Fret-King Launch Fluence Series guitars at NAMM 2017
Press Release: Combining the detail of British design aesthetic, with the cutting edge of US technology, the new Fret-King Fluence Series guitars make for a truly ‘Special Relationship’ between Fret-King guitars and Fishman USA.
Available in three of the most popular Fret-King models, all fitted with Fishman’s amazing Fluence pickups systems – which are based on the most iconic pickup designs of the last 70 years, with the additional advantage of optional voicing at the flick of the switch and free of the noise and interference problems of vintage pickups – these new guitars offer the modern guitarist a whole range of classic tones all wrapped in incredibly playable and responsive package.
The Fret-King Corona ‘Fluence’ FKV6F-OCB gives a 21st century makeover without losing any of the nuances that this classic guitar style is revered for. Using a centre joined two-piece American Alder body and mating it to a Canadian Hard-Rock Maple neck, the Corona has a solid base on which to build its tonal palette. The Wilkinson WV6SB Bridge and Wilkinson E-Z Lok machine heads provide superb sustain and unparalleled tuning stability, making the set of three Fishman Fluence Single Width pickups and its inbuilt rechargeable battery pack the icing on the cake for this magnificent instrument. The push/pull tone control, gives the player the ability to switch instantly from a classic true single-coil output, to an overwound, steroid-infused monster tone, all without the noise and buzz of the dreaded 60 cycle hum that can sometimes plague the standard pickup design. Finished in a traditional Original Classic Burst the Fret-King Fluence looks as good as it sounds and plays.
The Butterscotch finished Fret-King Country Squire ‘Fluence’ FKV2F-BS uses the same tone wood mix of Alder, and Maple, combined with a Wilkinson innovative WTB bridge that provides a traditional 3 saddle design for the very best sustain and tonal transfer. The Fishman Fluence pickup system and rechargeable battery pack again gives the player a choice of of the very best guitar sounds, combining the clear, warm presence of a standard single coil and then taking ‘over the top’ via the push/pull pot into a muscular, hot Texas overdrive, without losing those precious highs.
Resplendent in a Gloss Black finish the Fret-King Esprit V ‘Fluence’s solid Agathis body and easy-access Maple set-neck give the player the absolutely best possible sustain and tone via the Wilkinson direct mounted Tune-O-Matic style bridge and stop tailpiece. Fitted with Fishman Fluence humbuckers at the bridge, and neck position, these Nickel covered pickups move seamlessly from a classic calibrated PAF tone, imbubed with all the up-front dynamics that guitarists have come to expect from this kind of pickup, to the hot-rodded rock tone that defined the lead guitar via the push/pull pot. This Fishman Fluence pickup set is powered by a single 9v battery.
Check out the Fret-King Fluence Guitars at JHS/RBI Music Booth 5279.
Fret-King Elise GG Gordon Giltrap Signature Model
Designed in conjunction with UK guitar genius Gordon Giltrap and world renowned ‘guitar guru’ Trev Wilkinson, the totally reworked design of the 2016 Fret-King Black Label Elise ‘GG’ MKII (FKV3HGG) employs a two piece, centre joined mahogany chambered body with a double-carved solid maple cap and a figured flame maple veneer, finished in a gorgeous flamed Antique Sunburst. The direct mounted Tune-O-Matic bridge with attractive ebony trapeze tailpiece provides superb tonal transfer and sustain, that resonates along its easy access mahogany set neck and ebony fingerboard. The Wilkinson neck mini double coil and standard bridge double coil provide a wide variety of tones, thanks to the ingenious ‘Vari-Coil’ control that allows the player to progressively wind down the pickup to achieve single-coil tones. “What a beautiful guitar Trev has created” says Gordon. “I just love everything about it, from the luxury of ebony for the fingerboard and tailpiece to that classic antique sunburst finish.The pickup combination and ‘Vari-Coil’ are such a winning combination creating a superbly rich tone that suits my style completely.” Complete with luxury genuine Fret-King carry bag, the Elise ‘GG’ will be on display at the JHS/RBI Music Booth 5279.