How to Choose the Correct Tremolo Block Height

The right reach. The right clearance.

Choose the shortest FlowTrem2 MONOLITH configuration that keeps the springs clear of the body and leaves room for the complete intended movement. The number on your old block is a reference—not an automatic replacement recommendation.

1. Measure before removal · 2. Compare block configurations · 3. Check after installation

MONOLITH Block and Height Spacer Compatibility

Compatible tremolo systems

MONOLITH tremolo blocks and the MONOLITH Height Spacer use the standard three-screw block interface: 17 mm between adjacent hole centres and 34 mm between the outer hole centres.

• Floyd Rose Original and Original Hot Rod: 6-string and 7-string.
• Floyd Rose 1000 Series (Original-style) and Special: 6-string.
• Floyd Rose Non-Fine Tuner.
• Schaller LockMeister: 6-string and 7-string.
• Schaller Tremolo: the classic double-locking model.

The MONOLITH Height Spacer fits all MONOLITH blocks and the standard blocks used in the systems listed above.

Not compatible: Floyd Rose 1000 Series 7-string, Special 7-string, German Pro and 1000 Series Pro; Gotoh locking tremolos. These use different block interfaces.

Original, 1000 Series and Special are distinct product families. The 7-string Original and Original Hot Rod share the standard block interface; the 7-string 1000 Series and Special do not.

Height Spacer specifications

• Material: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5 titanium).
• Dimensions: 50 × 13 × 2 mm.
• Three through-holes, Ø 5 mm.
• Hole spacing: 17 mm adjacent / 34 mm outer, centre to centre.
• Finish: Titanium Natural.
• Height adjustment: +2 mm per spacer.

Model compatibility and block height

The list above identifies the block mounting interface. Choose the block height and spacer configuration to suit the guitar's spring cavity and required movement. The following illustrated measurements explain height selection separately.

Sources

• Floyd Rose Original Fat Brass Block — compatible models and 34 mm outer spacing
• Floyd Rose 1000 Series / Special 7-string block — separate interface
• Floyd Rose Original Hot Rod 7-string — Original dimensions
• Schaller LockMeister 6 / 7 and Schaller Tremolo block — 17 mm spacing
• Floyd Rose Pro block
• Floyd Rose 1000 Series Pro block
• Floyd Rose Stone Tone blocks — separate Gotoh spacing and hardware

Measuring the Guitar

Step 1 — Measure your existing tremolo before removing it.

Support the guitar securely and remove the rear cavity cover. Keep the existing tremolo, strings and springs installed for this measurement.

1. Gently move the tremolo to your maximum intended dive. Do not force it against a stop.
2. At the marked cavity edge, measure x: spring-to-cavity clearance, from the cavity edge to the outside of the spring.
3. Measure perpendicular to the body surface, as shown in the detail—not along the spring or the angled block.
4. Record x in millimetres and take a clear photograph.

Also record the guitar and tremolo model, string count, mounting style and existing block-body length. List any spacers, tension plate and support plate separately; do not include them in the block-body measurement.

x is not the clearance beneath the block or at the rear cover. It describes the existing installation and helps assess the spring clearance available when choosing the new configuration.

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Combined measurement drawing — A1

FlowTrem2 MONOLITH Selection

Step 2 — Short when possible. Extended when needed.

MONOLITH height options: 30, 32, 35, 37 or 42 mm. Add the 2 mm Grade 5 titanium shim when the installation needs additional block reach. Leave it out when the shorter configuration provides the required clearance.

Use the measurement from Step 1 to assess spring clearance, keeping a 2 mm planning reserve. Do not treat the entire measured gap as permission to shorten the block: changing block reach also changes the spring geometry. The reserve is a selection aid, not proof of clearance throughout movement.

Compare the complete installed arrangement, including the spring attachment, any shim and the outermost contour of the Spring Retainer or spring hooks. A top-mounted installation does not automatically require 42 mm.

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Why the old block number is not enough

A conventional assembly with a 0.5 mm fine-tuner tension plate and 1.0 mm support plate places the block approximately 1.5 mm farther below the baseplate. Standard FlowTrem2 omits these intermediate plates. Equal nominal block lengths therefore need not give equal installed reach.

