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Schecter Guitar Research, commonly known simply as Schecter, is an American manufacturing company founded in 1976 by David Schecter, which originally produced only replacement parts for existing guitars from manufacturers such as Fender and Gibson.[1]
In 1976, David Schecter opened Schecter Guitar Research, a repair shop in Van Nuys, California.[1] The shop manufactured replacement guitar necks and bodies, complete pickup assemblies, bridges, pickguards, tuners, knobs, potentiometers, and other miscellaneous guitar parts. Contrary to popular belief, Schecter never supplied parts to Fender nor Gibson.[1] By the late 1970s Schecter offered more than 400 guitar parts, but did not offer any finished instruments.[1]
In 1979, Schecter offered, for the first time, its own fully assembled electric guitars. These guitars were custom shop models based on Fender designs. They were considered of very high quality and expensive, and were sold only by twenty retailers across the United States.[1]
By 1983, Schecter had reached its custom shop production limit and could no longer meet demand. That year, the company was purchased by a group of Texas investors who wanted to build upon Schecter's reputation for quality.[1] The investors moved the company to Dallas, Texas, where they produced higher quality guitars using both imported parts and Schecter parts under the Schecter name for less than five years.
At the January 1984 NAMM Show, Schecter introduced twelve new guitars and basses, all based on Fender designs. The most popular of these guitars was a Telecaster-style guitar similar to those that Pete Townshend played. Although Townshend never endorsed this model, it was known unofficially as the "Pete Townshend model". Eventually, the Telecaster-style guitar became known as the "Saturn", and the company's Stratocaster-style guitar became known as the "Mercury".
All guitars have the "lawsuit" peg heads (two small marks on back of headstocks). Schecter was still using Stratocaster and Telecaster headstocks, which Fender had allowed when they were a parts company. It appears this lawsuit may have[vague] essentially led to their closing in late 1986 to early 1987. The current owners purchased the name in late 1987.
During this period, Schecter managed to sign famous endorsee, Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Schecter built several custom guitars for Yngwie Malmsteen that featured scalloped necks and reverse headstocks.[4][citation needed]
In 1987, the Texas investors sold the company to Shibuya Hisatake, a Japanese entrepreneur who also owned the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and ESP Guitars (to this day, Schecter Guitar Research and ESP Guitars have remained separate entities).[1] Shibuya moved the company back to California and returned Schecter to its custom shop roots, devoting all its efforts to manufacturing high-end, expensive custom instruments.
Schecter guitars were once again only available from a few retailers, one of them being Sunset Custom Guitars in Hollywood, which Hisatake Shibuya also owned. Sunset Custom Guitars happened to be the place where Michael Ciravolo, the future president of Schecter Guitar Research, worked. During 1994/1995 Schecter managed to sign another famous endorsee, Swedish guitarist John Norum.
In 1995, Schecter introduced the highly sought-after 'S Series' guitars and basses, which were Fender-style instruments. In 1996, Hisatake Shibuya asked Michael Ciravolo to become Schecter's president and run the company. Michael Ciravolo, an experienced musician, brought to the company many well-known musicians as endorsees. These included Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots, Jay Noel Yuenger ( whose Teisco Spectrum 5 served as a model for J's stage guitars) and Sean Yseult of White Zombie, and Xavier Rhone.
Michael Ciravolo never really liked Fender designs, so he sought to distance the company from its past Fender-style models.[1] Toward that end, he added the Avenger, Hellcat, "Hollywood Classic CT" and Tempest models to the Schecter catalog. He also wanted to reach a new generation of musicians he felt were ignored by most major guitar manufacturers. Yet, at this point, the company was only producing expensive, custom shop models with a return to exceptional quality not seen since the early custom shop days under Dave Schecter. (Schecter's maximum output was forty guitars a month -all custom made.)[1] To realize his vision, Ciravolo began searching for a factory that could mass-produce Schecter guitars while maintaining high quality standards while maintaining production in the USA Custom shop. As a result of the low production and focus on quality, the USA custom models from this era (1996–2000) are some of the most sought after among guitar collectors.
Michael Ciravolo met with several Asian guitar manufacturers at the Tokyo Music Festival and subsequently decided on a factory in Incheon, South Korea. (Though not known for sure, this location could be the electric guitar factory of World Musical Instrument co. Ltd.)[citation needed] Schecter's guitars were built in the South Korea factory and shipped to the U.S., where they were set up in a Schecter shop. At the 1998 summer NAMM Show, with the addition of now Executive Vice President Marc LaCorte, Schecter introduced the Diamond Series, which included six affordably priced non-custom guitars. The line included an affordable seven-string guitar, the A-7, to the market when none were previously available
In 2000, Schecter introduced the C-1, which was debuted by Jerry Horton in Papa Roach's "Last Resort" music video. The Diamond Series is still in production to this day.
