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Description
The Kahler Tremolo System is a versatile addition to any guitarist's setup, offering smooth pitch modulation and exceptional tuning stability. Designed for both electric guitar and bass, this tremolo system is renowned for its reliable performance and precision engineering. Its cam-operated design allows for subtle vibratos and daring dive-bombs, accommodating a wide range of playing styles. Installation is straightforward, making it a preferred choice for musicians who want to enhance their instrument's capabilities without extensive modifications.
Crafted with high-quality materials, the Kahler Tremolo System ensures durability and long-lasting performance. Its innovative locking mechanism significantly reduces tuning issues often associated with traditional tremolos. This system is adaptable to various bridge configurations, making it a versatile option for customization. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, the Kahler Tremolo System provides the control and reliability needed for creative expression.
Key Features:
- Cam-operated design for smooth pitch modulation
- High-quality materials ensure durability
- Innovative locking mechanism for improved tuning stability
- Compatible with electric guitar and bass
- Easy installation process
- Adaptable to various bridge configurations
Videos
KDH
Kahler: The Worlds Most Hated Tremolo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kahler Tremolo System.
Features and functionality
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Kahlers offer customizable tension with the option to choose between soft or heavy springs for a tailored feel.
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Some musicians find the Kahler’s cam system more stable and adaptable for multi-scale guitars, accommodating 7-9 string configurations without needing new designs.
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Kahlers allow for extensive pull-up capability, surpassing many other tremolo systems in bending range.
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Other
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Kahler is praised for its modular design, allowing easier tuning changes and maintenance compared to Floyd Rose systems.
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User experience
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Tuning stability is greatly enhanced in modern Kahlers when using a proper locking nut, resolving historical issues.
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Owners have noted that a properly set up Kahler system can achieve flutter effects comparable to a Floyd Rose, despite past limitations.
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Owners of the Kahler system note a smoother, softer feel compared to Floyd Roses, often preferring it for deep vibrato rather than aggressive dives.
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The design of Kahlers can lead to frequent E and B string breakage due to intrinsic rubbing against the bridge.
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Use cases and applications
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Musicians transitioning from TOM-style bridges find the Kahler easier to adapt to compared to Floyd Rose, making it suitable for players used to fixed bridges.
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Value and pricing
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Kahlers are noted to be nearly double the price of an original Floyd Rose, which affects their perceived value despite their design advantages.
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Comparisons
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Kahler is perceived as heavier and more stable than Floyd Rose, but less responsive for tremolo actions and harder to set up.
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The Vega-Trem is noted for easier installation without routing compared to Kahlers, making it an alternative for those seeking non-permanent guitar modifications.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners report needing 4 imperial-sized Allen keys for Kahlers, unlike Floyd Roses which use 2 metric-sized keys, increasing setup complexity.
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Regular oiling of the rollers is crucial to maintain function, with frequency increasing for players with sweatier hands.
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Kahlers require occasional maintenance; replacing springs costs around $8 and can improve stability and flutter performance, especially on older models.
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Mods and upgrades
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 7 Ratings
194
Good tuning stability when set up correctly
I have one of these on my Squier Cyclone, didn't impact the sustain and even without a locking nut, stays in tune very well.
98
Great tremolo bridge
I installed one on my Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4. It keeps tuning very well although it did cause slight intonation problems because the bridge pickup meant the bridge had to be installed pretty close to the edge of the body. However, for the types of music I mostly use that bass for (Primus covers for example) it's not a very big deal honestly.
Artist usage
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In 1983, David Gilmour replaced the Fender tremolo system on his guitar with a Kahler Tremolo System, featuring locking tuners. This modification was utilized during the recording and tour for his album "About Face," as documented by Bjorn on Gilmourish under the section "David Gilmour’s Black Strat."
Dave used Kahlers on most of his guitars during his time with Jackson. You can see one on his guitar in the photo.
Before he stopped using tremolos, Paul used to play Kahlers, as clearly seen in the photo.
Kerry on Floyd Rose vs Kahler: "You learn on one or you learn on the other, and I learned on a Kahler."
at 0:10 you can see a Kahler tremolo unit on both of Jason's late 80's Carvin guitars.
On his website, Tipton states:
The stage gear is the second most important thing after the music itself. It has to be something that you can rely on and feel not only safeness but also comfort. Glenn tells us a bit about his equipment:
“Each tour is different and requires different units or amps in the racks depending on what songs we are playing. It’s forever changing and I’m always experimenting with new equipment and I think it always will change and evolve on stage. On the stage guitars, I use Kahler tremolo systems. The guitars are strung with Ernie Ball RPS-10 strings, which are specially reinforced for the Kahler tremolo systems. My other considerations for stage work are the pickups: They’ve got to be hot!! Most of my stage guitars are fitted with EMG 81s, which are of course active. All the EMG 81s are wired with the batteries in series so they run the pickups at 18 volts. That makes them last longer and the pickups sound hotter, with more edge and poke. This is partly for the signal-boosting active circuitry and partly to avoid worrying about the danger of picking up the local radio station midway through a solo. In later years I’ve used modified EMG’s (GTX’s) as well which are specially designed for me.”
Album Usage
The Kahler Tremolo System has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kahler Tremolo System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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