How to Choose the Correct Tremolo Block Height

Tremolo block height determines how far the block assembly extends beneath the baseplate into the guitar. The correct block is not simply the longest option that fits: it must match the tremolo mechanically and remain clear through the complete intended movement inside the actual cavity.

Nominal block length, installed projection and available internal clearance are separate dimensions. Width, thickness, mounting pattern, spring-hole geometry and the bridge architecture must also match.

Block Fundamentals

What Is a Tremolo Block?

The tremolo block is the component attached beneath the tremolo baseplate.

Depending on the system, it may also be described as:

• Sustain block
• Spring block
• Inertia block
• Tremolo sustain block

Its principal mechanical functions are:

• Connecting the baseplate to the tremolo springs
• Providing attachment points for the springs
• Transmitting spring force to the baseplate
• Moving with the bridge during tremolo operation
• Forming part of the mass and stiffness of the complete bridge assembly

On many Stratocaster-style systems, the strings also pass through the block.

On a conventional Floyd Rose-style double-locking tremolo, the strings are locked in the saddles and do not pass through the block.

The block construction must therefore be evaluated according to the exact tremolo design.

What Does Block Height Mean?

Block height or block length normally describes the vertical dimension from the upper mounting face of the block to its lower end.

When the block is installed directly against the underside of the baseplate, this may also correspond to the distance from:

• Underside of baseplate
• To lower end of block

However, not every manufacturer uses the same reference.

A published dimension may describe:

• The block component by itself
• The distance from its mounting face
• The installed projection beneath the baseplate
• A block without a spacer
• A block-and-spacer combination
• An effective installed height

Always check the technical drawing for the exact product.

Do not compare nominal dimensions from different manufacturers until their reference surfaces have been confirmed.

Nominal Block Height vs. Installed Projection

Three dimensions must be distinguished.

Nominal Block Height

The manufacturer’s stated dimension for the block itself.

Installed Projection

The actual distance from the installed underside of the tremolo assembly to the lower end of the block.

This can be influenced by:

• Baseplate construction
• Intermediate plates
• Spacers
• Block mounting geometry
• Recessed installation
• Product-specific components

Available Internal Clearance

The space available inside the guitar for the installed and moving block.

This is limited by:

• Rear cavity cover
• Cavity floor
• Front and rear cavity walls
• Side walls
• Wiring
• Tremolo stops
• Stabilizers
• Other installed hardware

A nominal 37 mm block does not automatically create the same installed projection in every tremolo system.

FlowTrem2 MONOLITH Geometry

Four Dimensions Must Be Kept Separate

The FlowTrem2 MONOLITH system makes this distinction especially important. Four related dimensions describe different mechanical relationships and must not be treated as interchangeable.

1. Nominal Block-Body Length

This is the product designation of the MONOLITH body itself:

• 30 mm
• 35 mm
• 42 mm

2. Block-Body Length With Spacers

Each 2 mm spacer extends the nominal block body:

This is the relevant nominal block-body length for comparison with conventional 32, 37 or 42 mm blocks.

3. Physical Overall Assembly Length With Spring Retainer

The Spring Retainer adds 3.3 mm to the physical overall length of the MONOLITH assembly.

Examples:

This physical overall length is important for spring and rear-cover clearance. It must not automatically be treated as the functional length of the block body during tremolo movement. Depending on the cavity geometry and direction of movement, the first contact point may be the block body, the Spring Retainer, a spring or another component.

4. Effective Block Reach Below the Baseplate

The effective reach of the tremolo block into the spring cavity is determined by the block body, approved spacers, mounting geometry and any plate / support stack between the baseplate and block.

A conventional Floyd Rose-style assembly commonly uses:

• approximately 0.5 mm Fine Tuner Tension Plate
• approximately 1.0 mm Tremolo Block Shim or equivalent support layer

Together, these components place the block and spring attachment approximately 1.5 mm farther below the baseplate.

Standard FlowTrem2 omits this 1.5 mm underside stack. A MONOLITH with the same nominal block-body length therefore reaches approximately 1.5 mm less deeply into the spring cavity than the conventional assembly.