Expanded custom shop, return of USA production, and Schecter Amplification, 2013–present
Schecter Guitar Research display at 'The NAMM Show' Jan. 17, 2020
In 2012, it was announced that Schecter expanded their custom shop, adding 14,000 square feet to the facility. Later the same year, Schecter announced a new line of USA-built guitars that would bring the company back to its "roots". This included the acquisition of several CNC machines from Haas Automation and a new 1,500 square feet spray booth. The new line would be called the "USA Production Series." These guitars were officially debuted at the NAMM Show in 2013. Schecter also announced a new line of hand-wound electric guitar and bass pickups, that would be available on USA Production and custom shop models, and possibly will be available for purchase in 2013.
Along with the announcement of the USA Production Series, Schecter announced their introduction into the amplification market. These new amps were designed in part with well-known amplifier designer James Brown, known for designing the Peavey 5150 amplifier with Eddie Van Halen, and his line of effect pedals under the Amptweaker name. The amps first announced were the Hellraiser USA 100, Hellraiser Stage 100, Hellwin USA 100, and Hellwin Stage 100. The USA versions are built in Schecter's USA custom shop, while the Stage series is built overseas. The Hellwin is the signature amp for Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates, who helped design the head with James Brown. Both amps use EL34 power tubes, an on-board noise gate, a passive and active input that compensate for the output difference by changing the circuit instead of reducing output, and a "Focus" control that adjusts the low end response. The main difference between the Hellwin and the Hellraiser is the Hellwin's use of MIDI to control the amp. The Hellwin is also a three-channel amp, as opposed to the Hellraiser's two-channel design. Schecter also introduced a line of speaker cabinets, one featuring a 200W sub-woofer called the "Depth Charge", that would increase the cabinet's bass response. These amps were debuted, along with the USA Production Line, at Winter NAMM 2013.
Headstock of Schecter bass guitar Diamond stiletto deluxe 4
The Diamond Series was first introduced in 1998, and consists of all the non-custom, mass-produced Schecter models.[5] The Diamond Series is further divided into groups of guitars, which share common design characteristics. Schecter has stated that it will not customize any Diamond Series guitar, thus any Diamond Series guitar is sold "as is".
Although there are a large variety of models available in the Diamond range, many are 'mixed and matched' parts from different Schecter guitars. For example, all "Omen", "C", "Hellraiser" and "Damien" basses have the same body shape, although some have set necks rather than bolt on necks, different finish colors, and different woods. However, Schecter produces many different guitars from a smaller number of core parts. This mix and match culture has the benefit of allowing guitarists to find a Schecter to fit their exact requirements.
Some of the best known guitars made by Schecter are the 'C Series' in various configurations such as the "Hellraiser" and "Blackjack" models, and the S Series, which included the S-1 Elite (double cut) guitars and the S-1 (a less fancy version of the S-1 Elite). The 'Elite' versions of Schecter's mass-produced instruments often include an arched top, abalone binding, a bound fretboard and a bound headstock with a finish matched to the body. Despite the decorative features, these instruments remained affordable and of reasonable quality. Pickups on many mass-produced Schecter models are almost always 'Duncan Designed' humbuckers (double coil pickups based on Seymour Duncan's pickup specifications), usually with a 'push-pull' coil splitter control that splits the full humbucker pickup sound into the sharper tone of a single coil pickup.
Schecter targeted specific market segments with occasional limited runs of its mass-produced guitar models in novelty finishes. The 'Aviation Series', which appeared around 2006 and ran for about a year, equipped certain mass-produced model bodies (the PT, Tempest, S-1, etc.) with World War II US (and British) aircraft colors and markings, and special pickup covers that look like cooling louvers.
Schecter also makes seven-string models, eight-string models and recently, nine-string models. Schecter's 'Diamond series' guitars use components such as TonePros locking bridge products on non-tremolo models and original Floyd Rose double locking tremolos on many of the six and seven string models. Many models also feature USA EMG or Seymour Duncan pick-ups and Grover tuners.
Sunset Series = Hellraiser Sunset FR, Sunset Deluxe
Stiletto Series = Stiletto 6 FR, Stiletto Classic
PT Series = PT, PT Fastback, Pete Dee Signature
Hellcat Series = Hellcat VI
Robert Smith with his artist modelUltra Series = Ultra III, Ultra Classic, Ultracure (Robert Smith signature model), Ultra VI Bass/Baritone
Artist Models = Loomis 7 and 7 FR (Jeff Loomis), Porl Thompson Model (Porl Thompson), RS-1000 and Ultracure (Robert Smith), Simon Gallup Ultra Spitfire (Simon Gallup), Synyster Standard, Custom, Deluxe and Special (Synyster Gates), Vengeance Custom and ZV Blade (Zacky Vengeance), Pete Dee Model (Pete Dee), Jake Pitts C-1 FR (Jake Pitts), Jinxx Recluse-FR (Jinxx), Al Jourgensen Signature Triton (Al Jourgensen) Machine Gun Kelly PT, Jack Fowler Traditional, Nick Johnston Traditional, Keith Merrow KM6 and KM7, Michael Anthony Model T, Nikki Sixx Sixx bass and J4 Sixx, dUg Pinnick DP4 and DP12, DJ Ashba Signature, Jerry Horton Tempest, Kenny Hickery C1 Sustainiac, Chris Howorth V-7, Randy Weitzel V-7, Robin Zander Corsair, Dale Stewart Avenger 4, and Johnny Christ Signature.
