This is the GREATEST Schecter I've EVER Played!

There is NOTHING like a Japanese Super Strat....and SCHECTER Just Made One!
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Schecter California Classic - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkJVy1
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SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Indonesia, South Korea, and now Japan! A true high performance Super Strat! Enjoy :) Guitar link: sweetwater.sjv.io/xkJVy1

[@srhatfield]

Hi Darrell, is that you playing at the beginning of this video? It's killer!

[@AkiraSpectrum]

Hi Darrell, awesome video! It looks to me that the neck needs to be shifted in the neck pocket a tad as the strings have shifted to the treble side--might want to check that. Likely the guitar got bumped in shipping. This happens to bolt-on guitars once and awhile, regardless of price and build quality etc. Either way, beauty guitar. I'm a huge fan of Schecter, I love my KM-7 MKII and all the Schecter's I've played for quite a few years now have been extremely impressive. I've never played a USA or Japanese Schecter but they're on my bucketlist.

[@quit293]

Great guitar 2500 I'm pass.

[@russellzauner]

ESP has done nothing but great things for Schecter. I will say the same thing I do every time I see a ESP video - beg Hisatake to make a bid for Dean and apply the same sauce he's been doing for Schecter. Schecter started out as an unlicensed OEM parts house and grew into a company of its own, via Pete Townshend's employment of his titular, eponymous tele-style model, which is still offered today (PT model stands for Pete Townshend).

[@danmar007]

@@srhatfield How else would it be? You didn't know he could play this well?🙂

[@scoutrifle6827]

Darrell, I really appreciate how your videos are informative and thorough but still concise and focused. So much better than folks who simply ramble on and don't say anything; it's obvious a lot of planning and thought go into creating these.

[@danielstryhanyn7278]

Schecter is freaking killing it, high quality stuff and keeping most of their guitars under a grand is amazing.

[@bluwng]

This one is $2500.

[@danielstryhanyn7278]

@@bluwng correct! This is a flag ship japan model.

[@russellzauner]

@@danielstryhanyn7278 I would guess this is built in the same factory as the Edwards models; it's got a pretty ESP-like heel...

[@danielstryhanyn7278]

@@russellzauner I believe so.

[@josephclark5965]

​@@bluwng For their premier, made in Japan model. While the ESP equivalent - the fade blue E ii SN - started at $3500. Schecter has tiers like everyone but it's incredibly difficult to find a better product, at a better price, than what Schecter offers in each of those tiers.

[@scottbehl216]

I think Schecter has been outperforming Gibson and Fender for years ! My Son's lead guitar player has been using one at shows for a year now and loves it !

[@captaintony1227]

i want to love schecter but ive had nothing but problems with the few ive bought over the last 7 years. maybe its just my luck but out of the 4 i bought i only got 3 one never came so after 6 months i had sweetwater send me an Ibanez. the other 3 all had issues that lead to me returning them. the last one i got stuck with because i put it on the rack for a year and when i finally plugged it it the bridge pick up didnt work. i re soldier it twice and it still only works when it wants i think the problem is in the pickup itself. i hope one day i can find one that i just love but i definitely would never order one offline ever again.

[@SBahamondes]

Yeah Schecter's nice but let's not get carried away here lmao

[@sathira_anuk5179]

Ibanez better

[@Dreamdancer11]

Well outperforming Gibson and Fender isnt really a badge of honor cause there are literally countless options way better for the money than any Gibson or Fender out there.Having said that though Schecters have a reputation of being very robust and well made instruments for decent prices...

[@86HAWK1]

I met your son, he hates that Schecter with a passion!

[@alexander_winston]

As the owner of a Schecter SLS Elite (your fault that I own one Darrell), to say this guitar is the best Schecter ever is a bold bold statement.

[@markbaum9615]

OUR SLS elites are clearly superior ... Neckthru is the best .... However ..this diamond is a gem

[@robzilla69]

My C1 Hellraiser is better than that thing.

[@TheWelhaven]

I have the same sls c-1 he reviewed too :) And an Evil Twin V-1. Bought both to replace the ESP I sold, regrettfully.

[@grumpyrocker]

@@robzilla69 as is my Hellraiser Hybrid PT

[@ehsanhaq155]

I own the SLS thanks to this channel too 😅 But....I also own a Fugijen.....and I must say.... that factory is iconic for their build quality.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

In my opinion, PRS and Kiesel have some of the absolute best finishes. Schecter is getting right up there with them, if not equal

[@markbaum9615]

Kiesel seems to be killing the competition With their comfort cut natural binding and edge profile designs...tops are immaculate as well....