This does not change the normal string-to-saddle contact geometry. The difference is entirely on the underside of the tremolo, where block reach and spring position determine whether the springs remain clear of the body throughout tremolo movement.

Why the 30 and 35 mm MONOLITH Bases Start 2 mm Shorter

The most frequently encountered conventional block classes are 32 and 37 mm. The FlowTrem2 MONOLITH system uses 30 and 35 mm base blocks as deliberately shorter starting points:

In many guitars, a block that is 2 mm shorter still provides secure spring attachment while increasing internal movement clearance. If those 2 mm are required by the individual guitar, one spacer restores the conventional nominal class.

Possible Movement Advantage of a Shorter Block

A tremolo block moves through an arc around the bridge pivot. A shorter block reduces the radius of the lower block edges. This can allow the bridge to rotate farther before a block edge reaches the cavity wall or body.

The effect can apply during a dive or pull-up depending on:

• cavity shape
• pivot position
• block width and edge geometry
• baseplate height and neutral angle
• recessed or top-mounted installation
• spring position
• the actual surface that becomes the mechanical stop

A 2 mm reduction in block length cannot be translated into one universal number of semitones. The additional pitch range depends on the complete guitar geometry and must be tested through the intended movement envelope.

Example: Replacing a Conventional 37 mm System

Consider a conventional tremolo with:

• 37 mm block body
• 0.5 mm Fine Tuner Tension Plate
• 1.0 mm Tremolo Block Shim / support layer

Its effective block reach below the baseplate is approximately 38.5 mm.

To reproduce the previous spring-attachment position exactly without the 1.5 mm stack would require approximately 38.5 mm of block reach. The modular MONOLITH options bracket this value at 37 and 39 mm; the correct choice depends on the actual spring geometry and cavity clearance. The objective is not numerical matching for its own sake, but keeping the springs and block assembly clear of the body throughout the complete intended movement.

Example: Replacing a Conventional 32 mm System

The same principle applies to a conventional 32 mm block used with the 1.5 mm underside stack:

To reproduce the old spring-attachment position exactly would require approximately 33.5 mm of block reach. FlowTrem2 provides 32 and 34 mm configurations around that reference; the actual guitar determines which is appropriate.

Optional Conventional Fine Tuner Tension Plate Configuration

Standard FlowTrem2 omits the Fine Tuner Tension Plate and its 1.0 mm support layer.

Where a conventional 0.5 mm Fine Tuner Tension Plate is deliberately retained or added, the dedicated 1.0 mm KMS Fine Tuner Spring Plate Support Sheet provides the intended support beneath it.

This restores the conventional unloaded upward preload on the String Locking Screws and reduces the small amount of vertical saddle movement that can otherwise be present when the tremolo is unstrung.

It also recreates the approximately 1.5 mm underside stack, moving the block and spring attachment approximately 1.5 mm farther below the baseplate. The string-to-saddle geometry remains unchanged, but MONOLITH selection and spring/body clearance must be checked again for the altered underside geometry.

Practical Selection Rule for FlowTrem2

Before selecting a MONOLITH configuration:

1. Record the existing block-body length.
2. Record every existing block spacer separately.
3. Confirm whether the existing system uses a Fine Tuner Tension Plate and Tremolo Block Shim / support layer, and include their combined underside thickness in the effective-reach comparison.
4. Note the physical clearance beneath and around the existing block, springs and rear cover.
5. Compare effective block reach below the baseplate, not only the printed block number.
6. Begin with the shortest MONOLITH configuration that provides suitable spring geometry.
7. Add a 2 mm Height Spacer only where the actual installation requires the additional reach.
8. Check neutral, full intended dive and full intended pull-up with the rear cover installed.
9. Treat Spring Retainer clearance separately from nominal block-body length.

Reference Systems and Compatibility

Official Floyd Rose Reference

The current Floyd Rose Original technical drawing illustrates block dimensions of:

• 32 mm
• 37 mm
• 42 mm

The dimension is shown from the underside of the baseplate to the lower end of the installed block.

The current Floyd Rose Original complete tremolo is specified with a 37 mm nickel-plated brass block.

