pickup magnets, etc. But don't shit up a thread for those that do. STFU.

A product that (without body modification) not only cures the main complaint about Floyd Rose trems, but actually allows you to tailor your instruments tone further? Yeah, I think that's big. But if you don't, or don't get it? Move along. Nothing for you to see here, you said so yourself...now live it.

Now that we've got that all cleared up...

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

did indeed result from an email conversation I had with Adam during a purchase where he mentioned there was an a*hole slamming him " for a legitimate reason " in multiple forums.
As for the "acquaintance" thing: In conversation we've discovered we met randomly at a NAMM show years ago (before he even started FloydUpgrades), but neither of us realized it until very recently. .

Like that wasn't obvious

 

[jhale667]

did indeed result from an email conversation I had with Adam during a purchase where he mentioned there was an a*hole slamming him " for a legitimate reason " in multiple forums.
As for the "acquaintance" thing: In conversation we've discovered we met randomly at a NAMM show years ago (before he even started FloydUpgrades), but neither of us realized it until very recently. .

Like that wasn't obvious

Oh, nice post edit. Troll much? Cool avatar, though.

And as for him being cool to deal with, and my responding the that thread originally, with the exception of "met him once" I said so in that, my first post, fer cryin' out loud...


Do you like the blocks (or even the idea of them) or don't you?

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

Oh, nice post edit. Troll much? Cool avatar, though.

And as for him being cool to deal with, and my responding the that thread originally, with the exception of "met him once" I said so in that, my first post, fer cryin' out loud...


Do you like the blocks (or even the idea of them) or don't you?

Yes I edited your post for Truth Adam did in fact admit himself, that person had a legitimate complaint with his block how ever I do not agree how both parties handled it...


As for Aftermarket blocks yes I like the Idea and Bought a brass block from another maker due to not supporting Petty Antic, Douche Bag Business Practices which you confirmed to more than just me thank you sir

 

[Motorpud]

Oh, nice post edit. Troll much? Cool avatar, though.

And as for him being cool to deal with, and my responding the that thread originally, with the exception of "met him once" I said so in that, my first post, fer cryin' out loud...


Do you like the blocks (or even the idea of them) or don't you?

Yes I edited your post for Truth Adam did in fact admit himself, that person had a legitimate complaint with his block how ever I do not agree how both parties handled it...


As for Aftermarket blocks yes I like the Idea and Bought a brass block from another maker due to not supporting Petty Antic, Douche Bag Business Practices which you confirmed to more than just me thank you sir

Amen brother I went KGC. A LOT better fit and finish and pro made IMHO.

 

[jhale667]

Yes I edited your post for Truth

Not quite.

Adam did in fact admit himself, that person had a legitimate complaint with his block how ever I do not agree how both parties handled it...

I'd even agree with you to an extent there; but the problem was dealt with, and the guy still felt the need to bash him everywhere (and I still believe hose him for an extra block). It says something that Adam's customers are willing to defend him without solicitation(he didn't ask me to, I did -as did others- because I, and they thought/think it was BS more on the part of the person making the complaint).

As for Aftermarket blocks yes I like the Idea and Bought a brass block from another maker due to not supporting Petty Antic, Douche Bag Business Practices which you confirmed to more than just me thank you sir

Hey, you don't wanna do business with him, fine. Your loss. If I'm a douche in your opinion for defending Adam, fine too. But admit even in THAT thread people were asking if the blocks made a difference. Am I a douche by your logic too for trying to show (and pretty much proving) they DID?

But hey, at least you also thought enough of the concept to try 'em. There's a the silver lining in your dark cloud!

 

[FloydUpgrades.com]

OK – Time for me to chime in…
THANK YOU to the clients and supports of FloydUpgrades.com!
JHale has done a great service to the public in answering a question I get a few times a day – “what is the difference between Brass and Titanium?” – J took the time to demonstrate the sounds and document it in an objective way – letting the end user make up their own mind. I can tell you all day how great my stuff is – nobody cares what I think, it is my company… Make up your own mind – If you are not happy with my product or service, I have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Read some of the reviews on my site too – these are direct reviews from endusers.

If you like what I am doing and like my stuff great! I am happy to serve you!

If you do not like what I do or think that I do not have good customer service, I may not be the right company for you. I wish you the best and hope that you find what you are looking for.

I do my best and work my ass off for all of my clients – that is all I have to offer. I hope that you have a good experience with FloydUpgrades.com. If you are ever not happy, need help or just suggestions. Please feel free to call or email me – all information is on my site.

Peace, Love and good tone to all!

 

[jhale667]

Thanks for the kind words, Adam. But this prior post raised a legitimate question, IMO - and I'd like to hear other's opinions:

Amen brother I went KGC. A LOT better fit and finish and pro made IMHO.

Motorpud, your post seems to indicate you've A/B'd both companies offerings? Is this case?
I haven't, but in the interest of objectivity, went back and checked out their site (again). As for "fit and finish": While they do look pretty, the engraving option isn't a necessity IMO (might come in handy in the event your axe gets stolen, IF you personalized it, true).

But I question your "fit" assertion - something that by their own description (and by all means, let's quote) "Although it eliminates the upward movement of the whammy bar" - Sorry, deal-breaker, even if FloydUpgrades didn't exist. Wouldn't buy one with that IMO serious design flaw. How is limiting the range of my trem anything other than a downgrade?

