Installing FlowTrem2 in a New Build

FlowTrem2 can be installed in a new guitar as either a recessed or top-mount system. The critical work is establishing the string centerline, stud position, longitudinal scale position and cavity geometry before any drilling or routing begins.

Use the current KMS Routing / Installation Drawing and matching DXF routing templates for the exact six- or seven-string version and mounting style. The drawing dimensions govern; the DXF files provide the 1:1 routing geometry.

1. Choose the Installation Architecture

Recessed

A recessed FlowTrem2 uses four routing operations:

1. Top Recess — 5 mm deep
2. Main Cavity — 12 mm deep from the top surface
3. Block Clearance — through route
4. Spring Cavity — 20 mm deep from the bottom surface

The current recessed KMS drawing defines the complete relationship between these four operations. Do not combine the individual templates into one routing depth.

Top-Mount

A top-mounted FlowTrem2 does not use the Top Recess or Main Cavity. It requires:

1. Block Clearance — through route
2. Spring Cavity — 20 mm deep from the bottom surface

Because the bridge sits above the top surface, verify the complete string plane, neck height and neck angle before routing. Do not copy a generic neck-angle value from another guitar.

2. Establish the String Centerline

The string centerline is the primary reference for the complete installation.

• 6-string: the centerline lies halfway between the D and G string positions.
• 7-string: the centerline passes through the center string and center saddle axis.

Mark this line accurately through the bridge area before locating the studs or routing templates.

3. Locate the Studs Laterally

Treble-side stud position relative to the string centerline is the lateral reference. The FlowTrem2's straight bass-side knife edge accommodates minor variations in stud spacing, but a new build should use the KMS stud spacing shown above.

Do not reposition the treble-side stud merely to reproduce another manufacturer's published stud-spacing figure. The treble-side stud establishes the intended lateral relationship between the bridge and the string field.

4. Locate the Stud Centerline Along the Scale

Use:

NUT-TO-STUD CENTERLINE = SCALE LENGTH - 11.0 mm

Measure from the nut reference point along the instrument centerline and establish a stud centerline perpendicular to the strings.

This position is matched to the FlowTrem2 saddle and intonation range. Final compensation is established later through the individual saddle positions.

5. Choose the Stud Mounting Method

FlowTrem2 can be installed with standard press-in bushings or with compatible wood-screw studs.

Standard Bushing Mounting

Recommended bore diameter: Ø10.0 mm

Bushing bore depth: 20 mm

Depth reference:

• Recessed: measure from the top-recess floor.
• Top-Mount: measure from the top surface.

The KMS bushing has approximately 10.2 mm maximum outer diameter. Ø10.0 mm is the standard bore recommendation. In softer woods, Ø9.8 mm may be appropriate; verify the actual press fit before installation rather than forcing the bushing into an unsuitable bore.

Optional Wood-Screw Stud Mounting

Use only in dense, structurally sound body woods.

• Ø6.9 mm × 9.5 mm deep counterbore
• Ø4.4 mm × 35 mm deep pilot hole

Depth reference:

• Recessed: measure both depths from the top-recess floor.
• Top-Mount: measure both depths from the top surface.

Verify body thickness before drilling. Do not drill through the back surface.

6. Transfer the Routing Geometry

Download the current routing files here:

FlowTrem2 Routing Drawings & DXF Files

Use the exact KMS routing drawing and matching DXF set for:

• 6-String Recessed
• 6-String Top-Mount
• 7-String Recessed
• 7-String Top-Mount

The DXF geometry is intended as 1:1 millimeter geometry. Do not scale it. Confirm the file units after import into CAD/CAM software before machining.

Each template is orientation-dependent. Confirm:

• NECK direction
• TREBLE SIDE
• BASS SIDE
• STRING CENTERLINE

The Block Clearance template is asymmetrical. If it is routed from the bottom, mirror the template as specified in the drawing.

7. Route in Separate Operations

Do not route to final depth in one uncontrolled pass. Use appropriate tooling and staged passes for the body wood and machine setup.

For recessed installations, keep the four routing operations separate because they have different depths and functions. For top-mount installations, only the Block Clearance and Spring Cavity remain.

Before removing the guitar from the fixture, verify all critical dimensions against the drawing.

8. Check the Complete Movement Envelope

A tremolo route is correct only if the installed bridge can move through the intended range without contact.

Check clearance around:

• Baseplate
• Fine-tuner mechanism
• String-locking hardware
• Tremolo block
• Springs
• Spring retainer where fitted
• Cavity walls
• Rear cover

The KMS drawing shows the fine-tuner screw at maximum downward projection to illustrate the relevant mechanical extreme. Verify the complete real movement range on the assembled guitar.

9. Select the MONOLITH Block Configuration

Do not choose the block only from body thickness or from a conventional Floyd Rose block number. The effective installed reach, spring geometry, rear-cover clearance and intended movement range all matter.

How to Choose the Correct Tremolo Block Height

Use the shortest configuration that provides the required spring geometry and movement range without contact.

10. Install the Studs and Test-Fit the Bridge

After routing and drilling:

1. Clean all bores and cavities.
2. Verify the stud bores are perpendicular and correctly spaced.
3. Install the bushings or wood-screw studs using the selected method.
4. Set both studs to an initial equal height.
5. Fit FlowTrem2 onto the studs without forcing either knife edge.
6. Confirm that the treble-side reference seats correctly and that the bass-side straight knife edge has free functional contact.
7. Move the bridge through the intended dive and pull-up range by hand before stringing.

Stop if the bridge binds, rocks incorrectly on the studs or contacts the body unexpectedly.

11. Install the Spring System

Install the spring claw and springs so that the spring pull is centered and mechanically clear through the intended tremolo range.

The exact spring count and claw position depend on:

• String gauge
• Tuning
• Desired floating angle
• Spring type and tension

Do not use spring-claw position to compensate for incorrect bridge or stud geometry.

12. Locking Nut and String Plane

A new double-locking installation also requires a correctly positioned locking nut and a viable neck/string plane. These are separate precision operations.

Before final assembly confirm:

• Nut width and string spacing
• Nut radius
• Nut shelf height
• Neck height / neck angle
• Available bridge-height adjustment

Do not rout the body first and attempt to solve an incompatible neck plane afterward.

13. Initial Assembly and Setup

Once the mechanical installation is confirmed:

1. Install the intended string set.
2. Balance spring tension against string tension.
3. Establish the neutral bridge position.
4. Set approximate action.
5. Stabilize and stretch the strings.
6. Set final intonation.
7. Recheck the full movement envelope and return to pitch.

Detailed balancing, action, intonation and maintenance continue in:

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

Final Check Before the Guitar Leaves the Bench

Confirm:

• Correct six- or seven-string bridge installed
• Correct recessed or top-mount route used
• String centerline aligned
• Treble-side stud reference correct
• Stud spacing correct
• Studs secure and perpendicular
• No binding at either knife edge
• Full intended tremolo travel available
• No fine-tuner, block, spring or rear-cover contact
• Spring claw secure
• Correct MONOLITH configuration installed
• Locking nut secure and correctly aligned
• Bridge returns freely to its neutral position
• Final tuning and intonation stable