Leo Quan is a notable name in the world of guitar hardware, particularly renowned for their high-quality bridges rather than tremolo systems. Founded in the 1970s, Leo Quan was originally established by Glenn Quan, a skilled luthier and a key figure in the guitar world, particularly recognized for his innovative designs and engineering excellence. Based in California, USA, Leo Quan rose to prominence for its patented Badass series of bridges, which became the go-to upgrade for many bass and guitar players looking for enhanced sustain and tonal clarity.
While Leo Quan is primarily known for bridges, they also ventured into tremolo designs, though these did not achieve the same level of fame as their bridges. Their contributions to the field of tremolo systems, whammy bars, and vibrato bars are respected among a niche of musicians who seek alternative designs with unique tonal characteristics. Their products were crafted to emphasize ease of installation, improved tuning stability, and superior sustain.
Key People:
- Glenn Quan: Founder and inventor, Glenn was the driving force behind Leo Quan’s rise in the guitar hardware market, particularly with the Badass bridge series.
Popular Products
Here are a few of Leo Quan’s most popular products, which included tremolos and whammy bars, although their bridges were more widely acclaimed:
- Badass Bridge Series: While not a tremolo, the Badass bridge is a legendary product and has been used by bassists like Geddy Lee of Rush. It’s known for its:
- Increased sustain
- Enhanced tuning stability
- Superior build quality
- Leo Quan Tremolo: Though rare, their tremolo designs offered:
- Smooth vibrato action
- Easy-to-install design
- Vintage-inspired aesthetic
- Leo Quan Vibrato Bar: Their vibrato bars, though limited in release, were praised for:
- Responsive pitch shifting
- Reliable performance under heavy use
Consumer Reviews
Overall, consumer reviews for Leo Quan products have been highly positive, especially for their bridges. Guitarists and bassists alike have praised the Badass bridge series for its transformative effect on tone and sustain. Reviews for their tremolo systems, whammy bars, and vibrato bars suggest that while these products may not be as well-known, they are well-regarded by those who have used them.
- Pros:
- Durable build quality
- Smooth tremolo and whammy bar action
- Easy installation
- Cons:
- Limited availability of certain tremolo models
- Less recognition in the tremolo market compared to their bridges
Unfortunately, Leo Quan’s official website does not appear to be active anymore, likely due to the brand’s focus on legacy products rather than continuing new product lines. Many Leo Quan items, particularly the Badass bridge series, can still be found on resale platforms such as eBay and Reverb.
For more on Leo Quan, you can search for their legacy products or visit guitar forums where players discuss their gear experiences.