Fret King Esprit III

[stevie_bees]

I managed to find a little shop close to where I gigged on Thursday night that stocked Gordon-Smith guitars. They are on my list of 'possibles' for my 40th Birthday guitar pressie to myself. I tried a very nice GS2, which is a Les Paul Special type of guitar. Played extremely nicely, and with coil-splits on both humbuckers, was a very versatile little guitar.

I also tried a Fret King Esprit III. It's a kind of cross between a Firebird and a Jaguar, with all mahogany body and neck, rosewood board, reverse headstock and 3 P-90's wired to a volume, tone and a 5-way switch. Considering I usually struggle with 'weird-shaped' guitars, I loved playing it!! I also enjoyed the P-90 goodness, married to the 'quacky' options that the 5-way switch gave.

2 very versatile guitars, and I think I'll be adding the Fret King to the list!!

Like it....???

[d1dsj]

Re: Fret King Espirit III

Did you play on the strap too? I like it, kind of reminds me of a MM Albert Lee too! 3 P90's must sound great.

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

Wow, I really, really like that! Very Explorer inspired, but I dig that it has some unique features added and yet still looks good. How's the neck carve and thickness?

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fret King Espirit III

Did you play on the strap too? I like it, kind of reminds me of a MM Albert Lee too! 3 P90's must sound great.

I didn't get to play it on a strap, but I was impressed with how well it sat on my lap. Some great 'growly' P-90 tones, with a little 'quackiness' in the notch positions. I played it through a little brown Traynor valve amp, which was good in highlighting the tones in both guitars.

[Sanford]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

It's cool, but if it were me shopping for a 40th birthday present I would have to love it. Do you love it?

[richard parker]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

I've fancied a Fret King for a long time. I really like the looks of the Esprit but I'd prefer it without the middle pickup which I know would get in the way of my pick.

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

I loved playing it!!

I hadn't really thought that I would like a 'shape' guitar, but it's playability was a fantastic surprise. I just need to ponder a little over the guitars that I have tried...

[Sanford]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

In that case: go for it! (and happy birthday, btw)

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

I've fancied a Fret King for a long time. I really like the looks of the Esprit but I'd prefer it without the middle pickup which I know would get in the way of my pick.

There is the Esprit 5 that has 2 humbuckers and a 3-way switch. Could fit a pair of Phat Cats to keep the P-90-ness...

[Jeremiah]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

Speaking of Gordon Smith, I really like the Gypsy semi-solid and have wanted one for a long time.

The shape of that Fret-King doesn't quite do it for me - I prefer their more 'normal' shapes like the Elan.

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

I like the look of the Elan too, but I think I'm looking for a more 'Gibson-esque' look.

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

I DO like it!

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fret King Esprit III

Wow, I really, really like that! Very Explorer inspired, but I dig that it has some unique features added and yet still looks good. How's the neck carve and thickness?

It's quite a chunky neck, but certainly not a palm filler. It felt very 'Gibson-y', and it was the Gibson scale length. Medium jumbo frets and 12 inch fingerboard radius.