When it comes to guitars built for metal, few brands have been as dedicated to the headbanging cause as Schecter Guitar Research, known simply as “Schecter.” Originally specializing in replacement parts for out-of-warranty Fender and Gibson guitars, Tom Anderson, Dave Schecter and Herschel Blankenship began putting together their first boutique Superstrats and other hot-rodded guitars at Schecter’s Van Nuys, California custom shop in 1979. Today, Schecter continues to deliver cutting-edge guitars that are sought after the world over—revered by players of heavier and faster genres for their aggressive yet classy styling, high-performance hardware and genre-defining pickups.

Pictured: Various Schecter Guitars Headstocks

Schecter’s axes have graced the hands of guitarists of Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Papa Roach, Ministry, Black Label Society, Cradle of Filth, GWAR, Coal Chamber and In This Moment—and even non-metal legends the likes of Prince, Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Robert Smith, Mark Knopfler and Steve Lukather. So, while Schecter has forged much of its success on metal, its guitars are made for players of all genres who desire high-octane performance with a razor-sharp edge. Let’s dive in to some of Schecter’s best guitars for hard rock, metal and beyond.

Table of Contents

Comparing the Best Schecter Electric Guitars for Metal
The Best Schecter Guitars for Metal
   Schecter Guitar Research C-1 Platinum FR S Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research C-1 FR S Blackjack Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Omen Elite-6 FR Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research KM-6 MK-III Legacy Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research V-1 Custom Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research PT SLS Evil Twin Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Banshee Mach-6 FR S Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Synyster Gates Custom-S Relic Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Aaron Marshall AM-6 Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-7 Multiscale Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Demon-7 Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S Electric Guitar
   Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic HT Electric Guitar
Find Your Perfect Fit With Schecter

Comparing the Best Schecter Electric Guitars for Metal

Model	Body Wood	Neck Wood	Fretboard Material	Pickups (Bridge, Neck)	Bridge	Nut	Tuners
C-1 Platinum FR S	Mahogany, quilted maple top	3-piece maple	Rosewood	EMG 81, Sustainiac	Floyd Rose Special	Locking	Grover
C-1 FR S Blackjack	Mahogany, arched top	3-piece mahogany	Ebony	Lundgren M6, Sustainiac	Floyd Rose 1500	Locking	Grover
Solo-II Custom	Mahogany, maple top	3-piece mahogany	Ebony	Pasadena Plus, Pasadena	TonePros T3BT TOM, T1Z tailpiece	Ernie Ball compensated	Schecter locking
Omen Elite-6 FR	Mahogany, burl arched top	Maple	Rosewood	Schecter Diamond Heretic	Floyd Rose Special “Hot Rod”	Locking	Schecter
KM-6 MK-III Legacy	Mahogany, flamed maple top	3-piece maple	Ebony	Lundgren M6	Hipshot hardtail	Ernie Ball compensated	Schecter locking
V-1 Custom	Mahogany, flamed maple top	3-piece mahogany	Ebony	Pasadena Plus, Pasadena	TonePros TOM	Ernie Ball compensated	Schecter locking
PT SLS Evil Twin	Swamp ash	Multi-ply maple, walnut, paduak	Ebony	Fishman Fluence Modern (ceramic, alnico)	Hipshot hardtail	Ernie Ball compensated	Schecter locking
Banshee Mach FR S	Swamp ash, flamed maple top	Multi-ply roasted maple, purpleheart	Ebony	Lundgren M6, Sustainiac	Floyd Rose 1500	Locking	Grover Rotomatic
Synyster Gates Custom-S Relic	Mahogany	3-piece mahogany	Ebony	Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature, Sustainiac	Floyd Rose 1500	Locking	Grover
Aaron Marshall AM-6	Basswood	Quartersawn wenge	Ebony	Schecter USA Solstice, Equinox	Hipshot bridge	Graph Tech TUSQ XL	Hipshot Grip-Lock
Reaper-7 Multiscale	Swamp ash, burl top	Multi-ply maple, walnut	Ebony	Schecter Diamond Decimator	Hipshot hardtail	Graphite	Schecter
Demon-7	Basswood	Maple	Wenge	Schecter Diamond Active HB-105S	Schecter Custom hardtail	Graph Tech TUSQ XL	Schecter
C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin	Swamp ash	Maple	Ebony	Fishman Fluence Modern (ceramic, alnico)	Hipshot hardtail	Graphite	Schecter locking
Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S	Mahogany	Maple	Ebony	EMG Retro Active Hot 70, Sustainiac	Floyd Rose Special Hot Rod	Locking	Schecter
Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic HT	Black limba	Wenge	Ebony	Schecter USA Sunset Strip, Pasadena	Hipshot Ibby HM	Graph Tech TUSQ XL	Schecter locking

The Best Schecter Guitars for Metal

Pictured: Schecter Guitar Research Aaron Marshall AM-6 Electric Guitar in Arctic Jade

Schecter Guitar Research C-1 Platinum FR S Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: This C-1 model combines the Sustainiac system and EMG 81 pickups, making it perfect for endless sustain and aggressive tones.