Sun Valley Super Shredder Series = FR, FR S, PT FR
Sun Valley Super Shredder III = 6, 7 String
Apocalypse Series = C-1 Red Reign, C-1 Red Reign FR S, C-7 Red Reign, C-7 FR S Red Reign, Solo-II Red Reign, Solo-II FR Red Reign, V-1 Red Reign, V-1 FR Red Reign, C-1, C-1 EX, C-1 FR, C-1 FR S, C-7, E-1, PT, V-1
The following instruments are no longer in production by Schecter Guitars as of 2012. Although, some guitars, like the Damien-7, The Banshee Elite, and Hellcat VI have been brought back for 2016 and are currently available to purchase on Schecter's official website.[7]
Guitars
Banshee
00 Series = 006 Elite (2008), 007 Elite (2000–2007)
S Series = S-1 DLX, S-1 PLUS (2001–2002), S-1 30th Anniversary Model (2006 only), S-1 Elite (2008), S-1 Hot Rod, S-1 Scorpion Tribal Doubleneck, S-1 "Bada Bling", S-1 "Black Widow" (2005 only), S-1 "The Devil's Rejects" (2007 only), S-1 "Vampira" (2003 only), S-1 Blackjack (2004).
Hellraiser Series = Avenger Hellraiser FR (available exclusively at Drum City – GuitarLand, Inc. And 30 White models were made for special order through any authorized Schecter retailer in 2010)
Avenger Series = Avenger "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" (made only in 2007)
Banshee Series = Banshee (2007)
Gryphon Series = Gryphon Limited Edition (2008), Gryphon-7
Hellcat Series = Hellcat (2008)
Hot Rod Series = Hot Rod '39
Artist Series = Jerry Horton C-1, Jerry Horton Tempest (2007 Only), PT 30th Anniversary Model (2006 only), PT Custom, Synyster Custom (White w/ Gold Stripes, only 100 made), Vengeance Special (2008), Vengeance Standard (Zacky Vengeance signature model, 2007 only), Pete Dee Diamond Series (White on Black, Black on White)
Tempest Series = Tempest 30th Anniversary Model (2006 only), Tempest Deluxe, Tempest Special (only made in 2003), Tempest "New Orleans Saints NFL Katrina Relief" (only made in 2005), Traditional 30th Anniversary (2006 only)
TSH-1
Unknown Series = V-7, A-5X Celloblaster, A-7, SW-3500 (2007), T-1M33
As well as the mass-produced Diamond Series, Schecter offers a custom guitar service. On their website, Schecter says, "The Custom Shop is reserved only for orders made through a Schecter Authorized Dealer".
^ abItems not present on Schecter Guitars website, http://www.schecterguitars.com/index.asp, Items are shown in discontinued section and in the past catalogs, accessed 25 February 2012, 06:50
Schecter Guitar Research is an American manufacturer of electric guitars, basses, acoustic guitars, and related musical instruments, founded in 1976 by David Schecter in Van Nuys, California, as a repair shop that evolved into a prominent producer of custom and production instruments known for their quality, affordability, and appeal to rock and metal musicians.[1][2]Initially focused on guitar repair and custom parts manufacturing, the company began producing complete instruments in 1979, with early models assembled by luthiers including Tom Anderson.[2] In 1983, Schecter was acquired by Texas investors and relocated to Dallas, where it shifted toward mass-produced designs like the Saturn and Mercury series to broaden its market reach.[1] The company returned to California in 1987 after being purchased by Japanese businessman Hisatake Shibuya, owner of ESP Guitars, who steered it back to its custom roots while expanding production capabilities.[1][2]Under president Michael Ciravolo since 1996, Schecter introduced key product lines such as the S Series in 1995 and the budget-friendly Diamond Series in 1998, manufactured in South Korea, which significantly boosted its popularity among intermediate and professional players.[1][2] The company further diversified with the USA Production Series in 2013 and an amplification line, alongside expansions to its custom shop in Sun Valley, California, by adding 14,000 square feet in 2012.[1] Today, headquartered in California with global distribution to over 150 countries, Schecter remains under Shibuya's ownership and is endorsed by notable artists including Yngwie Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde, and members of Avenged Sevenfold, emphasizing innovative designs like active pickups and ergonomic bodies tailored for heavy genres.[1][2]
History
Founding and Custom Shop Era (1976–1983)
Schecter Guitar Research was founded in 1976 by David Schecter in Van Nuys, California, initially operating as a specialized guitar repair and luthier shop. The business focused on high-quality repairs and the production of replacement components, such as necks and bodies, compatible with major brands including Gibson and Fender. By the late 1970s, the shop had expanded to manufacture over 400 distinct parts, including pickups, bridges, and hardware, which were supplied to repair technicians and custom builders across the United States. This emphasis on precision craftsmanship established Schecter's reputation in the boutique instrument scene, where demand for reliable aftermarket parts was growing among professional players seeking to restore or modify vintage guitars.[1][2][3]In 1979, Schecter transitioned from parts and repairs to assembling complete custom guitars, marking the beginning of its full instrument production. This shift began as a collaborative hobby project involving founder David Schecter, luthier Tom Anderson—who had joined the shop in 1977—and Herschel Blankenship, a key figure in early operations. Together, they handcrafted premium instruments using select woods and innovative designs, prioritizing superior tone, playability, and durability for demanding musicians. These early builds emphasized bespoke features, such as set necks for enhanced sustain and custom inlays for aesthetic appeal, setting them apart from standard production models. The guitars were produced in limited quantities, reflecting the shop's artisanal approach rather than mass output.