TEST: Schecter Hellraiser C-1

 Together with other big names from the blessed eighties such as Kramer, ESP or Jackson, they are considered the inventors of the classic "Power Strats", those legendary tuned guitars that only had the basic shape in common with a Stratocaster and were not without a Floyd Rose vibrato system, a large fretboard radius and mostly active pickups. We are talking about the Schecter company, which at the time manufactured exclusively in North America.

While the aforementioned protagonists also liked to adorn themselves with the massive use of airbrush finishes in the craziest layouts, Schecter was more notable for the use of high-quality bird's eye maple and heavily patterned precious woods of all kinds and was considered a classic representative of the "luxury guitars" that only well-heeled customers could afford long before Paul Reed Smith claimed this title for himself.

Colleague and head of the guitar department at AMAZONA Stephan Güte will also remember this well. 4-color ads in standard guitar magazines had the flair of a Playboy pinup calendar for guitarists and here too the right hand mutated into a staccato-like up and down movement, albeit with a different objective. ;-)

First as a supplier of individual parts for the giants Fender and Gibson, the company founded by David Schecter in 1976 was able to convince international greats such as Mark Knopfler and Pete Townsend, especially with its Custom Shop in the early 1980s. Today the company manufactures its products in South Korea and with the Hellraiser C-1 presents an instrument that could not be more reminiscent of its roots 3 decades ago.

Construction:

It is astonishing how well the concept of a Powerstrat can still hold its own on the market. Despite the demagogic banishment of every guitar solo from the "dark age of virtuosity", the grunge nineties, the protagonists of shredding survived in some dark corners of the planet, knowing full well that every hype about incompetence, no matter how terrible, would come to an end in the universal 7-year cycle.

But the fact that I should get such a consistent reincarnation of the eighties on my table in 2010 is quite extraordinary. As already mentioned, you can see at first glance which father was the inspiration for the body shape of the Hellraiser, but the instrument has many changes in direct comparison to the original.

Firstly, the C1 comes in a latently Gibson-heavy wood selection, i.e. a mahogany body with an arched maple top plus a glued-in three-stripe mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. It doesn't get much more Les Paul than this! The Hellraiser also has a very pleasant transition at the base of the neck, which has no corners or edges and makes playing in high positions extremely easy.

As a visual eye-catcher, the top of the body and the headstock have been given an abalone binding plus a body-wide black pearl binding, which offers a classy counterpoint to the factory color Black Cherry High Gloss. In order to visually approach the target group of long-haired bombers a little more, abalone cross inlays were chosen as fingerboard inlays. A few gothic applications have never hurt anyone in times of the "warbling-little-girl-metal hype" ;-)

In terms of hardware, as expected, an original Floyd Rose VIBRATO (!!! no tremolo) and saddle clamps take over the dominant position. Fret wire? Of course, jumbo frets! Frets? Of course, 2 octaves, 24 of them. Scale length? Also clear, long scale length of 25.5". Six Grover tuners do a flawless job on the 3:3 headstock. Only one thing is missing: the pickups. Here too, tradition-conscious to the max, active vibration converters from EMG, albeit in a slightly more modern coil switch version in the form of an 81TW or 89 pickup, both versions that did not exist over two decades ago.

Practice:

It is not easy in this category, even if you have a name rich in tradition. Unfortunately, only old farts like the writer of this article know the history of the company, the ambitious young musician is overwhelmed by the omnipresent product range of the top dog ESP, which probably spends half of its annual marketing budget on making monthly payments to Messrs Hetfield and Hammet for their cooperation.....by the way, Hetfield with LP form is a no-go, give the young man back the Explorer form!

Da muss Schecter sich schon kräftig auf dem Qualitätssektor anstrengen um der High-Gain-Fraktion aus dem asiatischen Inselstaat Paroli bieten zu können. Eins sei voraus geschickt, sie können es! Eine opulente Ausführung der einzelnen Klangeigenschaften eines solchen Instrumentes aufzulisten bedeutet letztendlich Eulen nach Athen zu tragen. Jeder, der sich ein wenig im Powerstrat Bereich auskennt und selbige Attribute zu schätzen weiss, wird sich auf der C1 umgehend zu Hause fühlen.