[@chrisggoodwin777]

@@markbaum9615 yeah I own 2 now, one bass and one guitar, and another bass being completed as we speak, and the quality, playability, aesthetics, and comfort are top notch. They're not the cheapest, but the value one can get for a custom built USA made guitar is hard to beat. My guitar (CS6, Les Paul style) is probably 1/3 what esp or Gibson would've charged for a similar build

[@kirkr1961]

"have features that other brands don't" and now we know why Shecter are my favorite guitars. Best bang for the buck. Period!

[@justinunderwood25]

My last purchases have been 3 schecters. I don’t think I’ll be straying from them anytime soon. Their build quality is the best I’ve picked up in store comparing them to guitars triple their prices.

[@pieterjanzijlstra5399]

The California Classics are made by the best guitar factory in the world. Their own FGN brand are the best bang for the buck guitars by a long shot.Would love to own a Schecter but Schecter is getting really expensive outside of the States.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Magnificent instrument

[@Returnality]

I’ve been waiting for this! Haven’t see. A review of it yet, thanks doing this :)

[@RokDAWG1]

That’s definitely one of the most versatile guitars I’ve ever heard. It’s also one of the best sounding guitars in general for taking on modern and vintage tones. Very impressive.

[@stevechambers500]

Love love *LOVE* the metal track that played at the beginning of the video!!!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

1:27 Schecter is owned by a Japanese company (the same one that owns ESP) and they make a ton of Japanese made guitars for the Japanese market only. I personally tried one of these, a 7 string Jaguar with two hot rail pickups, one of the most unique 7 strings I've ever tried in my life

[@shanewalton8888]

Schecter is owned by Hisatake Shibuya who founded ESP. Mr. Shibuya started his career just a regular working grunt in a music store.

[@CashCatz]

Do you remember what that 7 string Jaguar was called? That sounds neat.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@CashCatz it's the AR07 :)

[@josephclark5965]

One of many things i love about Schecter - When moving up a price tier, they work hard to give you a real "next level" justification. Unlike the big boys that seem content to continuously raise their already ridiculous prices just to put out the same thing but in a new color, year after year.

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

Schecter is awesome. So much value and they just crush

[@rickbrunet2559]

Very nice looking and clear sounding!!

[@JohnSchroeder777]

Love to tune in to hear your playing

[@mattnelson8325]

I really enjoy your videos and I love my Schecters! Hell yeah

[@jimscardsandcollectibles1990]

I bought a Schecter extreme 6 (made in Indonesia) and it's fantastic. Feels like it should be twice the price.

[@Krullmatic]

Dang man! Is that you playing the intro music? I've never heard you play so heavy, powerful and awesome! That solo was freakin' phenomenal! Beautiful Axe as well!🤟😝🤟❤️🎸

[@richszmal1653]

That thing is absolutely gorgeous!

[@wilbert5916]

You can not split a single coil, but you can tap it: by tapping you reduce the amount of winds and therefore output and tone. Like with some trafo's so you can charge the transformaties.

[@vote4chapman]

the return of a simple trem vs. a Floyd/Kahler system is awesome. both harley benton and firefly have awesome ST options (wilkinson's on the HB's)

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

NICE guitar.. Thanks for sharing 🎸 🎶

[@dickevans6601]

Thanks, man. That is a beauty.

[@KHGuitars]

Beautiful

[@gregoaks4413]

nice work Darrel

[@MrThemortgage]

Schecter is very underrated, my Diamond series almost never needs to be tuned.

[@av3nger3]

I have a 2006 Schecter S-1 Blackjack with swapped electronics and Gotoh 510 1:21 Delta tuners. The most stable headstock in the universe.

[@billyvitale8994]

Schecter has had some of the most perfect designs..before PRS ..should get the recognition they deserveThanks Darrel...btw you really cant split a singe coil..I think these must be coil tapped..something that was used quite some in the 80sbjt is rarely implemented nowadays

[@scottbehl216]

Case in point, I just got. Y Son a Fender Strat brand spanking new. They said it was all set up. The action was perfect ! The fret ends were atrouchous !!! They said that didn't come with the set up ! Hell, that should have come perfect from the Factory !! And of course rounding over the edges. I've learned alot on this channel! THANKS DARREL !!

[@busterdog82]

Great video! I absolutely love my Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS! Schecter is definitely one of the best value for money brands out there today.

[@EHou01]

Yeah, I want a NJ also. Difficult to find pre-owned at a decent price.

[@busterdog82]

Well once you got one ya don't want to let it go 😅 Best of luck in the search!