Floyd Rose also lists replacement Original blocks in several lengths, including:

• 28 mm
• 32 mm
• 35 mm
• 37 mm
• 42 mm

These available dimensions do not mean that every length fits every guitar.

They are options for accommodating different installation geometries.

Official Schaller Reference

Schaller offers blocks for its compatible double-locking tremolos in:

• 32 mm
• 37 mm
• 42 mm

The corresponding technical drawing specifies:

• Block width: 50 mm
• Block thickness: 8 mm
• Three mounting holes
• 17 mm spacing between adjacent mounting holes

This demonstrates why block height must not be considered in isolation.

A 37 mm block with another width, thickness or mounting pattern is not automatically interchangeable.

Common Block Lengths Are Not Universal Standards

Dimensions such as 32, 37 and 42 mm are common within several tremolo families.

Other systems may use:

• 28 mm
• 30 mm
• 33 mm
• 35 mm
• 36 mm
• 40 mm
• Manufacturer-specific dimensions

Do not convert these into universal rules such as:

• 32 mm always means thin body
• 37 mm always means standard body
• 42 mm always means top mount

These can be useful tendencies, but the guitar must still be measured.

Confirm the Exact Tremolo Family First

Before choosing a block, identify:

• Tremolo manufacturer
• Exact product family
• Exact model
• Six-, seven- or eight-string version
• Production generation
• Original or licensed construction
• Standard or low-profile version

Blocks that look similar may use different mounting systems.

For example, Floyd Rose specifies that its standard Original replacement block is designed for:

• Original six-string systems
• Original seven-string systems
• Special six-string systems
• 1000 Series six-string systems

Floyd Rose also states that the Special and 1000 Series seven-string systems use a different block mounting-hole pattern.

The German-made Floyd Rose Pro uses its own dedicated replacement block.

The label “Floyd Rose-style” is therefore not a compatibility specification.

Block Mounting Pattern

Check:

• Number of mounting screws
• Adjacent screw spacing
• Outside screw spacing
• Screw thread
• Screw diameter
• Screw length
• Countersink or counterbore geometry
• Block orientation
• Mounting-face dimensions

The current Floyd Rose Original replacement block specifies approximately 34 mm center-to-center spacing between its two outside mounting screws.

Schaller specifies three mounting screws spaced 17 mm apart, which also produces 34 mm across the outside positions.

Matching hole spacing is still not sufficient by itself.

The complete mounting face, screw specification and block geometry must also match.

Block Width and Thickness

A replacement block may be:

• Longer
• Wider
• Thicker
• L-shaped
• Extended toward the tremolo-arm side
• Enlarged for additional mass

Width and thickness can affect clearance even when the block length is correct.

A thicker or extended block may contact:

• Front cavity wall
• Rear cavity wall
• Side wall
• Tremolo stabilizer
• Wiring
• Claw or springs during movement

Floyd Rose explicitly notes that some enlarged Fat Brass and Fat Tungsten blocks can limit upward tremolo travel and may require additional spring-cavity routing in a floating installation.

Do not assess an enlarged block from its length alone.

Spring-Hole Pattern

Also check:

• Number of spring holes
• Hole spacing
• Hole diameter
• Hole depth
• Hole angle
• Position relative to the block end
• Supported spring arrangements

Two blocks with identical external dimensions can still support different spring configurations.

Do not drill additional spring holes or modify an existing block unless the design and remaining material have been technically assessed.

Measuring the Guitar

Required Measuring Tools

Useful tools include:

• Digital or vernier caliper
• Depth gauge
• Rigid steel ruler
• Straightedge
• Screwdriver for the cavity cover
• Correct tremolo tools
• Good lighting
• Protective guitar support
• Manufacturer technical drawing

A caliper depth rod can be useful, but it must rest on clearly defined reference surfaces.

Do not allow the measuring tool to scratch the guitar finish, cavity coating or block.

Document the Existing Installation

Before removing the tremolo, record:

• Existing block length
• Tremolo model
• Baseplate position
• Floating, top-mounted or dive-only setup
• Clearance beneath the block
• Cavity-cover construction
• Spring arrangement
• Claw position
• Installed stabilizers
• Any existing block spacer
• Full pull-up and dive range

Take photographs of:

• Tremolo from above
• Tremolo from the side
• Open spring cavity
• Block and springs
• Claw position
• Block-to-cover clearance
• Any point of contact

The existing block provides a useful reference when the system currently operates correctly.

