LeftyBassist.com

Hi guys,
I have had this bass for a while, I just haven't gotten around to writing a review until now. I haven't really had much time to play at all in the last several weeks between a big project startup at work and moving to a new place (I actually wrote this review at work during downtime, ). I remember iome in particular was interested in a review. I would like to state that I might not be the best guy to write a review for this particular bass, but here goes:

Sound:
The split-coil by itself sounds thick, full, and clear, and not boomy or flubby. It really packs a nice punch. This is my first time ever playing a split-coil (also my first mahogany bass). I was expecting more of that jazz neck pickup "crispiness," but maybe the mahogany darkens up the tone and cuts that out.
The J pickup by itself has that typical bridge jazz "quack," but perhaps to a lesser degree than some brighter-sounding basses. Because of that, I personally don't have much use for the bridge jazz soloed, but that is not unique to this bass; that is any bass I have played.
With both pickups full-on, the jazz actually overpowers the split-coil a little bit. My favorite setting is to have the split-coil full-on, and the jazz at around 50% for some bite.
I don't play in a band, so I can't really comment on how well it would sit in or cut through the mix, but I really don't think that would be a problem.

Feel:
It plays quite well. The spacing is wider than a jazz (1.653” - 42mm nut), and the neck has some beef (@ 1st Fret- .860” (21.85mm)/ @ 12th Fret- .958” (24.35mm)). The neck thickness does not bother me, but I would prefer a more narrow spacing on a non-slap bass. But, I have little girly hands, so this may not be a problem for you.
The satin finish looks great and feels nice and smooth.
It definitely feels like a solid piece of lumber, and the fretwork and general construction overall looks superb.
I don't have a scale, but I can tell you it is on the heavy side. You might have expected as much between the mahogany wings and overall size.
It does have some neck dive, which is not surprising considering there is no upper horn. It is not so bad that it affects playing. I definitely don't feel like I have to make any special effort to keep the neck up while playing, but at rest the headstock definitely drops.

Looks:
Major style points here. This definitely is my coolest-looking bass (although my Tux Rick isn't too far behind). It is actually the most exotic-shaped bass or guitar I have ever owned, except for Steinberger-style. Keep in mind, it is especially long with a full 34" scale and extra length of the body past the bridge, and the body wings are rather large, as well. It barely fits in the case, haha.
Despite the large size, I really dig the look considering the body shape, black satin finish and black pickguard. An artist signature model should merit some inlay that is a little more unique than dots, in my opinion, but you can't have it all.
The kill switch is an excellent feature, as well.
The condition in the listing said, "very good," but I have yet to find a mark on it. I didn't look too hard because I try not to care about a ding or scratch - it is inevitable. But, as far as I can tell, it might as well be brand new.

Overall:
The long and short of it is that I certainly like this bass quite a bit. It's definitely my go-to metal bass. Don't read too much into that; this really is my only bass specifically made for hard rock/metal (despite my user name, I don't play much metal on bass; mostly a handful of Iron Maiden tunes). I will say that I am glad I didn't pay full price for it because I have to believe there plenty of basses out there that can do what this bass does and there is probably a little bit of a premium when an artist's name is put on it, but I am beyond any doubt very happy with it for what I did pay considering the sound, feel, looks and quality. That is more personal preference, not a statement about quality. It is a very nice bass that fills a role that was not previously covered in my arsenal.

Big props to Schecter for having so many lefty offerings!



Full specifications:
http://www.schecterguitars.com/bass/sch ... -lh-detail

If you have any questions, ask away!

Very cool. I like the looks of it for the most part, but I prefer gloss, and not all blacked out. Schecter really makes nice playing stuff. Glad you're liking the axe!

Thx for the great review, very instructive!

I'm glad I could help.

I tried to put flats on it the other day, but the extra set I have lying around isn't long enough after being cut to fit the previous bass. It was only later that I realized I could have just used the top-load of the bridge instead of going through the body, and that would have probably made up the difference.

I forgot to mention that feature: the bridge allows for string-through or top-load. It came strung-through, which is what I plan to use. Is there an advantage to top-load, other than convenience?