[@flyingbeaver57]

Thanks, Darrell. I've been a Schecter fan since way, way back (and I lay that at the feet of Mark Knopfler from the Dire Straits days, LOL), and although the Schecters I've purchased have all been "one previous owner" they've proven to be very good instruments. On the electronics side, they've always done extremely well, and the fretboards and necks have been super impressive. Now, with a new Made in Japan offering, I can see I'd better start saving my loonies again. Have a great day.

[@jamestejada3673]

Well considering that's almost a month's rent here.

[@aapddd]

Mark Knopfler is a legend !

[@bacongl]

That top looks like you could swim in it. That thing is sweet. If they had a matching headstock it would be literally perfect. I am in the market for a super strat too.

[@stevenschultz714]

I absolutely love my Schecter reaper 6 everything about it is immaculate!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I only wish this guitar had a matching headstock, either black to match the ebony fretboard or matching the body

[@scott7521]

I love Schecter. Great products

[@keadonboze968]

You NEED to make a Kiesel build guitar. I would like to see what you would make and how you rate their custom craftsmanship.

[@christophersparace11]

I can’t wait for you to review the Schecter Solo Supreme!

[@Turbo-D]

i`m a lifetime schecter fan and collected over 20 guitars of that brand right now but the best schecter for me is also the most affordable i have, just take a look at the reaper 6 non tremolo version ..it costs just a third and is nothing but an amazing piece of guitar artwork, the pickups are the best in have ever played so far and the build quality is outstanding..cheers 🎸🎸

[@discob61350]

This is the best Ibanez I've ever seen. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@rayjeeves8000]

Damn! I own a Hellraiser Hybrid and have been thinking of going with a different brand…until now! Wicked intro playing!!!

[@tomaslopez2940]

Really gotta love Japanese guitars! I bought the Yamaha Pacifica 612 after seeing your video on it, and I'm hoping to get the Yamaha Revstar to go with it eventually!

[@MelodyMaker218]

Hell yeah, that is a really sweet looking guitar.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

That quilted maple top is so active....it needs its own 9 volt battery 😮🤘🙏👍

[@Voxguitarsrock]

CIJ in my experience is THE Fender to have. Just my opinion. Good rundown. Thanks!

[@tres311]

Anything made in Japan is the one to have. I’d take a seiko over the finest Swiss watch just off of the strength of Japanese expertise for everything. I’m a non Japanese Japanese supremacist. Edit: literally, whether American or Mexican, all fender products made in North America, are crafted by Mexicans. Save your bread and buy the Ensenadas.

[@joermnyc]

My Jag is a 90’s CIJ.

[@lestermobley1551]

Nice vid Darrell. Love your playing. Is it possible for you one day to review D'angelico's Atlantic baritone guitar?

[@snapfinger1]

Lou Reed put Schecter on the map. The 2003-2018 C1 is a workhorse. Incredible Fuji masterpiece.

[@pleasantlindsey33]

Schechter makes some nice stuff.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

I'm always happy to see Schecter putting out a guitar that's NOT named something like, "Demon Anus" or "Reaper Stool."

[@jaypeterson7637]

Amen!

[@nomadenview]

Hahahaha...... Exactly....

[@jayteesgear]

Darrel you PUNK! I was all excited the affordable line finally made something cool! Boo

[@davidramos4317]

Gorgeous

[@place_desjardins]

nice review

[@zengroove16]

Ooooooh Cali Classic 👍 Finish is excellent... know it shreds

[@zadtrax]

What a beautiful looking and sounding guitar! If guitar was my primary instrument and I was a much more skilled player and I had the cash, I'd order one of these... hopefully left-handed version if it exists.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Wow your intro playing is awesome in this Schecter Cali Classic video! Is there a prog metal album coming? Guitar is awesome too, love those single coil tones.

[@zackcodso3628]

Amazing how it has everything I want out of a Schecter & out of a Japanese guitar

[@nathanmclauchlan5148]

That such a nice guitar. Those single coils in the neck and middle position sound like humbuckers 🤯

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Great intro.

[@nmcg2587]

That is one beautiful guitar! I kinda want one

[@davids11131113]

Nice looking, and I like the bridge just basic old Strat style but quality.

[@G34RH34D]

Since I played and owned Schecter for about 20 years, I've lever looked back. Whether it's American, Japan, or Korean made, their guitars are incredibly well crafted. Well, from my experience, their guitars ranging in the 700USD+. I'm glad that they are still striving to always make high quality guitars for an affordable price.

[@BillieSwift]

Love the intro song. Gives me Alter Bridge vibe.

