TEST: Schecter SLS Elite C-7

 The Schecter SLS Elite C-7 is a seven-string guitar that is also equipped with a fanned fretboard and is considered to be part of the Power Strats family.

The construction of the Schecter SLS Elite C-7

Even though Schecter has significantly more models in its portfolio, along with the former big names such as Kramer, Charvel or the still active ESP and Ibanez, Schecter is clearly one of the forefathers of the Power Strats. Since the Stratocaster shape is of course also the biggest revenue generator in Schecter's stable due to its visually simple but ingenious shape, it is not really surprising that the majority of almost every manufacturer, apart from Gibson, is more or less determined to come close to the classic shape.

The fact that the Schecter SLS Elite C-7 we have for testing has very little in common with the original Stratocaster from 1954 is not only clear when you first touch the fingerboard, but is also clearly visible beforehand. Let's just start with the general appearance, which could be described as "pure nature". The instrument is completely varnished transparently, so that the different wood grains shine beautifully through the respective varnish layers. To make the whole thing appear a little more distinguished, the instrument has a very nice, simple, black binding on the upper side of the body as well as in the neck and headstock binding, which gives the instrument a certain sleekness.

In keeping with this, all of the hardware in the form of the tuning machines and the HipShot bridge construction, in addition to the pickups, which come from Fishman, were also kept in black. The tuning machines are locking versions, which, with a corresponding screw on the underside, allow the strings to be firmly fixed and thus increase the tuning stability. The Schecter company logo is printed on the mechanics. However, it is not possible to find out to what extent the mechanics are actually manufactured by Schecter or whether they are OEM products. But it is not really important because the mechanics do a good job due to their manufacturing quality. In terms of the string guide, Schecter has also taken the relatively wide neck into account and the 7 tuning machines with an arrangement of 3 in the bass area and 4 in the treble area with a slightly tapered arrangement ensure that the string guide runs relatively straight from the saddle to the headstock and thus creates as little friction as possible on the saddle notches with regard to the side guide.

Of course, the upper plastic head of the three-way switch and the Speed ​​Dome Master Tone and a Master Volume control are also black. Both controls have the now common push-pull function to be able to switch the Fishman pickups, which are known to have a vintage and a modern orientation, separately. Due to the multiscale design, the pickups are of course installed at an angle in the guitar to ensure even string pickup. However, due to the angled installation, the pickups are unusually wide. I wouldn't be surprised if, despite the seven strings, Fishman used the pickup version of the eight-string guitars to compensate for the "shortening" of the housings by installing them at an angle. A good detailed solution!

Since the pickups are active, a 9 volt battery must be installed inside the instrument. Schecter does this on the Schecter SLS Elite C-7 via the back, where a relatively stiff plastic flap covers the battery compartment. I tried it with my fingernails, but unfortunately the flap could only be opened with a flat-head screwdriver. However, it is generally recommended to take a screwdriver with you so that even if you can open the flap with your fingernails, you can only lever out the 9 volt battery underneath using a screwdriver. Remember, always take some tools with you!

With a nut width of 48 mm, the neck is of course of a different caliber in terms of playability than if you were to take a look at a regular six-string guitar. Even the neck, which is in Ultra-Thin C and, in my opinion, could easily pass as a flat D in terms of its shape, can only rudimentarily convert the feel to "regular". Nevertheless, the instrument must be said to be comparatively easy to play, although the fan fingerboard definitely requires some getting used to.


The wood selection of the Schecter SLS Elite C-7

If you are offered so much wood in its natural color, it makes sense to go into the respective woods in more detail. Firstly, we have the through neck, whose fingerboard has a scale length of 648 mm to 685.8 mm. The different scale lengths are due to the fanned fretboard, which is known to ensure that the different scale lengths give the strings as even a lateral tension as possible compared to a regular guitar.

In order to implement this, a fan-shaped arrangement of the frets must be used, which results in the unusual alignment of the frets. The 24 jumbo frets on the Schecter SLS Elite C-7 have their center at the 11th fret and shift their angle evenly apart according to the scale length towards the headstock and the bridge. Of course, it should not be forgotten that both the saddle and the bridge construction have to follow this alignment, especially since the angle is at its sharpest at these two points.

The neck in question is made of maple, garnished with padouk and walnut strips and has been additionally reinforced with carbon fiber rods. The three colors that are revealed to the eye are a classic light maple, two dark walnut strips, a slightly reddish padouk strip and the aforementioned carbon fiber rods.

Swamp ash was chosen for the attached body wings. This wood is known for its very good vibration behavior and moderate weight, which nevertheless ensures that the instrument, which is significantly more massive in its overall construction than a six-string guitar, still weighs around 3.8 kg, which is roughly equivalent to the upper middle class in terms of weight.

In contrast to the top of the guitar, which has been polished to a high gloss and sealed with a varnish, the back of the instrument, like the neck surface, is only slightly satin-finished with a very thin varnish, so that you can feel the bumps that a natural wood structure brings with it very well with your fingertips.

The Schecter SLS Elite C-7 in practice

What you have already noticed visually and haptically through the features of the instrument is consistently continued acoustically. Due to its construction and features, the instrument is clearly designed for the hard and heavy range, with the progressive element increasing immensely here. The fact that the instrument has been varnished with clear varnish and therefore the high proportion of wood shines through untreated also suggests that the company is much more relaxed in this regard when it comes to the target group. Such a finish would certainly not be met with open arms in black, death, or other white-faced Punch and Judy metal.