Things to Consider:

• Floyd Rose Special system boasts everything Original Floyd Rose has, plus zinc alloy saddles instead of brass
• Sustainiac pickup is ideal for players looking for sustain-driven leads
• Guitar Center-exclusive model

 

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research C-1 Platinum FR S Electric Guitar in Satin Crimson Red Burst

Hailing from Schecter’s Diamond Series, the now-iconic C-1 made its 2000 debut with axe slinger Jerry Horton in Papa Roach’s music video for “Last Resort.” The Guitar Center-exclusive C-1 Platinum FR S (Floyd Rose, Sustainiac) adds some performance-enhancing flair to the classic design. Its active Sustainiac neck pickup delivers infinite sustain for soaring solos, while the EMG 81 bridge pickup ensures crushing rhythm tones. Sporting a gorgeous Satin Crimson Red Burst finish, and Floyd Rose Special bridge and locking nut, this guitar is as stunning as it is powerful.

With 45 reviews hovering at around a 4.5/5-star average, it’s easy to why it’s so appealing. Also, be sure to check out our video demo of the Schecter C-1 Platinum FR Sustainiac.

Schecter Guitar Research C-1 FR S Blackjack Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: It combines a duo of Lundgren and Sustainiac pickups with a Floyd Rose 1500 bridge for versatile, high-output tones and rock-solid tuning.

Things to Consider:

• Floyd Rose 1500 system features everything the 1000 system offers, plus a push-in trem arm and stainless steel screws
• Gloss black finish with arched top gives a sleek aesthetic
• Great for metal players who need tonal variety

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research C-1 Platinum FR S Blackjack Electric Guitar in Gloss Black

Schecter’s Blackjack models use higher-end components for more discerning players, in addition to their signature opaque color schemes. The Schecter C-1 FR S Blackjack is no exception, delivering exquisite tone, easy playability and menacing looks. Its Lundren M6 bridge and Sustainiac neck pickup combination yields a vast wide range of sounds, from crisp, glassy cleans to thick, thunderous distortion.

Other more affordable, yet top-reviewed C-1 models include the C-1 Platinum, Hellraiser C-1 and Hellraiser C-1 FR—find the one with the configuration that best suits your needs and budget.

Schecter Guitar Research Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: A Les Paul-inspired design gets modern upgrades, including Schecter Pasadena and Pasadena Plus pickups, and a TonePros tune-o-matic bridge.

Things to Consider:

• Thin C neck profile makes it easy to fly up and down the fretboard
• Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays
• Traditional single-cut design with a figured top and contemporary flair

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Solo-II Custom Electric Guitar in Satin Aged Black

A nod to the model that revolutionized the solid-body guitar in 1952, the Solo-II Custom bridges the gap between vintage styling and modern performance. Its pickup combo delivers rich, dynamic tones, while the TonePros bridge ensures precise intonation. The satin aged black and transparent black burst finish options give this single-cut guitar a modern edge, making it a great choice for players who love a classic shape with a dark twist. It’s earned a perfect 5/5 stars from Guitar Center customers.

Schecter Guitar Research Omen Elite-6 FR Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: It features Schecter’s Diamond Heretic pickups and a Floyd Rose Special bridge at an accessible value.

Things to Consider:

• 24 shred-friendly X-Jumbo frets
• Ideal for players upgrading from entry-level guitars
• 14" fingerboard radius and thin C neck shape make it a breeze to play

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Omen Elite-6 FR Electric Guitar in Charcoal

Another perfectly Guitar Center customer-reviewed guitar, the Schecter Omen Elite-6 FR is an enticing mid-tier option for metal guitarists. Its pair of Diamond Heretic pickups provide crushing, searing tones, while the Floyd Rose Special bridge allows for wildly expressive vibrato work. With its eye-catching quilted maple top and ergonomic design, this guitar is perfect for players seeking performance and style.

And, if you don’t need the Floyd Rose, the Omen Elite-6 guitar is available for a little less than its whammy bar-equipped counterpart.

Schecter Guitar Research KM-6 MK-III Legacy Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Designed with progressive metal guitarist Keith Merrow, this model features two Lundgren M6 pickups and a Hipshot bridge.

