Schecter vs. Hamer

[vroom]

To those who have played them, which brand do you like better? Any specific model numbers?

[pollyshero]

Used to have a Schecter Strat when you could only buy them as kits - my how things have changed. Got rid of it 'cause it wasn't a Fender... I miss it & would take it back in a heartbeat. Haven't played one of the new factory ones but I hear they're nice.

If you're considering a Hamer & can't afford a new USA model, I highly suggest a pre XT/SFT non-Slammer or EARLY Slammer Korean import.

I have a SBA that's become my main axe over the past few years. I've played Les Pauls that don't sound or feel as good.

I've scoped out the new Schecters on Musician's Fiend & thought about it, but haven't taken the plunge. If you do do, let us know.

[RandomHero]

I play an older Schecter V-7. It's old enough to be out of production, and never been worked on; the frets are still flawless. A lot of people dislike the wider neck, but I like it; my hands are monkeyish enough to handle it.

It's very sturdy and cleanly built. I have some sheilding and electronics work to do on it, but after that, I plan on it being my main axe for a -long- time...

Unfortunately, I can't say I have much experience with Hamers. BUT if Schecter still makes them like they did when my V-7 was built, you can bet your behind that they're worth every penny and then some.

[vroom]

I'm drooling over the S-1 Blackjack....

Now if I could only find Schecter in town. Hmm... the hunt is on!

[vroom]

There happens to be a large pawn shop in town that carries new and used Schecters! They didn't have a Blackjack model in any class with the nice SD pickups, though. I went there today and tried out a new Omen 6 ($300) and a 2-3 year old C-1 Plus ($400). Strangely enough, I prefered the Omen. It was lighter and had a thin neck that was very playable, and it sounded very nice. Was setup really well from the factory. I wish it had slightly better tuners and a set neck, but for $300 it seemed to be a good deal.

The used C-1 Plus was heavier and just didn't sound as good as I thought it would. When I strummed the supposedly brand new strings without being plugged into the amp that I was using (some tube Crate 15W), it almost seemed muffled. They also had a new C-1 Plus, but it was $590 and I didn't even try it out, though I'm really wondering how good it may have sounded.

[RandomHero]

I've got my sights set on their C-7 blackjack. Mahogany body with maple top, TonePros stop-tailpiece bridge, Grover tuners, Seymour Duncan pickups, set neck... 26.5" scale length. To freaking die for.

[vroom]

Okay, finally got back to the pawn shop.

I tried out the new C-1+ and it's great! Sounded very nice even without being plugged in. I directly compared it to the used C-1+ and the difference is incredible. The used one DOES sound muffled; when strumming each string, especially the low e, it sounded more like a bass guitar with no treble or definition to it. Could this be a problem with the strings (supposedly new)? It's in beautiful condition and looks identical to the new model, even being a couple years old. I'm wondering if a new set of strings and a tune-up would get this puppy to sound like the new model.

Thoughts?

[RandomHero]

From playing vast handfuls of grungy old strings in guitar shops who never change them, I can almost undoubtedly guaruntee that new strings will add a lot of jingle. If not, it's probably an easily-fixed electronics flub. Schecter guitars are solid... I don't imagine two of the same model could sound so different without something simple being wrong.

[vroom]

That's just it... the guitar wasn't even hooked up to an amp! I'm hoping it's just the strings, then.

But maybe I could get it for quite a bit cheaper... *wheels turning*

[erikh]

The import Hamer Sunbursts are an incredible value. Probably the best guitar I've played in their class. Solid mahogany bodies, maple veneer top, good pickups (Duncan Designed I think but they may be Hamer made). The tone is incredible for a guitar in that range. I almost got one on the spot but remembered Christmas was coming and needed to not spend on myself.

[bard2dbone]

I love my cheap Hamer.

It's an import archtop. But all that's original is the wood.

I swapped the tuners for Gotoh's. They're not my favorites but they're pretty good. I may swap again later. But I want to find ones that look right.

I put WCR pickups in. I chose the "Goodwoods" set. It's pretty awesome. They are 'cloned' pickups. The guy who makes them studied some famous p'ups and matched their specs to try to match their sounds. It's not a perfect result> But they are some %ed good pickups. The 'Goodwoods' set is half of the 'Fillmore' set and half of the 'Crossroads' set. One is patterned after Duane Allmans' Les Paul. One is patterned after Eric Claptons' Cream-era SG.

I put TonePros hardware on it, and can actually hear a bit more sustain. It's not the incredible huge change that advertising would lead you to expect. But it is noticeable.

When I got the p'ups I meant to change them myself. But I had things going on in my life that got in the way. So my wife took it to the luthier I take my stuff to for work too heavy/scary for me to do myself. She didn't tell me. It just disappeared for a few days and reappeared with a bow tied around the neck. He put new, better quality pots in it, but I don't know what kind.

It's a Les Paul-slayer. I call it the poor mans' PRS.

ErikH : I notice you are from FtWorth. Did you get your Hamer from Earhart before they moved away? Or somewhere else?

Never mind. I just noticed that you said you didn't get it, after all.

[sharpgt]

schecters are pretty frickin sweet. I own a recent (2006) C-1 classic, and absolutely love it. after a year of owning it I'm still in love with this guitar. The the frets are inviting, the finish fantastic, the electronics hi-quality,and the setup was perfect on purchase. I've played quite a few others in store as well, I really liked the tempest and the corsair; and every one was great from my brief experiance with them.