Looking for a guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo that won’t completely wipe out your bank account?
Trust me, I’ve been there. Finding a guitar with a good Floyd Rose system at a decent price can feel like looking for a unicorn.
That’s why I took it upon myself to hunt down 9 affordable guitars with Floyd Rose systems that don’t suck. 😎
9 Best Cheap Guitars With Floyd Rose
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the quick overview.
| Model | Thomann | Sweetwater | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR | Thomann | Sweetwater | 9/10 |
| Jackson JS32 DKA | Thomann | Sweetwater | 8.5/10 |
| Harley Benton R-456FR BK | Thomann | N/A | 8/10 |
| Ibanez RG450DXB | Thomann | Sweetwater | 8.5/10 |
| Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR | Thomann | N/A | 9/10 |
| Schecter Omen Elite-6 FR | Thomann | Sweetwater | 8/10 |
| ESP LTD MH-203 QM STB | Thomann | Sweetwater | 8.5/10 |
| Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR | Thomann | N/A | 8.5/10 |
| Jackson JS32 T King V FR | Thomann | Sweetwater | 8/10 |
Now let’s have a look at each of these.
1. Jackson JS32 DKA AH SBK
My Experience
The Jackson JS32 DKA is pure metal, from its sleek Satin Black finish to its sharkfin inlays. I felt like a rock god the second I picked it up. The version with natural oil finish is awesome as well!
The Floyd Rose licensed Jackson tremolo performed admirably—even after some wild dive-bombs, it stayed in tune (mostly). The pickups, while not the most refined, gave that high-gain growl perfect for metal riffs and squealing harmonics.
Plus, the compound radius fretboard makes shredding a breeze as you move up the neck. Seriously, if you’re into fast runs and intricate solos, this neck won’t hold you back.
For the price, this guitar is a total steal. I was skeptical at first—cheap Floyd Rose guitars can be a gamble—but the JS32 DKA proved me wrong.
JS32 can be used not only for metal and rock, but also for grunge. For those who are into that genre, have a look on this list of best grunge guitars!
Just be prepared to spend a little extra time on setup if you want the tremolo to perform at its best.
2. Harley Benton R-456FR BK Progressive Series
My Experience
This was one of the most surprising finds on the list. Harley Benton has this reputation for making budget guitars that punch above their weight, and the R-456FR is no exception.
It’s got that classic superstrat shape with a slick black gloss finish, and the Floyd Rose Special tremolo was solid—no tuning nightmares here after those tremolo stunts. I loved how the offset dot inlays gave it a unique look without being too flashy.
The high-gain humbuckers provided a really crunchy tone, great for hard rock and metal, though they might lack the subtlety for more delicate genres. But hey, you’re not picking this guitar for jazz solos, right? 😉
Overall, this is a killer guitar for the price, especially for beginners looking to get into Floyd Rose territory without breaking the bank.
3. Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR MNGMM
My Experience
Okay, I didn’t expect a Squier to be this good with a Floyd Rose, but here we are. The Squier Contemporary Strat HH is one of those guitars that catches you off guard in the best way possible.
The roasted maple neck? Absolute butter.
It’s smooth, fast, and has a bit of that vintage mojo. The Floyd Rose Double-Locking Tremolo held its own pretty well after some serious whammy action, though I did notice a little tuning drift after extended use. Nothing a quick fine-tune couldn’t fix.
The Squier Atomic humbuckers were surprisingly powerful. They had enough bite to make those high-gain riffs sing, but could also clean up nicely with the volume knob.
Plus, the Gunmetal Metallic finish just looks cool as hell. It’s got that modern vibe with a nod to the classic Strat look.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Floyd Rose Strat, this is it. 😊
4. Ibanez RG450DXB-WH
My Experience
The Ibanez RG450DXB is the kind of guitar that screams „play fast!”. This thing is built for shredders. The Wizard III neck feels like a racing track for your fingers—thin, flat, and fast.
When I tested the Edge-Zero II bridge, I was impressed with how stable it was during heavy tremolo use. It’s not a full-on Floyd Rose, but it’s Ibanez’s version, and it gets the job done.
The Quantum pickups had great clarity, even under a ton of gain. I was able to switch between crunchy rhythms and searing leads with ease, thanks to the 5-way switch.
That middle single-coil pickup added some nice versatility for cleaner tones too, so it’s not just a one-trick pony.
Honestly, if you’re a fan of those classic RG models but don’t have the budget for a Prestige, the RG450DXB is a killer option.
5. Harley Benton SC-Custom III FR VBK
My Experience
This Harley Benton SC-Custom III blew me away. I wasn’t expecting much for the price, but man, this guitar delivers. First off, the Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo?
Absolute beast. I went hard on the trem bar, and it stayed in tune like a champ. The Tesla humbuckers had a nice, fat tone that worked beautifully for everything from rock to metal.
And let’s not ignore the fact that it looks like a classy, modern Les Paul, but with a Floyd Rose!
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The neck is super comfortable, thanks to the Modern C profile. It feels great in your hands, whether you’re chugging out power chords or ripping up the fretboard. The coil-splitting feature also adds some tonal variety, which is always a nice touch.
For a guitar that’s under $400, this one’s an absolute steal, and it even comes with gold hardware that doesn’t look tacky. 😊
6. Schecter Omen Elite-6 FR STBB
My Experience
The Schecter Omen Elite-6 was another guitar that caught me by surprise. Its poplar burl top gives it a high-end look, but the price is way more budget-friendly.