[1][2][4]Key early models included Tele-style guitars like the Saturn, which featured a single-cutaway mahogany body and bolt-on maple neck options alongside set-neck variants, and Strat-style instruments such as the Mercury, with double-cutaway alder bodies, rosewood fingerboards, and elaborate block inlays. These designs drew inspiration from classic Fender silhouettes but incorporated Schecter's custom enhancements, including high-end electronics and finishes tailored to individual specifications. By the early 1980s, the lineup had evolved to include hybrid shapes, all hand-built to order.[1][2][5]The initial market for these custom guitars centered on Hollywood session musicians and the vibrant custom instrument community in Los Angeles, where proximity to recording studios and touring artists fueled demand. Instruments were distributed through approximately 20 specialized U.S. retailers, appealing to professionals who valued the shop's expertise in repairs and modifications. This niche focus helped Schecter build a loyal clientele among high-profile players, laying the groundwork for its growth in the custom guitar market before broader production changes in the mid-1980s.[1][2][3]
Ownership Changes and Mass Production (1983–1987)
In 1983, Schecter Guitar Research was acquired by a group of Texas-based investors, marking the end of founder David Schecter's direct involvement and the close of the company's original custom shop model in Van Nuys, California.[1] The new ownership relocated operations to Dallas, Texas, to facilitate expanded production capabilities amid rising demand for the brand's instruments.[2] This transition shifted Schecter's focus from limited-run, handcrafted guitars to a more scalable approach, aiming to broaden market accessibility while building on the design foundations established in the prior era.[1]Under the Texas ownership, Schecter pivoted to mass production techniques, incorporating both domestically assembled and imported components to produce affordable guitars targeted at entry-level and intermediate players.[2] At the January 1984 NAMM Show, the company unveiled twelve new electric guitar and bass models, including the Tele-style Saturn and Strat-style Mercury, which served as precursors to later lines like the Diamond Series.[1] These early production offerings, such as the PT (Pete Townshend-endorsed Tele-style variant) and Standard series, featured bolt-on maple necks, humbucker or single-coil pickups, and cost-effective imported hardware to achieve competitive pricing without fully sacrificing playability.[2] This strategy capitalized on the 1980s guitar market boom, driven by the rise of hard rock and metal genres, allowing Schecter to distribute instruments through larger retail channels.[1]The period was not without significant challenges, particularly during the shift from artisanal to industrialized methods, where inconsistencies in assembly and component integration occasionally affected reliability.[6] A major setback came in 1984 when Fender Musical Instruments Corporation filed a lawsuit against Schecter, alleging trademark infringement due to headstock designs resembling the Stratocaster and Telecaster silhouettes—features retained from earlier models.[2] The legal action, combined with intense market competition and operational strains from rapid scaling, contributed to financial difficulties that culminated in the company's closure by late 1986 or early 1987.[1] Despite these hurdles, the Dallas-era innovations laid groundwork for Schecter's enduring emphasis on versatile, player-focused designs.[2]
Acquisition by Shibuya Hisatake and Brand Revival (1987–2012)
In 1987, amid financial difficulties and quality issues stemming from its earlier mass-production phase in Texas, Schecter Guitar Research was acquired by Japanese entrepreneur Hisatake Shibuya, who also owned ESP Guitars and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood.[1][2] Shibuya promptly relocated operations back to California, reestablishing the company in Van Nuys and shifting focus from budget-oriented manufacturing to high-end custom instruments that emphasized superior craftsmanship and player-specific designs.[1] This move marked the beginning of a deliberate revival, aiming to restore the brand's original reputation for precision repairs and bespoke guitars while adapting to evolving market demands in rock and metal.[2]Under Shibuya's ownership, the company underwent a strategic rebranding in the mid-1990s, targeting aggressive aesthetics and high-gain tones suited to rock and heavy metal genres.[2] In 1996, Michael Ciravolo was appointed president, overseeing the introduction of the S Series guitars and basses in 1995, followed by key innovations like the C-series in the late 1990s.[1] The C-1 model, launched in 1999, featured a versatile bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and humbucker configurations, quickly gaining traction for its playability in high-output setups.