Fret Zealot Review | GEAR GODS

We take a closer look at the wonders of the light-up fretboard for learning the guitar: Fret Zealot!
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[@xanderraymondcharles]

Great video! pretty interesting concept

[@mykhedelic6471]

This is actually the best demo Ive seen of this, so far, so thank you. Most people just load up Smoke On The Water and wretchedly trip their way through it, you actually demoed the chord/scale features in decent depth and even the video teaching thing. Thank you.

[@mykhedelic6471]

FretZealot (since i know youre watching) is there a way to put, say, D Dorian on with all the notes lit one color and the D's in another color, simultaneously? Minor quibble...

[@FretZealot]

@@mykhedelic6471 literally jumped a little when you said that :-). **always watching**. YES this feature is now available. It wasn't when you made this comment, but the app was updated and the scales now have fully customizable colors for each note. You can light the D's in one color and all the other notes in another colors. You can even adjust the brightness of each note as well!

[@mykhedelic6471]

Already purchased, just waiting for the "Enter Your Own Scale" feature and the scale formula readout in the app (instead of 1,2,3,4,5 etc. actually have 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, 6, 7 etc.). Thanks, man!

[@FretZealot]

@@mykhedelic6471 that's definitely on our list of features we want to allow in the future. There are dozens of scale types currently, but some day you will be able to fully customize it.

[@lkgreenwell]

I find the idea of software development potential the most exciting - I’m thinking of, say, the Segovia scales, or Robert Conti’s exercises

[@FretZealot]

Thanks for the review, Trey! Really good feedback as well. Thankfully updates are free and pushed remotely through the app, so we'll definitely take note of your comments as we continue to improve the app.

[@Xcizior]

are you creating a 24 version at this time for 7 8 9 and fanned guitars? what about alternate tunings, will there be room in the app for that? will there be an app for windows(some people dont have a cell) if you can answer these questions, it would be wonderful:]

[@FretZealot]

@@Xcizior There are currently 57 alternate tunings in the app, so quite a lot to choose from there. There is not no windows app at this time, but next year we may release the ability to use a Chrome browser link over Bluetooth. I'm afraid 24 fret versions or a 7, 8, or 9 string fanned version will be quite a long ways away due to how few of those guitars are out there. Hopefully some day we can accommodate everything, but for now we have to focus on the biggest guitar scale length groups. We've made a note that you want to see that some day, though!

[@Xcizior]

@@FretZealot Awesome. You are doing things right, others out there wanting to start a company, take note. The big ones come about because they treat their customers AND potential customers like THIS. This was wonderful, and your willingness to talk to potential consumers makes my day. i will DEF. be following the growth and development of Fret zealot. Thank you again, and dont give up:]

[@FretZealot]

@@Xcizior we really appreciate the kind words and agree completely! We've definitely seen how a lot of companies create frustration with customers by ignoring them and are striving to be different. Thanks again!

[@AMadScientist]

After seeing reviews, I decided to get one. Got about a month ago. Worth the money for sure. Was able to learn a few songs much faster than the old fashioned way. It does everything as advertised. However, I'm currently on chat with Musicians Friend because the A flat line of lights went out along with a few other random ones. Tried everything...different scales...songs...chromatic scales etc...those lights stopped functioning. I'm on chat hold right now with Musician's friend. Explained and he said he's "going to see if there's anything he can do" I hope there is because this is a good tool I wish I had back in 1985. I'll add to this when I get info from Musician's friend. Edit: Not the A flat fret. It is the first fret that the lights were completely out. Not the "nut" strip but the one next to the first real fret. Edit: Musician's Friend says this item is un returnable and to contact Fret Zealot. I went to their website and opened a case. I'll update when I hear back.

[@scottintexas]

Totally agree about the direct connect, it would solve many of its few issues. I’d also like to see them partner with Positive Grid and connect via the Spark amp. Might solve the connect issue.

[@Marta1Buck]

I want it for the lighting alone 😂

[@DeansMayhem]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@kayokk-]

Great video review. The app showed well. Thanks.

[@sudoo6987]

I'm here for Trey it's been a while!

[@billg5750]

Cool video. I think this would be good even of it just showed you all the scales and chords. Could have used that when I was a young dude lol. These kids now a days have it all, bratts lmao.

[@Citizen_J]

Justin guitar has some good lessons.

[@33bricks25]

Does it show a chord in all positions at the same time or one by one ?

[@giuliom8520]

Great review by an experienced guitar instructor.

[@photosynthmusic]

Their customer support linked me to the Git Repository for the software, where smarty-pantses can edit their own light shows. Now I just gotta see if I can get smart enough to make them!

[@FretZealot]

We're also working on adding new light shows :-). Hoping to get custom fret market animations in this year!

[@noahboucard4150]

*Unboxing videooooo !* 🎵🎶

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Does the scales and chords feature work with alternative turnings? If so that would be useful for learning your way around a tuning your not used to.

