Questions about the Fretlight® FG-400 Series Guitar
|
 |
A1. What is a Fretlight guitar?
The Fretlight® Guitar is a real, six-string, great quality electric guitar that utilizes a truly revolutionary patented technology, an interactive light system, that allows you, the player, to learn guitar and see what you need to play right under your fingers. Notes, scales, chords, progressions, lessons, songs, riffs, you name it. Are you still going back and forth from a book, diagram, or chart top the neck of your guitar? You need the information under your fingers! Think about it, where are the letters and numbers for the keyboard you've got in front of you - on a piece of paper to the side of it? - NO! They're right on the keys, under your fingers, where it makes the most sense.
Back to Top
|
|
A2. Does it really speed up the learning process?
Learning guitar is about repetition. Beginners and intermediates use the Fretlight to practice scales and chords. Having the patterns lit up underneath your fingers helps a player memorize the patterns more easily and quickly. Why would a professional need one? They light up an advanced scale or chord fingering and away they go. They don't need to know how to play, they need to know where to play. Once the pro visualizes the patterns, they're off and running and their creativity does the rest!
Back to Top
|
|
A3. There's a MIDI connector coming out of the guitar, does it use MIDI?
Actually, it just looks like a MIDI connector. MIDI uses 5-pin DIN cables and connectors. We use an 8-pin DIN connector. There will certainly be software programs that allow the use of MIDI files but you can't simply plug a 5-pin MIDI cable into the Fretlight and feed it MIDI data. We used the 8-pin DIN because it looks somewhat standard and it holds the cable into the guitar nicely, oh, yeah, and we needed more than 5 pins for our system!
Back to Top
|
|
A4. What is included with each Fretlight Guitar?
Every Fretlight guitar comes with the Fretlight Lesson Player including the first 30 lessons FREE + over 2000 chords and scales, and free trials on all the other hot Fretlight software titles. You will also receive the "Getting Started with Your Fretlight" DVD guiding you through the easy setup and explanation of each software program and instruction on how to tune your guitar. You will also receive a 10' Fretlight-to-USB cable, and truss rod/bridge adjustment tools.
PROGRAMS YOU GET WITH THE FRETLIGHT
Fretlight Lesson Player + 30 Beginner Lesson s + 2000 Chords and Scales
PROGRAMS YOU CAN USE ON A FREE-TRIAL BASIS
Note: Free-trial period begins on the date of installation of that particular program
Upon purchase, you will be instantly e-mailed a registration key to unlock the software.
Fretlight M-Player (14 Day Free Trial), Fretlight Improviser (14 Day Free Trial)
Guitarz! 6.6 (20 Day Free Trial), AxMaster (30 Day Free Trial)
Back to Top
|
|
A5. Do I get a CD-ROM for the Software?
Upon initial order of a guitar, you will get a CD-ROM with the Fretlight Lesson Player software and trial versions of all our other software. However, when you purchase additional software from us, it's all downloadable and therefore requires no additional shipping charges.
Back to Top
|
|
A6. I hear the Patent Pending Polymer fretboard is awesome, what's the scoop?
You have heard correctly! The new polymer Fretlight fretboard is incredible in many different ways. The one piece polymer fretboard is mixed to a special translucent tinting so that it hides the LED's when they're not on, but turn the LED's on and MAGIC, they show right there, clearly indicating where to put your fingers. But that's not all. Because of the inert nature of polymers, every Fretlight guitar neck is incredibly stable and not prone to as many seasonal adjustments and associated problems such as wandering or creeping frets.
The patented Advanced Polymer Fretboard gives the guitar some great side benefits besides hiding the lights:
1. Polymers in general have great sustain when tone is put through them and this neck does to sustain what active pickups have done to the magnetic pickup industry. Plain and simple it sounds great.
2. Being an inert material, the Polymer Fretboard won't swell and contract with the weather like a wood fretboard so you won't see fret migration problems or neck extraneous neck movement. It's straight as an arrow. There is still a truss rod in the neck, but simply set it and forget it!
3. Want different size frets? No problem, the polymer hold frets and allows repeated fret removal and installation without any degradation. Try that with a wood neck. Oh, and by the way, it's fast and slippery too. Want some reassurance? Go Ask a Fretlight Owner.
Back to Top
|
|
A7. What's the warranty on a Fretlight guitar?
There’s a (90) ninety-day limited warranty on all guitars, as well as a 30-day money back guarantee – less shipping and handling of course. We also sell a Two-Year Extended Warranty which you can purchase up to 10 days after you receive your Fretlight.
Back to Top
|
|
A8. Does the guitar's sound play through my computer's speakers or do I need an amp?
