Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 11 2007, 06:49 PM

I've been looking into maybe picking up a Schecter guitar and from reading on here it seems like you guys know quite a bit about them.

I was bent on getting an Ibanez RG350DX, but when I saw the Schecter's, I loved their look.

I am going to London (in Ontario ) this weekend and I think I might check them out.

I was really looking at these two:

http://bellonesmusic.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=be&Product_Code=SCHECTER-C1HELLRAISERBCH&Category_Code=EG-SCHECTER
http://bellonesmusic.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=be&Product_Code=SCHECTER-C1CLASSICANTQ&Category_Code=EG-SCHECTER

I don't know much about Schecter's or buying new guitars in general.

Could you guys give me some advice about Schecter's and things to look for when I go down this weekend?

Thanks!

PS. These guitars may be a little out of my price range, so I may have to look at some cheaper ones, too.

Posted by: JVM Jun 11 2007, 06:57 PM

Man, those are pricey! Why not buy them off of musicians friend or something where they're much cheaper?

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 11 2007, 07:12 PM

They are Canadian dollars

Edit: The reason I don't buy one online is that I not only prefer to deal with people in person, but I have never played a Schecter and would certainly not buy a guitar without playing it first!

Posted by: JVM Jun 11 2007, 07:42 PM

Still, 960 canadian dollars ~= 900 USD, which is about $250 more than you'd spend on musicians friend (or elsewhere I'm sure). You can try it out at the shop then save yourself some money And musicians friend for example has a 45 day exchange-return policy on stringed instruments under $2000, so if you weren't satisfied with it you could just exchange it.

Up to you my friend, but I wouldn't pay that much more!

Posted by: VinceG Jun 11 2007, 08:32 PM

I own a schecter myself. I own a C-1+ and it plays like butter. Pickups werent bad either. I have also played the Classic which is just pure perfection. The pickups sound matches the beautiful hardware. Trust me once youve picked up any schecter, you wont put them down. Oh yea try searching for the C-1 FR. It has floyd rose, active pickups and beautiful finish for only $450 USD.

Posted by: Rock Jun 12 2007, 02:55 AM

I bought the C-1 Classic for $699US. I love this guitar. Great quality guitar for the money. I would have a listen to the Classic and the Hellraiser to see which one you like better seeing that the Classics have the SDs and the Hellraisers have the active EMGs. A matter of taste really. Schecter also makes a Floyd Rose version of the Hellraiser for another $150US if you are looking for a floating bridge. I haven't had one issue with my guitar. I hardly ever have to tune it. The only thing I would say is if you purchase a Schecter, it's worth changing out the tone and volume control pots for good US made CTS pots. Schecters are built in Korea so it makes sense that they would use Korean electronics, but they drop in and out and crackle. I changed mine out a week after I purchased for $50. I actually could have just purchased the pots online for $5 each and done it myself, but I figured for another $40 they could do it professionally and upgrade all the wire guage at the same time. This guitar is flawless for the money. I have heard a lot of guitars and I haven't heard as good a sounding guitar in the $700 - $800 price range. In my opinion, they compete in the $1200+ range.

Posted by: blindwillie Jun 12 2007, 11:05 AM

Great. Don't buy them without trying them. I'm like you. I prefer to have a live person to hit in the head with the guitar if I'm not happy. I want to check it in the store before bringing it home and have some weeks ruined because something is wrong. The finish is scratched, bad setup or whatever. But if the difference is 300USD is it worth it? How can musiciansfriend have those prizes? Both guitars are listed for a retail prize close to 1000$ on Schecters site.

As said the difference between them is a matter of taste. You have to pick out the one that suits you. One odd thing with the Classic is the lack of "fretmarkers" on 3, 5 ,7 fret and so on. Apart from that, play them and pick the one with the sound you prefer. They are both great and compete with much more expensive guitars in sound and quality.

I've tried several of the Schecter models and have never met one with the pot-problem. Until I got my Hellrasier. One pot was bad and the shop replaced it.

Right now I'm planning on buying the C1 Black Jack. Just haven't told my wife yet.

Posted by: kruchone Jun 12 2007, 05:35 PM

I own a Schecter C-1 Elite, and I love how they play. The only thing is that the factory settings are set to where the bridge is a tad to close the the frets. This produces some buzzing when you pluck the low E string. Just raise the bridge and you're good to go!

Posted by: kahall Jun 13 2007, 03:13 AM

I still have my C-1+ and I still love it. Only thing I had happen which was probably my fault was the output jack just fell out one day. No problem for me to put it back in but somehow the little nut that holds it in came loose. I check them often now and they are fine. It was probably loose the day I bought it but since I did not know what to check I never noticed it. So much easier to play then anything else I have tried and I cannot wait until I get a good amp to go with it. If you find one and you like the way it feels you will not be disappointed. Also I am not sure where you are from but at the guitar center here they told me I could bring it back within 30 days if for any reason I decided I did not like it. Like I said I still have it.