[1] A pinnacle of this era came in 2006 with the Hellraiser series, exemplified by the C-1 Hellraiser, which incorporated a mahogany body for resonant sustain, active EMG 81TW/89 pickups for articulate distortion, and a Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo for dive-bomb stability—hallmarks that positioned it as a staple for metal performers.[7][8]To support broader accessibility, Schecter forged partnerships with Seymour Duncan, integrating their renowned passive humbuckers—such as the JB and '59 models—into C-series variants like the C-1 Classic, offering balanced warmth and clarity for rock applications.[9] In 1997, a manufacturing collaboration with a South Korean facility in Incheon enabled expanded production, culminating in the 1998 debut of the Diamond Series at the summer NAMM show—a lineup of six affordable import models assembled overseas but finished in the U.S., which facilitated international distribution to over 80 countries by the early 2000s.[1]The 2000s saw accelerated growth through artist endorsements that cemented Schecter's niche in heavy music circles.[2] Notable signings included Jerry Horton of Papa Roach, who prominently featured the C-1 in the band's 2000 "Last Resort" video, alongside Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots and Jay Noel Yuenger of White Zombie in 1996, and later acts like Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold.[1] These alliances, combined with the Diamond Series' role as an entry point for global players, drove sales expansion and solidified the brand's reputation for reliable, genre-defining instruments, with distribution reaching more than 150 countries by 2012.[1]
Expansion of Operations and USA Return (2013–present)
In 2013, Schecter Guitar Research relaunched its USA-made custom shop operations in Sun Valley, California, marking a significant return to domestic production after years of overseas manufacturing. This expansion included the addition of advanced CNC machinery from Haas Automation and a dedicated 1,500-square-foot spray booth to support the new USA Production Series, which debuted at the Winter NAMM show and emphasized high-quality, American-assembled instruments. Concurrently, the company entered the amplification market with the launch of the Schecter Amplification line, featuring models such as the Hellraiser USA 100 head and the Hellwin USA 100, developed in collaboration with amplifier designer James Brown to deliver versatile, high-gain tones suited for rock and metal genres. These initiatives built on the stability provided by owner Hisatake Shibuya's 1987 acquisition, enabling focused investment in premium craftsmanship.Key developments in the mid-2010s further solidified Schecter's operational growth, with the Sun Valley facility serving as the hub for enhanced production capabilities and custom work. By 2015, the company had integrated advanced features like hand-wound pickups into its lineup and expanded its offerings to include innovative accessories, such as the Depth Charge speaker cabinet with a 200-watt subwoofer for enhanced low-end response. Under the ongoing leadership of President and CEO Michael Ciravolo, who has guided the company since 1996, Schecter prioritized quality control and artist collaborations, leading to a return to full USA assembly for select premium lines, including custom shop builds that catered to professional musicians' specifications.Recent milestones highlight Schecter's continued innovation and market responsiveness. In 2024, the company launched the Black Ops series, a line of stealthy, all-black 6-, 7-, and 8-string electric guitars engineered for precision and power, featuring Fishman Fluence Open Core Modern pickups and multi-scale fretboards ideal for progressive metal players. At the 2025 NAMM show, Schecter introduced the Red Dawn series, comprising high-performance 6- and 7-string models with baritone options, Fishman Fluence pickups, and EverTune bridges for stable tuning in aggressive playing styles, alongside updated Synyster Gates signature models, including new headless variants like the Custom-7 TR Headless in finishes such as Oak Green Metallic. These releases underscore Schecter's adaptations to evolving trends, particularly an increased emphasis on extended-range guitars with 7- and 8-string configurations to meet demands in modern metal and djent subgenres, while maintaining the ownership structure established by the late Hisatake Shibuya and under Ciravolo's strategic direction, following Shibuya's death in 2024.[10]
Products
Electric Guitars
Schecter Guitar Research's electric guitars are renowned for their versatility in rock and metal genres, featuring solid-body designs with ergonomic contours and high-output electronics tailored for aggressive playing styles. The company's core offerings emphasize durable construction, with body woods primarily including mahogany for warmth and sustain or alder for balanced tone, paired with maple tops in select models for added brightness. Necks typically employ bolt-on or set-thru constructions using maple or multi-ply materials, often with thin 'C' profiles for speed and comfort, while hardware options range from Floyd Rose locking tremolos for dive-bomb stability to fixed Hipshot bridges for reliable intonation.