In search of a versatile and captivating guitar experience? Look no further than the Schecter 12 String Guitar!
Editor’s Note: Schecter 12 String Guitars are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled sound, and versatility, making them a must-read for any guitarist.
Through meticulous analysis and extensive research, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about Schecter 12 String Guitars.
Key Differences:| Feature | Schecter C-12 Elite | Schecter Hellcat-XII ||—|—|—|| Body Style | Single Cutaway | Double Cutaway || Scale Length | 24.75″ | 25.5″ || Pickups | EMG 85 (Bridge), EMG 81 (Neck) | Schecter Diamond ’78 Humbuckers || Bridge | TonePros TOM with String-Thru Body | Schecter Custom Hardtail || Electronics | 3-Way Toggle Switch, Volume, Tone | 3-Way Toggle Switch, Volume, Tone, Killswitch |
Main Article Topics:Schecter 12 String Guitar Models: Explore the diverse range of Schecter 12 string guitars, from the classic C-12 Elite to the aggressive Hellcat-XII. Schecter 12 String Guitar Sound: Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant, and dynamic sound produced by Schecter 12 string guitars. Schecter 12 String Guitar Playability: Discover the effortless playability and exceptional comfort offered by Schecter 12 string guitars. Schecter 12 String Guitar Versatility: Unleash your creativity with the remarkable versatility of Schecter 12 string guitars, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.* Schecter 12 String Guitar Value: Examine the exceptional value proposition offered by Schecter 12 string guitars, providing professional-grade features at an accessible price point.
1. Construction
The construction of a Schecter 12 string guitar plays a crucial role in its exceptional sound and playability. The combination of a mahogany body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard provides a unique tonal foundation that is both warm and resonant, with excellent sustain and clarity.
- Mahogany Body: Mahogany is a dense and resonant wood that provides a warm and balanced tone. It is often used in the construction of high-quality guitars due to its ability to produce a rich and full sound.
- Maple Neck: Maple is a hard and durable wood that provides excellent clarity and sustain. It is often used in the construction of guitar necks due to its ability to withstand the tension of the strings and provide a fast and comfortable playing surface.
- Rosewood Fingerboard: Rosewood is a dark and oily wood that provides a warm and mellow tone. It is often used in the construction of guitar fingerboards due to its ability to produce a smooth and articulate sound.
The combination of these three woods results in a guitar that is both versatile and expressive. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or country, a Schecter 12 string guitar will provide you with the sound and feel you need to excel.
2. Pickups
The Schecter 12 string guitar’s distinctive sound is largely attributed to its EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers. These high-output pickups are specifically designed to deliver a powerful and versatile tone that can handle a wide range of musical genres.
The EMG 85 is a passive humbucker that provides a warm and articulate sound with excellent clarity and definition. It is perfect for players who want a versatile pickup that can handle both clean and distorted tones. The EMG 81 is an active humbucker that delivers a more aggressive and powerful sound with plenty of sustain. It is ideal for players who want a pickup that can produce heavy riffs and soaring leads.
Together, the EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers provide the Schecter 12 string guitar with a unique and versatile sound that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, metal, or anything in between, these pickups will give you the sound you need to excel.
Key Insights:
- The EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers are specifically designed to deliver a powerful and versatile tone that can handle a wide range of musical genres.
- The EMG 85 is a passive humbucker that provides a warm and articulate sound with excellent clarity and definition.
- The EMG 81 is an active humbucker that delivers a more aggressive and powerful sound with plenty of sustain.
- Together, the EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers provide the Schecter 12 string guitar with a unique and versatile sound that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
3. Electronics
The electronics on a Schecter 12 string guitar play a vital role in shaping the sound and tone of the instrument. The 3-way toggle switch allows the player to select between the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together. The volume knob controls the overall output level of the guitar, while the tone knob adjusts the brightness or darkness of the sound.
The combination of these three controls gives the player a wide range of tonal options to choose from. For example, the neck pickup can be used for a warm and mellow sound, while the bridge pickup can be used for a brighter and more aggressive sound. Combining the two pickups can create a sound that is both full and articulate.