[@FretZealot]

Yep! It currently has 57 different tunings available.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Fret Zealot so you can't add your own tuning?

[@FretZealot]

@@RainMakeR_Workshop not yet (it's something we're allowing soon, though). For real, though, if you want a tuning we don't already have (of the 57), we can definitely put it in there in the meantime.

[@omnomaly7458]

Like you said, great concept, but to a beginner I don't think this is the best solution. Maybe if they can drop the cost down to $150 and give it some polish on the software side then it would become immediately invaluable to a beginner. Great demo as always Trey!

[@intheroomguitar3311]

Rocksmith 2014 like 30 bucks ps4 or xbox 1

[@German_Motorbiker]

The idea of "Fret Zealot" seemed innovative and promising. Unfortunately, beginners will quickly be disappointed if they expect "Fret Zealot" to be a quick way to learn how to play the guitar. It is possible to display all possible chords and you can easily tune your guitar with the app. But then the stoked expectations quickly come to an end. Without instructions, which also do not exist, learning success is hardly possible. If, as a beginner, you choose a simple piece of music to play from the library on offer, then these are also indicated by the LEDs on the board. Unfortunately only by white glowing diodes, which do not give any information about which fingers should be used to play them. This is the end of the colored finger system, from which one hoped for learning success. Perhaps what is on offer is interesting for prospective solo guitarists or bassists who want to strum through the displayed song with a 1-finger system. Guitar courses are offered for a free trial period, but only in English and without reference to the "Fret Zealot" system and then cost 15 euros per month. There is only 1 guitar course in German for acoustic guitar, unfortunately again without reference to "Fret Zealot". What's missing, or I just couldn't find it anywhere, is an accompanying course for "Fret Zealot". What appeared to be a brilliant idea at first glance was implemented only half-heartedly. The advertising for "Fret Zealot" is questionable in its truthfulness because expectations are raised and then not fulfilled. The system seems hardly suitable for beginners. For a long time my electric guitar stood around as decoration in the living room. Now it is there again, but now with expensive LED lighting.

[@mariuscore2490]

can import song in guitar pro(.gp,gp3,)?

[@FretZealot]

Yes! Guitar Pro files can be uploaded either privately or to the public artist list.

[@NHail]

how'd you get it to fit flush with the frets on a 25.5" scale lenth strat??

[@flashpest]

Would you recommend putting this on an expensive guitar? If you want to remove it one day will it leave a residue or discolor your fret board? Thanks

[@FretZealot]

Higher quality guitars are better because they have high quality fretboards. The worst are super cheap guitars that have painted or poorly sealed necks. The adhesive is 3M 468MP (a common double-sided tape variety), so it's not a chemical epoxy or something like that. There should be no discoloration unless your guitars is exposed to UV or just regular changes from oil treatments, usage, etc.

[@flashpest]

@@FretZealot This product is genius. I've been using it for a few weeks now and I was able to memorize 3 scale structures that I never would have known before. I can't think of any negative comments one might have. Yet. I'm enjoying it at the moments and I see enjoying it for many, many future moments as well

[@FretZealot]

@@flashpest yes! That's amazing to hear! 🤘

[@HypnosisRosemead]

I bought the Fret Zealot LED Learning system installed from Fret Zealot on a beautiful Yamaha (inexpensive guitar). The guitar is great. The Fret Zealot is just a device that I cannot deal with. As It is cumbersome, and has not really taught me anything yet. The lights are too bright to look at, the application has a lot of faults, and it sounds, as a cheap keyboard (try playing BB King like that). It did not come with the black glasses. Also, I bought the guitar from Fret Zealot so that FRET ZEALOT would PROFESSIONALLY install it. I was thinking that they were going to do a good job, as this was done in the factory, but I was surprised, the installation looks really bad. The tape is not properly placed on the top of the fret board, so it does not contact the wood, and the dots from the Fret Zealot do not match the guitars dots on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, or 12th, fret. The worst is the fact that is really not a teaching device, and the fact that they sell it as if it was is deceiving. It is very expensive, this device to me is not worth more than $50.00, and that is because it is an electronic flashy toy.

[@Bierce88]

So can you download any tab, and use it? I have been using rocksmith for years, but this seems like a really good alternative for learning riffs. The only gripe I have by the design is how much extra weight there is on your headstock.

[@FretZealot]

It's surprisingly light, even to us. It doesn't affect the balance of the guitar at all. The metal capo we use as a mounting clip almost weighs more than the battery ha!

[@w1pev695]

For those of us who used to own a Fretlite guitar, the problem with having LED's directly under the strings is that in order for your eyes to line up the correct LED with the right string, you'll have to hold the guitar's fretboard at a very uncomfortable angle while playing. Looking straight down on the neck of the guitar makes it almost impossible to see the string associated with the correct LED. That was the biggest problem with the Fretlite and that's the biggest problem with this system. You'll probably hear seasoned players post that this isn't an issue but for the beginner this is a huge issue (Unless you want to play standing in front of a mirror).

