Description

This is an incredibly rare USA FRT-1 and essentially the very first Floyd Rose model, likely made in Seattle by Floyd Rose himself before he became famous.  These are pretty much impossible to find.  Holy grail non-fine tuning Floyd.  The earliest Floyd Rose model in existence in which a person could buy.  Available briefly in 1980, some units assembled in 1981 – most of these units went to major artists.

This particular unit was supposedly once owned by Neal Schon of Journey, although it’s impossible to authenticate.  This is a later USA FRT-1 based on the FRT-3 saddle on the low E string, something which seems to have been done on later USA FRT-1 units. Most likely a late 1980 or early 1981 unit.  Soon after this, the FRT-1 design was obsolete, Fernandes Japan was contracted out, and FRT-3 production began.  Fernandes Japan also made this unit sometime in 1981-early 1982 and is slightly different.

Truly and amazing piece for a historical collection.  Eddie Van Halen’s favored tremolo from 1980-mid 1982.