Kahler just re-issued the autolatch so you are in luck! Plus they reissued the Spyder and two versions of the steeler. Kahler is bringing back the Steeler, their flagship fulcrum trem. ua-cam.com/users/shortsFkzZz4KNU-0?feature=share
Eddie, thank you for this video. This is the best, most informative, clear explaination on the Kahler fulcrum bridges and the Auto Latch I've ever seen. As a long-time Kahler aficionado and user, this is like porn to me (dumb analogy, I know; but as an information geek, I enjoy all of the minutiae). Gary told me more than once how much he loves the 2710 Killer but how it would be too expensive to reissue due to the steel injection molding process of the saddles. I happily play one now and have others to mount on future custom builds...and now can equip them with Auto Latches as well. And you’ve done the Lord's work in breaking down how to set them up. A million thanks!
You are very welcome! I will be doing a full video on the Killer as well and plan on interviewing both Dave Petschualt and Gary Kahler about it as they were the main designers. I’ll go into even more detail with the Auto-Latch in the future and Gary Kahler and I are currently working on a universal block to make the Auto-Latch compatible on other brands of fulcrums. And guitar porn is a thing! I invite you to check go through my videos and see what looks interesting. I have a lot on custom wiring coming up as well, that’s a big passion of mine. The guitar I am putting a 2024 Spyder on will be capable of something insane like 72 different tones. I forget but it’s a lot, and they’re all different.
@@glennbrown6020 you might enjoy this one. These coil tappable single coils are the very pickups going in the Fender American Strat Kahler International and I are giving away. Seymour Duncan Pickups: Coil Tap Vs. Coil Split ua-cam.com/video/jWzAOCcG28U/v-deo.html
12 pole pieces in those pickups, string bends probably hold theyre volume well. thanks for the in depth look and the autolatch! i've been collecting a bunch of floyd rose stuff lately. auto latch seems like a killer idea for when you're switching from lead to rhythm in the middle of a tune live.
How would you like to be able to use the autolatch with your Floyds? Prototype! Best Floyd Rose aftermarket upgrade… EVER! ua-cam.com/users/shortsyg_hBSSjJnc?feature=share
Killer guitar Eddie! I actually wouldn't mind doing a guitar build around one of those Kahler Steelers that locking system is unique, makes me really miss Carvin guitars, I had a Carvin store here in Sacramento for decades and for some reason I always thought they were some generic guitars. Wasn't until they shut down that I started getting to actually play some and realized how badass they were, you snooze you loose!
The steeler and the Spyder are being re-released this year! In fact Gary Kahler and I just announced it on the private Kahler fanpage on Facebook. If you want to see it just join that group and it’s me and Gary Kahler talking about it for over an hour. There are two versions of the steeler being released with options that include the traditional block, the auto latch and a big brass block. The Spyder will also have the autolatch option and the bass trem was completely redesigned. Plus, there will even be a conversation kit available for other whammy bars from the Floyd Rose to the Ibanez edge and many more that will make them autolatch compatible! All this will be on my channel in the near future.
Freaking awesome video brother!! Great info, now I need to find 12 Auto latches for my Spyder equipped guitars. You truly scored a Hat Trick on the Carvin. 1 has Kahler, 2 has auto latch, and 3 a freaking Gibson scale length!!
Very interesting, what a cool trem. Although the latch mechanism seems prone to failure if you lose even a little material due to wear at the edges of the notch. Depending on the metal used its not gonna be a problem tho I suppose
Valid fear but this part is from the early 90s and it’s fine. Plus the piece that might wear out is replaceable just incase that happens. This is a rock solid system.
HI THERE Eddie! could you tell me where do O get the saddles with insert blocks ? I've got a single locking Steeler that I'm trying to get it back to life but as a double locking. Also, I have to find the tremolo arm. The block is an auto latch block but with no latching system. I guess it was 'Frankensteined' by the previous owner. Any help would be ally really appreciated. PS. Sorry for my bad English and cheers from Brazil!
