Any 7-String Vibrato Bridges with Piezos?

[GuitarX]

Hi all,

First I want to introduce myself. GuitarX is a new higher-end guitar gallery in Denver, CO. I don't carry Ibanez but I'm totally into them and have 4 JEMs of my own (JEM 10, 90 HAM, FP, and VWH). Why don't I carry Ibanez? Well, it's kinda hard to run up against Guitar Center and the other big boys!

The knowledge on this site is vast and I thought you all might be able to answer this question.

I'm working with a local guitar slinger on a custom-build guitar. He wants a 7-string with a whammy and piezos. I need to figure out what bridge I can use for this as I can't find anything available. The only guitar I know of that has this is the EBMM Petrucci, but I don't think EBMM sells that bridge without the guitar. There also used to be an Ibanez called the RG2027 I believe, but I contacted Floyd Rose and they don't seem to carry the bridge that was in that now-discontinued guitar.

Does anyone know of a bridge I can use for this? I also tried Fishman and they have nothing in a 7-string.

Thanks all! I REALLY appreciate it!

Gary

[Two hands31]

The bridge was an Ibanez Lo-Pro but co-designed with L.R.-Baggs. It's called the "Double-Edge". Ibanez makes all their own trems. Don't bother contacting Floyd-Rose. And the Double-Edge is not for sale separately yet either.

[Kevan]

Gary- If you happen to catch an Av's game at Pub On Pearl, have a beer for me while you're out on the back deck. :-)

Your best bet would be to pick up a pre-owned (well-played) RG-2027 and use the bridge/preamp from that guitar. Neither Ibanez nor L.R.Baggs sell the trem system by itself. Sorry man, that's the only way.

Tech Note: Be EXTREMELY careful when removing that system from the guitar. There are some very delicate parts/boards involved. Removal/installation is NOT recommended for the novice; this is a "Pros Only" job. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I've spent more time with the DE systems than Ibanez and Baggs combined (pun intended). :-)

We'll have to get Chris C. over to your shop...he'll get you updated on the latest and greatest from Ibanez (he owns enough...the bastage...LOL).

[stretcher7]

Doesn't Graphtech make a non locking one? I thought I saw the FAAS system for 7 string. Check it out.

[GuitarX]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. Looks like the options are pretty dismal. I checked out the graphtech site (thanks stretcher7!). All I really saw there were the FAAS replacement saddles. Not a great option, but definitely still an option.

Kevan, I've thought about buying a 2027 and transplanting the bridge but I haven't found one cheap enough and to be honest, I would feel bad about destroying the RG! That's a pretty nice guitar. I'd have to find a really ratty one. By the way - when were you in CO? Are you coming back this way again? Let me know, I'd love for you to check out the gallery! I know Chris as well, but he hasn't been in here yet. His wallet must not be letting him!

Thanks for the info on the Double-Edge as well Twohands31. I can't believe they'd go through all the R&D to design and build it, and then not make it available to the public! Maybe there's a contractual agreement with Ibanez. But if the 2027 is discontinued, why not sell the bridges now?

Thanks for all the great info!
Gary

[darren wilson]

Ibanez has never officially made *ANY* Edge trem available as an aftermarket consumer product. Yes, you can go to an Ibanez dealer and order one as a replacement part, but it's not really meant for individual sale.

I suspect their hesitation over the Double Edge is that a) it's something they have that nobody else has; and b) if their name is attached to it, they want to insure that it's installed correctly, in order to uphold their reputation.

[Two hands31]

Yeah, the delicate parts is most likely a factor. Also, the 2027 (I think), and 2127 are available in Japan, and some other countries still.