It is not a complete compatibility guarantee for a differently constructed replacement.

Measure the Existing Block

When the block is removed, measure:

• From the defined upper mounting face
• To the lower end of the block

Keep the caliper or ruler parallel to the block axis.

Do not include:

• Protruding mounting screws
• Removable spacers unless the combined height is being documented
• Angled chamfers
• Spring hooks
• Raised features not included in the manufacturer’s nominal reference

Record the base block and every spacer separately.

Example:

• Base block: 35 mm
• Spacer: 2 mm
• Combined component height: 37 mm

The effective installed projection must then be confirmed on the assembled tremolo.

Measure the Existing Installed Projection

With the tremolo installed, measure from a defined reference such as:

• Underside of baseplate
• To lower end of block

This can be more useful than the loose component measurement when comparing two systems with different baseplate or mounting constructions.

Make sure the bridge is in its intended neutral position during measurement.

A floating bridge at the wrong angle produces a misleading installed projection.

Body Thickness Is Not Enough

The total body thickness does not directly equal the available block space.

The usable internal distance is affected by:

• Tremolo recess depth
• Top routing
• Rear cavity depth
• Recessed cavity cover
• Cover thickness
• Internal ribs
• Curved or carved body surfaces
• Baseplate height above the body
• Bridge angle

Two guitars with the same total body thickness can require different block lengths.

Measure the actual installation geometry.

Measure the Available Cavity Space

The most relevant space is the volume through which the block moves during normal tremolo operation.

With the rear cover removed, inspect:

• Distance beneath the block
• Front wall clearance
• Rear wall clearance
• Side-wall clearance
• Spring clearance
• Claw clearance
• Wiring clearance
• Clearance to added hardware

Do not measure only the static distance directly below the neutral block position.

The block moves through an arc around the tremolo pivot.

Its closest point to a cavity wall can occur away from the neutral position.

Include the Rear Cavity Cover

A tremolo block may fit with the rear cover removed and contact it once the cover is installed.

Check:

• Cover thickness
• Recessed or surface-mounted installation
• Internal ribs
• Raised lettering
• Shielding
• Foam
• Protruding screws
• Cover flex

The block must not use the cover as a mechanical stop unless the guitar was deliberately engineered for that function.

Unplanned contact can create:

• Impact noise
• Restricted movement
• Inconsistent return
• Wear marks
• Cover deformation
• Transfer of force into the cover screws

No Universal Clearance Number

There is no single minimum clearance value that applies to every guitar.

Required clearance depends on:

• Tremolo movement range
• Block width and thickness
• Pivot geometry
• Cavity shape
• Cover stiffness
• Intended setup
• Manufacturing tolerances

The correct test is functional:

• The block must remain clear throughout the complete intended movement.
• The springs must remain clear.
• The installed cover must remain clear.
• No component should flex into contact during normal use.

Do not select a block that only clears by an uncertain fraction under static conditions.

Movement and Cavity Clearance

Check the Complete Movement Envelope

With the guitar safely supported and the rear cover removed, observe the block during:

• Neutral position
• Full intended dive
• Full intended pull-up
• Normal vibrato movement

Do not force the tremolo beyond its designed or currently safe range.

Check every surface for:

• Contact
• Scraping
• Impact marks
• Finish wear
• Polished areas
• Wood compression

A block that clears in the neutral position may contact the cavity during pull-up or diving.

Recessed Floating Installation

A recessed double-locking tremolo normally allows movement in both pitch directions.

The block must clear the cavity during:

• Forward rotation for pitch lowering
• Rearward rotation for pitch raising
• Return to the neutral position

The critical limitation may be:

• Block length
• Front-to-rear block thickness
• Enlarged side geometry
• Cavity-wall position
• Fine-tuner or saddle clearance above the guitar

A longer block does not inherently increase tremolo range.

It can reduce the usable range when it contacts the cavity or cover sooner.