[11]Among the foundational series, the Solo-II draws from Les Paul-inspired single-cutaway aesthetics, utilizing a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, a 24.75-inch scale length, and 24 extra-jumbo frets on an ebony or rosewood fretboard for fluid leads. Equipped with Schecter Diamond Standard humbucking pickups and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, it delivers articulate highs and thick lows suitable for hard rock. The C-shape series, exemplified by the C-1 and C-6 models, adopts a double-cutaway Stratocaster-like form with alder or mahogany bodies, set-thru maple necks, and 25.5-inch scales, often featuring EMG active pickups for tight, noise-free distortion in metal applications.[12]Signature models highlight collaborations with prominent artists, incorporating bespoke aesthetics and performance tweaks. The Synyster Gates Custom-S, designed for Avenged Sevenfold's lead guitarist, features a mahogany body with an ebony fretboard, set-neck construction, and a custom 3-on-3 headstock with optional reverse orientation for visual flair; it includes Schecter USA custom humbuckers, an optional Sustainiac system for infinite sustain, and a Floyd Rose 1500 tremolo, enabling precise whammy effects in progressive metal. Other signatures, such as the Nick Johnston Diamond Series, integrate vintage-inspired single-coil pickups with modern locking tuners and a Schecter Diamond Vintage tremolo, emphasizing clean articulation for fusion and blues-rock. Custom graphics, like intricate deathbat motifs on Synyster variants, add thematic personalization without compromising playability.[13][14][15]Extended-range electric guitars expand Schecter's lineup for downtuned riffing, including 7- and 8-string configurations like the Banshee Mach-7 with a 26.5-inch scale, ash body, and multi-scale fanned frets for even tension across strings. Baritone models, such as the Red Dawn Baritone, employ a 27-inch scale with mahogany construction to maintain clarity in drop tunings. These offerings often pair with high-gain pickups like Fishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers for versatile voicing from cleans to high-saturation leads. In 2025, Schecter introduced new models such as the Avenger FR Przym Palladium and Barbarian series, further expanding options for modern metal players.[16][17][18]In the 2020s, Schecter introduced the EverTune constant-tension bridge system in select models, such as the Banshee Mach-6 EverTune and Sunset-6 ET, which uses mechanical springs to ensure unwavering tuning stability during aggressive bends and tremolo use, enhancing reliability for live performances. This innovation appears in both standard 6-string and extended-range variants, often combined with Fishman Fluence or EMG pickups for low-noise, dynamic response. Pricing spans accessible tiers, with Diamond Series imports starting at around $300 for beginner-friendly builds using overseas manufacturing, progressing to USA Custom Shop instruments exceeding $2,000 that feature handcrafted details and premium components like locking tuners and roasted maple necks.[19][20][11]
Acoustic Guitars
Schecter Guitar Research entered the acoustic guitar market in the early 2000s with the introduction of solid wood models under the Diamond Series, expanding beyond its primary focus on electric instruments to offer affordable, high-quality unplugged options.[21] These early acoustics emphasized value-driven construction, featuring solid spruce tops paired with mahogany backs and sides to deliver warm, balanced tones suitable for a range of playing styles.[21]Subsequent developments in the 2010s introduced the Orleans Series, which includes electro-acoustic variants designed for stage versatility, such as the Orleans Stage and Orleans Stage-7 models with single cutaways for improved upper-fret access.[22] These models incorporate Fishman Isys+ preamps and Sonicore piezo pickups, enabling reliable amplified performance while maintaining natural acoustic projection.[23] Construction details highlight solid spruce tops for articulate response, often with flamed maple or mahogany backs and sides for enhanced resonance and visual appeal, complemented by set mahogany or maple necks and rosewood fretboards.[23][24]Schecter's acoustics cater primarily to singer-songwriters and hybrid players who blend unplugged and amplified settings, offering body sizes like grand auditorium shapes for comfortable playability and tonal versatility across genres from folk to modern rock.[22][25] The lineup also features artist-inspired models, such as the Synyster Gates Syn-GA-SC and Robert Smith RS-1000, which integrate signature aesthetics with practical electronics for professional use.[22] Basic acoustic offerings like the Deluxe model provide entry-level access with spruce tops, mahogany bodies, and bone nuts for crisp, unamplified tone without onboard amplification.[24]
Bass Guitars
