MSA lfret illuminated fretboard - how do they work?

[RichT]

Hi folks.
Have any of you seen MSA’s “Lfret” led-illuminated fretboard in the flesh (not just in photos)?

The reason I’m keen to find out more about it is because I’ve applied for a Patent that also solves the problem of seeing the fretboard in dim conditions, and I want to confirm that mine has enough “novel features”, as the Patent Attorneys say, to warrant taking it further.
Patents are bloomin’ expensive, as some of you might already know.

From the MSA photos, it looks to me like they’ve placed lots of leds under an opaque white plastic or glass fretboard that’s been painted black in between the frets, and silk-screened a transparent colour where position markers are required.
That’s just my guess but does anyone know for sure?
Cheers!
RichT.

[Uncle Roy]

The man who can answer that question is our very own Malcolm McMaster.
Just give him a cup of tea and a lump of cake and he will be your mate for life

[David Hartley]

I don't know how they work but this closed thread has a few pictures for anybody who hasn't seen them.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 390f37ad0e

[Malcolm]

That rules you out Mr Heap, you never buy me tea or cake or donuts .Rich the Lfret by MSA is pretty much as you describe, I saw the two prototypes at Dallas show, one already built into an MSA legend and one retro fit , also one built into super slide lap steel,which when they come into production will be available to fit most makes of pedal and lap steel.They have not come into production yet due to Kyle receiving a serious shoulder injury from which he is still recovering and they had a minor supply problem with the glass supplier, which I believe has been sorted out.Not sure when they will be back up to speed and production commence, but mine will be first one made according to Kyle.

[Ken Byng]

By golly, it must be great to be rich Malcolm, and have all the latest gizmos that you have.

I will have to make do with cake candles lit around my fretboards in low light conditions. ( )

[Malcolm]

Rich me?!!!! I have one steel ,two amps,two effect units- Mr Byng has, -- ShowPro, Emmons, ShoBud, Mullen, Zum, countless amps, newest one being gold plated Telonics(if not gold plated ,it should be at that price). .With all those plugged in (plus recording studio gear) you must have a large wallet to pay electric bills, or do you have one of those low interest loans from Spencer "Wonga" Scott.Between two of you you must own most of Southern England, doubtless subsidised by all the money from our Scottish oil revenues that are squandered by "British " government.

[Uncle Roy]

Ken, Don't mention cakes to Malcolm or he will be down to Southampton like a shot looking for free handouts
See you in Dublin.

[RichT]

Gee......... was only asking about the fretboard ...... didn't mean to start a food fight with all these buns !!!!!

But seriously ....... many thanks to all who have replied. You guys are the best!
I might contact some of you soon to let you try some prototypes.
Cheers for now.
Rich.

[Ken Byng]

Rich me?!!!! I have one steel ,two amps,two effect units- Mr Byng has, -- ShowPro, Emmons, ShoBud, Mullen, Zum, countless amps, newest one being gold plated Telonics(if not gold plated ,it should be at that price). ...................

You left out the Carter and the Hudson Hudsonator Malcolm. I have just the 9 amps, and 19 guitars. My financial technician - Spencer Scott - gives me interest-free loans if I see an instrument or amp that I fancy. However, since he paid to have his recent operations carried out privately, Spence is now down to his last £10M.

You will get the chance to see the Telonics amp at close range in Dublin, and if you are really lucky I will let you touch it.

[Malcolm]

Will bring my rubber gloves in case I mark it.