Non-Recessed and Top-Mounted Installation

A top-mounted tremolo sits above the body surface rather than inside a top recess.

This can increase the distance between:

• Baseplate
• Rear surface of the guitar

A longer block may therefore be appropriate.

However, top mounting does not automatically require 42 mm.

The actual requirement depends on:

• Body thickness
• Baseplate height
• Spring-cavity depth
• Rear cover
• Desired bridge movement
• Block construction

Measure the installed geometry directly.

Dive-Only Installation

A dive-only tremolo normally rests against:

• Guitar body
• Mechanical tremolo stop
• Stabilizer
• Purpose-built blocking surface

Pull-up clearance may no longer be required, but the block still needs free movement during downward operation.

Check:

• Contact with the intended stop
• Block-to-cavity clearance
• Spring movement
• Claw adjustment
• Cover clearance
• Stability of the resting point

Do not use accidental block contact with an uncontrolled cavity surface as a substitute for a properly designed stop.

Blocked Tremolo

A fully blocked tremolo may intentionally use a rigid component between:

• Block and cavity
• Block and dedicated stop
• Tremolo and body

In this case, the block geometry must be compatible with the blocking method.

The block should not be selected solely because it happens to wedge against the guitar body.

A deliberate block or stop should provide:

• Controlled contact
• Stable positioning
• No damage to the guitar
• Predictable removal
• Correct bridge angle

Springs and Related Hardware

Tremolo Stabilizers and Detuning Devices

Additional components can reduce the available internal space.

Examples include:

• Tremolo stabilizers
• Backstop systems
• Tremolo stops
• Drop-tuning devices
• Spring silencers
• Mechanical blocking systems

Check whether these devices affect:

• Block length
• Block thickness
• Spring layout
• Claw position
• Movement range
• Wiring route

The compatibility of each component must be considered as part of the complete cavity system.

Spring Geometry

The springs must connect securely between:

• Tremolo block
• Spring claw

They should operate without:

• Rubbing the cavity walls
• Touching the rear cover
• Contacting wiring
• Becoming partly disengaged
• Being obstructed by another spring or device

A shorter block does not automatically create poor spring alignment.

A longer block does not automatically improve it.

The spring-hole position, claw location, spring length and cavity shape determine the actual geometry.

Parallel and Angled Springs

Common arrangements include:

• Parallel springs
• Angled outer springs
• Two-spring configurations
• Three-spring configurations
• Four- or five-spring configurations

The arrangement affects spring tension and feel, but it should not be used to conceal:

• Incorrect block fit
• Inaccessible spring holes
• Cavity contact
• Unsuitable spring length
• Insufficient claw adjustment

Use an arrangement that is supported by the block and provides unobstructed operation.

Spring Claw Adjustment

The claw controls the spring tension and therefore the neutral position of a floating tremolo.

It does not change block height.

A different block length can change the location of the spring holes, depending on the block design, but the claw should not be driven to an extreme position simply to compensate for incompatible hardware.

Check that:

• Claw screws retain sufficient engagement
• Claw is mechanically secure
• Springs remain safely attached
• Wiring remains clear
• Adjustment range remains practical

String gauge and tuning primarily determine the required spring force, not the required block length.

String Gauge and Tuning

Changing string gauge or tuning can require:

• Different spring tension
• Different number of springs
• New claw position
• Rebalancing of the bridge

It does not normally require another block length when the existing block already fits mechanically.

However, rebalancing may change the bridge angle and expose a previously marginal clearance problem.

After a major string or tuning change, recheck:

• Neutral bridge position
• Block movement
• Spring clearance
• Rear-cover clearance

Choosing Block Length and Type

Signs That a Block Is Too Long

A block may be too long for the installation when:

• It touches the rear cover.
• The cover bulges.
• The cover cannot be installed.
• Impact marks appear inside the cover.
• The block contacts the cavity floor.
• Pull-up or dive movement stops at the block.
• Mechanical knocking occurs.
• The bridge fails to return because of intermittent contact.
• A stabilizer or wiring is struck.

A longer block should not be used when routing or removal of unrelated components would be required without a deliberate technical reason.

