FlowTrem2 Setup and Care: Balance, Action, Intonation and Maintenance

Use this guide after FlowTrem2 has been correctly installed and checked for mechanical fit. If the bridge binds, an insert moves or the block touches the guitar, return to the replacement guide before adjusting the setup.

Setup order: strings and tuning → balance → relief and action → radius → intonation → locking and final checks.

Balance · Action and radius · Intonation · String changes · Care · Troubleshooting

Prepare Strings and Fine Tuners

Use the string gauges and tuning you intend to keep. Release the locking-nut clamps before coarse tuning and use an accurate tuner.

Set the fine tuners within their useful working range, leaving adjustment in both directions. Standard FlowTrem2 has no permanent fine-tuner tension plate; under string tension, each fine-tuner tip must engage its string-locking screw.

Tune the complete string set gradually with the machine heads. Gently stretch and retune new strings until they settle. Several tuning passes are normal: changing one string’s tension moves a floating bridge and affects the others.

Balance the Bridge

For a normal floating installation, set the baseplate parallel to the guitar’s intended bridge reference plane—not automatically the visible surface of a carved top. A deliberately decked, dive-only or blocked system follows its intended stop position instead.

With all strings at the intended pitch:

• Rear of the baseplate sits too high: increase spring tension by turning the claw screws inward.
• Rear sits too low: reduce spring tension by turning the claw screws outward.

Make small, similar adjustments to both screws, then retune every string and recheck the bridge position. Repeat until tuning and neutral position are stable together. Do not use pivot height to correct spring balance.

Keep the claw secure and maintain adequate screw engagement. Spring count depends on the actual strings, tuning and spring strength; there is no universal number. If adjustment runs out, use a suitable spring arrangement rather than forcing or backing out the screws excessively. Support and unload the bridge safely before changing springs.

A finish-safe setup block can hold the neutral position while balancing. Remove it only when lightly loaded or free—never force it out.

Action and Radius

1. Check neck relief first. Follow the guitar maker’s guidance; use a technician if the neck or truss-rod response is uncertain.
2. Set action with the two pivot studs. For substantial height changes, support the bridge and reduce string and spring load. Use the correct tool, keep both knife edges seated and never force a binding stud.
3. Retune and rebalance. Measure from fret top to string underside, commonly at the 12th fret. Check across the neck for buzzing or choking during bends; there is no single correct action for every guitar.
4. Check the actual string radius. FlowTrem2’s V geometry gives gauge-dependent support height. Measure beneath the installed strings rather than judging saddle-body height. A compound-radius neck needs its bridge-end geometry considered.
5. Check pickup clearance during playing and tremolo movement.

Do not file the V-shaped contacts, twist the bridge to correct one string or add conventional Floyd Rose saddle shims without a specific KMS-approved configuration. If the required radius or gauge placement is uncertain, contact KMS support before changing saddle geometry.

Intonation

Set intonation only after the strings, tuning, bridge balance, relief and action are stable. Keep the nut unlocked.

1. Tune the open string. Compare the 12th-fret harmonic with the fretted 12th-fret note, using normal playing pressure.
2. If the fretted note is sharp, move the saddle away from the nut. If it is flat, move it toward the nut.
3. Detune that string until slack. Hold the saddle, loosen its mounting screw, move it slightly and secure it squarely against the baseplate. Do not slide a saddle under full string tension.
4. Retune, recheck the bridge position and measure again. Repeat for every string.

Do not aim for a visually regular saddle pattern. If a saddle reaches its limit, check the string condition and setup before modifying anything. Use only the mounting positions and screws approved for your FlowTrem2.

Lock and Check

Once setup and tuning are stable, secure the nut clamps without excessive force and make small corrections with the fine tuners.

Start with light vibrato, then a moderate dive and an up-bend where the installation permits it. Release the arm naturally and check tuning after each movement; do not push it back to an estimated center.

Gradually check the complete intended range, including block, springs, locking screws, wiring, pickups and rear cover. The illustrated clearance guide shows the key areas. Stop if anything rubs, catches or hits. Recheck after the first playing sessions.

Fine tuner at its limit? Unlock the nut, reset a useful fine-tuner range, tune with the machine heads, recheck balance and lock again. Do not force the screw farther.

String Changes

For the same gauges and tuning, changing one string at a time helps preserve the existing balance:

1. Release the corresponding nut clamp and detune the string.
2. Loosen the string-locking screw only enough to release the insert. Inspect the insert and remove the old string.
3. Cut off the replacement string’s ball end cleanly. Seat the straight end fully in the locking recess, clamp securely, tune and gently stretch.
4. After changing the set, retune all strings, check balance and intonation, then lock the nut and fine-tune.

If removing all strings, support the bridge before reducing tension. Keep it seated on the studs and protect the finish; the springs normally stay fitted.

Without string tension, some vertical saddle movement is normal for the standard plate-free system. Temporarily lowering the fine tuners to support the locking screws during restringing is optional, not required. Return them to a useful range before tuning.

A change of gauge or tuning calls for a fresh balance, action, radius, intonation and clearance check.

Cleaning and Care

• Wipe off sweat with a soft cloth after playing. Remove dust gently; if slight moisture is needed, dry the parts afterward.
• Avoid abrasive or metal polish, steel wool and aggressive cleaners on natural, anodized, PVD or DLC surfaces. Do not file or polish knife edges or saddle contacts.
• During string changes, inspect locking inserts, fasteners, pivots, spring hooks, claw attachment and wiring. Tighten only where needed, following the supplied guidance—not as a routine “extra turn.”
• Keep FlowBar and OmniPort clean; inspect O-rings for damage and correct seating. Use only specifically approved cleaners or lubricants, including for the O-ring material. Do not add thread-locking compound without approval.
• Remove the FlowBar for transport when it could press against the case. Protect the arm and O-rings; store the guitar dry.

Quick Troubleshooting

Stop and seek service for moving inserts, damaged threads or pivots, an unstable claw, persistent slipping, or any setup that needs force or permanent modification. Email service@kissmystrings.com with the string gauges, tuning, symptoms and clear photos.