Posted by: SDMF75 Jun 13 2007, 03:37 AM

I bought the Hellraiser C1-FR almost a month ago and couldn't be happier! This joker will scream and plays so smooth.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 13 2007, 04:06 AM

Sounds like I will seriously be looking at this guitar on Saturday

What tips would you give me in prodding the guitar for quality? I know to do things like check for dents, play every fret to make sure they'll all solid, but what else should I do? I've only ever bought one guitar that wasn't from someone I knew and trusted and I ended up with a BC Rich Warlock Body Art guitar

Edit: The Warlock had a chip in the headstock which I not only overlooked, but the salesman did not inform me of which makes me quite unhappy with such mentioned retailer...

Posted by: Smikey2006 Jun 16 2007, 11:36 PM

hey, i might need to come with you to bellones to check out these schecters, i wanna see what im getting myself into with my next schecter

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 18 2007, 04:10 AM

I've decided to either go with the C-1 FR (not the hellraiser) or the Ibanez RG350GX. What say ye crowd to these options?

Posted by: Rock Jun 18 2007, 04:55 AM

The C-1 FR has the licensed Floyd Rose and I have read they may not be that good and that if you are getting a guitar with a Floyd Rose it should be an original.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 18 2007, 06:19 PM

What is the difference between a Licensed FR and a regular FR? Here I thought 'licensed' meant official or something. Bah.

The thing for me is that so many people have Ibanez guitars, especially the 350. It's no bang on the 350 because it must be an amazing guitar but I would like something a little different. From what the guy at the guitar shop told me (you guys can hopefully help verify) is that these guitars are very comparable.

I said I liked the Schecter's look more (just wish it had a fretboard) and in response he told me that he normally tells people to not just worry about the looks, but beings Ibanez and Schecter came from the same factory and were so comparable that it was fine of me to choose whichever one I simply liked the look of more.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 19 2007, 03:14 AM

I talked to the guy at the guitar shop tonight and he told me real FRs have not been made in almost 20 years and all FRs are licensed.

Sorry for the double post.

Posted by: SDMF75 Jun 19 2007, 04:05 AM

If you have any doubts about the Schecter read the reviews on them at the musicians friend site. after someone told me that I would like one I did the research and they're one of the only brands that get virtually no negative reviews. I went in in May with the intention of ordering the C1-FR but after playing the Hellraiser I had to have it. It's one unbelievable AXE! The EMG's in this thing scream and the sustain is great. The Floyd Rose is no big deal. It's just a matter of understanding how to adjust the springs in the back and putting something un the bridge when you replace the strings.

Posted by: Rock Jun 19 2007, 04:40 AM

Like I posted, I have the C-1 Classic and I love it. My next guitar may be the C-1 Hellraiser FR since the Classic has the SDs and the Hellraiser FR has the active EMGs and the Floyd Rose. Then in a few years possibly a high end Fender like a Jem7V or something.



Really? I have read posts where people have said the Original FR is better than the licensed. In fact, if you jump on the Schecter website they specifically list one as licensed and one as original. Maybe I will give them a call tomorrow to satisfy my curiosity. Nothing better than going to the source.

Posted by: Rock Jun 19 2007, 05:08 AM

Ok, Floyd Rose still exists and there is definitely a difference. Here is a good description from Wikipdia

Models and varieties

Floyd Rose Original is the oldest model still in production. Since 1977, production models bearing this name are mostly the same as the first model, with only minor changes. Note that the name "Floyd Rose Original" is used to differentiate this system from "Floyd Rose Licensed". The first Original Floyds were double locking but did not have fine tuners, requiring the nut to be opened any time minute string intonation changes needed to be made.

Floyd Rose II is a lower end version of the Original Floyd used mostly on import and mid-range instruments. Originally, Floyd IIs were single locking, locking only at the nut. Later versions were made double locking, but used weaker materials than the Original Floyd Rose, making them less dependable.

Floyd Rose Licensed are made by other manufacturers that have purchased a license from Floyd Rose. These model generally follow the designs of the Floyd Rose Original, but tend to deviate slightly from the original for the manufacturing process to be more cost-efficient. Most licensed companies use the same design that makes their parts inter-changeable between any two licensed tremolos, but not the Floyd Rose Original. The bridges of such systems are clearly engraved "Licensed under Floyd Rose Patents" and Floyd Rose does not offer any customer support for them. Construction quality of Floyd Rose Licensed tremolos may be compromised due to the cost-efficient techniques, but the reliability of licensed models that match the price of originals are usually high, whereas cheaper variations are often of lower quality as they would have used cheaper manufacturing processes. Two well-known manufacturers of Floyd Rose Licensed tremolos are Schaller and Gotoh. The Ibanez Edge Pro tremolo is widely considered to be the best licensed variation, and many consider it equal or even better than the Original Floyd Rose.

Floyd Rose 7-String is a redesign of Floyd Rose Original for 7-string guitars. The design and working principles are otherwise the same.

