Material Follows Function
KMS selects materials for the job each component has to do: support the string, hold an adjustment, move at a pivot or connect the bridge to the guitar. Material, geometry, manufacturing and surface treatment work together.
Materials in KMS Products
- Titanium: FlowTrem2 uses Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 for its CNC-machined titanium components, including the baseplate, saddles and MONOLITH block. Grade 2 is used where forming is required, including titanium FlowBars and the formed spring claw. The system also contains other materials; it is not entirely Grade 5.
- Brass: The ONE bridge body is CNC-machined from C36000 H02 brass. Brass is also used for selected KMS saddles and mounting parts.
- ZAMAK: Vintage ONE uses a vacuum die-cast zinc-alloy body blank followed by precision CNC machining. It is a different material and construction choice, not a lower quality tier.
- 7075 aluminum: Used for Whiptail and aluminum TV-Rails, where low component mass is part of the design.
- Stainless steel: Used for selected saddles and hardware where the required strength, contact behavior and corrosion resistance suit the component.
Construction and Surface Finish
Accurate geometry and well-fitting interfaces matter alongside the material. CNC machining and casting describe manufacturing methods, not guaranteed sounds.
A finish may provide appearance, surface protection or a functional contact layer. Friction and wear performance depend on the specific coating, substrate and application. A finish name or color alone does not establish its function; check the exact product version.
What Does This Mean for Sound?
Material can influence the bridge as part of the whole instrument. It does not act like a fixed equalizer setting.
Guitar Bridge Materials and Tone
Product Details
ONE & Vintage ONE Product Guide: Choosing 50, V or 2
For the wider range, visit the KMS website.
Guitar Bridge Materials and Tone