Product Reviews

Fretlight Guitars
Special Edition FG-531 Vintage Electric Fretlight Guitar
fretlight.com

When I first heard about this concept, I laughed and joked with skepticism: a guitar with lights in the fret board? How are lights in a guitar neck really going to help my guitar-playing skills? I wrote off the Fretlight as more of a toy than an actual instrument, figuring I could at least use it to entertain drunken party guests. Then it arrived. Instantly, I knew I had misjudged this six-string electric axe. I ordered the Special Edition FG-531 Vintage Electric Fretlight guitar in black with a pearl pick guard and it was fucking beautiful. Modeled after a Telecaster, the craftsmanship was there. It boasts an advanced Polymer Fretboard, Stratabond birch neck and two vintage coil pickups—all components aiding in its vintage sound. The spec list continues with three-way pickup, selector switch, two-way truss rod, fully adjustable bridge, a Stratabond neck and of course, the LED fret lights. Easy-to-install Fretlight Studio software was included and a USB cable connects the guitar to a PC or Mac. Once I plugged it in, I was hooked! The Fretlight Studio is packed with numerous ways to improve one’s ability. MIDI versions of popular songs by The Beatles, Nirvana and numerous others were available to play along with. Tempos and speeds are easily manipulated according to skill level. As the computer tracked the song, chords lit up on the FG-531, showing me where to place my fingers. As a visual learner, this took my guitar lessons to a whole new level, making them carefree while increasing my performance immediately. The Hal Leonard play-along videos were also surprisingly cool. I loved the chord and scales section, where I could read lessons on music theory. Overall, the Fretlight Guitar and its software programs are incredible resources for guitarists of all levels. I implore skeptics of the Fretlight to try it out at a local authorized retailer—you may find yourself changing your tune. –Ann Eliza