Compare the actual construction of your existing tremolo. The Spring Retainer and protruding spring hooks must also be considered for rear clearance; they are not part of the nominal block-body length.

Sustain Block Comparison

Choose the block height currently fitted to your guitar: 28, 32, 37 or 42 mm.

Open the matching group to compare MONOLITH configurations from shorter to longer reach. “+ 2 mm shim” means a separate shim. For fine details, open the WebP file below each drawing.

Different measurement: The values below are baseplate-to-spring distances, not spring-to-cavity clearance x from Step 1. The drawings use 8 mm springs and 1.5 mm of intermediate plates on the existing tremolo. They illustrate geometry, not automatic replacement recommendations.

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Existing block: 28 mm — 1 comparison

Existing assembly shown: 23.5 mm baseplate-to-spring clearance.

MONOLITH configuration	Baseplate-to-spring
30 mm — no shim	24 mm

MONOLITH 30 mm — no shim

B-1_Block-Comparison_28.webp220.46 KiB

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Existing block: 32 mm — 5 comparisons

Existing assembly shown: 27.5 mm baseplate-to-spring clearance.

MONOLITH configuration	Baseplate-to-spring
30 mm — no shim	24 mm
30 mm + 2 mm shim	26 mm
32 mm — no shim	26 mm
32 mm + 2 mm shim	28 mm
35 mm — no shim	29 mm

MONOLITH 30 mm — no shim

B-2_Block-Comparison_32.webp222.45 KiB

MONOLITH 30 mm + 2 mm shim

B-2_Block-Comparison_32-1.webp257.98 KiB

MONOLITH 32 mm — no shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_32-2.webp231.63 KiB

MONOLITH 32 mm + 2 mm shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_32-3.webp254.91 KiB

MONOLITH 35 mm — no shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_32-4.webp217.47 KiB

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Existing block: 37 mm — 4 comparisons

Existing assembly shown: 32.5 mm baseplate-to-spring clearance.

MONOLITH configuration	Baseplate-to-spring
35 mm — no shim	29 mm
35 mm + 2 mm shim	31 mm
37 mm — no shim	31 mm
37 mm + 2 mm shim	33 mm

MONOLITH 35 mm — no shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_37.webp221.86 KiB

MONOLITH 35 mm + 2 mm shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_37-1.webp245.1 KiB

MONOLITH 37 mm — no shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_37-2.webp218.59 KiB

MONOLITH 37 mm + 2 mm shim

B-3_Block-Comparison_37-3.webp256.99 KiB

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Existing block: 42 mm — 2 comparisons

Existing assembly shown: 37.5 mm baseplate-to-spring clearance.

MONOLITH configuration	Baseplate-to-spring
42 mm — no shim	36 mm
42 mm + 2 mm shim	38 mm

MONOLITH 42 mm — no shim

B-4_Block-Comparison_42-1.webp213.37 KiB

MONOLITH 42 mm + 2 mm shim

B-4_Block-Comparison_42-2.webp239.09 KiB

Your block size is not listed, or you are unsure? Send us its measured length, clearance x and photographs before ordering. Do not choose the nearest group by number alone; there is no universal x-to-block-height conversion.

Movement and Cavity Clearance

Step 3 — Check the installed FlowTrem2 through its intended range.

After correct installation and balancing, check the following areas. The red circles identify inspection areas, not confirmed contact. The dashed line shows the neutral reference.

Neutral position

Check clearance beneath the block assembly, including the Spring Retainer or spring hooks and the space required by the rear cover.

Dive position

Check spring-to-cavity and block-to-cavity clearance at the maximum intended dive. This is the new installation check; it is not the same measured x recorded on the old tremolo.

Up-bend position

Check block-to-cavity, rear and string-locking screw clearance.

Shown with the low E-string fine tuner fully lowered, placing the string-locking screw at its lowest adjustment position.

Move slowly through the full intended range—not only the three illustrated positions. Keep springs securely attached and check side clearance, wiring and any additional hardware. Refit the rear cover and repeat the movement check. Stop if anything rubs, catches or hits; do not force additional travel.

Need help choosing?

Email service@kissmystrings.com with your guitar and tremolo model, existing block length, clearance x and clear photos of the open spring cavity. Include any existing plates or spacers.

FlowTrem2 product guide · Installation guide