Schecter introduced its bass guitar lineup in the mid-1980s, initially focusing on Fender-inspired designs, but the line evolved significantly in the 1990s under new leadership to emphasize modern aesthetics and versatility for rock and metal players.[2] By the late 1990s, the introduction of the affordable Diamond Series, produced in South Korea (later shifting to Indonesia), expanded accessibility while maintaining high-end features like active electronics.[2] The 2010s saw a revival with USA-made customs, incorporating lightweight bodies and extended-range options tailored for progressive and metal genres.[2]The Stiletto series represents a cornerstone of Schecter's bass offerings, known for its lightweight swamp ash bodies that enhance resonance and playability.[26] Models such as the Stiletto Custom-4, Custom-5, and Extreme-4 feature a maple/walnut multi-ply neck, ebony fretboard, 25.5-inch scale length, and 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets for smooth action.[27] Equipped with active 3-band EQ controls and pickup options including EMG 40HZ humbuckers or Schecter Diamond SuperCharger sets, these basses deliver punchy, versatile tones suitable for aggressive styles.[28] Extended-range variants like the Stiletto Studio-5 FF incorporate multi-scale (fanned) fretboards, with low B string at 35.5 inches and high G at 25.5 inches, optimizing tension for metal drop tunings and djent riffing.[29]Complementing the Stiletto, the Session series emphasizes studio-ready versatility with swamp ash bodies for balanced tone and Hard Rock Maple necks for stability.[30] The Model-T Session and Riot Session models use EMG active pickups paired with a 3-band EQ, offering clear articulation across genres from funk to rock.[31] These 4- and 5-string basses feature ebony fretboards with side block inlays and a 34-inch scale, prioritizing ergonomic comfort for extended sessions.[32]The Riot series builds on this foundation with bold, modern contours akin to Schecter's revival-era guitars, featuring flamed maple tops over swamp ash bodies for visual and sonic depth.[33] Available in 4- and 5-string configurations like the Riot-4 and Riot-5, they include maple/walnut necks, ebony fretboards, 24 stainless steel frets, and Schecter Diamond Mach-6 active pickups with 3-band EQ for high-output clarity in metal mixes.[34] Recent iterations, including 2024-2025 updates, integrate fanned frets in select models to support low-tuned extended-range playing in progressive metal.[35]Schecter's bass portfolio includes extended-range 5- and 6-string models across series, such as the Stiletto Custom-6 and Riot-5, designed for broader pitch access in contemporary music.[26] Signature models, like the Abbath Devil-5, adapt these features for artist-specific needs, featuring EMG pickups and custom graphics for black metal aesthetics.[36] Manufacturing varies from Indonesian imports for entry-level Diamond and Omen lines to USA Custom Shop builds, where handcrafted details like premium swamp ash selection and Diamond pickups ensure premium quality.[2]
Amplifiers
Schecter entered the amplifier market in 2013, expanding from its core focus on stringed instruments to offer tube-driven designs targeted at high-gain rock and metal genres.[1] The debut lineup, announced at the Winter NAMM show, featured the Hellraiser and Hellwin series, both emphasizing powerful, articulate distortion tones suitable for modern heavy music.[37] These all-tube amplifiers were developed in collaboration with amp designer James Brown, known for co-creating the Peavey 5150, ensuring robust construction and professional-grade performance.[1]The Hellraiser series includes the USA 100 and Stage 100 models, available as heads or in combo configurations with 1x12 or 2x12 cabinets. Powered by four EL34 output tubes and multiple 12AX7 preamp tubes, these 100-watt (switchable to 50-watt) amplifiers deliver dynamic response with tight low-end control via a dedicated "Focus" knob that adjusts input frequency response.[38] Key features include passive and active instrument inputs to accommodate various pickup types, an on-board noise gate for clean high-gain operation, and a rear-panel effects loop for integrating pedals or processors.[39] Cabinets often pair with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers for punchy mids and aggressive projection, making the setup ideal for stage and studio use in rock and metal contexts.[40]Complementing the Hellraiser, the Hellwin series serves as a signature line for Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates, with USA 100 and Stage 100 variants mirroring the power section but adding three channels for greater versatility. Like the Hellraiser, it employs EL34 tubes in a 100-watt configuration, but incorporates MIDI capabilities for preset switching and enhanced tonal shaping.[1] The Hellwin's design prioritizes searing leads and rhythmic chug, with the same noise gate, input options, and effects loop as its counterpart, while cabinets can include specialized "Depth Charge" sub-woofer extensions for reinforced bass response in low-tuned setups.[39]Although introduced with promise, Schecter's amplifier production was short-lived, with models becoming scarce by the mid-2010s and no new additions reported through 2025.[41] The line remains valued among enthusiasts for its focused high-gain capabilities, often bundled in promotional packages with Schecter guitars to appeal to genre-specific players.[42]
Manufacturing and Custom Services
Production Facilities and Processes