You should be able to get that all from whammyparts.com or kahlerusa.com. I have a single locking steeler and I got all the stuff to do it but then decided against it, but only because I have another double locking Steeler. You should be able to get any Auto-Latch parts you need as well. If you have any trouble let me know.
Steelers are cool, much closer to a floyd than a spyder; i love the fact that steelers dont have the knife edge sitting around the stud mount, really the biggest weakness of the spyder. One of these days i may put a gotoh 1996t on my old hm...blasphemy i know lol...its just so much better than a spyder. Sweet vid dude.
The steeler is my favorite. Much more expensive than a gotoh but wouldn’t you rather have a steeler instead? The Spyder is designed with the knife edges like that for a reason. It is definitely stiffer that most fulcrums but that’s good for some people. Love it or hate it, the Spyder is a really good bridge.
@@REXYLAB i dont have a problem with the spyder, its a good bridge overall, but yes very, very stiff. I have a light touch so the gotoh on my mij fernandes revolver is just so sweet. The good thing about the spyder is that i had to really trial and error the setup so i know it front and back now. Honestly, if the steeler has the same dimensions, I'd go for it over a gotoh so i wouldnt have to cut the recess on the guitar.
@@joshbechaistron791 the steeler has the same dimensions and it is being re-released. The posts are different diameter so dowel and drilling would be required. The gotoh 1996t was my favorite bridge, until I played a steeler.
@@REXYLAB being re-released? Dude thats awesome...ill definitely be getting one then! I dont mind drilling the dowel dimensions wider, better than routing the recess.
@@joshbechaistron791 there will be two versions, the steeler traditional and the steeler pro. They will have three options for a block, standard, autolatch, and big brass block.
I have been interested in that string stretcher. Seen some comments about it causing the strings to curl like a ribbon or causing a problem within the string. Know anything about that ? Guess you would have to remove the strings after using the tool to see the results IF that even matters.....
@@suspectdown5133 ok, it works great and it’s pretty cheap. I have never noticed any problems with strings after using it. Quite the opposite actually, I have less problems with them. I use it for bass strings too. I’ve been using it for years and my only real complaint is I wish it had rollers on it. I modified one but it isn’t exactly what I wish it was but it’s fantastic and I highly recommend it.
@@REXYLAB Yes was thinking of the LATHEKIN knife for putty stained glass and some string ball ends (maybe bass ball ends ?) for the rollers. Making it myself. There is a video of the idea somewhere here on youtube under a string stretcher search. Would have to a test to see if they curl the strings up and if it matters.
@@suspectdown5133 I’m fit bass string ball ends on the one I modified and it got brass shavings everywhere when I used it. I don’t recommend that. I have pieces of Teflon on the one I use that’s modified and it works ok. I am thinking of a complete redesign though that I would figure out. As far as curling the strings I have no idea why you would be worried about that. You wouldn’t know because they are under tension and you’d never know anyway. That being said this doesn’t curl strings. I’ve used it on over 100 full string changes and it just doesn’t do that at all.
When you loosen a fastener a smidge you have lowered it’s clamping load. Fasteners stretch and the stretch is what applies the clamping load the bolt or screw wants to go back to its normal state also you’ve lessened the friction beneath the head of the fastener to the surface it’s against . If it’s not within its designed yield ( stretch, clamping load ) it will back out over time trying to get back to its unloaded state. You can see this by measuring break away torque with a torque wrench torque something to spec and measure how much torque it takes to break it loose . The whole reason a fastener has torque specs is to insure the proper amount of stretch and in turn clamping force. So what the man says is true if you loosen it it will eventually come out. In turn if you over tighten it , it will loose its clamping force if you tighten it past yield. This is true for nuts and bolts for metal applications and I’m sure even a wood screw stretches a bit, but it could rely on friction alone in a wood screw application I’m not totally sure?