The electronics on a Schecter 12 string guitar are also very well-made and durable. This means that they will provide years of reliable service, even with heavy use. Overall, the electronics on a Schecter 12 string guitar are an important part of what makes these instruments so versatile and popular.
Key Insights:
- The electronics on a Schecter 12 string guitar play a vital role in shaping the sound and tone of the instrument.
- The 3-way toggle switch allows the player to select between the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together.
- The volume knob controls the overall output level of the guitar, while the tone knob adjusts the brightness or darkness of the sound.
- The combination of these three controls gives the player a wide range of tonal options to choose from.
- The electronics on a Schecter 12 string guitar are also very well-made and durable.
4. Bridge
The TonePros TOM bridge with string-thru body is a key component of the Schecter 12 string guitar, contributing significantly to its exceptional sound, sustain, and playability.
The TonePros TOM bridge is a high-quality, precision-engineered br
idge that provides excellent intonation and tuning stability. Its solid construction and robust design ensure that it can withstand the tension of 12 strings without compromising its performance.
The string-thru body design further enhances the sound and sustain of the guitar. By stringing the guitar through the body, the vibrations of the strings are transferred more efficiently to the body of the guitar, resulting in a richer, more resonant sound. Additionally, the string-thru body design improves sustain by increasing the contact between the strings and the body, allowing the vibrations to decay more slowly.
In addition to its sonic benefits, the TonePros TOM bridge with string-thru body also contributes to the Schecter 12 string guitar’s exceptional playability. The bridge’s low profile and smooth saddles allow for fast and comfortable fretting, even with the wider string spacing required for a 12 string guitar.
Overall, the TonePros TOM bridge with string-thru body is an integral part of the Schecter 12 string guitar’s design, contributing to its exceptional sound, sustain, and playability. This combination of features makes the Schecter 12 string guitar an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a versatile and high-quality instrument.
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High-quality, precision-engineered construction | Excellent intonation and tuning stability |
| String-thru body design | Richer, more resonant sound and improved sustain |
| Low profile and smooth saddles | Fast and comfortable fretting |
5. Scale Length
The 24.75-inch scale length is a defining characteristic of the Schecter 12 String Guitar, significantly contributing to its exceptional playability, tone, and overall performance.
- Enhanced Playability:
The shorter scale length reduces the distance between frets, making it easier to reach and fret notes, especially for those with smaller hands or those transitioning from a 6-string guitar. This increased playability allows for faster and more comfortable playing, facilitating complex chord voicings and intricate lead lines. - Balanced Tone:
The 24.75-inch scale length provides a balanced tonal response across the entire fretboard. The shorter scale length results in slightly less string tension, contributing to a warmer and mellower tone. This balanced tone makes the Schecter 12 String Guitar well-suited for a wide range of musical genres, from jangly folk to heavy rock. - Improved Intonation:
The shorter scale length reduces the amount of string stretching required to achieve proper intonation. This improved intonation ensures that chords and notes ring true and in tune, enhancing the overall sound and listening experience. - Versatile Performance:
The combination of enhanced playability, balanced tone, and improved intonation makes the Schecter 12 String Guitar highly versatile. It effortlessly adapts to various playing styles and techniques, from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming and lead playing. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for guitarists seeking an instrument that can excel in multiple musical contexts.
In summary, the 24.75-inch scale length of the Schecter 12 String Guitar is a crucial factor in its exceptional playability, tone, and versatility. It contributes to a comfortable playing experience, a balanced tonal response, improved intonation, and the ability to handle a wide range of musical styles, making it an excellent choice for guitarists of all skill levels and musical preferences.
6. Tuning
The Schecter 12 string guitar is designed to be tuned in the standard 12-string tuning, which is: E A D G B E (low to high) for the 12 strings. This specific tuning plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristic sound and performance of the instrument.
The standard 12-string tuning creates a rich and full sound due to the doubled strings at each octave. The octave strings provide a chorus-like effect, adding depth and resonance to chords and melodies. This tuning also allows for a wider range of voicings and complex chord structures, expanding the guitar’s harmonic possibilities.