[@FretZealot]

We can see why you'd think that! Fortunately we've accounted for that :-). The LEDs are fundamentally different and much more directional to the top plane versus old school LEDs that are like light bulbs (light in all directions). You see the glow on both the string and your finger when it's in the right position. It's actually so effective that you can find finger positions at greater than 180 degrees because of the glow on your finger.

[@darthstrim460]

Obscure metal band Duran Duran lol

[@intheroomguitar3311]

Yo man I got a request for ya to check out. I've wanted for awhile a pros point of view on rocksmith 2014 edition since you think fret zealot is awesome. Its what taught me how to play man I'd really like to see what ya got to say about it.

[@perpoletonganbanana5126]

I've often herd when your hearing songs the tuning 423,,,not 440,,,,

[@stephenbae2049]

I cant put this on frets 12-24 and cut off the extra 2 light strips?

[@FretZealot]

Unfortunately no :-/. We don't go past fret 14 because most acoustics mount at fret 14, but some day we hope to make it happen!

[@strikebackstudios7592]

great video! very funyn and informative! you do good work my guy! Keep it up... did you change rooms? whats up w the wood wall? its good.. very earthy.lol.is this only I os app based?LOL Thats just a little bit of the "D" LMFAO!!! BWUAHA!!ECT..omg so funny!!! how would you rate the installation of the firm ware.. and software.. how was that experiences?

[@FretZealot]

Hi there! Quick comment on the software- it's simple Android or iOS apps, so installation is automated on your phone when you download :-)

[@artist1303]

What about left handed guitar?

[@FretZealot]

The same version of LED strip works! There is a setting in the app to switch all the displays (both in app and on the LEDs) to left-handed.

[@TurkIsAwesome]

ive been playing for 11+ years now but im getting this because im too lazy to actually learn new scales and such.

[@lkgreenwell]

TurkIsAwesome *I*’ve been strumming since before the flood, can’t afford lessons, and that fourth chord just won’t come together! Am just waiting for delivery to the UK

[@ryotaryuu]

$400 is a lot of money for a teaching device especially considering that will probably be more than most people first guitar they are learning on. And considering the high rate of people who either lose interest in playing or just can't progress for whatever reason and quit this device just does not make sense. And this really isn't going to teach you how to actually learn music or anything. If it was maybe $99 it might make more sense since you wouldn't be out of a lot of money if you quit playing. I mean with the design of this product you could NOT even sell it because of the adhesive LED strips. If you could manage to pull it up "intact" you would never get it to stick to a different guitar or even lay down flat Good idea but just too expensive.

[@bschmalz81401]

It's not $400 though? $199 is still a bit much too but half what you posted.

[@rodjerdankist1125]

This is the 3rd bald Fret Zealot reviewer I've seen now. Do only bald dudes use this thing or what?!/

[@FretZealot]

That is... that's shockingly true. Definitely not intentional, but we all just had a laugh about that! Great observation.

[@philo3838]

You have it on acoustic

[@FretZealot]

That's just for visual purposes right now. It will still tune just fine in either mode :-).

[@IceyFlame500]

ha ha, yeah! Fuck bass! :D

[@lovinggirl537]

Nice spac

[@wgerd98]

Ernie ball? More like ernie... Balls hah!!

[@superancient]

Looks like you are playing a christmas tree.

[@TeeFetch]

Don't get it. It can damage the guitar if you remove it. I'm P.O.'d about it. FZ doens't pay damages or even admit fault when it's clearly their crap product.

[@MetalHeadHippie]

First . LOL Hey Dude. I thought about getting one of these but decided against it. Seems like a hassle?.

[@christineblack4654]

I have one, they play great, very well built, hardly ever adjust the neck. the only thing is that these builders, do they play guitar??? so stupid to put the volume knob right up close to the fucking strings were the hand goes when shredding down down to the small E chord. you playing and bang your hand is on the fucking volume knob. so people look for one that doesn't have a knob right under the bridge pick up. Stupidest thing I have ever seen.

[@phuongdh]

Sounds like a good idea but terribly executed. It's much easier to follow and look ahead on the tabs than these flashing lights. Scale lightup is the only useful mode it has.

[@abbasahmedlp]

Hes austhralion....

[@rafamacamp]

uuh, very usefull for beginers indeed! Aside from the fact that cost as much as a decent guitar!

[@treyxaviermusic]

I dunno if $200 buys you a decent guitar....

[@BackintheFall]

Ya i wanna know where you buy guitars lol

[@spiderfan1974]

Good luck taking it off without breaking the thing.

[@markfuller6464]

Isn’t this the same useless gadget Phil McKnight broke after 10 minutes?