[@r.honeycutt8660]

Beautiful guitar love the neck. I have 3 Schecters and all are great love their products. The one you showed has a much more figured neck than the one Sweetwater Has in stock. A bit pricey but still and awesome guitar. Do you get to keep this guitar? If so great for you. Keep up the great work really always enjoy your videos.

[@ronpatterson6420]

Thats a wild guitar, I play Ibanez and gretsch. The gretsch stands alone for its reasons but my Ibanez doesn't hold candle to the schecter for all those tone options, thanks Darrel I'm impressed. 10:25

[@sEaNoYeAh]

Schecter is starting to supersede Ibanez in this kind of guitar space the same way Ibanez topped Jackson in the 2000s.

[@snakeplissken44]

It's probably a coil tap on the single coil and a split on the bucker.

[@allanflippin2453]

Wow, this one ticks all the boxes for me! I had previously been looking at the PRS Fiore, but this is more versatile, cheaper and it's in BLUE!! GAS happens...

[@allanflippin2453]

I pulled the trigger. Ordered a blue one today from Sweetwater just like yours. Yeehaw! GAS relief on the way.

[@clust11]

Fiore is a fantastic guitar

[@michaeljoeallen9412]

👍 sounds great. Ash and flame maple, yes. Super strat.

[@user-mofGuitar]

I'm glad to you love Japanese guitar. because I'm Japanese and i love schecter made in Japan. I have 6 schecter within 12 guitars. although I love -sun valley super shreddeder - japanese model nv-3-24 is very cool.

[@rikkr1307]

That do sound quite nice

[@richbeck2853]

Is it just me or are the strings skewed toward the high E side of the fretboard at the upper frets. The high E string seems extremely close to the edge of the fretboard. In addition, the dot inlays are not evenly spaced between the D and G strings. I've owned several guitars with this issue, and I've had problems with the string slipping off the edge of the frets with even the slightest vibrato on the high E string.

[@chrollo0427]

its common on 12+ in radius necks. If its not slipping its not a problem.

[@ellsworth1956]

@@chrollo0427 This is true Several of my Scheters the high E is right on the edge. You get use to it thou.

[@sleekslush]

My hugest pet peeve about certain guitars .. makes them unplayable imo

[@gemgem3280]

My first elec was a shecter and I prefer it over some PRS guitars tbh. $400 dollar C-6 Solid Body, OBB color.

[@Acre00]

Me, too. I got a screamer of a deal on a C-1 and never looked back

[@zappasmoustache23]

Prs wish they could be as good as schecter. They’re just meh, ok in comparison.

[@dexterj5615]

Dude the C6 deluxe is the best guitar on the market for the price as far as playability is concerned

[@jerryjohnson2421]

great demo......worth it....Japan quality loce the guitar love to get in green

[@norseman61]

Schecter SERIOUSLY has their act together as a company. Regardless of the price tier, their offerings are top notch. My Indonesian Nick Johnston HSS is flawless, and looks/feels/sounds like it should be three times the price. Now if they’d just come out with a P90-loaded DC LP Jr style, I’d be all over it!

[@TheSammyreynolds]

Those single coils non-split sound like stacked singles that's why splitting them works.

[@benpowersguitar]

Wow! Might be time for me to get another Schecter!!

[@akwamarsunzal]

Wow! Thats a stunner! Not keen on the colour but beautiful

[@progdude]

Great video! But I would have liked to see the electronics cavity as you sometimes show. I just haven’t seen much of fujigens electronics work.

[@HunnysPlaylists]

Schecter Japan has been going on making stuff like this since the Los Angeles shop first closed in the late 80's.

[@barnaclerusty]

the ultimate guitar 😮

[@DanielBobke]

Definitely one of the pricier Schecters at $2500 but stunning in looks and specs. Schecter is one of my favorite brands...I have 3 and I love them all.

[@anthonyangelis1094]

I own five Schecter guitars now. Schecter is amazing. Such amazing quality for the price. That is a beautiful guitar. Unfortunately a little out of my price price range. But I do have a Schecter, Nick Johnston, which is a pretty darn amazing guitar for the price. All of Schecter guitars are top quality. You can’t go wrong with the Schecter. I love the more modern Strat style guitar with 14 inch radius, Ebony, fretboard, HSS, configuration, locking, tuners, etc. you can’t get as many features in the other brands without breaking the bank. I have a schecter Hell Rayzor also which is my prize guitar. Unbelievable quality with EMG pick ups.