Furthermore, the standard 12-string tuning facilitates a balanced tension across all strings, ensuring optimal playability and intonation. The even tension distribution allows for comfortable fretting and accurate note bending, making it suitable for various playing styles from strumming to fingerpicking.
The combination of the Schecter 12 string guitar’s construction, pickup configuration, and standard 12-string tuning results in a versatile instrument capable of producing a wide range of tones and sounds. It is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a guitar that can handle diverse genres, from folk and blues to rock and heavy metal.
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Rich and full sound | Doubled strings at each octave create a chorus-like effect and enhance harmonic depth and resonance. |
| Wide range of voicings and complex chords | Allows for more intricate and expressive chord constructions. |
| Balanced tension across strings | Ensures optimal playability, comfortable fretting, and accurate intonation. |
| Versatility | Suitable for a wide range of genres, from folk and blues to rock and heavy metal. |
7. Playability
The Schecter 12-string guitar is renowned for its exceptionally fast and comfortable playability, a crucial factor that elevates the overall playing experience and musical expression. This playability is a result of several key design elements working in harmony:
- Slim and contoured body: The Schecter 12-string guitar features a body that is both slim and contoured, providing a comfortable fit against the player’s body, reducing fatigue during long playing sessions.
- Fast neck profile: The guitar’s neck is designed with a fast profile, allowing for effortless fretting and smooth transitions between chords and notes, facilitating complex and rapid playing techniques.
- Low action: The guitar’s action is set low, minimizing the distance between the strings and the fretboard, resulting in reduced string tension and increased playability, especially for intricate fingerpicking and soloing.
- High-quality fretwork: The Schecter 12-string guitar benefits from meticulous fretwork, ensuring that the frets are leveled and polished to perfection, eliminating buzzing and providing a smooth playing surface.
The combination of these factors contributes to the guitar’s exceptional playability, enabling guitarists to perform at their best, whether they are seasoned professionals or aspiring musicians. The fast and comfortable nature of the Schecter 12-string guitar empowers playe
rs to explore complex musical ideas, execute demanding techniques, and deliver expressive performances with ease and precision.
Key Insights:
| Design Element | Contribution to Playability |
|---|---|
| Slim and contoured body | Provides a comfortable fit, reducing fatigue |
| Fast neck profile | Facilitates effortless fretting and smooth transitions |
| Low action | Reduces string tension, increasing playability |
| High-quality fretwork | Eliminates buzzing and provides a smooth playing surface |
8. Sound
The Schecter 12-string guitar is renowned for its rich, resonant, and dynamic sound, a captivating blend of tonal qualities that sets it apart from its counterparts. This exceptional sound is a result of several key factors:
- Premium tonewoods: Schecter carefully selects premium tonewoods for the construction of its 12-string guitars, including mahogany for the body, maple for the neck, and rosewood for the fingerboard. These tonewoods are known for their inherent tonal characteristics, contributing to the guitar’s overall sound and resonance.
- Expert craftsmanship: Schecter’s skilled luthiers meticulously craft each 12-string guitar with precision and care, ensuring that the instrument’s components are perfectly fitted and assembled. This attention to detail enhances the guitar’s resonance and sustain, allowing the sound to bloom and project with clarity.
- High-quality pickups: Schecter equips its 12-string guitars with high-quality pickups, such as the EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers, which are specifically designed to capture the guitar’s natural tone and dynamics. These pickups deliver a powerful and versatile sound, accommodating a wide range of musical styles.
The combination of these factors results in a guitar with a rich, resonant, and dynamic sound that inspires and captivates players and audiences alike. Schecter’s 12-string guitars are capable of producing a vast sonic palette, from warm and mellow tones to bright and articulate sounds, making them suitable for a wide range of genres, from folk and blues to rock and heavy metal.
