Fret-King Eclat Custom Paul Rose Signature review: A single-cut with a difference – and we’re not just talking about that dramatic forearm scoop

Originally designed by Trev Wilkinson, the Eclat single-cut gets a makeover for 2023, and a signature tie-up with Brit guitarist Paul Rose

Fret-King Eclat Custom Paul Rose Signature
(Image: © Future/Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

In a world of copycat designs, this is something a little different with a core sound that is pretty impressive.

Pros

  • +

    Nice build with very detailed features.

  • +

    Good hardware and pickup choice.

  • +

    A wide range of mostly good, quite classic sounds.

Cons

  • -

    The push-push switching might not be useful for everyone.

  • -

    The Varicoil is far from gradual.

  • -

    It’s a heavy single-cut.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

In one of those ‘where the heck does time go?’ moments, we realise that next year it will be the 30th anniversary of Fret-King’s launch at the 1994 NAMM Show. In fact, 30 years ago, the original designer, Trev Wilkinson – who sold the brand to JHS in 2007 but still provides the pickups here – was putting his ideas into practice as he prepared for that launch. 

Fret-King has had quite a history since then. We’ve seen models made in the UK, Europe, Korea and most recently India where the latest 2023 collection is made, and, from this writer’s perspective at least, relative affordability has always been key to the range, which playfully adapts the classics – the epitome of inspired-by, not copycat design. 

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