Signs That a Block May Be Too Short

A short block is not inherently defective.

It becomes unsuitable when the specific installation produces problems such as:

• Springs cannot be attached securely.
• Spring holes are inaccessible.
• Springs contact the cover because of the complete geometry.
• Springs or claw cannot achieve the required working arrangement.
• The block is incompatible with the intended stabilizer.
• The manufacturer specifies another installed geometry.
• The required top-mounted projection cannot be achieved.

Do not diagnose a block as too short merely because it does not extend close to the rear cover.

Unused space beneath the block is not a fault.

Shorter Blocks

A shorter compatible block can be appropriate for:

• Thin guitar bodies
• Shallow spring cavities
• Recessed rear covers
• Travel guitars
• Guitars with internal hardware beneath the block

The shorter block must still match:

• Tremolo model
• Mounting pattern
• Spring arrangement
• Required mechanical strength
• Cavity geometry

Longer Blocks

A longer compatible block can be appropriate for:

• Thick guitar bodies
• Top-mounted tremolos
• Deep spring cavities
• Installations requiring lower spring-hole placement

Its suitability depends on available clearance.

A longer block is not automatically:

• More stable
• Better aligned
• Better for tuning
• Better for sustain
• Better for tremolo feel

Those results depend on the complete material and construction system.

Enlarged or Fat Blocks

A Fat block changes more than length.

It may increase:

• Width
• Thickness
• Mass
• Contact area with the baseplate

Floyd Rose warns that its enlarged Fat blocks can:

• Limit upward travel
• Rest against the body in a blocked configuration
• Require additional routing for floating use

Inspect the complete cavity before installing one.

A standard-width block and a Fat block of the same nominal length can require different guitars or routing.

Wiring and Shielding

Check for:

• Ground wire
• Pickup wiring
• Battery leads
• Connectors
• Shielding foil
• Conductive paint buildup
• Solder joints

Neither block nor springs should rub against wiring.

Do not trap a ground wire beneath a block or use contact with the block as an uncontrolled electrical connection.

Secure or reroute wiring appropriately.

Six-, Seven- and Eight-String Systems

Extended-range tremolos may use:

• Wider blocks
• Different mounting-hole patterns
• Different spring-hole arrangements
• Greater total string tension
• Larger cavity routes

Do not use string count as the only compatibility indicator.

Some block families fit both six- and seven-string systems.

Others use a unique seven-string block.

Use the exact manufacturer fit chart or technical drawing.

Measuring a Loose Replacement Block

Before installation, compare:

• Nominal length
• Width
• Thickness
• Mounting-hole spacing
• Screw size
• Spring holes
• Mounting-face geometry
• Weight where relevant

Place the original and replacement blocks beside one another only as a preliminary visual check.

Confirm every critical dimension independently.

Plating, chamfers and additional mass can make two visually similar blocks mechanically different.

FlowTrem2 MONOLITH Selection

KMS FlowTrem2 and the MONOLITH Modular Titanium Block System

The KMS FlowTrem2 uses the modular MONOLITH block system.

It is not simply a generic replacement block selected from one nominal length.

The system is designed around:

• CNC-machined titanium construction
• Defined block-to-baseplate mounting
• Modular height configuration
• FlowTrem2-specific geometry
• Six- and seven-string applications
• Suitable spring attachment
• Direct mechanical contact

The correct MONOLITH configuration must be selected according to the actual guitar and FlowTrem2 installation.

KMS MONOLITH Block Options

Current KMS configurations include:

• 30 mm MONOLITH block
• 35 mm MONOLITH block
• 42 mm MONOLITH block
• 2 mm MONOLITH Height Spacer
• Additional approved spacer combinations where specified

The spacer system allows the installed configuration to be adapted without replacing the complete block in every case.

Use only the combinations specified for the current FlowTrem2 system.

Nominal KMS Height vs. Other Tremolo Blocks

A KMS nominal block value must not be compared blindly with the number assigned to a conventional Floyd Rose block.

The FlowTrem2 construction differs because it does not use the conventional two-piece fine-tuner spring-plate assembly found beneath some Floyd Rose-style systems.

This changes the installed stack beneath the baseplate.