Key Insights:
| Factor | Contribution to Sound |
|---|---|
| Premium tonewoods | Enhance tonal characteristics, contributing to overall sound and resonance |
| Expert craftsmanship | Enhances resonance and sustain, allowing sound to bloom and project with clarity |
| High-quality pickups | Capture the guitar’s natural tone and dynamics, delivering a powerful and versatile sound |
9. Versatility
The Schecter 12-string guitar stands out for its exceptional versatility, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of musical genres. Its unique sound and playing characteristics allow it to seamlessly adapt to various musical styles, from delicate fingerpicking to heavy riffs and soaring solos.
- Tonal Diversity: The Schecter 12-string guitar’s combination of premium tonewoods, expert craftsmanship, and high-quality pickups results in a versatile sound that can accommodate a wide sonic spectrum. It effortlessly produces warm and resonant tones for folk and blues, while also delivering bright and articulate sounds for rock and heavy metal.
- Playability across Genres: The guitar’s fast and comfortable playability, achieved through its slim and contoured body, fast neck profile, low action, and high-quality fretwork, makes it suitable for a variety of playing styles. Whether it’s intricate fingerpicking patterns, strumming rhythms, or shredding solos, the Schecter 12-string guitar provides a responsive and enjoyable playing experience.
- Genre-Bending Versatility: The Schecter 12-string guitar inspires musicians to explore and blend genres, pushing the boundaries of traditional musical styles. Its unique sound and playability make it an ideal choice for musicians seeking to create innovative and captivating music that defies genre classifications.
- Adaptability to Different Techniques: The Schecter 12-string guitar’s versatility extends to its adaptability to different playing techniques. It can handle complex fingerpicking patterns with ease, thanks to its fast and comfortable neck. Additionally, its ability to produce a wide range of tones makes it suitable for strumming, palm muting, and tapping techniques, providing guitarists with a diverse sonic palette to explore.
In conclusion, the Schecter 12-string guitar’s versatility is not merely a claim but a testament to its exceptional sound, playability, and adaptability. It empowers guitarists to express their creativity across a wide range of musical genres, inspiring them to create and perform music that transcends boundaries and captivates audiences.
10. Value
The Schecter 12-string guitar stands out for its exceptional value, offering professional-grade features at an accessible price point. This combination makes it an attractive choice for guitarists seeking a high-quality instrument without breaking the bank.
- Premium Components: Schecter 12-string guitars are constructed using premium materials and components, including mahogany bodies, maple necks, rosewood fingerboards, and high-quality pickups. These components contribute to the guitar’s exceptional sound, playability, and durability.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Schecter guitars are meticulously crafted by skilled luthiers, ensuring attention to detail and precision in construction. This expert craftsmanship enhances the guitar’s overall quality and longevity.
- Affordable Pricing: Despite its professional-grade features, the Schecter 12-string guitar is offered at a price point that is accessible to a wide range of musicians. This makes it an excellent value for guitarists who demand quality without sacrificing affordability.
- Exceptional Performance: The Schecter 12-string guitar delivers exceptional performance, rivaling guitars that cost significantly more. Its rich sound, comfortable playability, and versatility make it a joy to play and an asset to any musician’s arsenal.
In conclusion, the Schecter 12-string guitar offers an unbeatable combination of professional-grade features and affordable pricing. Its premium components, expert craftsmanship, and accessible price point make it an exceptional value for guitarists seeking a high-quality instrument that won’t break the bank.
FAQs about Schecter 12 String Guitars
This section addresses frequently asked questions about Schecter 12 string guitars, providing concise and informative answers to guide prospective buyers and enthusiasts.
Question 1: What are the key features of Schecter 12 string guitars?
Answer: Schecter 12 string guitars are renowned for their premium construction, featuring mahogany bodies, maple necks, and
rosewood fingerboards. They are equipped with high-quality pickups, typically EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers, delivering a versatile and powerful sound. Additionally, Schecter’s meticulous craftsmanship ensures exceptional playability and durability.
Question 2: What genres of music are Schecter 12 string guitars suitable for?
Answer: Schecter 12 string guitars are highly versatile instruments, accommodating a wide range of genres. Their rich and resonant sound makes them ideal for folk and blues, while their ability to produce bright and articulate tones suits them well for rock and heavy metal. The guitars’ playability and adaptability make them suitable for various playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming and soloing.
