Understanding Tremolo System types

What is a Fulcrum tremolo?  Usually when asked this question most players freeze up. But really it’s a simple answer if you think about it. So what is a Fulcrum?

Think back to those school daze when you learned simple physics in science class? Remember the see-saw? Remember levers and fulcrums? As you know, a see-saw teeters up and down when played on by Jack and Jill. The triangular piece under the see-saw works as the center pivot for the board. This whole see-saw act is a simply fulcrum act… a pivoting act. A fulcrum tremolo is just like a see-saw except it’s sideways. See pic below.

A fulcrum trem pivots on 2 posts sticking out of your guitar body. This time, the two children on the end of your fulcrum see-saw are named String and Spring. Instead of Jack and Jill’s weight keeping the board on top of the pivot, a fulcrum tremolo uses string pull above and spring pull below the pivot point to keep it attached to the posts. Both pulls are equalized over the pivot (sideways) and the tremolo is kept in check.

A Kahler 2500 Traditional, 2710 Killer, 2720 Spyder and  2760 Steeler are Kahler fulcrums and all Floyd Rose and Fender tremolos.

Now that you know what a fulcrum is, it’s easy to understand what a Cam system is not. It looks nothing like a fulcrum system at all. There are no pivot points. There is no back plate to cover the springs with because there is no body through route needed. Leave that wood tone in there! The cam is a 1 piece unit with built in integral springs. Cam systems come in two versions, 22xx’s - 7200s for Tune-O-Matic style bridges or arch top guitars and 23xx – 7300s for flat top guitars. See pic below.

A cam system mounts firmly to a guitar and does not pivot. It simply a frame with a rolling pin through the center. The cam is the part with the arm holes in it. It unwinds the string, as you dive, so to speak. The stationary rollers on the saddles prevent the intonation from moving around while playing. This provides an absolutely stable system that stays intonated throughout dives and pullbacks. Something a fulcrum cannot do.