I really want to hear from the group on this...

As I have had too many problems tuning Floyd Rose equipped guitars - the big "fancy" FRs with fine tuners and string locks, I decided some time back to try building my own. Being rather mechanically inclined I bought a mill and went to work. After some 3 years I have designed and built a full floating unit that I can tune basically as fast as a NONtrem guitar. And it does not go out of tune when 1 ot MORE strings break. I am amazed at the outcome. Those that have seen it have loved it. And it drops right into place with no alterations to the guitar.

But after 3 months of constant phone calls and Emails, as well as snail mail packets, - I have been unable to get anyone on the phone at Fender to talk to me about it. I did get 1 patent finalized by the USPTO and have 2 newer and better ones pending. Basically I want to sell this idea to a guitar company and get it out to the public. Making a buck or two along the way doesn't hurt either...

But I can't get through the phone system at Fender. Constant rerouting back to where I started on the computerized answering system. Never get amyone live on the phone.

So question (s)
Am I the only one who has a problem tuning these guitars. Again, these are the FULL floating systems, not the smaller FRs with no fine tuners and/or locks. Did I waste 3 years on a pointless obsession?

And does anybody know somebody on the inside at Fender that will actually talk to me and/or meet with me about this?

Mike Eldred (custom shop forum) said get with the R&D department but I can't find or gain access to them.

For all the time and trouble I put into this thing, easily 2-300 rebuilds along the way, I have found it much easier to design and build it than to get someone to look at it.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated - even if to say I should give it up and get a life. Haven't actually had one in quite a while...

Thanks for reading my rant.

Randal L Slavik

Got any pics. I would love to see it.

_________________
The time has gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say.

I can't help you reach anyone but how about some pictures. I'd like to see what this thing looks like.

If you can tell me HOW to show a pic - I'll be happy to.
I'm new at the forum thing.
BBCode link says it must be on the internet FIRST. Don't have that ability.[[/list]

Maybe this will work - maybe not.
Shows with a BROKE string

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/attachmen ... 1233331938

1st off. That pic is over a year old. Lots of cool updates since.

2nd. BigJay -thanks for the advice. I have a patent attorney. Guess what I really need is a MARKETER. But they want 1/3rd of the take.

I figure the fast tuning ability and stability when a string breaks should help sell MORE guitars.
But maybe those problems are just in my head...

Very impressive,
You sound like you've been there before. Good info for sure.

But imagine I KNOW what I want for this thing.

I can't get anyone to TALK to me about it to even discuss price...
Then again, I suppose a marketing firm would be able to get inside a little easier. Just trying to skip paying their huge cut.

But I'll certainly think about it.

Call Ibanez, PRS etc. Fender is not the only guitar manufacturer. Sounds pretty cool. Be careful and be sure you have a Patent.

Why are you so hellbent on hooking up with Fender. First of all there must be hundreds of people who claim to have improved upon something also it would be like walking into MTV and saying play my video it is great it happens everyday. Now I believe you have created something that might be great but take it easy there are a lot of companies to shop around your idea to. Les Paul was turned away from Gibson with his log many times before they hooked up. Also as Big Jay stated make sure all your legal ends are secure as you can easily be ripped off just by changing a screw. And there are tons of guys who have had there ideas stolen. This thing right now is a lil bigger than you so make sure you do it right maybe an overseas company like Ibanez that makes mostly shred axes is a place to look. As a matter of fact your system is geared toward the shred player and I would reach out to all those companies .Make a list of every company out there and go down the line. Read how guys like Floyd Rose,Dimarzio,Duncan anyone who makes parts broke into the buisness on the web. Try and get a meeting with a top shredder if one hot guy started using it everyone would want one. Be patient sometimes guys sit on a pattern for years but you have the potential to hit it big and DONT EVER SELL YOUR PATTERN FOR A QUICK BUCK you will want to kill yourself if it takes off. Remember guys like PRS and Seymore Duncan hit the pavement for years. Also keep your eyes on your lawyers they are the biggest thieves. GOOD LUCK

Any of you guy seen the movie "Flash of Genius"?

Sounds like what he could be going through.

OK wasn't going to go into all this but since I have gotten so much interest.
The "short" story.

I mailed out a dozen packets 3 months ago to all the big guitar and guitar parts makers.

8 never answered and I have not been able to contact them as yet.
1 said " not in this economy"
1 said " we don't take offers outside our company"
1 said" send a prototype" But overseas - no patent coverage yet.
1 said " SHOW US"
So I did. The CEO and 6 engineers/builders for 2-3 hours. They loved it and we spoke about how much per sale I would receive. No mention of the upfront fee or numbers of sales expected. But they are small compared to Fender so how many sales is IMPORTANT. And I have not yet been able to locate their guitars in a guitar store. You DO know them.

So for the last couple months I have been pushing hard to contact Fender and yes, Ibanez (luv me some Ibanez). Haven't been able to get through to either.

Which led me here as a damn near last resort bofore signing with the other company.

SO, I STILL need a phone number or Email address for someone inside the iron curtain.

I appreciate ALL the response here. Good stuff. But for the MOST part, I have already attempted to cover it. I have NOT talked to a marketing company to get inside these companies as I don't really want to give away 1/3rd of MY work and as well, I SHOULD be able to contact them myself.

So, anybody KNOW somebody?