The correct comparison is therefore:

• Actual baseplate position
• Actual installed MONOLITH projection
• Actual cavity clearance

not only:

• Number printed in another manufacturer’s block description

MONOLITH+2 Spacer

The purpose-made spacer changes the block configuration while preserving:

• Full surface contact
• Correct screw support
• Defined alignment
• Mechanical stability

Check:

• Spacer thickness
• Mounting orientation
• Required screw length
• Thread engagement
• Block alignment
• Final cavity clearance

Do not replace a purpose-made spacer with:

• Loose washers
• Uneven sheet material
• Improvised shims
• Soft or compressible material

Every interface must remain flat, stable and fully supported.

FlowTrem2 Top-Mount Configuration

A top-mounted FlowTrem2 can require a longer block because the baseplate sits higher relative to the rear of the guitar.

The 42 mm MONOLITH version is intended for corresponding top-mount geometry.

The guitar must still be measured for:

• Body thickness
• Baseplate position
• Spring-cavity depth
• Rear-cover clearance
• Full dive movement
• Spring and claw alignment

Top mount does not automatically mean that every guitar accepts the same 42 mm configuration without verification.

FlowTrem2 Measurement Procedure

Before selecting the MONOLITH configuration:

1. Identify the guitar and existing tremolo.
2. Determine whether the installation is recessed, non-recessed or top-mounted.
3. Measure the existing installed block projection.
4. Open the rear spring cavity.
5. Measure clearance with the cover included.
6. Inspect the complete movement envelope.
7. Record spring and claw positions.
8. Check the required FlowTrem2 baseplate position.
9. Compare the result with the current KMS compatibility information.
10. Select the MONOLITH block and approved spacer combination.

Provide photographs when any measurement is uncertain.

Block Height and Tremolo Feel

Block height does not directly establish spring tension.

Spring tension is primarily determined by:

• String tension
• Number of springs
• Spring stiffness
• Spring extension
• Claw position

A different block can change the spatial spring geometry when the spring-hole location changes, but length alone does not define how stiff the tremolo feels.

Do not use block length as the main method for adjusting tremolo resistance.

Block Height and Tone

Changing block height can also change:

• Block mass
• Block stiffness
• Spring-hole position
• Mechanical proportions

A tonal comparison is therefore rarely a comparison of length alone.

The audible and tactile result is influenced by:

• Material
• Mass
• Width
• Thickness
• Stiffness
• Mounting contact
• Baseplate
• Saddles
• Springs
• Guitar construction

The mechanical fit must come first.

A tonally desirable block that contacts the cavity is not a compatible upgrade.

Material Makes Tone

Common block materials include:

• Steel
• Brass
• Titanium
• Zinc alloys
• Tungsten
• Other manufacturer-specific alloys

These materials differ in:

• Density
• Stiffness
• Hardness
• Internal damping
• Corrosion behavior
• Machinability

KMS uses Grade 5 titanium for the FlowTrem2 MONOLITH system as part of the complete titanium bridge construction.

Its tonal direction cannot be reduced to block length or mass alone.

Material makes tone.

Manufacturing creates precision.

The cavity defines what fits.

Installation and Verification

Replacing Only the Block

Before replacing the block on an existing tremolo, confirm:

• Manufacturer permits block replacement
• Exact tremolo generation
• Correct mounting screws
• Screw length
• Screw thread
• Full mounting-face contact
• Compatibility with existing spring holes
• Clearance after installation

Do not allow mounting screws to:

• Bottom out before clamping
• Engage too few threads
• Protrude into moving components
• Pull a mismatched block against the baseplate

Use manufacturer-approved screws or verified equivalents.

Full Contact at the Mounting Face

The block must sit flat against its intended mounting surface.

Inspect for:

• Burrs
• Dirt
• Plating buildup
• Damaged threads
• Raised screw holes
• Incorrect spacer position
• Uneven contact
• Misaligned holes

Do not tighten the screws to force an uneven or incompatible block flat.

Correct the cause first.

Tightening the Block

Use:

• Correct tool
• Correct screws
• Controlled tightening
• Product-specific torque guidance where available

Tighten progressively so that the block seats evenly.