Shop where you wanna, but unless you aren't interested in retaining your trem's full range (or like the idea of needing a spring retainer bar - you don't with the FU blocks), you can't really state unequivocally it's "better", sorry. Certainly won't be for some!

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

My KGC block clears the tremolo cavity enough to allow upward movement within the range I would use it ..
The Cemetery Gates squeals stopped years ago when I started using a Tremsetter anyways...



Like Floyd upgrade blocks are a perfect fit on every guitar brand, model ect??? NO THEY ARE NOT...
Plenty of people have had to MODIFY TREMOLO CAVITIES for Floyd Rose Upgrades Brass Blocks to so lets not forget to mention that also...

Here is one such Mention of restriction from one of Floyd Rose Upgrades Brass Blocks making contact with a trem cavity
Quote..
The downside to the large blocks is the possible interference you may encounter in your trem cavity. I installed the brass block in a Charvel Socal model. The block hit the inside of the cavity, thereby making the stock floating Floyd setup "blocked" since it stopped where it connected to the inside of the cavity."
" the size of the tungsten block is a plus, and comparatively to the size of the titanium/brass large blocks, there is no interference with the trem's movement. "
That review came be read right here
http://www.vintagekramer.com/company74.htm

That is NOT the only problem I can dig up along with all off the other sites you have spammed this same exact post.
Which is the reason why you have the amount of hits you have had on your comparison clips
THAT AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC IS NOT ANY WHERE CLOSE TO 100% OR ENTIRELY FROM MEMBERS OR VISITORS OF THIS FORUM....

 

[jhale667]

My KGC block clears the tremolo cavity enough to allow upward movement within the range I would use it ..
The Cemetery Gates squeals stopped years ago when I started using a Tremsetter anyways...



Like Floyd upgrade blocks are a perfect fit on every guitar brand, model ect??? NO THEY ARE NOT...
Plenty of people have had to MODIFY TREMOLO CAVITIES for Floyd Rose Upgrades Brass Blocks to so lets not forget to mention that also...

Here is one such Mention of restriction from one of Floyd Rose Upgrades Brass Blocks making contact with a trem cavity
Quote..
The downside to the large blocks is the possible interference you may encounter in your trem cavity. I installed the brass block in a Charvel Socal model. The block hit the inside of the cavity, thereby making the stock floating Floyd setup "blocked" since it stopped where it connected to the inside of the cavity."
" the size of the tungsten block is a plus, and comparatively to the size of the titanium/brass large blocks, there is no interference with the trem's movement. "
That review came be read right here
http://www.vintagekramer.com/company74.htm

That is NOT the only problem I can dig up along with all off the other sites you have spammed this same exact post.
Which is the reason why you have the amount of hits you have had on your comparison clips
THAT AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC IS NOT ANY WHERE CLOSE TO 100% OR ENTIRELY FROM MEMBERS OR VISITORS OF THIS FORUM....

Wow, a little bitter, huh? It seemed like a simple question. And I take this to mean you HAVEN'T tried both, since you just blew the question off...

Like yellling helps your case? That didn't make you look childish at all, no...

Look, we know that FU blocks fit most guitars without modification to the cavity - the same can't be said for the Performance block (you have to make mods to the cavity to even install it) , OR the KGC one it seems. I certainly haven't had to modify a cavity yet...on bodies from 4 different manufacturers so far.
No one said the amount of traffic from the clip came from here alone, did they? There's interest in it more places than here, yes. You're in the minority as far as those not appreciating it. And you're kind of being a brat about it.

Interesting you say it allows for upward play when their own info says it won't. Even the blurb you quoted (yelled) indicated it's a POSSIBILITY with Adam's- not a CERTAINTY like with the others.

But thanks for clearing that up...

 

[jhale667]

OK, I'm sure there will be a those who will whine about my bumping this thread, but even though I'm personally more into floating Floyds, if I blocked mine for dive-only action, I would SO want one of these: I use one of the standard ones for setups and travel, but if I did the dive-only block, can't imagine a cooler tone-generating "anchor" so to speak than BRASS, and based on my experience with not-so-subtle enhancement offered by the Brass Spring-Claws, I think this would be a valuable addition to anyone's setup:

http://floydupgrades.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=215

 

[OldSkoolNJ]

the same can't be said for the Performance block (you have to make mods to the cavity to even install it) , OR the KGC one it seems.

You are wrong about KGC's fitment
Unless you specify or request a different size with KGC they will automatically send you a 3/4" block but they also offer 1/2" & 5/8" sizes at no extra charge but you have to request it...

Thanks for bumping the post so that I could clarify that for you

 

[jhale667]

the same can't be said for the Performance block (you have to make mods to the cavity to even install it) , OR the KGC one it seems.

You are wrong about KGC's fitment
Unless you specify or request a different size with KGC they will automatically send you a 3/4" block but they also offer 1/2" & 5/8" sizes at no extra charge but you have to request it...

Thanks for bumping the post so that I could clarify that for you

Thanks for clearing that up.

So, does KGC make brass stoppers?

Also, just stuck a brass spring claw in my No.1...same effect as in the Koa Strat...it appears any "anchor" in your system can benefit from being made of tone-generating materials...the difference is subtle, yet noticeable...