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Fret-King Blue Label Esprit 3 £569

Having designed numerous guitars for other brands, Trev Wilkinson's Fret-King range is back for 2008

The MusicRadar Team, Fri 28 Mar 2008, 1:33 pm UTC

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Three P90s and a five-way selector provide a versatile tonal range

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The neck pickup adds some 'flute', especially effective with a gain boost, while the middle pickup nails a tough Texas blues attack.

Trying to pigeonhole this one stylistically is hard. With cleaner amp tones it's strum-friendly, especially with those darker, slightly narrower-than-Strat, hum-cancelling, mixed positions (that also work on a crunchier amp tone - just turn down the guitar volume and you can do a passable Strat-y intro), yet change your playing style and there are some old-style blues sounds that are perfect too for edgier pop and Americana.

There's not really enough push from the guitar alone for heavier gained riffage, but kick in a stompbox and again you'll be surprised how far you can push it. Overall it feels good, stays in-tune, the controls work properly with good 'woman' tone potential from the tone control. Damn close to perfect for those with open ears, and of course, eyes.

The Esprit is a simply excellent design and in this surprisingly Strat-y '3' version could find a place for all sorts of styles. It's rootsy and rocky and there's little doubt you'll be noticed.

Verdict

If you're looking for something different, but not radical, the Espirt 3 is the answer. A classic in the making?

MusicRadar rating:

4 of 5 stars

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MusicRadar rating

4 of 5

Pros

Original but classic design. Well built. Versatile range of Gibson-meets-Strat sounds.

Cons

It's no featherweight.

Verdict

If you're looking for something different, but not radical, the Espirt 3 is the answer. A classic in the making?

Review Policy

All MusicRadar’s reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.

Specification Show

Blue Label Esprit 3

Price:
£569
Country of Origin:
Korea
Available Controls:
Master Tone, Master Volume
Available Finish:
Cherry red, vintage white
Case Included:
true
Fingerboard Material:
Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius:
12 inch (305mm)
Guitar Body Material:
Mahogany
Hardware:
Chrome-plated
Includes Bag:
true
Inlays:
MOP
Left Handed Model Available:
false
Neck Material:
Mahogany
No. of Frets:
22
No of Strings:
6
Options:
The Esprit 5 (£549) features two Fret-King PAF-style covered humbuckers. There’s a four-string Esprit bass at £649.
Pickup Switching:
5 Position Blade - Bridge/Bridge and Middle/Middle/Middle and Neck / Neck
Pickup Type:
Three Fret-King P-90-style single-coils
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