Schecter Guitars: What They’ve Done for the Music Industry

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 3, 2022

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When you’re looking for a guitar brand, you want to make sure you’re getting a quality instrument. Schecter has been making guitars since 1976, so they know what they’re doing.

Schecter Guitar Research, commonly known simply as Schecter, is a US guitar, bass and amplifier manufacturer. The company was founded in 1976 by David Schecter and originally produced only replacement parts for existing guitars from manufacturers such as Fender and Gibson. Today, the company mass-produces its own line of electric guitars, bass guitars, and steel-string acoustic guitars, and offers hand-built custom instruments and a small line of guitar amplifiers.

After gaining a lot of experience in the market, they started producing their own guitars basses and amps.

Over the past decade their success has been new to metal and rock guitar circles and their guitars gave the metal genre a much needed breath of fresh air

In this article, I’ll dive into the history of the company and find out what they’ve done to make guitars so great.

schecter logo

Schecter Guitars: A Versatile Tool for Every Player

Schecter is a company known for producing high-quality guitars with excellent playability and a wide variety of designs. They offer a complete range of models, from affordable beginner guitars to custom-built instruments for experienced players. Some of the features that make Schecter guitars stand out include:

  • Solid body construction with materials like swamp ash, maple, and ebony
  • Comfortable neck profiles and fretboard materials like rosewood and ebony
  • Locking tuners for easy and precise tuning
  • Floyd Rose bridges for extreme whammy bar use and killer sustain
  • Thin and ultra-thin neck shapes for fast playing
  • Vintage and burst finishes for a classic look
  • Bigsby tailpieces for a unique sound and style
  • Sustainiac pickups for endless sustain and feedback control

Popular Models and Players

Schecter guitars are played by a wide variety of musicians across genres, from rock and metal to jazz and blues. Some famous examples of Schecter players include:

  • Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold
  • Jerry Horton of Papa Roach
  • Jeff Loomis of Arch Enemy
  • Keith Merrow
  • Jeff Schroeder of Smashing Pumpkins
  • Dan Donegan of Disturbed

Some of the most popular Schecter guitar models include:

  • Schecter Hellraiser C-1
  • Schecter Omen-6
  • Schecter Solo-II Custom
  • Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder
  • Schecter C-1 Classic
  • Schecter Blackjack SLS C-1

Quality and Playability

Schecter guitars are known for their excellent quality and playability, despite being a relatively young company. They started producing guitars in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that they became a bigger player in the guitar market. Schecter guitars are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of genres, from heavy metal to smooth jazz.

One of the things that sets Schecter guitars apart is their attention to detail and commitment to quality. They use high-quality materials and components to ensure that their guitars sound great and are built to last. Schecter guitars are also known for their comfortable neck profiles and smooth fretboards, making them easy to play for beginners and experienced players alike.

Is a Schecter Guitar Worth It?

If you’re looking for a high-quality guitar that offers excellent playability and a wide range of features, a Schecter guitar is definitely worth considering. They offer a variety of models at different price points, so there’s something for every budget. Schecter guitars are also highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of genres, making them a great tool for any player.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, a Schecter guitar is a great investment that will last you for years to come. So if you’re in the market for a new instrument, be sure to check out what Schecter has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

History of Schecter

In 1976, David Schecter opened a guitar repair shop in Van Nuys, California. He was a skilled luthier who specialized in repairing and modifying guitars. His reputation grew quickly, and soon he was repairing guitars for some of the biggest names in rock music.

The Birth of Schecter Guitars

In 1979, Schecter began manufacturing replacement necks and pickups for popular guitar models. These replacement parts were of such high quality that they caught the attention of guitar players and manufacturers alike. Soon, Schecter was manufacturing complete guitars under their own name.

The Depotgang Era

In the early 1980s, Schecter was based in a small shop on Depot Street in Van Nuys. It was during this time that they began to gain a reputation for producing high-quality guitars with unique designs. Some of the most popular models from this era include the PT, the Strat-style Dream Machine, and the Solo-6.

The Modern Era

In the 1990s, Schecter moved to a larger facility and began to expand their product line. They introduced a range of affordable guitars that were popular with beginners and intermediate players. They also began to produce signature models for famous guitarists such as Jeff Loomis and Synyster Gates.

Today, Schecter is known for producing a wide range of guitars that are popular with players of all skill levels. They continue to innovate and push the boundaries of guitar design and manufacturing.

What Makes Schecter Guitars a Great Choice for Musicians?

Schecter is a company known for creating and producing high-quality guitars that are perfect for a wide variety of genres. They offer a wide range of models, from acoustic to rock, aimed at guitarists who want value for their money. Schecter guitars are famous for their unique and iconic shapes, inspired by custom designs and loaded with features that guitarists love.

Affordable and Great Value for Money

Schecter guitars are definitely worth the money, offering great value for what you get. They are generally geared towards experienced guitarists, but they also have models that are ideal for beginners who want to spend a little more on a quality brand. The Schecter Omen is a great place to start for beginners who want to get serious about playing the guitar.

Undoubted Quality and Reputation

Schecter guitars have a reputation for making high-quality guitars that are built to last. The company is focused on producing guitars that are identifiable and iconic, with a marketing output that taps into the hearts of gear gods everywhere. Schecter guitars are known for their great hardware, high construction quality, and metal finishes that are smooth to the touch.

Comfortable Design and Great Hardware

Schecter guitars are designed to be comfortable to play, with bodies that are easy to hold and fretboards that are smooth to the touch. They feature locking tuners and a variety of tailpieces, including the Floyd Rose tremolo, which is great for tapping and other techniques. The hardware on Schecter guitars is high-quality and built to last, making them a great choice for musicians who want a guitar that will stand up to years of playing.