Fair question. This thing works flawlessly when set up correctly. Years went into designing it and the patent search done by Kahler lawyers did not turn up a patent that had one or two things that conflicted with the autolatch so it was shelved and very few were sold. Now that patent is up so you will start seeing it again. Also, I have been beating on this guitar a lot with no mercy for months now and the thing is rock solid. On occasion you will have to adjust it but not much once you have it set correctly and that admittedly is tricky to master. As for stretching threads, that is something I do as a commercial deep sea diver all the time. The amount of force it takes simply does not apply to a guitar. What I’m trying to say is the autolatch is great. It works amazingly as long as to take the time to set it up correctly.
Floyd discontinues lots of things. Even more are only available in the Korean version now. Kahler did just reissue their bridge in two different versions with 3 different options for the block. The steeler is also a vastly superior bridge to any version of the Floyd Rose. 2024 Kahler Steeler Traditional ua-cam.com/video/SsFp5E2_DGE/v-deo.html
Does anyone have a dimensional drawing so I can machine one on my Bridgeport?? 🤣 It's basically a fork that engages using a cam on the whammy bar. Ingenious but simple.
You build one of these and we will see you in court. No counterfeiters! This is also far from simple. I hope your post was a joke because Kahler International goes after counterfeiters hard. The 80s Tremolo Wars, Kahler’s first Interview… EVER! ua-cam.com/video/i0LTHr15d8w/v-deo.html
This is 1000% the video i was needing and looking for!!! All my doubts completely dissipated, I'm totally buying the auto latch for my 89 strat hm!!!!
Kahler just re-issued the autolatch so you are in luck! Plus they reissued the Spyder and two versions of the steeler.
Kahler is bringing back the Steeler, their flagship fulcrum trem.
ua-cam.com/users/shortsFkzZz4KNU-0?feature=share
I wouldn't spend $300 on a bridge but if I did it would be a Kahler Steeler or Kahler. Great job keep up the good work👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
They are being rereleased.
Kahler is bringing back the Steeler, their flagship fulcrum trem.
ua-cam.com/users/shortsFkzZz4KNU-0?feature=share
Eddie, thank you for this video. This is the best, most informative, clear explaination on the Kahler fulcrum bridges and the Auto Latch I've ever seen. As a long-time Kahler aficionado and user, this is like porn to me (dumb analogy, I know; but as an information geek, I enjoy all of the minutiae). Gary told me more than once how much he loves the 2710 Killer but how it would be too expensive to reissue due to the steel injection molding process of the saddles. I happily play one now and have others to mount on future custom builds...and now can equip them with Auto Latches as well. And you’ve done the Lord's work in breaking down how to set them up. A million thanks!
You are very welcome!
I will be doing a full video on the Killer as well and plan on interviewing both Dave Petschualt and Gary Kahler about it as they were the main designers.
I’ll go into even more detail with the Auto-Latch in the future and Gary Kahler and I are currently working on a universal block to make the Auto-Latch compatible on other brands of fulcrums.
And guitar porn is a thing!
I invite you to check go through my videos and see what looks interesting. I have a lot on custom wiring coming up as well, that’s a big passion of mine. The guitar I am putting a 2024 Spyder on will be capable of something insane like 72 different tones. I forget but it’s a lot, and they’re all different.
Definitely will do!
@@glennbrown6020 you might enjoy this one. These coil tappable single coils are the very pickups going in the Fender American Strat Kahler International and I are giving away.
Seymour Duncan Pickups: Coil Tap Vs. Coil Split
ua-cam.com/video/jWzAOCcG28U/v-deo.html
12 pole pieces in those pickups, string bends probably hold theyre volume well. thanks for the in depth look and the autolatch!
i've been collecting a bunch of floyd rose stuff lately. auto latch seems like a killer idea for when you're switching from lead to rhythm in the middle of a tune live.
How would you like to be able to use the autolatch with your Floyds?
