Fretlight 400 Series - User Manual

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Table of Contents

able of ContentsTable of Contents

Table of Contents

Performance Guarantee, Introduction, Customer Care & Warranty

Performance Guarantee, Introduction, Customer Care & Warranty Performance Guarantee, Introduction, Customer Care & Warranty

Performance Guarantee, Introduction, Customer Care & Warranty ….…………………... 1

Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight

Installing Software & Connecting the FretlightInstalling Software & Connecting the Fretlight

Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight……………………………………………………… 2

Connection Tips

Connection TipsConnection Tips

Connection Tips……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

The Player’s Guide to Getting Started

The Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting Started

The Player’s Guide to Getting Started……………………………………………………………………. 4

• Parts of the Guitar………………………………………………………………………………………..

• H

ow to Hold the Guitar……………………………………………………………………………….. 4

• How to Hold a Pick……………………………………………………………………………………… 5

• How to Use a Guitar Strap…………………………………………………………………………… 5

• How to Tune your Fretlight Guitar………………………………………………………………. 5

• How to Connect your Fretlight Guitar to an Amplifier……………………………….. 6

• Adjusting the Settings on Your Amplifier……………………………………………………. 6

• Adjusting Volume Control, Tone Controls & the Pickup Selector………………. 6

• The Five Different Positions on the Pickup Selector……………………………………. 6

Using your Fretlight Guitar

Using your Fretlight GuitarUsing your Fretlight Guitar

Using your Fretlight Guitar…………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

• Artist Videos & Lessons……………………………………………………………………………… 7

• The Chord & Scale Library…………………………………………………………………………… 7

• Improviser………...………………………………………………………………………..……………….. 7

The Fretlight Neck & System

The Fretlight Neck & SystemThe Fretlight Neck & System

The Fretlight Neck & System………..……………………………….……………………………………….. 8

Understanding Humidity

Understanding HumidityUnderstanding Humidity

Understanding Humidity………………………………………………………………………………………... 9

Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight

Adjusting the Neck of your FretlightAdjusting the Neck of your Fretlight

Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight………………………………………………………………………. 9

FAQ

FAQFAQ

FAQ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

Main Page

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Fretlight 400 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

The Fretlight Guitar System is a comprehensive learning tool designed to help users learn and play the guitar. It features an advanced polymer fretboard with integrated LED lights, a dedicated Sonix micro-controller, and a suite of software applications to guide the learning process.

Function Description:

The core function of the Fretlight Guitar System is to visually display chords, scales, songs, and riffs directly on the guitar's fretboard using 132 low-profile LEDs. This real-time visual feedback helps users understand finger placement and musical patterns. The system integrates with various software components, including:

Fretlight Studio Software: This is the central hub for the Fretlight system. It allows users to install and manage Fretlight instruments, access learning resources, and control the guitar's LED display.
The Player's Guide to Getting Started: This section covers fundamental guitar playing techniques, including how to hold the guitar, how to hold a pick, how to use a guitar strap, and how to tune the Fretlight guitar.
Artist Videos and Video Lessons: Users can access a library of artist videos and video lessons to learn songs and musical genres. These videos are designed to work in conjunction with the Fretlight's LED display.
The Chord & Scale Library: This feature helps users understand chord and scale patterns. It includes a QuickStep Playlist for creating custom chord progressions and stepping through them with a footswitch, aiding in memorization and transitioning between patterns.
Improviser: A powerful tool within Fretlight Studio, Improviser provides over 120 built-in progressions, allowing users to practice improvising over backing tracks. It also lights up chord tones on the fretboard, facilitating rhythm playing with different inversions.
Fretlight Ready Software: This refers to additional "help" files included with every piece of Fretlight software, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Guitar Pro Software Support: The system is compatible with Guitar Pro software, offering additional learning and playing options.
PC and Mac Software Support: The Fretlight system is designed to work seamlessly with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Important Technical Specifications:

Fretboard: Advanced polymer fretboard with standard silver-nickel frets.
LEDs: 132 low-profile LEDs integrated into the fretboard for visual feedback.
Micro-controller: Dedicated Sonix micro-controller powers the learning system.
Connectivity: Features an 8-pin DIN plug for connecting to the computer. It is crucial to note that this is NOT a standard 5-pin MIDI jack, and attempting to plug a MIDI cable or send MIDI information will cause severe damage and void the warranty.
Output Jack: A 1/4" instrument cable output for connecting to an amplifier.
Pickups: Standard guitar pickups for sound output.
Controls: Volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch.
Truss Rod: Stratabond® engineered hardwood neck with a two-way truss rod for adjusting neck relief. Truss rod adjustments can take approximately 48 hours to settle.

