Gordon Giltrap gets a second signature model from the ‘affordable boutique’ guys at Fret-King. We take the production prototype for a spin…
Signature guitars can be highly polarising, idiosyncratic in specification and limited to acolytes of the artist. If we’re honest, Gordon Giltrap’s first Fret-King signature fell into that camp with its multi-knobbed magnetic/piezo setup that was far from everyday. But irrespective of whether you’re a fan of the veteran British guitarist or not, this new version has much wider appeal.
Based on the Elise platform – like Giltrap’s original model and John Etheridge’s signature – this downsized, offset semi employs the Elise’s standard six-in-a-line back-angled headstock, which recalls Gibson’s Trini Lopez models. A fairly standard trapeze tailpiece with a dark brown ebony insert also features, which, again, references guitars such as that Trini Lopez and Gibson’s Barney Kessel signatures (the full production models will have a crown motif, designer Trev Wilkinson informs us).
Electronics, too, have changed for a simpler magnetic-only drive. Both Alnico-loaded humbuckers have brushed satin covers: a Wilkinson WVC is at the bridge and a WDGa mini-humbucker is at the neck, the latter of which is mounted in a soapbar single coil- sized cavity. Unlike a classic Gibson four- control layout, we get Wilkinson’s rotary Vari-coil, which morphs both pickups from full humbucking to single coil, plus a master volume and tone knob, and a three-way toggle pickup selector.
Denne historien er fra January 2017-utgaven av Guitarist.
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Denne historien er fra January 2017-utgaven av Guitarist.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sonic Shaper
Electro-Harmonix revisits the effect that launched the company with the LPB-3 Linear Power Booster and EQ
Platinum Blonde
PRS has updated its Texas-voiced David Grissom signature amp with more features, lower wattage and a more approachable price tag
TAN LINES
Many of us regard straps as a bit of an afterthought, but to find one that matches the quality of a custom or vintage guitar, Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather can help
ELECTRIC STRINGS
Your tone starts with your strings - strike a balance between sound, tuning and durability with six of our favourites
DIFFERENT WINDS
While there's no end to repros of all the classic pickup styles, more and more pickup makers are mixing things up to move forward - Cream T is a good example
Long termers
A few months' gigging, recording and everything that goes with it - welcome to Guitarist's longterm test report
Top Guns
Chapman's new factory move coincides with a bit of a rethink. We track down the key players all around the world
the Wishlist
Dream gear to beg, borrow and steal for...
Reach For The Star
Earlier this year Guild reorganised its 70s-era Polara range. We spent some time with this mid-range 2024 model: a modern pawn-shop prize or a copy too far?
HIGH FLYER
Adrian Thorpe of ThorpyFX remembers the flight path - and turbulence behind Chris Buck's Electric Lightning overdrive/boost, named after a fighter jet and packing a bona fide valve