Floyd Rose Pro is a low-profile version of Floyd Rose Original. The bridge and arm design is changed in a way that guitarist's hand would be generally closer to the strings while holding the tremolo arm. The bridge has a narrower string spacing (0.400 inches or 10.16 mm in this design versus 0.420 inches or 10.66 mm of the Floyd Rose Original). Fine tuners are slightly angled for more comfortable play.

Floyd Rose SpeedLoader Tremolo is a redesign introduced around 2003 that combines Floyd Rose Original with the SpeedLoader system to produce a new design that overcame many disadvantages of the original Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo design, but required special strings.

Posted by: MayleneFan Jun 19 2007, 06:31 AM

I have 4 schecters in all: C1 Hellraiser (blk cherry), Omen-6, ACS Elite, and Omen-4. They're all great, and the hellraiser is AWESOME.

I'm kinda thinking about switching the EMGs out, but only to get a different sound, not cause I dont like them or anything. The fretboard is perfect, the tuners stay in tune perfectly, and it sustains like crazy. It also looks incredible under stage lights =).

Posted by: blindwillie Jun 19 2007, 08:00 AM

Same here. The Hellraiser is an amazing guitar, everything you listed. Wonderful fretboard, incredible sustain, keeps tuning for ever, the body is slim and well-shaped. Very comfortable to play.

I was thinking of replacing the EMGs for another sound. I've decided not to. That would be stupid since I really love the EMGs. They scream in the styles they are ment for. So that leaves me with just one choise. I have to get the C1 Black Jack too. I just haven't figured out yet how to brake the news to my wife.

Posted by: Mark 6 Jun 19 2007, 08:37 AM

I have a C1 Classic 25.5 scale that is awesome. I also have a C1 Special 24.75 scale with P 90 pups that just screams the blues. The build quality of these Korean made Axes is superb. I love mine.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 19 2007, 12:36 PM

@Rock: Nice info on the FRs. I'm glad you found it. Maybe the Original FR just isn't used much anymore? I dunno.

As for the Schecter's, I was going to pick up the C-1 FR but when I saw the white trim I really started to not like the look of it. Same with the Hellraiser. I just don't like that darned trim they have!

I think once I get a trade in price on my Warlock I will order the 350. I wish I could see the C-1 with my own eyes, but I've been to most music stores near my home town and gone as far as London, ON last weekend.

Granted, I have not seen the 350 either, but I am not skeptical of it's look.

Also, people rave about both guitars... so it looks like either one should satisfy to the max.

EDIT: Does anyone have a picture of their own C-1 FR or one that is a real life shot? I've tried googling one but all the pictures are unrealistic and do not show the guitar in a real life format or are very small or is one a white background.

From what I have been able to see, the trim looks more off-white which makes, to me, the guitar look older and more classical.

Posted by: ClifordACDC Jun 19 2007, 04:57 PM

the originals are still used but only on companys higer end guitars. on there low end ones they use licenced ones that they can make from cheeper materials so they can sell em for less. ive heard sometimes the licenced ones are horrible or that they are good. it all depends on the brand, but with an original you pretty much always get the same quality

Posted by: Rock Jun 21 2007, 02:38 AM

The black C-1 FR Hellraiser is black gloss with no trim colors at all, it's all black and looks tough. That is the guitar I am getting. In fact I may even trade in my C-1 Classic for it.

Posted by: shredmandan Jun 21 2007, 03:38 AM

Schecter origionaly made guitar parts strting in the 70's.They have been around for awhile but there guitar's just started taking notice in the last 10 years with signiture models by papa roach,avenged sevenfold ect.They make some beutyful guitar's and i love them.I do agree with thepeople saying buy from musicans friend though.The only thing i would do if i bought a scheter is change out the humbucker's if they were not duncan or emg.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 21 2007, 04:00 AM

Rock, this pic is from Schecter's site and it looks very white trimmed to me.

http://www.schecterguitars.com/spec.asp?id=141#

Posted by: SDMF75 Jun 21 2007, 04:21 AM

It's a mother of Pearl trim. Looks much better in person and really puts a nice touch on the overall look.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 21 2007, 04:29 AM

I am going back to the guitar shop for the last time hopefully this week and I'm going to decide based on feel and play whether to get the 350 or C-1 FR (not Hellraiser). I really hope Schecter wins cause white is just bad news bears in my eyes.

Posted by: Rock Jun 21 2007, 04:47 AM

Just make sure you check out the differences between the FR on the C-1 and the FR on the C-1 Hellraiser since the Hellraiser should be better.

Posted by: AIB234 Jun 21 2007, 05:26 AM

Well, while I COULD afford a Hellraiser, I do not want to. $1K+ is overkill for my skill level. I simply don't need it and I am not willing to put that much into a guitar right now, y'know?

There is no question in my mind that it will be the C-1 FR, not Hellraiser.

One day I would love to own one, but not yet!