Fretlight Guitar releases the FB-525, their first electric bass guitar with their LED lit fretboard technology.
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This instrument is equipped with the same Fretlight learning system only tweaked for helping aspiring bass players.
At first glance, it may seem like a regular bass with a familiar look based on the popular P-Bass design. However the instrument’s classic look hides the modern features under the hood, including intricate circuitry and LED fretlights.
Its main selling point is the patented Advanced Polymer Fretboard that houses the build-in LED learning system.
The Fretlight system makes learning more convenient and easy by lighting up the frets to follow patterns for riffs and entire songs. You can set it to follow tabs, scale patterns and it can help you create your chords and harmonies thanks to its huge 5000 plus chord library.
Fretlight guitar inventor Rusty Shaffer had this to say: “For years, Fretlight has helped six-string guitar players of all levels take their skills to the next level. Now, by popular demand, we are taking that same technology and learning system and applying it to the four-string bass. We can’t wait to hear success stories from beginner to advanced players around the world.”
The Fretlight system does its magic when paired with a PC or Mac, it utilizes a combination of software and video instruction to quicken the learning process. You can slow down the video lessons to your preferred tempo, or you can loop certain phrases that you want to practice at a comfortable pace. When properly employed, this tool will help you build muscle memory, retention and confidence.
The Fretlight FB-525 is not just about lights, it is a legitimate bass guitar with a single coil bridge pickup and a P-style neck humbucker. Controls include a 3-way pickup toggle switch, a master volume knob and a master tone knob. Not much information is provided on the type of wood used, but based on the electric guitars they’ve produced, the body is most likely made of alder. The neck is made using Stratabond, an engineered hardwood known for its rigidity and strength.
The Fretlight Bass is currently retailing for $499.99, and it is available in right and left hand models. You can visit Fretlight.
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