Schecter Guitar Research established its primary production facility for USA Custom Shop instruments in Sun Valley, California, in 2013, occupying a 14,000-square-foot space dedicated to high-end manufacturing. This facility handles the production of custom and signature models, utilizing advanced CNC machinery for precise tasks such as fretboard cutting and arm contour kerfing to ensure structural accuracy and consistency. Following initial CNC shaping, instruments undergo hand-finishing processes, including sanding, painting, and clear-coating by skilled luthiers, which allow for personalized adjustments and contribute to the artisanal quality of each guitar. The company's historical relocations from Van Nuys, California, to Dallas, Texas, in 1983 and back to California in 1987 informed the development of this modern setup, emphasizing a return to hands-on craftsmanship.[43][1]For mass-market production, Schecter relies on overseas facilities in South Korea and Indonesia, where the Diamond Series guitars are assembled. South Korean production, based in facilities like those in Incheon since 1998, focuses on initial construction and component integration, with instruments then shipped to the United States for final assembly and setup to meet Schecter's standards. Indonesian manufacturing, operational since 2014, supports similar assembly lines for the Diamond Series, utilizing efficient production methods to handle volume while sourcing woods through established supply chains, though specific details on wood origins remain tied to global vendors. These operations enable Schecter to scale output for broader distribution, contrasting the bespoke focus of the Sun Valley facility.[5][1]Serial numbers for many Schecter guitars, particularly those in the Diamond Series, are located on the back of the headstock. The first two numerical digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture. For example, serial number 0236758 has '02' indicating 2002, while W10052743 has '10' indicating 2010. Formats may vary for older models, USA Custom Shop instruments, or certain other series.[1]Quality assurance permeates all stages of production, with dedicated teams inspecting necks and components at multiple points to adhere to precise standards, including rounding and leveling frets for optimal playability. Electronics undergo testing during assembly, particularly in the USA shop where pickup winding and integration occur, ensuring reliable performance across models. The company's workforce, numbering between 50 and 100 employees primarily at the Sun Valley headquarters, supports an estimated annual revenue of $18 million as of 2025, reflecting adaptations to supply chain challenges like those during the COVID-19 pandemic through diversified sourcing and streamlined setups.[44][45][46]
Custom Shop Offerings
In 2013, Schecter Guitar Research relaunched its Custom Shop with a focus on USA-made instruments, reviving the brand's original California craftsmanship tradition through hand-built guitars in popular body styles like the PT and C-shape contours.[1][47] This expansion added significant production space and emphasized bespoke creations for musicians seeking personalized tone and aesthetics.[1]The Custom Shop offers a range of customization options, including exotic woods such as koa, spalted maple, or quilted maple tops for enhanced visual and tonal qualities, alongside relic-style aged nitro finishes that provide a vintage worn-in appearance without compromising durability.[48] Signature replicas are available, replicating artist-specific designs with tailored hardware, pickups, and electronics, such as hand-wound USA-made humbuckers or single-coils from Schecter's Sun Valley facility.[47] These guitars are constructed in the Sun Valley, California facility, building on standardized production processes for precision and quality control.[45]Customers begin the process with a consultation to specify body woods, neck profiles, inlay designs, and electronic configurations, followed by handcrafting that includes intricate fretwork and finishing.[45] Delivery typically involves lead times of several months, depending on complexity, with pricing starting above $3,000 for base USA Custom Shop models and rising for extensive customizations.[48][49]Notable Custom Shop instruments include artist commissions like the Keith Merrow KM-6 MK-III Pro, featuring a multi-scale fretboard and custom-voiced pickups for progressive metal, or the Nick Johnston USA Signature Traditional with lightweight alder bodies and ebony fingerboards optimized for clean tones.[50] Unique features in these builds often incorporate hybrid designs, such as the Hellraiser Hybrid series blending active electronics with passive options for versatile gain structures, or elaborate pearl block inlays for aesthetic distinction.[48]Since the introduction of Schecter Amplification in 2013, the Custom Shop has integrated custom amp offerings, with expanded personalization options available by 2020 to complement guitar builds through matched voicing and aesthetics.[1]
Discontinued Models and Series
Schecter Guitar Research has discontinued numerous models and series throughout its history, often in response to shifts in production focus and market demands. Notable examples include early mass-produced designs from the 1980s and various series phased out in the 2000s and 2010s. For a comprehensive archive, see the company's Vault section.[51]
1980s Series
Saturn Series: T-style electric guitars introduced in 1984.[1]
Mercury Series: S-style electric guitars from 1984, featuring designs similar to competitors that led to legal issues.[1]
Californian Series: U.S.-built models produced in the late 1980s.[5]
Schecter East Series: Japan-manufactured instruments from the late 1980s.[5]
2000s and Later Series
In 2006, Schecter discontinued standard production of American-made guitars, transitioning to a custom shop model.[5]
Apocalypse Series: Included models like the V-1 Apocalypse and PT Apocalypse.[52]
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