Holz- bzw. Hardware Komponenten, kombiniert mit der Speerspitze der Aktiv-Tonabnehmer sprechen eine eindeutige Sprache und lassen zu keiner Zeit zögerliche Verhaltensweisen aufkommen. Wer jetzt wieder mit dem „Gleichmacher-Sound“-Genöle anfängt, kann direkt nach Hause gehen. EMGs klingen nun mal nach EMGs mit all ihren speziellen Eigenarten. Wer sie nicht mag, soll sie nicht spielen, wer sie schätzt, mag nichts Anderes mehr spielen, so einfach ist das! Metal ohne EMGs, fast schon undenkbar.



Fazit:

Ich stelle mir gerade Jimmy Page mit der Hellraiser C1 vor und muss erst mal herzhaft lachen. Warum? Nun, es hätte ungefähr die gleiche Authentizität, als wenn ein klassischer Vertreter des Death-Metal-Gelumpes eine Telecaster für sich entdeckt ;-) Was wollen uns diese Worte sagen?

Die Schecter Hellraiser C1 ist eine Zierde ihrer Zunft! Die Verarbeitung ist makellos, die verwendeten Komponenten hochwertig und die Zielgruppen-Affinität sehr hoch. Eine leichte Bespielbarkeit öffnet die Türen in die heiligen Hallen des Shreddings, vorausgesetzt der aufstrebende Zupfer ist bereit, die Jahre des Übens von Skalen und Phrasierungen (natürlich NUR zum Metronom) auf sich zu nehmen.

Schecter ist es gelungen die Holz-technische Prägung einer Les Paul mit der nötigen Tradition ihrer eigenen Geschichte zu verschmelzen und verleiht dem Instrument damit einen klaren Schub mehr an Durchschlagskraft als viele andere Vertreter ihres Genres aufgrund ultra-dünner Hälse und Gewichten unter 3 Kilogramm leisten können. Zudem verfügt die C1 auch in der mir vorliegenden Luxus-Ausführung über einen sehr moderaten Preis und weiss sich damit im angestrebten Segment gekonnt zu behaupten.


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Additional Informations:

The Symbiotic Harmony: Active Pickups and Powerstrats

In the realm of electric guitars, the pursuit of the perfect tone is an ever-evolving journey. Among the myriad of innovations that have shaped this quest, the collaboration between active pickups and Powerstrats stands out as a pivotal chapter. This partnership, rooted in the fusion of cutting-edge technology and time-honored craftsmanship, has revolutionized the sound and performance capabilities of electric guitars. In this article, we delve into the intricate relationship between active pickups and Powerstrats, exploring their origins, technological advancements, and the impact they have had on the music industry.

**The Birth of the Powerstrat**

To appreciate the synergy between active pickups and Powerstrats, one must first understand the genesis of the Powerstrat itself. The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed the rise of the "superstrat" – a term used to describe guitars that took the iconic Fender Stratocaster design and infused it with enhancements tailored for the demands of rock and metal musicians. Schecter Guitar Research, established in 1976, quickly emerged as a key player in this movement, producing high-performance guitars that combined classic aesthetics with modern functionality.

The Powerstrat, a prime example of this evolution, featured a host of upgrades including versatile pickup configurations, premium tonewoods, and innovative hardware solutions. These modifications were aimed at providing musicians with greater tonal variety, enhanced playability, and improved durability – qualities that became hallmarks of the Powerstrat lineage.

**The Rise of Active Pickups**

Active pickups, a technological breakthrough in the guitar world, were developed to address the limitations of traditional passive pickups. Unlike their passive counterparts, which rely solely on the magnetic properties of their coils to generate sound, active pickups incorporate an on-board preamp powered by a 9-volt battery. This preamp boosts the signal, resulting in higher output, lower noise, and a broader frequency response.

The origins of active pickups can be traced back to the late 1970s when companies like EMG began experimenting with this novel technology. EMG's active pickups quickly gained popularity among guitarists seeking a more robust and versatile sound, capable of handling the demands of high-gain amplifiers and effects.

**The Marriage of Powerstrats and Active Pickups**

The integration of active pickups into Powerstrats was a natural progression, driven by the shared goal of enhancing performance and expanding tonal possibilities. This partnership offered several key benefits that resonated with musicians across various genres.

1. **Enhanced Output and Clarity**: One of the most significant advantages of active pickups is their ability to deliver a high-output signal with exceptional clarity. For Powerstrats, this meant that even the most intricate and aggressive playing techniques could be captured with precision, ensuring that every note rang true. This was particularly beneficial for genres like metal and hard rock, where articulate sound and powerful riffs are paramount.