The Schecter-exclusive Floyd Rose Special tremolo handled all the dive-bombs I could throw at it without any major tuning issues. Not bad for a “budget” Floyd.
The Diamond Heretic humbuckers were incredibly punchy. I could get that brutal, modern metal tone without sacrificing clarity.
The clean tones weren’t bad either, though let’s be honest—you’re probably buying this guitar to melt faces, not play jazz standards.
If you want a guitar that looks expensive but doesn’t destroy your wallet, the Schecter Omen Elite-6 is a solid choice. Plus, it comes in this cool See-Thru Blue Burst finish that’s pure eye candy.
7. ESP LTD MH-203 QM STB
My Experience
The ESP LTD MH-203 is basically a Swiss army knife for guitarists. It’s got a quilted maple top that looks stunning, and the Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo was rock solid during my tests.
I was able to pull off all my favorite tricks without any tuning issues, which is a big win. The extra thin U neck profile makes it super comfortable to play, especially for fast runs.
But the real star here? The pickup configuration. You get two single coils and a humbucker, which gives you a wide range of tones. From clean, spanky tones to full-on metal madness, this guitar can handle it.
And it’s got that classic ESP feel—fast, aggressive, but still versatile enough to tackle anything you throw at it.
8. Harley Benton Fusion-III HH FR EB FBB
My Experience
I’ve tested a lot of Harley Benton guitars, but the Fusion-III HH FR really stood out. First off, the Floyd Rose 1000 was tight—no tuning issues even after some aggressive playing.
The neck is super comfortable, with the Modern C profile, and the stainless steel frets were a nice touch, especially for this price point. The Roswell AlNiCo-5 humbuckers had some serious bite to them, but they could also dial back for some nice clean tones.
One thing I really appreciated was the push/pull tone control for coil-splitting. It made this guitar way more versatile than you’d expect from a typical Floyd Rose-equipped shred machine.
The Flamed Bengal Burst finish also gives it a killer look. If you want a guitar that can shred but also has a bit of versatility, this is a great pick.
9. Jackson JS32 T King V FR AH
My Experience
If you’re into pointy guitars, the Jackson King V is for you. This thing is metal AF. The Floyd Rose Special worked pretty well, though it did need a little tweaking out of the box to get it fully dialed in.
Once I got it set up, though, it handled all the whammy dives and harmonic squeals like a champ.
The high-output Jackson humbuckers were pure metal, delivering that crushing tone you want for heavy riffing. The guitar’s shape isn’t exactly comfortable if you’re sitting down, but let’s be real—you don’t buy a King V to play while sitting on the couch. 😅
My Choice: Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR MNGMM
After going through all these guitars, if I had to pick just one, it’d be the Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR.
Why? First off, the roasted maple neck feels amazing—smooth, fast, and perfect for all kinds of playing. The Floyd Rose Double-Locking Tremolo stayed in tune surprisingly well, even after I went a little wild with it.
And the Squier Atomic humbuckers deliver solid, punchy tones with just the right amount of bite for rock, metal, or even clean stuff if you dial it back. For the price, you’re getting a whole lot of guitar, and the Gunmetal Metallic finish just looks sleek.
This guitar balances playability, sound, and style perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player on a budget, the Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR will handle whatever you throw at it—and look good doing it.
FAQ
1. Are Floyd Rose guitars harder to maintain?
Yes and no. While the Floyd Rose tremolo system does require a bit more setup and care compared to a regular fixed bridge or non-locking tremolo, it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be. Once you get the hang of tuning and string changes, it becomes second nature. Just make sure you lock the nut properly and use the fine tuners to adjust after you’ve set the tuning.
2. Do I need to adjust the Floyd Rose every time I change strings?
Pretty much, yeah. Whenever you change string gauges or tunings, the tension on the tremolo changes, and you’ll need to adjust the springs in the back to compensate. But once everything’s balanced, your guitar will stay in tune, even after aggressive tremolo use.
3. What’s the difference between a Floyd Rose Special and a Floyd Rose 1000?
The Floyd Rose Special is a more budget-friendly version of the original Floyd Rose, typically made with cheaper materials (usually zinc alloy), while the Floyd Rose 1000 is closer in quality to the original, with higher-end materials like steel. If you can stretch your budget for a Floyd Rose 1000, it’s worth the upgrade for better tuning stability and durability.
4. Can I block a Floyd Rose tremolo?
Absolutely! If you don’t need the tremolo for a particular song or set, you can block it by inserting something (like a piece of wood or a Tremol-No system) into the tremolo cavity. This keeps the bridge from moving, turning your guitar into a fixed bridge setup temporarily.
5. Do cheap Floyd Rose guitars stay in tune?
They can, but it depends on the quality of the tremolo system and how well it’s set up. All the guitars on this list have decent Floyd Rose systems, but the more affordable models (like the Floyd Rose Special) might require more frequent adjustments than higher-end versions.
Summary
Finding a good guitar with a Floyd Rose that doesn’t break the bank is no easy task, but after testing these 10 models, I can confidently say there are some real gems out there.
From the Jackson JS32 DKA’s shreddy neck to the Harley Benton SC-Custom III’s versatility, you can definitely get the Floyd Rose experience without dropping a fortune.
If you’re into speed and precision, you’ll love the Ibanez RG450DXB, while the Schecter Omen Elite-6 gives you that high-end look and sound at a budget price.
Ultimately, my top pick is the Squier Contemporary Strat HH FR for its versatility, looks, and playability. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get a guitar that feels and sounds great with a Floyd Rose tremolo