You do need an amplifier to play the Fretlight Guitar. No sound is transmitted via the cable that connects your Fretlight to your computer. That cable allows for the computer to power and control the light system. To hear the sound from the guitar's pickups, you will need to plug it in conventionally to a guitar amplifier with a 1/4" instrument cable (not included.) If you wish to input that sound into your computer, you will need a device that can translate the pickup's analog signal into a digital one that the computer can understand. There are several common USB devices that do this.
Back to Top
|
|
Questions about the computer connection
|
|
B1. How does it hook up to a computer?
It couldn’t be simpler. Just plug it into the USB port of your PC or Mac computer and away you go. The USB port provides the communication as well as the power for the lights.
Back to Top
|
|
B1a. How do I properly setup the Fretlight System?
The Fretlight Learning System utilizes 132 LED's which naturally produce slight electronic noise that, if improperly setup, could be heard through your guitar amp. Any proper musical setup should ensure proper grounding. Reference the chart below to setup the Fretlight system in your location.
DO
When using a power cord with your computer, make sure the power supply has a grounded, 3-prong, plug. Most newer computers (2002 – Present) come standard with grounded power supplies.
If you have a Laptop, you can certainly use it without connecting a power supply, thereby running it off its internal battery.
Make sure that the Fretlight USB cable is plugged into a root USB hub on your computer. That is likely the USB ports on the BACK of a desktop – the front ones most likely NOT root USB hubs, merely duplicates.
Make sure that you are plugging into a wall outlet that is grounded, in other words, has 3 prongs as shown above.
DON’T
Do not use a two-prong plug or a 3-to-2 adaptor plug.
Do not use a two-pronged wall outlet – only use 3-pronged, grounded, wall outlets.
Do not use an external USB hub – the Fretlight must be connected directly to the root USB hub of your computer.
CAUTION
Try not to use power strips or extension cords as they WILL introduce extra noise into the system. For best results, connect your system as shown above.
Make sure that you are using a shielded guitar cable. There is a difference when it comes to extraneous noise introduced into the system – use a good cable, we recommend using a name-brand cable.
Back to Top
|
|
B2. Is it Apple Macintosh compatible?
Yes – But. We have ONE software program that actually runs on the MAC OS – that is a plug-in for Garage Band. If you have a newer Mac with an Intel processor which allows you to run Windows XP, you can utilize our PC software. Our understanding is that you have to purchase Windows however. Click here to check out the Garageband Fretlight Plugin!
Back to Top
|
|
B3. What computer applications does Optek sell that connect to my Fretlight?
Go to the current list on the Fretlight Ready Software page.
Back to Top
|
|
B4. Can I learn to play specific songs on my Fretlight FG-400?
YES! The Fretlight M-Player song player is available for purchase and download. You can also purchase midi songs from us at www.fretlightstore.com and the Fretlight M-Player will let you hear the song and see it light up on the Fretlight. You can also loop sections of the song, slow it down, mute various instruments, etc.
Back to Top
|
|
B5. Is the Fretlight just for a beginner? Do you offer software for advanced players?
While the Fretlight guitar is an amazing tool for beginner guitarists, the more skills and experience you bring to the Fretlight the better and quicker it can help you. Remember, the Fretlight is a tool that can quickly show you entire diagrams or exact finger locations for any scale, chord, or arpeggio in any key and in any or all positions. Advanced guitarists don't need to know how to play a certain style, they only really need to be shown where to play. That's where the Fretlight really shines. You can break out into new styles, phrases and sounds nearly effortlessly.
To do this we first recommend the Fretlight Improviser software, it's a blast to play with and will quickly get you noodling in ways that were before not within your knowledge base. But for the nitty-gritty guitarist who wants more control and exactitude, we recommend the AxMaster software. It's a fully-controllable interface that demands expertise to get the most out of as the tools are more powerful and thus the rewards much greater.
Back to Top
|
|
Questions about shipping
|
|
C1. How do you ship my guitar if I'm outside the United States?
We ship to any certified international address. If you would like to know what the shipping cost would be to your particular country, please go to the FretlightStore and add products to your cart and proceed with the checkout process. Prior to entering any credit card information the store will calculate your shipping cost.
Back to Top
|
|
C2. Does my shipping cost include insurance in case of damage?
Yes it does. We insure every shipment for full replacement value.
Back to Top
|
|
C3. What is the standard shipping method within the U.S.?
All guitars and merchandise are shipped with a carrier or our choice for cost and reliability. As noted above, in the rare case of damage in shipping, we do insure every shipment for full replacement value. Normal delivery time to anywhere in the continental 48 U.S. states is 3-7 business days. Please refer to www.FretlightStore.com for accurate shipping prices. (The shipping rate includes any accessories which can fit inside the shipping box including hard shell case or gig bag, footswitch, etc.)
Back to Top
|
|
C4. Are there any expedited options available?
Yes! For continental U.S. deliveries we offer an expedited 2-Day Air option. Please refer to www.FretlightStore.com for accurate expedited shipping prices. The 2-Day expedited delivery begins from time of SHIPPING from our Optek facility. Although expedited orders are given a higher priority, we cannot guarantee shipping on the same day that the order is placed.