Things to Consider:

• Maple neck with carbon fiber reinforcement rods
• 12"–16" compound-radius fingerboard radius makes higher-fret soloing easier
• Fixed Hipshot bridge

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research KM-6 MK-III Legacy Electric Guitar in Transparent Black Burst

The Schecter KM-6 MK-III Legacy combines cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design featuring an ultrathin C-shaped neck profile with a compound radius, made for facilitating extremely technical playing. Designed in collaboration with prog metal virtuoso Keith Merrow, this guitar is a smart choice for players who demand precision. It’s available in subtly stunning transparent white satin and transparent black burst finishes.

Schecter Guitar Research V-1 Custom Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: A modern V-style guitar with Pasadena Plus bridge and Pasadena neck pickups, and a TonePros bridge, packs loads of performance potential and retro flair.

Things to Consider:

• Aggressive styling also provides unfettered upper-fret access
• Excellent sustain and stability, thanks to the TonePros string-through-body bridge
• Push/pull coil-tapping controls give you more tonal options

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research V-1 Custom Electric Guitar in Transparent Purple

The Schecter V-1 Custom reimagines the classic V shape with modern enhancements. Its Schecter USA pickups deliver a wide tonal range, from heavy rhythms to creamy leads. With a striking finish and flawless playability, this 4.75-star rated guitar is built for players who dream of turning heads with an impressive sonic and visual experience.

Schecter Guitar Research PT SLS Evil Twin Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: It combines sleek looks with cutting-edge features like Fishman Fluence pickups and a Hipshot bridge.

Things to Consider:

• Active pickups with voicing control via push-pull pots
• Ebony fingerboard with Roman numeral inlays
• Perfect for drop tunings and heavy chugging

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research PT SLS Evil Twin Electric Guitar in Satin Black

The speed demon-friendly evolution of what was originally the unofficial Pete Townshend Tele-style Schecter guitar, the PT SLS Evil Twin is a high-performance take on the classic Telecaster shape. Its Fishman Fluence Modern pickups provide tight, articulate tones, while the Hipshot bridge ensures rock-solid stability. This guitar is a versatile tool for modern metal and hard rock players of all stripes.

Schecter Guitar Research Banshee Mach-6 FR S Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: This shred machine screams wraithlike tonality via Lundgren (handwound in Sweden) and Sustainiac pickups, plus a Floyd Rose 1500 tremolo for haunt-inducing pitch bends.

Things to Consider:

• Swamp ash body with flame maple veneer yields a balanced, resonant tone
• Ergonomic neck design with an ultrathin U shape and compound radius
• Many Banshee variants available

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Banshee Mach FR S Electric Guitar in FalloutBurst

The Schecter Banshee Mach-6 FR S is a cutting-edge guitar that evokes the supernatural. Its pickup blend provides a vast tonal palette, while the Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo ensures tried-and-true stability during aggressive passages. With its extravagant Fallout Burst finish and premium build quality, it’s a guitar that looks phantastic and sounds fantastic.

If you prefer an extended-range guitar, check out the Banshee Mach-7 FR S 7-string model. And if an EverTune fixed bridge strikes your fancy, there are Mach-6 and Mach-7 EverTune guitars as well.

Schecter Guitar Research Synyster Gates Custom-S Relic Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Fashioned in an unholy alliance with Avenged Sevenfold’s Synyster Gates, this guitar features his signature Schecter USA bridge pickup and a Floyd Rose 1500.

Things to Consider:

• Distressed satin finish offers a unique, road-worn look
• Custom Synyster Gates pickups deliver aggressive, high-gain tones
• Great for fans of Avenged Sevenfold and heavy metal

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Synyster Gates Custom-S Relic in Distressed Satin Black

Synyster Gates' Custom-S Relic is a show-stopping guitar made for those keen to “Burn It Down.” Its pickups produce searing leads and powerful rhythms, while the Floyd Rose 1500 enables all your extreme vibrato antics. Perfect for players stirred by Synyster Gates’ one-of-a-kind style, this guitar is a metal machine with some serious attitude.

A7X fans will also love the other signature Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance Schecter models we’ve got at Guitar Center, with left-handed options also available.

Schecter Guitar Research Aaron Marshall AM-6 Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Devised with Intervals axeman Aaron Marshall, this signature model combines loud yet elegant visuals with thoughtfully curated high-performance features.

Things to Consider:

• Features hardware not commonly seen on Schecter guitars
• Schecter USA Solstice and Equinox pickups give you astounding tonal range
• Finish variants and left-handed models available

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Aaron Marshall AM-6 Electric Guitar in Arctic Jade

Aaron Marshall's signature AM-6 is a showcase-worthy guitar with the spec’d-out constitution to back it up. Its blend of Schecter USA pickups bear all the clarity and power you need, while the Hipshot bridge ensures consistent tuning. With its unique finish and attention to detail, it’s a perfect choice for impulsively responsible players who yearn for both style and substance.

Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-7 Multiscale Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: This 7-string multiscale design brandishes Schecter Diamond Decimator pickups for massive tone.

Things to Consider:

• 25.5"–27" multiscale neck with ultrathin C profile
• Sky Burst finish gives a unique visual flair
• Finish and feature variants available

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Reaper-7 Multiscale Electric Guitar in Sky Burst

The Schecter Reaper-7 MS (multiscale) is a forward-thinking guitar built for technically ambitious players. Its multiscale neck ensures perfect intonation, while the Decimator pickups deliver crushing low end and articulate highs. With a stunning Sky Burst finish, this guitar looks as impressive as it sounds. See why 100% of Guitar Center customers say they’d recommend it to a friend, and take this 7-stringer for a test drive.

Schecter Guitar Research Demon-7 Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: It’s a budget-friendly 7-string with active pickups for crushing lows and searing leads.

Things to Consider:

• Schecter Diamond Active pickups deliver high-output tones
• Satin aged black finish provides a sleek, understated aesthetic
• Great entry point for players new to extended-range guitars

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Demon-7 Electric Guitar in Satin Aged Black

A wise choice for players venturing into the world of 7-string guitars, the Schecter Demon-7 boasts Diamond Active pickups to ensure articulate lows and dynamic highs—perfect for drop-tuned metal riffing. With its comfortable playability and arresting arched-top design, it’s a solid option for determined beginners and advancing gigging players alike.

This reviewer was thoroughly won over by the Demon-7: “It does everything a 7-string should do and more. Super heavy sounding, obviously, but what I was not expecting to be impressed with was the clean tone ... Wow, it is outstanding. Amazing tone, action and pickups—feels incredible to play and totally recommend.”

Schecter Guitar Research C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: This 8-string multiscale guitar is crafted from premium components, with extreme metal and progressive styles in mind.

Things to Consider:

• 25.5"–27" multiscale design with ultrathin C-shaped neck profile
• Active Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers require a 9V battery
• Lightweight swamp ash makes it wearable for long sets

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin Electric Guitar in Satin Black

The Schecter C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin is built for the technically inclined who need a versatile, reliable 8-stringer that prioritizes tuning stability. Its multiscale design improves playability, while its pair of Fishman Fluence pickups comfortably handle everything from tight chugs to soaring leads. With its sleek satin black finish and advanced features, it’s a bona fide beast born for modern metal.

Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: This flashy Superstrat is loaded with active EMG and Sustainiac pickups for endless tonal possibilities.

Things to Consider:

• Sustainiac pickup delivers infinite sustain and expressive solos
• Floyd Rose 1500 bridge ensures tuning stability during extreme dives
• Lightweight mahogany body ideal for extended play sessions

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder FR S Electric Guitar in Riviera Blue

Named for the place Schecter has been headquartered in since 1987, the Sun Valley SS FR S offers incredible performance with its combination of Sustainiac and EMG pickups. The Riviera Blue finish and black pickguard give it a bold, stage-ready look, while the Floyd Rose bridge ensures tuning stability no matter how wild your solos get. Perfect for shredders who love versatility and flair.

Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic HT Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Deserving of its own dedicated callout, this Super Shredder combines boutique aesthetics with elevated features like a Hipshot bridge and Schecter USA pickups.

Things to Consider:

• Black limba lends a dazzling natural aesthetic on a hot-rodded instrument
• Hipshot Ibanez Hi-Mass bridge gives you rock-solid stability and tuning precision
• Thin C-shaped neck with 12"–16" compound-radius fingerboard

Shop Now: Schecter Guitar Research Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic HT Electric Guitar in Black Limba

The Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic HT blends stunning visuals with top-tier performance. Its natural black limba body is a showstopper, while its Schecter USA Sunset Strip and Pasadena pickups deliver clear, powerful tones. With its thoughtful design from headstock to strap button, it’s an alluring choice for players who prize playability, tone and inobtrusive flair. Have a look at the Sun Valley Super Shredder ziricote guitar, as well, which flaunts P.A.F.-style humbuckers.

Find Your Perfect Fit With Schecter

Pictured: Schecter Guitar Research C-1 Platinum FR S Electric Guitar in Satin Crimson Red Burst

Over nearly half a century, Schecter guitars have earned their place in the hard rock/heavy metal guitar pantheon, offering a wide range of performance-centric models that cater to ambitious players of all levels. Whether you’re drawn to the Sustainiac-equipped C-1 Platinum or the cutting-edge Aaron Marshall AM-6, there’s a Schecter guitar to match your style and sound. Explore our full collection of Schecter electric guitars and find the perfect fit to take your playing to the next level, or step into your local Guitar Center store to try one out for yourself. If you're interested in checking out more of the hottest axes for metal, be sure to read our article on The Best Metal Guitars.