Usage Features:

Installation: For PC users (Windows 7 and above), installation involves inserting the Fretlight Software Installation disc, clicking the "Install" button, and launching Fretlight Studio. For Mac users (OSX 10.7 and above), installation involves browsing the disc, opening the "Mac Software" folder, and installing Fretlight Studio.
Connecting the Fretlight Guitar: Connect one end of the USB cable to the Fretlight guitar and the other end to a ROOT USB port on the computer. Connect a 1/4" instrument cable from the guitar to an amplifier.
Holding the Guitar: Proper posture involves sitting upright with relaxed knees and shoulders, with the guitar's bottom curve resting on the lap and strings angled slightly upward. The fretting hand wrist should be below the fretboard, allowing fingers to reach across the strings comfortably.
Holding a Pick: Position the pick with the thumb facing upwards, relax the hand, place the pick between the side of the index finger and the front of the thumb, and maintain a light grip.
Using a Guitar Strap: Locate the two strap knobs on the guitar, one at the bottom end and the other near the neck. Adjust the strap length for comfort.
Tuning the Guitar: Before playing, ensure the guitar is in tune. The Fretlight guitar uses standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E). Adjust the six tuning pegs on the headstock. A video tutorial on tuning is available in the Fretlight Video Player.
Adjusting the Settings on Your Amplifier: After connecting the Fretlight guitar to an amplifier, adjust the settings to create different sounds and tones. Consult the amplifier manual for more information.
Adjusting Volume Control, Tone Controls & the Pickup Selector: Use the Pickup Selector Switch to activate different pickups (neck, middle, bridge). The Volume Control adjusts the overall volume, and the Tone Control adjusts the sound's brightness or dullness.
The Five Different Positions on The Pickup Selector: The pickup selector offers five positions, each activating a different combination of pickups (neck, middle, bridge) to produce varied tones.
Fretlight Dual Footswitch (Optional): This accessory provides hands-free control of the Fretlight software. Connect the 1/4" plug from the footswitch into the 1/4" jack on the Fretlight USB cable.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning Your Fretboard: Use only a dry or damp cloth (water only) to clean any finger oil or residue. Do NOT use solvents, oils, or fluids other than water, as this will void the warranty. Small scratches can be smoothed out by lightly buffing with a Scotch-Brite™ pad. Do NOT use a powered sander or sanding device.
Understanding Humidity: Climate affects a guitar's playability. Humidity changes can cause the neck to bow, leading to fret buzz. A simple truss rod adjustment can resolve most fret buzz issues.
Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight: If the neck needs adjustment, loosen the strings, insert the Allen wrench into the truss rod nut, and turn the truss rod clockwise to straighten a bowed neck or counter-clockwise to relieve a backward bowed neck. Stratabond® necks require approximately 48 hours for adjustments to settle. If uncomfortable performing this, contact a guitar service technician.

Troubleshooting:

Buzzing on strings/frets: Can be caused by playing too hard, improper guitar setup, or humidity changes affecting the neck. Solutions include playing softer, a truss rod adjustment, or consulting a luthier.
LED lights not working/showing demo pattern: Check software (ensure only one Fretlight program is running), proper Fretlight connection (fully inserted cables, ROOT USB port), and footswitch settings (ensure lights are enabled).
Fretlight Studio not opening/giving errors: Can be due to old, corrupted, or incompatible software. Download the latest version from www.fretlight.com and disable anti-virus programs during installation.

Warranty:

Optek Music Systems, Inc. warrants all Fretlight guitars against defects in workmanship and/or materials for a term of 1-year from the receipt of product.

Fretlight 400 Series Specifications

General

Brand	Fretlight
Model	400 Series
Category	Guitar
Language	English

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