2. **Noise Reduction**: Active pickups are renowned for their low-noise performance. The internal preamp effectively minimizes hum and interference, providing a cleaner signal. This feature was a game-changer for Powerstrat users, allowing them to push their amplifiers and effects without the unwanted noise often associated with high-gain settings.

3. **Consistent Tone Across Volume Levels**: Traditional passive pickups often experience a loss of tone quality at lower volume levels. Active pickups, on the other hand, maintain their tonal integrity regardless of the volume setting. This consistency was a boon for Powerstrat players, offering them greater control over their sound dynamics in both live and studio environments.

4. **Extended Frequency Response**: The broader frequency range of active pickups enriched the sonic palette of Powerstrats. Musicians could achieve sparkling highs, punchy mids, and deep, resonant lows, making their instruments more versatile and adaptable to different musical styles.

**The Technical Synergy**

The technical integration of active pickups into Powerstrats required thoughtful design considerations to optimize their performance. Schecter Guitar Research and other manufacturers paid meticulous attention to several key aspects:

1. **Battery Compartment Design**: Since active pickups require a power source, the inclusion of a battery compartment became essential. Manufacturers ensured easy access to the battery, often placing it in the back of the guitar with a secure and user-friendly cover. This design element was crucial in maintaining the guitar's overall aesthetics and functionality.

2. **Wiring and Electronics**: The internal wiring and electronics had to be carefully engineered to accommodate the active pickups' requirements. This involved ensuring proper grounding, shielding, and component placement to maximize signal integrity and minimize noise.

3. **Pickup Placement and Configuration**: The placement and configuration of active pickups in Powerstrats were optimized to deliver the best possible sound. This often involved experimenting with different pickup combinations, such as pairing humbuckers with single coils, to achieve a balanced and versatile tonal output.

4. **User-Friendly Controls**: To enhance the player experience, manufacturers incorporated user-friendly controls such as push-pull pots, toggle switches, and blend knobs. These controls allowed musicians to easily switch between active and passive modes, adjust gain levels, and shape their tone on the fly.

**Iconic Powerstrats and Active Pickup Models**

Several iconic Powerstrat models have emerged over the years, showcasing the successful integration of active pickups. Among these, the Schecter C-1 FR S stands out as a prime example. Featuring an EMG 81/85 active humbucker set, a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and a sleek design, the C-1 FR S exemplifies the power and versatility that define the Powerstrat and active pickup partnership.

Another notable model is the Schecter Hellraiser C-1, equipped with EMG 81TW/89R active pickups. This guitar offers coil-splitting capabilities, allowing players to switch between humbucker and single-coil tones seamlessly. The Hellraiser C-1's combination of active pickups and advanced electronics has made it a favorite among metal and hard rock musicians.

**The Impact on Music and Musicians**

The collaboration between active pickups and Powerstrats has had a profound impact on the music industry, influencing the sound and playing styles of countless musicians. Guitarists across genres have embraced this partnership for its ability to deliver powerful, articulate, and versatile tones.

In the realm of metal, guitarists like Jeff Loomis and Synyster Gates have championed the use of Powerstrats with active pickups, pushing the boundaries of technical proficiency and sonic brutality. Their playing, characterized by lightning-fast riffs, intricate solos, and bone-crushing rhythms, has inspired a new generation of musicians to explore the capabilities of their instruments.

Beyond metal, artists in rock, fusion, and progressive genres have also harnessed the benefits of this collaboration. The dynamic range and tonal versatility of Powerstrats with active pickups have enabled musicians to experiment with diverse musical styles, from clean, jazz-inspired passages to searing, high-gain leads.

**Conclusion**

The partnership between active pickups and Powerstrats represents a milestone in the evolution of electric guitars. This collaboration has not only elevated the performance capabilities of the instruments but also expanded the creative possibilities for musicians. By combining the technological advancements of active pickups with the craftsmanship and innovation of Powerstrats, guitarists are empowered to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of their art.

As the music industry continues to evolve, the symbiotic relationship between active pickups and Powerstrats will undoubtedly remain a driving force in shaping the future of guitar design and performance. Musicians will continue to seek out these instruments, drawn by their promise of unparalleled power, clarity, and versatility. And in doing so, they will carry forward the legacy of innovation and excellence that has defined this remarkable partnership.