Did Gibson ever offer a 'factory' Kahler tremelo in a Les Paul ...

Kap'n · Sep 6, 2010

If the price was right, I'd consider buying a Kahler-equipped LP.

silverbursting · Sep 6, 2010

i have an 85 custom with a factory kahler. i'm in the process of taking it off and putting on a stop bar and bridge. Not to worried about the ditch that will be left behind...........

jrfisher · Sep 7, 2010

Ah Yes, It Is An Awe Inspiring Thing Of Beauty. 1983 Factory Installed Gibson Kahler on a Les Paul Standard. It's Mine, and I like it.

LPSPP · Nov 21, 2010

I don't know why, but for some reason I kind of like that.

:wah

8 5419 & 8 1689 said:
I know they put a Floyd in my USA Epi :lol ...

jrnic · Nov 21, 2010

People here say that they don't like Kahlers because they changed the sound of a good LP because of the wood removed to install it. But others here say they would rather have a Floyd equipped LP. But think about it...... doesn't having a Floyd in a LP take out MORE wood from the body than having a Kahler in it?? I mean installing a Kahler only removes about a quarter of the wood that would be removed for the Floyd and the springs etc.

Just a thought.........

rastaman · Nov 22, 2010

That looks very nice.

jrfisher said:
Ah Yes, It Is An Awe Inspiring Thing Of Beauty. 1983 Factory Installed Gibson Kahler on a Les Paul Standard. It's Mine, and I like it.

Mars Hall · Nov 22, 2010

Wow this is an old thread. I have a Kahler on my Victory, I like it.

roodyrocker · Nov 22, 2010

I must definetly be in the minority here because I do like Kahlers as well as Floyds. I have several of both on other brand guitars and they stay in tune just fine. In fact I think they both stay in tune better than the standard style tuners on regular Les Pauls. The tone is just fine as well. Eventually I wouldn't mind getting a factory Kahler equipped Les Paul to add to my own collection.

Mars Hall · Nov 22, 2010

roodyrocker said:
I must definetly be in the minority here because I do like Kahlers as well as Floyds. I have several of both on other brand guitars and they stay in tune just fine. In fact I think they both stay in tune better than the standard style tuners on regular Les Pauls. The tone is just fine as well. Eventually I wouldn't mind getting a factory Kahler equipped Les Paul to add to my own collection.

Yeah, staying in tune is what the Kahler is all about. I have the heavy springs on mine and I don't use the locking nut. Stays in tune just fine.

Angry Steve · Nov 22, 2010

I have posted here for a while about my 83 Custom with a factory Kahler. I love the guitar, and gotta say that it has all of the expected LP tone, as well some sustain that I cannot get on my other 3 LP's.
Having said that - I just found an original locking nut - so I installed it on the guitar and put a bar on for the first time - and sadly it doesn't always return to pitch - specifically if I really dive on it. Granted it probably has not been serviced for 27 years, so next time it gets a set up I will have it looked at.
But it might be my favorite Lester... something special about it.

Mick Youngblood · Mar 1, 2014

Cherryburst said:
... during the 80s ?

... I've never heard of it.

..... I know from making that mistake myself, that a Kahler completely destroys the tone of the guitar .... :tri :tri :tri

..... so why would Gibson do such a ridiculous thing ?

You know you don't even know what you don't know. I picked up an 85 ( approx.) Les Paul Custom with a factory installed Kahler and I will admit that when I first saw it I was a little repulsed but when I played it I was floored. The guitar resonated with an unusual brightness ( dare I say it wails) and the tremolo is very sensitive and adds a dimension of versatility that I thought inspired adventuristic ramblings in the same way that one appreciates a strat. And being an 80's Les Paul with a solid mahogany body ( not a pancake) adds to the seductive mix. It kicks ass, OK? So don't be a snob and listen with your ears, not your eyes. And forget what you think you know. If you can find the beast,try it.

Elliot Easton · Mar 2, 2014

phil47uk said:
Wonder wangers on Lesters...
Aghhhhhhhhhh!

Time to call in......

.

Phil.:worm

I need a young priest and an old priest. The Kahlers were never any good because they had virtually no break angle at the bridge. The strings felt like overcooked spaghetti. I say this from the experience of ruining a few Hamers and a Fender.

JJM · Mar 9, 2015

A Little late to the game here -- does anyone have experience with a Kahler cavity in an '80s LP that's had a classic bridge/stopbar installed? As in: does the cavity destroy the sound of the guitar; and, can the cavity be filled (for either tonal or cosmetic purposes)?

Did Gibson ever offer a 'factory' Kahler tremelo in a Les Paul ...

Kap'n

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silverbursting

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