TEST: Schecter C-7 SLS

 When seven-string electric guitars were introduced in 1987 by Steve Vai (who actually wanted an additional high A string, but it kept breaking) and made their way into the public eye through their mainstream success in the early 1990s with nu metal hype Korn, they were still seen as "aliens from other space". Why should you shift your frequency spectrum further down when the bassist is already on the way? If anyone had predicted back then that in just under a decade 9-strings would be brought onto the market that would reach down to the 5-string electric bass in terms of frequency and trigger a real crisis of the mind in the bassist camp, they would have been ridiculed. You can be wrong. 7-strings have long since arrived in the mainstream, which means that the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB we have for testing does not attract attention with its concept, but with all sorts of visual and technical attributes.

The construction of the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB

Yes, there are 7-string acoustic guitars and various artists from South America and Russia are constantly causing serious self-confidence problems on YouTube, but the 7-string concept is enjoying great success in the electric guitar sector. The modified Strat shape is still enjoying the greatest success here, which is why Schecter is also staying true to this shape in the above-mentioned model.

Visually, the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB is very "woody", which means that the back of the instrument is completely covered in clear varnish and the front also allows the Riegla horn top to shine through beautifully from front to back in Tobacco Sunburst (Schecter calls it Antique Fade Burst). The top is decorated with a simple binding, while the back remains untreated with such decorations. The great special feature of the instrument is the through neck, which promises very strong sustain and is framed by 2 pieces of ash to the body. The back of the body has the classic Strat shaping, while the front is more of a Gibson variant in the style of the violin shaping of an old Paula.

The neck, also made of maple, has been given 2 strips of walnut and a reddish shimmering padauk strip for stabilization and probably also for aesthetic reasons. I was previously more familiar with similar visual concepts from bass construction, but it really gives the instrument a very unique appearance.

The next special feature is the neck profile, which the manufacturer calls "Ultra Thin C". The neck can indeed be described as extremely slim, although the width almost tends towards an 8-string. If you have always had problems with fingerboards that are too narrow in the 7-string range, this is the right place for you. To compensate for the low tuning and the associated weaker string tension, Schecter has opted for an extra-long scale length of 673 mm with 24 frets, which is still a long way from a real baritone scale length. An ebony fingerboard was also chosen, probably to escape the senseless CITES madness.

The electronics of the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB

The new hype in the pickup sky is called Fishman Fluence and metal fans in particular are running away from their beloved EMGs in droves to pay homage to the new god. Aware of this, Schecter also wants its piece of the pie and has a very popular combination with the Fishman Fluence Modern ceramic magnet (bridge) + Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico magnet (neck). The special feature of the PUs are 2 different voicings, which can be accessed on the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB via push / pull potentiometers (volume and tone). More on this in the practical section. A classic three-way switch and a socket with a mounting plate, and you're done.

The hardware of the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB

Finally a guitar in the superstrat style without a Floyd Rose VIBRATO! (Woe betide anyone who dares to say tremolo!) A solid, black bridge (Hipshot Hardtail) leads the strings through the body, which increases the sustain even further. There's a lot to come in terms of vibration duration. The black locking tuners also make a good impression. Schecter also impresses with a small detail that is a great pleasure.

In order not to weaken the transition from the neck to the headstock, which is always at risk of breaking, by milling the truss rod, the designers have placed the access to the neck adjustment screw in the 25th fret. The exposed screw can be reached and fixed using a simple Allen key. OK, the screw doesn't look particularly elegant and doesn't really fit in with the visual concept of the instrument, but for practical use it is the best solution!

The Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB in practice

When you pick up the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB for the first time, you almost feel like you have an 8-string on your lap, the neck seems so wide. The very slim neck profile does the rest to support this impression. Not that the neck is uncomfortable in any way, but if you are not from the RG camp, or even think of your roots in the "Fender / Gibson bludgeon out of the bag" neck profile, you will need a certain amount of time to get used to it. The big advantage of these dimensions is undoubtedly the generous string spacing, which enables a clean grip, even if you have callused monsters like me on your fingertips.

As expected from the design, the topic of sustain is very important with this instrument. The continuous neck, in combination with the solid bridge and string guide through the body, generates an excellent counterpart to the string vibration, which means that very little vibration energy is absorbed by moving or subsequently joined parts. The result is a very nice tone in all registers, with neither dead notes nor other failures. The acoustic vibration behavior is indeed exemplary.

Now let's move on to the Fishman pickups, which are enjoying considerable success as the new "hot shit" in the heavy range. The two voicings in particular are praised as a special feature, since they do not switch off a coil as with classic pickup circuits and generate a different frequency spectrum as a single coil, but instead provide 2 different presets using the internally installed electronics.

As always, we start with clean sounds, although we already have some saturations in the sound files. First I switched the neck pickup Preset 1 (volume control pressed) alone, then Preset 2 (volume control pulled), then both PUs in both presets one after the other and finally the bridge pickup, also in the same way. The presets remind me very much of the David Gilmour Stratocaster set from EMG. In this circuit, the two tone controls function as active tone controls, with Tone 1 adding a kind of scoop circuit, i.e. mids are turned down and bass and treble are turned up, and Tone 2 works as a mid booster.

I noticed something similar with the Fishman PUs. Preset 1 has a clear mid alignment similar to a serial humbucker circuit, while Preset 2 takes the mids out and boosts bass and treble. The sound becomes more hollow and throaty, sometimes approaching a humbucker parallel circuit. In addition, the level in Preset 2 drops significantly. In the clean range, you can still hear these differences clearly, while as the gain increases, the differences become increasingly blurred.

In principle, this is a good thing, but the extent to which you like these fixed orientations in terms of frequency response is up to personal taste. Personally, I don't find the volume drop in preset 2 quite so exciting.

