Vibrato Systems For Guitar - Designs

Designs

Most vibrato systems for guitar are based on one of four basic designs:

  • The Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece, introduced in the late 1940s and used in close to original form on many guitars (including Gibson, Gretsch and Rickebacker guitars)
  • The Fender Synchronized Tremolo or strat trem, introduced on the Fender Stratocaster (1954), and from which many designs developed including:
    • The Floyd Rose locking tremolo (developed late 1970s).
    • The Fender two-point synchronized tremolo (1986).
  • The Fender Floating Bridge, which has two main variants:
    • The Fender Floating Tremolo or jag trem, introduced on the Fender Jazzmaster (1958).
    • The Fender Dynamic Vibrato or stang trem, introduced on the Fender Mustang (1964).
  • Cam-driven designs based on pedal steel guitar concepts, including:
    • The Kahler Tremolo System (1979).
    • The Washburn Wonderbar (1980s).
    • The Stetsbar tremolo (developed late 1980s).

Many other designs exist in smaller numbers, notably several original designs marketed by Gibson under the Vibrola name, which was also used for some licensed Bigsby units.

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