The Ramme R1-E bridge has a rich and intriguing history, rooted in a journey of design evolution and inspiration that spans decades. This post aims to delve into the origins and influences behind its pivoting system, the FusionPivot, highlighting the independent innovation that shaped its development.
The Cradle of Pivoting: A Pioneering Innovation
The core of the Ramme R1-E's design, its FusionPivot system, has its roots in the early 1980s with a Brazilian company called Horvath. This tuner manufacturer was a true pioneer, creating this innovative design long before it gained wider recognition. Unfortunately, despite its ingenuity, Horvath didn't achieve lasting commercial success and eventually ceased its operations.
It's important to note that while the FusionPivot mechanism is a key feature, the Ramme R1-E bridge's overall design is distinct. Aspects like the block, size, and lever system showcase unique development approaches, even with the presence of this foundational element.
Ibanez Roadstar II RS135 Standard with Powerocker: A Prototype's Journey
Between 1983 and 1986, Ibanez launched the Roadstar II RS135 Standard guitar, which featured its own take on this pivoting system in the form of the Powerocker bridge. While innovative for its time, the choice of zamak for the stop block support led to functional issues, ultimately prompting Ibanez to discontinue the project.
This era was a significant transition for guitar bridges, as the industry moved from traditional six-screw setups to more modern two-pivot designs. The introduction of the Powerocker, a third model facing its own construction challenges, meant it didn't gain widespread adoption and was eventually "shelved."
Ramme R1-E: Rescuing and Reimagining a Vision
Ramme Custom Hardware, founded in 2012, embarked on in-depth research and analysis, revisiting this "shelved" project. This diligent effort led to the development and introduction of the Ramme R1-E bridge with its FusionPivot system. It's a testament to how innovative ideas, even if put aside, can be rediscovered and reimagined, leading to new and improved designs.
This journey highlights how significant design concepts can emerge and evolve over time, demonstrating a continuous pursuit of refinement in musical instrument components. The Ramme R1-E stands as a testament to this evolution, drawing from a rich history of innovation to offer a unique contribution to the world of guitar bridges.