In the crunch range, however, the two presets are much more convincing. Here, the hollow character of preset 2 comes into its own and the volume drop is absorbed by the higher gain.

In the high gain, the differences are comparatively lost in the high distortion. You can still hear the differences in sound, and the response of the guitar is different in your personal playing style, but the differences become increasingly blurred.

The sound files were recorded with a Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK3 and a matching Coreblade 412 box. An SM57 was used as the microphone and Cordial cable was used for the cabling.

Conclusion

With the Schecter C-7 SLS Elite AFB, the Koreans have created a very well-crafted guitar with outstanding sustain and good detail solutions. Anyone looking for a sophisticated 7-string and likes the sound of the Fishman Fluence pickups should definitely try out the instrument.

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Additional Informations:

The Evolution and Legacy of Schecter Powerstrats

When delving into the rich history of electric guitars, the Schecter Powerstrat occupies a unique and celebrated position. Emerging during a transformative period in music and instrument craftsmanship, the Powerstrat's journey is a testament to innovation, artistry, and a relentless pursuit of tonal perfection.

**The Birth of Schecter Guitar Research**

To understand the origins of the Schecter Powerstrat, one must first explore the genesis of Schecter Guitar Research. Founded in 1976 by David Schecter, the company initially operated as a repair shop and supplier of high-quality guitar parts. Located in Van Nuys, California, Schecter quickly earned a reputation for precision and excellence, attracting the attention of discerning musicians who sought to upgrade their instruments.

Schecter's early success was built on providing premium components such as bridges, pickups, and necks. These parts, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and superior materials, became highly sought after by guitarists looking to enhance their instruments' performance and reliability. This focus on quality laid the groundwork for Schecter's transition from a parts supplier to a full-fledged guitar manufacturer.

**The Rise of the Superstrat**

The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a pivotal era in the electric guitar world, characterized by the rise of the "superstrat." This new breed of guitars was designed to meet the demands of rock and heavy metal musicians who required instruments that could deliver high output, sustain, and playability. Traditional designs, while beloved, often fell short in these areas.

Schecter Guitar Research seized this opportunity, leveraging their expertise in crafting high-performance components to create complete guitars that embodied the superstrat ethos. By 1979, Schecter began producing limited numbers of custom shop guitars, each one built to order and tailored to the specific needs of professional musicians. These early Schecter guitars, which were essentially customized Stratocasters with hot-rodded features, laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Powerstrat.

**The Powerstrat Emerges**

The term "Powerstrat" is a nod to the instrument's roots in the classic Fender Stratocaster design, but with significant enhancements that cater to the needs of modern players. Schecter's Powerstrat took the iconic Stratocaster template and infused it with a host of upgrades, resulting in a guitar that was both familiar and revolutionary.

One of the key features of the Powerstrat was its pickup configuration. While traditional Stratocasters were equipped with three single-coil pickups, the Powerstrat often featured humbuckers, either in the bridge position or in both the bridge and neck positions. This provided a thicker, more powerful tone that was ideal for the heavier musical styles gaining popularity at the time.

In addition to the enhanced pickups, Schecter Powerstrats were known for their exceptional build quality. The use of premium tonewoods, meticulous construction techniques, and innovative hardware solutions contributed to the guitars' outstanding playability and reliability. Many models included features such as locking tuners, custom bridges, and versatile wiring options, all designed to give players maximum control over their sound.

**The Golden Era and Iconic Players**

The early to mid-1980s is often regarded as the golden era for Schecter Powerstrats. During this period, the company produced some of its most iconic models, which were quickly adopted by influential guitarists across various genres. Artists such as Pete Townshend of The Who and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits were among the early adopters, showcasing the Powerstrat's capabilities on some of the world's biggest stages.

Pete Townshend, known for his aggressive playing style and sonic experimentation, found the Powerstrat to be the perfect companion for his musical endeavors. The guitar's robust construction and versatile electronics allowed Townshend to push the boundaries of his performances, both in the studio and live.

Similarly, Mark Knopfler's use of Schecter guitars, including the Powerstrat, highlighted the instrument's ability to deliver nuanced, expressive tones. Knopfler's clean, articulate playing style was beautifully complemented by the Powerstrat's dynamic response and tonal versatility, cementing its status as a go-to instrument for professional musicians.

**The Legacy and Continued Evolution**

While the 1980s were a high point for the Powerstrat, Schecter Guitar Research continued to innovate and expand its offerings in the following decades. The company's commitment to quality and innovation ensured that the Powerstrat remained relevant, even as musical trends and player preferences evolved.

In the 1990s and beyond, Schecter expanded its lineup to include a wider range of models, incorporating modern features and aesthetics while maintaining the core principles that made the Powerstrat a success. The introduction of the Diamond Series brought Schecter guitars to a broader audience, offering high-quality instruments at more accessible price points.

Today, the Powerstrat and its descendants continue to be celebrated for their blend of classic design and modern performance. Schecter's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation ensures that each new generation of Powerstrats meets the needs of contemporary musicians, just as the original models did for the pioneers of the superstrat era.

**Conclusion**

The story of the Schecter Powerstrat is one of evolution and excellence. From its humble beginnings as a parts supplier to its rise as a leading manufacturer of high-performance guitars, Schecter Guitar Research has consistently pushed the boundaries of what an electric guitar can be. The Powerstrat, with its powerful pickups, superior build quality, and player-centric features, remains a testament to the company's enduring legacy and its impact on the world of music. As new generations of musicians continue to discover the Powerstrat, the guitar's rich history and innovative spirit will undoubtedly inspire and influence the sound of rock and beyond for years to come.