The Boogie Rail tremolo was a revolutionary design invented by Tony Rukavina, a product developer and machinist from Vancouver, BC. Tony’s extensive background in machining and design allowed him to craft a tremolo system that stood out for its innovation and functionality. Alongside the Boogie Rail, Tony also developed the Tone Claw, a highly regarded guitar accessory distributed by Ax Labs.
In 2012, the Boogie Rail caught the attention of Floyd Rose, a giant in the guitar hardware industry. The tremolo was licensed to Floyd Rose and eventually evolved into the popular Floyd Rose Rail Tail. This marked a significant milestone, as the Boogie Rail tremolo became a part of the iconic Floyd Rose family, known for its industry-leading whammy bars and vibrato bars.
Key Features of the Rail Tail
The Rail Tail tremolo is designed to retrofit Strat-style guitars without any modifications to the body, offering seamless integration. Its key features include:
- Non-locking design: Unlike traditional Floyd Rose tremolos, the Rail Tail doesn’t require a locking nut, making it easier to use while still delivering excellent tuning stability.
- Enhanced sustain and tone: The Rail Tail improves sustain and resonance by keeping the strings in direct contact with the bridge plate.
- Smooth action: Guitarists rave about the whammy bar action, which allows for expressive pitch bends without sacrificing playability.
- Ease of installation: The Rail Tail was praised for being a drop-in replacement for most Strat-style guitars, requiring no permanent modifications.
These features made the Rail Tail tremolo a popular choice among guitarists looking for an upgrade that delivers on performance, tone, and ease of use.
Boogie Rail and Its Rarity
Unfortunately, the Boogie Rail tremolo is no longer in production, making it a rare and sought-after piece of gear. However, for those lucky enough to find one, these tremolos sometimes pop up on platforms like Reverb or eBay, where collectors and guitar enthusiasts can snag a piece of history.
Consumer Reviews
The Boogie Rail tremolo and the Rail Tail it inspired have been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from guitarists. Users praise the tremolo for its stability, smooth action, and ability to maintain tuning even with aggressive use of the whammy bar. The vibrato bar action is lauded for being responsive and subtle when needed, yet capable of delivering deep dives and dramatic pitch shifts.
Overall, guitarists who have had the opportunity to use the Boogie Rail tremolo and its successor, the Floyd Rose Rail Tail, speak highly of its performance, stating that it delivers the reliability and tone expected from high-end tremolos. The fact that the Boogie Rail is no longer made only adds to its allure, making it a true gem in the world of guitar hardware.
In conclusion, the Boogie Rail tremolo stands as a testament to Tony Rukavina’s ingenuity and craftsmanship. Though no longer in production, it lives on through the Floyd Rose Rail Tail and remains a beloved piece of gear for those who seek out rare, high-performance tremolo systems. Keep an eye on Reverb and eBay—you just might find a Boogie Rail tremolo waiting for its next adventure!