One feature is noticeable from the very first note, as soon as you get the first string to vibrate. The magic word is sustain. The entire construction of the instrument is designed to ensure the longevity of the vibration period of the individual notes, and you can hear and notice this. The continuous hold ensures once again that each string and, with it, each note vibrates for an incredibly long time. In conjunction with the Hipshot bridge, which guides the strings through the body, and the completely immobile string construction due to the absence of a vibrato system, the construction ensures that even the highest, thinnest note is still given an excess of vibration period.

The basic sound of the instrument is powerful and yet differentiated, so that even maximum gain structures can be processed well.

Of course, it takes a short period of getting used to it until the brain has adapted its finger movements to the fanned fretboard. This happens surprisingly quickly, however. After just under an hour, my brain had adjusted accordingly and was already able to deal with the different string spacing much better. I am relatively sure that after a few days the system will have become firmly ingrained in the grip technique of every player.

Conclusion

With the Schecter SLS Elite C-7, the manufacturer has a high-quality instrument for the progressive hard'n'heavy range in its portfolio. The workmanship, concept and components are of high quality and offer everything that is needed for this genre.

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# The History of the 7-String Electric Guitar

The electric guitar, since its inception in the early 20th century, has undergone numerous transformations and adaptations, reflecting the evolving landscape of musical genres and technological advancements. Among these developments, the 7-string electric guitar stands out as a significant innovation, expanding the instrument's sonic possibilities and catering to the demands of various musical styles. This article delves into the history and evolution of the 7-string electric guitar, exploring its origins, rise to prominence, and the impact it has had on modern music.

## Early Beginnings: The Pre-Electric Era

The concept of a guitar with more than six strings is not new and can be traced back to classical and acoustic guitars. In the 19th century, virtuoso guitarists such as Napoleon Coste and Giulio Regondi experimented with seven-string instruments, primarily to extend the bass range and allow for more complex musical arrangements. These early 7-string guitars, often referred to as Russian guitars, were primarily used in folk and classical music settings.

## The Birth of the Electric 7-String

The advent of electric amplification in the 1930s revolutionized the guitar world, giving rise to the electric guitar as we know it today. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the idea of adding a seventh string to an electric guitar began to take shape. One of the earliest known electric 7-string guitars was custom-built for jazz guitarist George Van Eps in the late 1930s. Van Eps, a pioneer in jazz guitar, sought to expand the harmonic and melodic capabilities of the instrument. His innovative approach to playing and composing necessitated an instrument with a greater range, leading to the creation of his custom 7-string guitar.

Van Eps' contributions to jazz and his use of the 7-string guitar were influential, but the instrument remained a niche item for several decades. It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that the 7-string electric guitar began to gain traction in the broader music community.

## The 1980s: Shred and Metal Revolution

The 1980s marked a period of rapid evolution in guitar music, particularly within the genres of shred and metal. Guitarists were constantly pushing the boundaries of technical proficiency and tonal diversity. It was during this time that the 7-string guitar found a new home among virtuoso players and metal bands looking to expand their sonic palette.

Steve Vai, a prominent figure in the guitar world, played a crucial role in popularizing the 7-string electric guitar. In collaboration with Ibanez, Vai helped design the Ibanez Universe, one of the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitars. Introduced in 1990, the Universe featured a low B string, which provided an extended lower range that was particularly well-suited to the heavy and complex music being created at the time.

Vai's use of the Ibanez Universe on albums like "Passion and Warfare" showcased the instrument's potential and inspired a generation of guitarists. The added string allowed for deeper riffs and more intricate solos, setting a new standard for what could be achieved with an electric guitar.

## The 1990s and 2000s: Mainstream Adoption and Nu-Metal

As the 1990s progressed, the 7-string guitar continued to gain popularity, particularly within the emerging nu-metal genre. Bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit embraced the 7-string guitar, using its extended range to create the down-tuned, heavy riffs that defined the genre. Korn's guitarist, Brian "Head" Welch, and James "Munky" Shaffer were instrumental in bringing the 7-string guitar to mainstream attention, with their debut album "Korn" (1994) featuring prominently downtuned 7-string guitars.

The success of nu-metal bands in the late 1990s and early 2000s further cemented the 7-string guitar's place in modern music. The instrument's ability to produce deep, resonant tones made it ideal for the aggressive, percussive playing style that characterized the genre.

## Technical Advancements and Modern Use

The turn of the millennium saw significant advancements in guitar technology, contributing to the increased popularity and versatility of 7-string guitars. Improvements in pickup design, hardware, and overall construction quality allowed for better sound clarity and playability, making 7-string guitars more appealing to a broader range of musicians.

In addition to metal and shred, the 7-string guitar found its way into other genres such as jazz, fusion, and progressive rock. Artists like Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders and Jeff Loomis of Nevermore have demonstrated the instrument's versatility, incorporating it into their diverse musical styles and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with a 7-string guitar.

## The Future of the 7-String Guitar

Today, the 7-string guitar is a well-established instrument, with many major guitar manufacturers offering a variety of models to suit different playing styles and preferences. The instrument's versatility and extended range continue to attract new players and inspire innovative music.

As guitarists continue to explore new musical territories and push the limits of their instruments, the 7-string guitar will undoubtedly remain a vital tool in their arsenal. Whether in the hands of a jazz virtuoso, a metal shredder, or an experimental fusion artist, the 7-string electric guitar offers a unique and expansive sonic palette that will continue to shape the future of music.

## Conclusion

The journey of the 7-string electric guitar from its early days in jazz to its prominence in modern metal and beyond is a testament to the instrument's adaptability and the creativity of the musicians who embrace it. By expanding the traditional boundaries of the guitar, the 7-string has opened up new possibilities for musical expression and innovation. As we look to the future, it is clear that the 7-string electric guitar will continue to play a significant role in the ever-evolving landscape of music.