Prototype! Best Floyd Rose aftermarket upgrade… EVER!
ua-cam.com/users/shortsyg_hBSSjJnc?feature=share
Keep um coming!
Something happened last time at Kahler that will ensure that. Details to come.
Killer guitar Eddie! I actually wouldn't mind doing a guitar build around one of those Kahler Steelers that locking system is unique, makes me really miss Carvin guitars, I had a Carvin store here in Sacramento for decades and for some reason I always thought they were some generic guitars. Wasn't until they shut down that I started getting to actually play some and realized how badass they were, you snooze you loose!
The steeler and the Spyder are being re-released this year!
In fact Gary Kahler and I just announced it on the private Kahler fanpage on Facebook. If you want to see it just join that group and it’s me and Gary Kahler talking about it for over an hour.
There are two versions of the steeler being released with options that include the traditional block, the auto latch and a big brass block. The Spyder will also have the autolatch option and the bass trem was completely redesigned.
Plus, there will even be a conversation kit available for other whammy bars from the Floyd Rose to the Ibanez edge and many more that will make them autolatch compatible!
All this will be on my channel in the near future.
I want this so much
The Steeler with the Auto-Latch option is being rereleased this year.
@@REXYLAB that's great to hear!! Thank you
Freaking awesome video brother!! Great info, now I need to find 12 Auto latches for my Spyder equipped guitars.
You truly scored a Hat Trick on the Carvin. 1 has Kahler, 2 has auto latch, and 3 a freaking Gibson scale length!!
I know! It’s the trifecta!
Very interesting, what a cool trem. Although the latch mechanism seems prone to failure if you lose even a little material due to wear at the edges of the notch. Depending on the metal used its not gonna be a problem tho I suppose
Valid fear but this part is from the early 90s and it’s fine. Plus the piece that might wear out is replaceable just incase that happens.
This is a rock solid system.
HI THERE Eddie! could you tell me where do O get the saddles with insert blocks ? I've got a single locking Steeler that I'm trying to get it back to life but as a double locking. Also, I have to find the tremolo arm. The block is an auto latch block but with no latching system. I guess it was 'Frankensteined' by the previous owner. Any help would be ally really appreciated.
PS. Sorry for my bad English and cheers from Brazil!
You should be able to get that all from whammyparts.com or kahlerusa.com.
I have a single locking steeler and I got all the stuff to do it but then decided against it, but only because I have another double locking Steeler.
You should be able to get any Auto-Latch parts you need as well.
If you have any trouble let me know.
@@REXYLAB Thanks for your time, dude!
Can't wait to switch my floyd to a steeler with auto latch
What one are you going to choose, traditional or pro?
Is the Steeler a direct drop in replacement for FR 1000?
It is designed to drop right in.
Steelers are cool, much closer to a floyd than a spyder; i love the fact that steelers dont have the knife edge sitting around the stud mount, really the biggest weakness of the spyder. One of these days i may put a gotoh 1996t on my old hm...blasphemy i know lol...its just so much better than a spyder. Sweet vid dude.
The steeler is my favorite. Much more expensive than a gotoh but wouldn’t you rather have a steeler instead?
The Spyder is designed with the knife edges like that for a reason. It is definitely stiffer that most fulcrums but that’s good for some people.
Love it or hate it, the Spyder is a really good bridge.
@@REXYLAB i dont have a problem with the spyder, its a good bridge overall, but yes very, very stiff. I have a light touch so the gotoh on my mij fernandes revolver is just so sweet. The good thing about the spyder is that i had to really trial and error the setup so i know it front and back now. Honestly, if the steeler has the same dimensions, I'd go for it over a gotoh so i wouldnt have to cut the recess on the guitar.
@@joshbechaistron791 the steeler has the same dimensions and it is being re-released. The posts are different diameter so dowel and drilling would be required.
The gotoh 1996t was my favorite bridge, until I played a steeler.
@@REXYLAB being re-released? Dude thats awesome...ill definitely be getting one then! I dont mind drilling the dowel dimensions wider, better than routing the recess.
