Kahler Users?

[SkyMonkey]

Does anyone use Kahler tremolo units any more?
They are still up and running, but have been comprehensively pummeled by Floyd Rose.

The first locking tremolo guitar I had was an '86 Charvel Model 4 with a Kahler fitted.
Despite the "behind the nut" lock, it worked fine and was very comfortable on the palm of my strumming hand.
Palm muting hardly sends them out of tune either.
I liked it so much I installed one in the copy I made of the Model 4 (below).

I know they are now virtually extinct on current production guitars, but are there any other MF'ers that use them?



Hanneman and King both used them throughout their Slayer careers, but they are the only devotees I can thnik of.
You just know it's a Kahler when you hear the trem arm dive and hit the guitar body, like the end of Seasons in the Abyss:

 

[steveb63]

I would install my 80's relic Kahler, but I need a couple of replacement pieces.

Any idea of where to get a bar and locking nut assembly?

 

[jmp45]

I have a Kahler Spyder II (2720) on my HM Strat. it's a little more stiff than a Floyd, I'm ok with it.

 

[ricksdisconnected]

hated these tremolos.

 

[ricksdisconnected]

I would install my 80's relic Kahler, but I need a couple of replacement pieces.

Any idea of where to get a bar and locking nut assembly?

https://www.whammyparts.com/kahler-replacement-parts

 

[Sapient]

God no. Weren't they really boingy?

 

[mickeydg5]

I actually liked the Kahler I had just as much as my Floyd tremolos.

 

[guzzis3]

I'm an outlyer, I love kahlers and have some still, I don't like floyds.

The kahler (origional) was a development of the bigsby, while the floyd was a development of the fender strat trem.

I love that you can pull up as far as down. They take some tweaking, maybe that's why some don't like them...

 

[mickeydg5]

Exactly. I liked the up and down range as well as the boing effect it easily produced.

 

[Exotic]

i have one on my destroyer ,but nowadays i would not install one because it goes out of tune and u have to route the body ,so i plan on trying a floyd rose frx for my ugly ibanez futura

 

[SkyMonkey]

I am getting tuning issues on my self-built Charvel lately and was talking to a luthier about maybe replacing the nut and string lock with a Floyd lock nut, or even paying top whack for the Kahler version.
Then lockdown came!

I found these from a thread where a guy had it done.
I think a new truss rod cover would cover up the holes from the original string lock.

 

[axe4me]

In the mid 80's, I had a Guild Aviator with 2 humbuckers and a Kahler.

Nice guitar.

History.

 

[CraigP]

I have a Kahler Spyder II (2720) on my HM Strat. it's a little more stiff than a Floyd, I'm ok with it.

Have you found a drop in replacement, or, replacement parts?

 

[CraigP]

I have a Spyder on my "87 American Strat." So far, a solid piece of gear for me. The only concern I have is replacement or repairs in the future. She locks up tight, dive bombs, stays in tune and does that neat little warble effect when you flick the bar.

I really like it.

 

[SkyMonkey]

As @ricksdisconnected said, Whammy Parts are the most comprehensive supplier.
That is who I use to to get any spares for my 2300, and I live in the UK!

For the Spyder: https://www.whammyparts.com/kahler-replacement-parts/2720-spyder

 

[steveb63]

https://www.whammyparts.com/kahler-replacement-parts

Thanks for the info... much appreciated.

 

[Adieu]

No Floyd or Edge/Gotoh products that fit Spyder routes?

 

[junk notes]

Most know that Kahler Spyder equals tone suck. An over engineered design. Big and clanky. That is why they do the conversion.
Unfortunately the recessed rout on those guitars are different spec for a Gotoh 1996T or EDGE or Lo Pro to get that good sustain. It will have to be retro fitted, but would be worth the conversion of the locking stud anchors and Ibanez bar alone.

 

[jmp45]

Have you found a drop in replacement, or, replacement parts?

View attachment 72506

There are no drop in replacements for the Spyder. Like SkyMonkey posted, Whammy Parts is a good source.

https://www.whammyparts.com/kahler-replacement-parts/2720-spyder

 

[CraigP]

Most know that Kahler Spyder equals tone suck. An over engineered design. Big and clanky. That is why they do the conversion.
Unfortunately the recessed rout on those guitars are different spec for a Gotoh 1996T or EDGE or Lo Pro to get that good sustain. It will have to be retro fitted, but would be worth the conversion of the locking stud anchors and Ibanez bar alone.

Good to know, thanks. Mine must be defective as it doesn't kill tone or sustain. Maybe I will upgrade in order to have those features going forward LOL