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Average Price: $725

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Description

The Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 is the quintessential choice for guitarists who crave both style and substance without breaking the bank. This solid body electric guitar is a powerhouse, combining a quilted maple top with a solid mahogany body to deliver a resonant and balanced tone. With a set maple neck, players will appreciate the smooth playability and access to higher frets, thanks to Schecter's Ultra Access neck heel.

What sets the Hellraiser Special C-1 apart is its electrifying EMG pickups—an EMG 81 at the bridge and an EMG 85 at the neck. These active pickups are renowned for producing the searing leads and thunderous riffs that metal enthusiasts demand. Whether you're playing blistering solos or chugging rhythms, this guitar's pickups deliver.

The TonePros TOM bridge with string-through-body design offers exceptional stability and sustain, ensuring your performances are as reliable as they are dynamic. Aesthetically, the guitar impresses with mother-of-pearl dagger inlays, multi-ply binding, and sleek black chrome hardware, all contributing to its formidable presence.

For musicians seeking a guitar that not only looks fierce but plays with precision and power, the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 is a perfect match.

Key Features:

  • Quilted maple top with a solid mahogany body for rich tone
  • Set maple neck with Ultra Access heel for easy upper fret access
  • Active EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) pickups for intense sound
  • TonePros TOM bridge with string-through-body design for enhanced sustain
  • 24-fret rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl dagger inlays
  • Black chrome hardware and multi-ply binding for a striking appearance

Product specs

Brand Schecter
Model Hellraiser Special C-1
Year 2011 - 2012
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What pickups are used in the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1, and how do they affect the sound?

The Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 features EMG-81 and EMG-85 active humbuckers, which deliver a powerful, high-output sound ideal for metal and hard rock. The EMG-81 offers tight, aggressive tones, while the EMG-85 provides smooth, warm leads.

Is the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound. It offers excellent playability and quality construction, making it a great choice for those starting out with an interest in heavier music genres.

What is the neck profile of the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 like?

The Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 features a set 3-piece mahogany neck with an Ultra Access neck heel, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience, especially for reaching higher frets.

How does the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 handle different music genres?

While the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 excels in metal and hard rock due to its active EMG pickups, it also offers versatility for other genres with its clean and articulate tones, suitable for rock and blues.

What is the scale length of the Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 and how does it affect playability?

The Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1 has a 25.5-inch scale length, which provides a balanced tension across the strings, making it suitable for both standard and drop tunings, enhancing its playability for various styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Hellraiser Special C-1.

Build quality

  • Factory stainless steel hardware on the Hellraiser makes it a durable choice compared to cheaper Floyd Rose bridges that benefit from post upgrades.

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  • The tuners maintain tuning well over time, though the 6th string tuner may feel worn after years of regular tuning changes.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading Floyd Rose bridge posts to stainless steel is suggested for improved performance on models with Floyd special bridges.

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  • Owners have replaced the stock EMG 81 and 85 pickups with Seymour Duncan SH6 and SH10n, significantly altering the guitar's tonal characteristics for more gain and dynamics.

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Comparisons

  • The Hellraiser Special C-1 was succeeded by the Omen and C1 Platinum series, offering potential alternatives for buyers interested in similar features.

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  • The Hellraiser Special C-1's fretwork allows for lower action than earlier guitars, providing a clear playability upgrade over models like the Jackson JS32 Kelly.

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  • The Hellraiser excels in metal, but the C-1 Classic is noted for versatility across genres due to its Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickups and five-way selector switch.

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User experience

  • Some owners report fingerboard issues on various Schecter models, emphasizing the need for careful inspection before purchase.

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  • The neck has a medium C shape, which may feel thicker and rounder compared to shallower D shapes preferred by some players.

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  • The gloss finish on the neck can be bothersome, but this can be mitigated using wire wool to achieve a smoother feel.

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  • A long-time owner with 12 Schecters states the Hellraiser is their second most played guitar, highlighting its enduring appeal.

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Features and functionality

  • The Hellraiser Special C-1 features a unique placement of the bridge pickup close to the bridge, enhancing the guitar's bite and making it ideal for aggressive styles like death metal.

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  • The Hellraiser Special C-1 with EMG 57/66 TW hybrid pickups offers great versatility, enhancing metal tones while retaining clarity for other genres.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend replacing the 9-volt battery in EMG-equipped models to prevent muddy tones, an issue often overlooked.

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Value and pricing

  • A Hellraiser with upgraded pickups and a case for $720 is considered a good deal, especially for those interested in metal-focused playing.

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