A Wide Mixture of Genres

Schecter guitars are known for producing guitars that are perfect for a wide variety of genres. From rock to metal to acoustic, Schecter offers a guitar that will suit your needs. Their guitars are versatile and can be used for a wide range of playing styles, making them a great choice for musicians who want a guitar that can do it all.

In conclusion, Schecter guitars are a great choice for musicians who want a quality guitar that is versatile, comfortable to play, and built to last. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Schecter offers a wide range of models that will suit your needs and budget. So why not give them a try and see why so many guitarists love their Schecters?

Are Schecter Guitars a Good Choice for Beginner Guitarists?

If you’re a beginner guitarist, you might be wondering if Schecter guitars are a good option for you. With so many guitar brands and models available, it can be tough to know where to start. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at Schecter guitars and whether they’re suitable for novice players.

Beginner-Friendly Models

Schecter offers a variety of models that are great for beginners. Some of their most affordable options include the Schecter Omen-6 and the Schecter C-6 Deluxe. These guitars are solid body instruments made from basswood with a rosewood or maple fretboard. They’re lightweight and easy to play, with a comfortable neck and a bridge that’s designed for easy picking.

Value for Money

Schecter guitars are definitely aimed at intermediate and professional players, but that doesn’t mean they’re not suitable for beginners. In fact, many novice guitarists have found that Schecter guitars offer excellent value for money. You can grab a Schecter guitar for a decent price, and you won’t have to worry about upgrading anytime soon.

Versatile Tones

One of the great things about Schecter guitars is that they’re designed to be versatile. They’re loaded with features that make them suitable for a wide range of genres and playing styles. Whether you’re into heavy distortion or clean picking, you’ll find a Schecter guitar that can handle it. The Diamond Series is particularly famous for its unique tones.

Marketing and Perception

Schecter guitars aren’t necessarily as well-known as some other guitar brands, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. In fact, many professional guitarists swear by Schecter guitars and love their unique designs and features. Schecter has done a great job of marketing their guitars to a wide range of players, and they’ve certainly proved their worth over the years.

Playability

When it comes to playability, Schecter guitars are a great choice for players of all levels. Here are some reasons why:

  • Quality construction: Schecter guitars are built with attention to detail and quality materials, making them durable and reliable instruments.
  • Comfortable design: The thin body and comfortable neck design make Schecter guitars easy to play for extended periods of time.
  • Wide variety of tones: Schecter guitars are voiced for a wide variety of tones, from vintage to modern, making them versatile instruments for any genre of music.
  • Unique finishes: Schecter offers a variety of custom finishes, giving players the opportunity to make their guitar truly their own.
  • Locking bridge: The locking bridge design ensures excellent tuning stability, even during shredding solos.
  • Affordable options: Schecter offers a range of affordable options for players on a budget, without sacrificing quality or playability.

What Do People Love About Schecter Guitars?

Schecter guitars have a great reputation among musicians for their playability. Here are some specific things people love about Schecter guitars:

  • Excellent clarity: The tonal clarity of Schecter guitars is celebrated by players and reviewers alike.
  • Logical design: The design of Schecter guitars is well thought out, making them easy to play and comfortable for players of all sizes.
  • Versatility: Schecter guitars are versatile instruments, suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres.
  • Customization options: Schecter offers a variety of customization options, allowing players to make their guitar unique to their own style and preferences.

Guitarists Who Love Schecter Guitars

Schecter guitars have become a popular choice for many famous guitarists across various genres. Here are some notable guitarists who have played Schecter guitars:

  • Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold: Gates has been playing Schecter guitars since the early 2000s and has his own signature models with the company.
  • Jeff Loomis: The former Nevermore guitarist has been playing Schecter guitars for years and has his own signature models as well.
  • Robert Smith of The Cure: Smith has been seen playing a Schecter UltraCure guitar on stage.
  • Prince: The late musician was known to play a Schecter Diamond Series guitar during his career.
  • Jerry Horton of Papa Roach: Horton has been playing Schecter guitars since the early 2000s and has his own signature model with the company.
  • Jinxx of Black Veil Brides: Jinxx has been playing Schecter guitars for years and has his own signature model as well.

Which Schecter Guitar Should You Check Out?

If you’re interested in trying out a Schecter guitar, here are some models worth considering:

  • Schecter Hellraiser C-1: This guitar is aimed at heavier genres and features a comfortable mahogany body, locking tuners, and a Floyd Rose bridge.
  • Schecter Solo-II Custom: This guitar is inspired by the classic Les Paul design and offers a comfortable mahogany body, a set neck, and Seymour Duncan pickups.
  • Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Bass: This bass guitar is built with a comfortable neck and body design, and offers excellent value for the features it provides.
  • Schecter Omen-6: This guitar is perfect for beginners or experienced players looking for an affordable option, with a comfortable basswood body and easy-to-play neck finish.

In conclusion, Schecter guitars have an undoubted reputation for producing high-quality instruments that are versatile, comfortable to play, and offer great value for money. With a wide variety of models and designs, Schecter guitars are suitable for players of all levels and genres.

Conclusion

The Schecter story is one of hard work and dedication, and they’ve come a long way since their humble beginnings. Schecter guitars are known for their versatility, and their guitars are perfect for any type of player. They offer a wide range of models, from budget to high-end, and their guitars are worth checking out if you’re looking for a new instrument. So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and see what Schecter has to offer!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

Check me out on Youtube where I try out all of this gear:

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