Overtightening can damage:

• Threads
• Screw heads
• Baseplate
• Block
• Spacer
• Coatings

Generic torque values should not be transferred from one tremolo to another without technical confirmation.

Final Installation Check

After installing the block:

1. Confirm that the block sits flat.
2. Confirm all screws are secure.
3. Install the intended springs.
4. Set the claw to a practical starting position.
5. Install the intended string set.
6. Balance the tremolo.
7. Confirm the intended bridge angle.
8. Move the bridge through its intended range.
9. Inspect every cavity surface.
10. Install the rear cover.
11. Repeat the movement check.
12. Listen for impact, scraping or clicking.
13. Recheck tuning and neutral return.
14. Inspect the installation after the first playing sessions.

Do not complete the setup while any internal component is making uncontrolled contact.

Selection Checklist

Practical Selection Sequence

1. Identify the exact tremolo.
2. Confirm the block family and string-count compatibility.
3. Check the mounting-hole pattern.
4. Measure the existing block from the correct reference.
5. Measure installed projection.
6. Open and inspect the spring cavity.
7. Include the rear cover.
8. Check the full movement envelope.
9. Inspect springs, claw and added hardware.
10. Compare width and thickness.
11. Select the shortest or longest compatible option only according to the measured requirement.
12. Use approved spacers where the system provides them.
13. Install without forcing.
14. Rebalance and test the complete tremolo.

Compatibility Checklist

Record:

• Guitar manufacturer
• Exact model
• Approximate production year
• Body thickness
• Tremolo manufacturer
• Exact tremolo model
• String count
• Recessed, top-mounted or dive-only installation
• Existing block length
• Existing installed projection
• Block width
• Block thickness
• Mounting-hole pattern
• Screw spacing
• Screw thread
• Spring-hole pattern
• Rear-cavity depth
• Cover construction
• Full movement clearance
• String gauges
• Tuning
• Number and arrangement of springs
• Installed stabilizers
• Clear photographs

Common Block-Selection Mistakes

Avoid:

• Choosing by body thickness alone
• Choosing by guitar model alone
• Assuming 37 mm is universally standard
• Assuming every thin body needs 32 mm
• Assuming every top mount needs 42 mm
• Measuring from the wrong reference surface
• Ignoring the baseplate construction
• Ignoring installed spacers
• Ignoring width and thickness
• Checking only the neutral position
• Testing without the rear cover
• Selecting the longest possible block without clearance
• Treating unused cavity depth as a problem
• Assuming a shorter block weakens the tremolo
• Assuming a longer block improves tuning stability
• Installing a Fat block without checking routing
• Assuming all Floyd Rose-style blocks share one pattern
• Assuming six- and seven-string versions are interchangeable
• Using improvised spacers
• Using incorrect mounting screws
• Allowing the block to contact wiring
• Routing the guitar before verifying every component dimension

When Routing May Be Required

Routing may be considered when:

• A deliberately selected enlarged block cannot move freely.
• A new tremolo has different approved cavity requirements.
• A top-mounted or recessed conversion is being engineered.
• The manufacturer’s technical drawing requires another cavity shape.

Routing is a permanent modification.

Before removing wood, confirm:

• Exact tremolo model
• Exact block
• Final bridge position
• Complete movement envelope
• Structural wall thickness
• Wiring path
• Rear-cover relationship
• Reversibility requirements
• Instrument value

Do not route a guitar merely because the wrong block was ordered.

When Professional Assistance Is Recommended

Professional installation or assessment is advisable when:

• The tremolo model cannot be identified.
• The block mounting pattern is uncertain.
• The existing block contacts the cavity.
• Routing may be required.
• The body is unusually thin.
• The guitar has a delicate finish.
• A stabilizer or detuning device is installed.
• The block screws or threads are damaged.
• The complete movement cannot be inspected safely.
• The FlowTrem2 configuration remains uncertain.

Related Guides

• Why Does a Floyd Rose Not Return to Pitch? →
• FlowTrem2 Product Guide →
• FlowTrem2 Installation Guide →
• FlowTrem2 Setup & Care →
• How to Measure Guitar Bridge Post Spacing →