Question 3: How do Schecter 12 string guitars compare to other brands in terms of quality and value?
Answer: Schecter 12 string guitars offer exceptional value for money. They are constructed using premium materials and components, comparable to guitars from higher-priced brands. Schecter’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that their 12 string guitars deliver professional-grade performance at an accessible price point.
Question 4: What is the typical price range for Schecter 12 string guitars?
Answer: Schecter 12 string guitars are generally priced between $800 and $1,500, depending on the specific model and features. This price range makes them accessible to a wide range of musicians, from beginners to experienced professionals.
Question 5: Where can I purchase a Schecter 12 string guitar?
Answer: Schecter 12 string guitars are available at authorized Schecter dealers worldwide. You can also purchase them online from reputable music retailers.
Question 6: What accessories are recommended for a Schecter 12 string guitar?
Answer: To enhance your playing experience, consider investing in a sturdy case or gig bag to protect your guitar during transport and storage. Additionally, a high-quality guitar strap and a tuner are essential accessories for and accurate playing.
Summary: Schecter 12 string guitars are versatile and high-quality instruments suitable for various musical genres. They offer professional-grade features at an accessible price point, making them an excellent choice for guitarists seeking value and quality. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, a Schecter 12 string guitar can elevate your playing to new heights.
Transition: To further explore the exceptional qualities of Schecter 12 string guitars, continue reading our comprehensive guide, where we delve deeper into their construction, sound, playability, versatility, and more.
Tips for Playing Schecter 12-String Guitars
To fully harness the potential of your Schecter 12-string guitar, consider incorporating these techniques into your playing:
Tip 1: Practice Fingerpicking Patterns: Mastering fingerpicking patterns is crucial for unlocking the rich and intricate sound of a 12-string guitar. Practice exercises that involve alternating between bass and treble strings, gradually increasing the complexity of patterns.
Tip 2: Explore Different Tunings: Experiment with alternative tunings beyond the standard EADGBE to discover new sonic possibilities. Open tunings, such as DADGAD or DGDGBD, can create atmospheric and resonant sounds.
Tip 3: Utilize a Light Touch: When playing a 12-string guitar, avoid using excessive force. A lighter touch will allow the strings to ring clearly and prevent them from becoming muddy or muted.
Tip 4: Experiment with Different Pickups: If you’re not satisfied with the sound of your 12-string guitar’s pickups, consider experimenting with different models. Humbuckers provide a thicker, fuller sound, while single-coils offer a brighter, twangier tone.
Tip 5: Use a Capo to Extend Range: A capo can effectively extend the range of your 12-string guitar, allowing you to access higher frets and explore new melodic possibilities.
Tip 6: Maintain Proper Intonation: Regularly check and adjust the intonation of your 12-string guitar to ensure that each string is in tune across the entire fretboard. This will enhance the clarity and accuracy of your playing.
Tip 7: Choose the Right Strings: Selecting the appropriate strings for your Schecter 12-string guitar is essential. Experiment with different string gauges and materials to find the combination that best suits your playing style and desired sound.
Tip 8: Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to mastering any instrument. Dedicate time each day to practicing scales, chords, and songs on your Schecter 12-string guitar to improve your technique and expand your musical vocabulary.
By following these tips, you can elevate your playing skills and unlock the full potential of your Schecter 12-string guitar. Embrace the unique sonic capabilities of this instrument and explore the vast musical possibilities it offers.
Conclusion
Through this comprehensive exploration, we have illuminated the exceptional qualities of Schecter 12 string guitars. Their meticulous construction, versatile sound, effortless playability, and accessible value make them a compelling choice for guitarists seeking an instrument that inspires creativity and elevates their musical journey.
Schecter 12 string guitars empower musicians to explore a vast sonic landscape, from delicate fingerpicking to soaring solos. Their ability to adapt to various genres and playing styles makes them a versatile and indispensable asset for any musician’s arsenal. As you continue your musical journey with a Schecter 12 string guitar, embrace the limitless possibilities it offers and let your creativity flourish.