@@joshbechaistron791 there will be two versions, the steeler traditional and the steeler pro. They will have three options for a block, standard, autolatch, and big brass block.
I have been interested in that string stretcher. Seen some comments about it causing the strings to curl like a ribbon or causing a problem within the string. Know anything about that ?
Guess you would have to remove the strings after using the tool to see the results IF that even matters.....
The stew Mac string strecha?
@@REXYLAB Yes the plastic stretching tool.
@@suspectdown5133 ok, it works great and it’s pretty cheap. I have never noticed any problems with strings after using it. Quite the opposite actually, I have less problems with them. I use it for bass strings too.
I’ve been using it for years and my only real complaint is I wish it had rollers on it. I modified one but it isn’t exactly what I wish it was but it’s fantastic and I highly recommend it.
@@REXYLAB Yes was thinking of the LATHEKIN knife for putty stained glass and some string ball ends (maybe bass ball ends ?) for the rollers. Making it myself. There is a video of the idea somewhere here on youtube under a string stretcher search. Would have to a test to see if they curl the strings up and if it matters.
@@suspectdown5133 I’m fit bass string ball ends on the one I modified and it got brass shavings everywhere when I used it. I don’t recommend that.
I have pieces of Teflon on the one I use that’s modified and it works ok. I am thinking of a complete redesign though that I would figure out.
As far as curling the strings I have no idea why you would be worried about that. You wouldn’t know because they are under tension and you’d never know anyway. That being said this doesn’t curl strings. I’ve used it on over 100 full string changes and it just doesn’t do that at all.
When you loosen a fastener a smidge you have lowered it’s clamping load. Fasteners stretch and the stretch is what applies the clamping load the bolt or screw wants to go back to its normal state also you’ve lessened the friction beneath the head of the fastener to the surface it’s against . If it’s not within its designed yield ( stretch, clamping load ) it will back out over time trying to get back to its unloaded state. You can see this by measuring break away torque with a torque wrench torque something to spec and measure how much torque it takes to break it loose . The whole reason a fastener has torque specs is to insure the proper amount of stretch and in turn clamping force. So what the man says is true if you loosen it it will eventually come out. In turn if you over tighten it , it will loose its clamping force if you tighten it past yield. This is true for nuts and bolts for metal applications and I’m sure even a wood screw stretches a bit, but it could rely on friction alone in a wood screw application I’m not totally sure?
Fair question. This thing works flawlessly when set up correctly. Years went into designing it and the patent search done by Kahler lawyers did not turn up a patent that had one or two things that conflicted with the autolatch so it was shelved and very few were sold.
Now that patent is up so you will start seeing it again.
Also, I have been beating on this guitar a lot with no mercy for months now and the thing is rock solid. On occasion you will have to adjust it but not much once you have it set correctly and that admittedly is tricky to master.
As for stretching threads, that is something I do as a commercial deep sea diver all the time. The amount of force it takes simply does not apply to a guitar.
What I’m trying to say is the autolatch is great. It works amazingly as long as to take the time to set it up correctly.
I don't know why the floyd rose speedloader became discontinued.
Floyd discontinues lots of things. Even more are only available in the Korean version now.
Kahler did just reissue their bridge in two different versions with 3 different options for the block. The steeler is also a vastly superior bridge to any version of the Floyd Rose.
2024 Kahler Steeler Traditional
ua-cam.com/video/SsFp5E2_DGE/v-deo.html
Does anyone have a dimensional drawing so I can machine one on my Bridgeport?? 🤣 It's basically a fork that engages using a cam on the whammy bar. Ingenious but simple.
You build one of these and we will see you in court. No counterfeiters!
This is also far from simple. I hope your post was a joke because Kahler International goes after counterfeiters hard.
The 80s Tremolo Wars, Kahler’s first Interview… EVER!
ua-cam.com/video/i0LTHr15d8w/v-deo.html