Floyd Rose invented the locking tremolo system in 1976. A series of artist endorsements, most notably Eddie Van Halen, led to commercial success and the Floyd Rose tremolo was patented and mass-manufactured with Kramer.As of 2005, distribution of the Floyd Rose Original reverted to Floyd Rose, while the patented designs are still licensed to other manufacturers for use.  The Floyd Rose brand exists now as a division of AP International, under the direction of Andrew Papiccio, former Vice President of Kramer guitars. AP has been dealing with the manufacture, distribution, sales and marketing of musical instruments and accessories on a global scale for over 30 years.