Schecter: Rock and Metal Excellence Since 1976

Schecter Guitar Research: An Essential Reference for Rock and Metal Guitarists

For nearly fifty years, Schecter Guitar Research has established itself as one of the most respected electric guitar and bass brands in the world. Founded in 1976 in Van Nuys, California, by David Schecter, the company evolved from a modest repair and parts manufacturing shop into an international manufacturer present in over 150 countries. Today, Schecter is synonymous with aggressively designed guitars, high-end technical specifications, and exceptional value for money.

What sets Schecter apart is its ability to offer custom shop-worthy instruments at accessible prices. Whether you are an amateur musician looking for your first serious guitar or a demanding professional, the Schecter range covers all needs with remarkable quality consistency.

The Story of Schecter: From Repair Shop to Worldwide Fame

In 1976, David Schecter opened a repair shop in Van Nuys, California. The shop manufactured guitar necks, bodies, pickups, bridges, and hundreds of other parts. Schecter quickly became the go-to supplier for America's finest luthiers. By the late 1970s, the catalog featured over 400 parts, but no complete instruments were yet offered.

In 1979, Schecter launched its first fully assembled electric guitars. These instruments, of exceptional quality and high price, were distributed through only twenty retailers across the United States. Artists like Pete Townshend, Mark Knopfler, and Ritchie Blackmore quickly adopted Schecter guitars and parts.

In 1983, the company was purchased by Texas investors who moved production to Dallas. This era saw the appearance of the Saturn and Mercury models, guitars inspired by classic designs. In 1987, Hisatake Shibuya, a Japanese entrepreneur who also owned the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, bought the brand and brought it back to California.

The decisive turning point came in 1996 when Michael Ciravolo, a guitarist and former Sunset Custom Guitars employee, took over as Schecter's president. He injected a new artistic direction by launching models with original designs like the Avenger, Hellcat, and Tempest. In 1998, the Diamond Series was introduced at the NAMM Show: six professional-quality guitars at affordable prices, manufactured in South Korea. The success was immediate.

In 2000, the C-1 model appeared in Papa Roach's «Last Resort» music video, propelling Schecter to the forefront of the nu-metal and alternative metal scene. Since then, the brand has never stopped expanding its range and artist roster, now counting musicians like Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold), Nick Johnston, Keith Merrow, and Zakk Wylde.

Innovation at the Heart of Schecter's DNA

Schecter has always distinguished itself through its ability to innovate while maintaining competitive prices. Here are the technical advances that built the brand's reputation:

• The Diamond Series: launched in 1998, this South Korean-made range offers custom shop-level specifications at affordable prices. Flamed maple tops, Seymour Duncan or EMG pickups, Floyd Rose bridges: every model is equipped like a high-end instrument.
• Neck-Thru Construction: Schecter has democratized neck-thru construction on mid-range guitars, offering unprecedented sustain and upper fret access in this price category.
• 7 and 8-String Guitars: a pioneer in the extended-range guitar field, Schecter offers a vast range of 7 and 8-string guitars for progressive metal and djent guitarists.
• Multiscale (Fanned Frets): the Reaper Multiscale and C-8 MS SLS Elite models feature fanned frets for optimal string tension and perfect intonation across the entire fretboard.
• Signature Collaborations: Schecter develops signature models with world-renowned artists like Synyster Gates, Nick Johnston, Keith Merrow, and Zakk Wylde through his Wylde Audio brand.

Schecter's Flagship Ranges

The Schecter catalog is organized into several series covering all styles and budgets. Discover the main ranges available:

The C-1 Series: The Versatile Best-Seller

The C-1 is Schecter's iconic model. With its elegant double cutaway shape, powerful pickups, and quality construction, it is the ideal choice for rock, hard rock, and metal. The C-1 Platinum, C-1 SLS Elite, C-1 FR SLS Elite, and C-1 Apocalypse variants offer configurations tailored to every need, from the studio guitarist to the most demanding shredder.

The Banshee Series: Extreme Aggression

Designed for musicians who push the limits, the Banshee Mach-6 and Mach-7 are equipped with Lundgren pickups, Floyd Rose or Evertune bridges, and carbon-reinforced maple necks. Their aggressive look and no-compromise specifications make them favorites of modern metal guitarists.

The Reaper Series: Accessible Multiscale

With their fanned fret design, the Reaper-6 and Reaper-7 Multiscale offer exceptional playability for low tunings while maintaining optimal playing comfort in the upper register. An ideal gateway into the multiscale world at a reasonable price.

The Omen Series: The Schecter Entry Point

The Omen-6, Omen Extreme-6, and Omen Elite-6 are the brand's entry-level models. Don't be fooled by their accessible price: they benefit from the same attention to detail and build quality as the high-end models. Perfect for ambitious beginners or guitarists looking for a reliable backup instrument.

Schecter Basses

Schecter also produces a complete range of electric basses, including the popular Stargazer-4, C-5 Plus, Riot-4, and Riot-5. Bassists will appreciate the same build quality, carefully selected woods, and high-end electronics as on the brand's guitars.

Why Musicians Choose Schecter

Schecter's reputation rests on three fundamental pillars: build quality, high-end components, and accessible pricing. Every guitar leaves the factory with branded pickups (Seymour Duncan, EMG, Lundgren, or Schecter USA), a quality bridge (Floyd Rose, Hipshot, or Evertune), and meticulous craftsmanship (neck-thru construction, flamed maple top, stainless steel frets).

The brand has won the hearts of metal, hard rock, and alternative rock guitarists, but its versatility allows it to shine in all styles. From blues to jazz to progressive rock, a well-set-up Schecter can play anything.

With its prestigious artist roster, constant presence at the biggest festivals, and philosophy of democratizing excellence, Schecter Guitar Research continues to write its history, one guitar at a time.

Further Reading

Want to deepen your knowledge of the electric guitar world? Check out our dedicated articles:

• Used Guitar: The Complete Buying Guide - all our tips for finding the hidden gem without making mistakes
• Essential Guitar Effect Pedals - guide and advice for building your pedalboard
• Why Buy a Used Instrument? - the economic and ecological benefits of the second-hand market
• Fender: The American Legend - discover the history of the most famous electric guitar manufacturer
• Music Production: The Ultimate Guide - recording, mixing, and distributing your music

That's it! We hope this article has inspired you to discover or rediscover the Schecter universe and its electric guitars. All that's left is to browse Green Musicians to find the Schecter of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalog of musical instruments featuring brands from around the world such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, Ibanez, and many more. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to offer you the best of music.

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