[@magnaveradaboi]

I need to buy a Schecter now. Only if it’s a seven string tho😂😂

[@HowardFrischer]

Killer opening solo

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

Wow, a very interesting guitar! It looks good, sounds good and with very interesting specifications. A seven string would be perfect for me. I would like to hear this guitar in a lower tuning, especially with the split options for the pickups... 🤔🤗🤘

[@bardsimpson1404]

Glad to see schecter getting its due. I have 4. I use different tunings and they are all i use now. Iv got a silver mountain, a hellraiser, a demon 6, and an older omen. All play amazing. Its the thin c neck that i love👍

[@whitewalker608]

Hi. Thinking to buy a Schecter. Which one would you recommend would be the best for metal? I always had Hellraiser C1 FR or Blackjack in mind. Are there any better ones?

[@bardsimpson1404]

@@whitewalker608 my personal favorite i own is the demon 6. The pickups are better in my hellraiser though. I love the hellraiser too, but there is just something really comfortable about the d6. Just my Personal preference. I will say that if you're going for used, look for pre covid (2019 - back). I ordered 3 new guitars within a yr 2020-2021, that all got sent back. the fretwork, on all 3 was VERY poor. Overall, I think you'd be happy with any of the various versions of the hellraiser. They play great, and scream if you need them to, and despite most reviews that say their clean tone is bad, I think they sound good clean or dirty. Most of what I play is hard rock/metal, Im able to get a tone combo of van Halen meets buckethead, but can easily get much heavier, if needed. I will say, that it's best to try a couple models out before ordering. The price is right used or new, compared to the competition too. Good luck

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

O my God, How beautiful she is (guitar).

[@soheil9610]

Thanks for the nice review. It looks like a vey good guitar with high specifications. What really kills this guitar for me is that pay attention to the distance between high E string and fret ends. Also Low E and Fret end. It has a lot room for low E and basically not much for highE vibrato. any slight vibrato on high E will easily can get off the fret shoulder. And the price tag, these are quite nice options with this price out there.

[@lone-wolf-1]

Yeah, in general I like it too, to have vibrato room for the high e string and the low E close to the fret ends. There is an (often easy) solution to correct the string alignment on bolt on necks: loosen the neck screws 1/4 turn an shift the neck towards the wound strings. Then tighten the screws in following order: first the two towards neck, then the two towards body. Most of guitars have enough free room in the neck pocket for that. If the neck sits too tight, you have to widen the pocket and make sure the neck screws have clearance in the body holes. The winds of the neck screws should not grab in the body holes, otherwise you hardly can move the neck, and second thing: it‘s nit possible for them to pull the neck tight on to the body. 😊

[@rdds4108]

Ooofff! $2500!

[@robzilla69]

For a bolt on neck😂😂😂

[@alanrobertson727]

Wow, looks and sounds great. Will have to look into these and find a UK dealer in London area who stocks them where I can try one out.

[@joermnyc]

That top looks like a swimming pool, such great figured maple, even if it’s just a veneer.

[@S1L3NTknight]

I've had a Schecter KM7 mkIII for a couple years now... it's the best guitar I have ever owned.

[@markbaum9615]

That schecter USA ..Keith morrow is exceptional .....wish I had one

[@Allan-ts1ux]

Was that you playing the intro with that guitar.. or another one. Amazing intro if so.. nice lookin 🎸

[@algrundau9441]

My 12 String Star Gazer and 5 Strings...(YES 5 STRING!!!!)...Cello Blaster and Avenger are interesting guitars....HEAVY!!!....Both in weight and sound. Very well made. Very good company.

[@alphamegaman8847]

Damn, that thing reminds me of a Blue C1 Classic I had that was stolen, along with the Honda CR-V it was in!😕🤬 Can't work anymore due to Multiple Cardiac events, so haven't been able to replace it. Was a Sweet Neck through. So much sustain and such stable tuning!🥰 Mike in San Diego.🌞🎸🚀🖖

[@MorGuitarz]

Must have... and I've got more high end PRS, Fender & Gibson than I have limbs & eyeballs... but I've lusted after a Schecter since Pete Townshend's Teles from The Who's '82 North America tour... it might be time. Looks f'n GORGEOUS

[@anthonyarnett8774]

Was that you playing in that intro. That was sick

[@darrell5228]

That is a beauty don't look like they didn't spare no expense .

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

For $2,700.00 out the door and to your doorstep Id think there'd be more than a Maple cap veneer but I guess its the price of wood these days and even the PRS line Wood Library doesn't look as it once did. Great guitar and video.

[@PocketDelicious]

Wow. Think I just found my next guitar.

[@pabloescabar1038]

You should try the hellraiser hybrid

[@patrickkirby7612]

That pup is scary competition for G and F. If they get the pups right , it's game over for G and F.