Author Topic: After market LED Fret Markers. (Read 603 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** December 28, 2015, 04:26:41 PM »

I have some FretFX markers on one of my basses and want add LED's to a couple of mu guitars, but have recently noticed this other company making them at a very competitive price in comparison and wondered if anyone here has tried them?

I'm thinking of getting some for my Orion guitar and alembic powered strat.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Guitar-Scale-Fiber-Optic-LED-Fret-Marker-Lights-25-5-24-frets-scale-/281892701870?hash=item41a21d46ae:g:ICYAAOSwa39U0mSc

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2015, 05:03:31 PM »

Jazzy:

These are quite different from the FretFX markers. The FretFX are actual, individual LEDs. The Fretoptix is a single LED that mounts behind the headstock and has a fiber-optic line running down the side of the guitar. If you go to their website and look CLOSELY, (very closely, they appear to be trying to hide this part of their product), you will see that these require a fiber optic line running from behind the headstock to the front in a big loop (likely in the way of the tuners) and then runs down the side. I would suspect the side markers are not as big or bright as the actual LEDS. Also, these won't work on a Strat which doesn't have 24 frets.

As is almost always the case, you get what you pay for.

Hope you have a healthy, happy, and musical New Year.

Bill, tgo

edwin · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2015, 06:18:39 PM »

I tried the FretOptix (although they were sold to me as FretFX). They were terrible and fell apart when I was trying to apply them. Since they were purchased cheaply through ebay, I had no recourse. Hopefully FretFX are more robust.

I tried the Luminlay inserts, too. Not really bright enough long enough to be considered competitive.

If and when I try to get my fingerboard properly illuminated, I'm going to do it right. A local luthier offered to install them on my Starfire, but I think I'd want it done in Santa Rosa, if at all. I really like the current fingerboard.

(Message edited by edwin on December 28, 2015)

dtothec · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2015, 06:44:23 PM »

I have fretfx on one of my Rogues and they are great, I have had no problem with them. They are bright and the battery last a long time. As far as I know you can get them for almost any guitar because you specify what you are installing them on and they make them individually. My other Rogue has factory LED's and the fretfx actually are a little brighter. I would definately purchase another set if I bought another bass without LED's. I would say it is money well spent!

edwin · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:25:58 PM »

Good to know! Of course, time was when I played enough that I never had to look at the neck anyway....

flpete1uw · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:55:58 PM »

Jazzy,
I have the Fretfx on both my 30 and 32 scale Alembics. As stated you let them know the measurements they do the rest. All info on their website. No problems here as well.
Good luck!
Pete

sonicus · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2015, 08:07:10 PM »

Ultimately , not to look at the neck and the development of muscle memory can be extremely satisfying. If we are reading music it is essential to pay attention to the sheet music . Keep your eyes on the road and your hands up on the wheel . !

Wolf

dtothec · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2015, 09:05:08 PM »

Try driving your car on a dark road with no lights, you can keep your eyes on the road but you still can't see squat. Lol!

I've had to play on dark stages and I'll take the lights.

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2015, 09:14:43 PM »

A good exercise to build muscle memory is to play an unlined fretless with your eyes closed, however your ears must be wide opened ! .

Wolf

dtothec · « **Reply #9 on:** December 28, 2015, 10:00:23 PM »

Agreed! It will also train your ears. ;-)

rv_bass · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2015, 04:35:14 AM »

I corresponded with FretFX a few months ago. Apparently they are going to try to mass market specific scale lengths and short scale will no longer be offered.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2015, 05:36:48 AM »

I used to think there LED's were just bling for Stanley until I got my SCSD with LED's & now I see how functional they are & can't live without them! So I put Fret FX LED's on my Shecter & love them! Not nearly as good as Alembic LED's but much better than non illuminated markers.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2015, 06:03:36 AM »

Rob,
That could explain why it took over a month to get my 30 short scale LED's from Fretfx a few weeks ago. They also removed the E-Bay listing.
When I started to inquire why it was taking so long on my paid for product they said they were overwhelmed (feasible, it was Christmas time) and they had to reset the que to get my order in.
Maybe I got in just in time.
I do like the product, I hope what your saying doesn't happen.
As Rusty stated they do come in handy.
Pete

jazzyvee · « **Reply #13 on:** December 29, 2015, 06:12:34 AM »

rv_bass. I had a similar conversation with them on eBay recently and they confirmed what you said. I was about to bid on some but wanted the 30.75 scale length. The reply was, at the moment they can still make the custom scale length items but once they start to mass produce they cannot do that and in addition you will have to waive the warrantee before they will make one for you.

Glynn · « **Reply #14 on:** December 30, 2015, 02:20:29 AM »

I had my Orion retro-fitted with side LEDs from Martin Sims :- www.simscustom.com

Superb job - not cheap but a proper job.

Glynn