Back to Top
|
|
C5. How soon will I get my guitar after I order it?
We make sure that every guitar is fully tested and played before it goes out. This does slow the shipping process, but we feel that quality is more important than speed. In most cases we will ship within 3 days of the order being placed, however, there are cases when a large number of orders can slow us down to shipping within 5 days of receiving an order. Orders that have been selected for 2-Day Air upgrade do receive higher priority, but we can not guarantee that your order will be shipped on the day of, or the day after, you placing the order. Remember that "2-Day Air" does not mean that you will receive the guitar 2 days after you order, but 2 days from the day we ship the guitar (which could be 3-5 days.)
Back to Top
|
|
Questions about on-line ordering
|
|
D1. The Fretlight webstore gives me an error after I "Submit Order" What's going on?
In 90% of the case we have found it to be that the correct information was not inputed exactly as needed for the credit card to be accepted. Go back and verify your name is written exactly as it appears on your MasterCard or Visa, including middle initial if applicable. Also make sure that your billing address inputed is indeed the current billing address listed for that card. A single letter error in either of these cases will prevent the order from going through.
If you have verified that all the data is correct and the webstore is still not processing your order, we recommend that you call your bank that issued the card and ask them the following questions: Are they showing any recent charges placed by Optek Music Systems, Inc.? and, Is there a security limit amount on this card preventing you from purchasing the item you want? Also feel free to contact us directly with any concern either by phone or e-mail. Contact Information
*Special Note to International Customers: Many international credit card companies block purchases from U.S. webstores. Please call your credit card company to have this block removed so that you may purchase from our U.S. webstore www.fretlightstore.com
Back to Top
|
|
D2. Is your order system secure?
Yes. We take great pride in being a secure facility and protecting your privacy and financial data.
Back to Top
|
|
D2a. My web browser warns me: "You are being redirected to an unsecured site." What's going on?
After you enter your credit card information and "Submit Order", the secured webstore will process the transaction securely. It will then redirect you to the receipt page that confirms your order has been processed successfully and securely. This receipt page is "unsecured" as it has no sensitive information on it (your credit card information will not be displayed). If your browser is warning you that you are being redirected to an unsecured site, the order has most likely already been processed and received by Optek. If you hit "Cancel" you will only cancel seeing the receipt. If you've already done this, you can still see the receipt by logging into your FretlightStore.com account and clicking on "View Order Status and History".
Remember you can always e-mail or call Optek with any concerns. Contact Information.
Back to Top
|
|
D3. I've never ordered a guitar on-line, do many people do this?
Yes, it is commonplace to purchase guitars over the internet these days. 5 years ago, there was a limited number of internet music dealers. Today, you can find double-digits worth of these retailers. Of course, we’ve been selling direct for over 12 years and we’ve had great success in doing so. Though many guitars play differently, a good guitar technician can tailor a set-up to your playing style in about an hour, so you don’t need to play different guitars in a store anymore to see which one plays or feels the best.
Back to Top
|
|
D4. Will my guitar be ready to play out of the box?
Every guitar we ship gets set-up, tuned, played, and tested. Then we de-tune it so that no strings will break during shipping. Once it gets shipped the affects of cold and hot come into play and it will probably go farther out of tune. However, most of the time, you can simply tune it up and start jamming.
Back to Top
|
|
D5. Are there any custom set-up options?
Yes! When you go the Fretlight Store, click on "Packages" and you will see the listing for "Custom Deluxe Guitar Set-up & Extended Warranty". You can specify your desired playing action, string gauge, and primary playing style. Note, this will delay the shipping of your guitar 5-7 days. Also remember, when you receive a custom setup from us you automatically receive our Two-Year Extended Warranty!
Back to Top
|
|
D6. Do you offer accessories like cases and straps, etc.?
Yes we do, click here to see the full listing of accessories we offer on the Fretlight Store.
Back to Top
|
|
Other miscellaneous questions
|
|
E1. Why do guys like Edge (U2), Joe Perry (Aerosmith) and Carlos Santana have Fretlight Guitars?
This is an easy one. Most of these guys play in one or maybe two different scale types, e.g., minor pentatonic. In order for them to expand their playing and creativity they need to learn and use other scales. Do you think they have any more time on their hands than you, and want to crack a book to memorize the notes?? NO. They use a Fretlight to quickly get exposed to the different patterns. Remember, they don’t need to know how to play, just WHERE to play. The analogy is that you may be a great driver and have been driving a car for years. If we were to drop you in the middle of Alaska, you’d drive around in circles. However, if you had a map, you could go anywhere. The Fretlight Guitar is your road map to new sounds.
Back to Top
|
|
Copyright © 2008 Optek Music Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Revised: 09/25/2007
|
