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Description

The Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist is a powerhouse for modern metal enthusiasts. Crafted with precision and flair, this 7-string electric guitar embraces an exotic aesthetic with its poplar burl-topped swamp ash body, offering both visual allure and a harmonious blend of brightness and warmth. Beneath its striking surface, the KM-7 MK-III Artist is engineered for performance, boasting a 26.5" scale length ideal for both standard and drop tunings, making it a versatile choice for any metal guitarist.

At the heart of its commanding sound are the Keith Merrow Custom Series Fishman Fluence pickups. These innovative humbuckers deliver a spectrum of tones, capturing the earthy essence of passive pickups while offering the advanced dynamics of active circuitry. This guitar's 9-piece neck, composed of wenge, maple, and purple heart, is reinforced with carbon fiber rods, ensuring stability and comfort with its Ultra Thin KM profile. The ebony fretboard's compound radius facilitates seamless chording and expressive bends.

Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the KM-7 MK-III Artist is equipped for precision and durability. Its neck-through construction enhances sustain, while the Hipshot locking tuners and Ernie Ball compensated nut maintain rock-solid intonation. Every detail of this guitar is designed to meet the demands of progressive metal, providing a seamless blend of style, sound, and playability.

Key Features:

  • Poplar burl-topped swamp ash body
  • 26.5" scale length for versatile tuning
  • Keith Merrow Custom Series Fishman Fluence pickups
  • 9-piece wenge/maple/purple heart neck
  • Ebony fretboard with compound radius and 24 stainless steel extra-jumbo frets
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • Hipshot locking tuners and Ernie Ball compensated nut for stable tuning

Product specs

Brand Schecter
Model KM-7 MK-III Keith Merrow Signature Artist
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blue, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple, Purpleheart, Wenge
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 7-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Burled

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist have?

This guitar is equipped with Keith Merrow signature Fishman Fluence humbuckers, offering versatile tonal options with a 3-way voicing control for a variety of soundscapes.

Is the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist suitable for metal music?

Yes, the guitar's design, including its pickups and extended range, makes it well-suited for metal genres, especially with its ability to handle heavy riffs and complex solos.

What is the neck profile of the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist?

The guitar features a neck-through construction with a 9-ply maple, wenge, and purpleheart neck, providing stability and smooth playability, ideal for fast playing styles.

How many frets does the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist have?

This guitar comes with 24 frets, allowing for an extended range of notes suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the scale length of the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist?

The guitar has a 26.5" scale length, which helps maintain string tension and clarity, especially for lower tunings common in metal music.

Does the Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist have locking tuners?

Yes, it features Hipshot Grip-Lock tuners, which provide enhanced tuning stability and make string changes quicker and easier.

Agufish

Agufish

The Most INSANELY Spec'd Guitar I've Ever Played?! || Schecter Keith Merrow KM7 MKIII Artist

Video thumbnail for The Most INSANELY Spec'd Guitar I've Ever Played?! || Schecter Keith Merrow KM7 MKIII Artist by Agufish

The Most INSANELY Spec'd Guitar I've Ever Played?! || Schecter Keith Merrow KM7 MKIII Artist

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Artist Playthrough | Schecter Guitar Research by Schecter Guitar Research

Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III Artist Playthrough | Schecter Guitar Research

Schecter Guitar Research

Schecter Guitar Research

Video thumbnail for Schecter Electric Guitar Keith Merrow KM-7 Strings MK-III Artist - Blue Crimson by Sadek Music Shop

Schecter Electric Guitar Keith Merrow KM-7 Strings MK-III Artist - Blue Crimson

Sadek Music Shop

Sadek Music Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Slim, fast neck facilitates easy playability and quick transitions for 6-string players

  • Fishman pickups deliver powerful, impressive sound

  • Lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable playing sessions

  • Unfinished neck and thin C shape offer smooth access to upper frets

  • High-quality build with fantastic setup right out of the box

  • Aesthetic appeal with a visually striking design

  • Transition to a 7-string is seamless, even for long-time 6-string players

CONS

  • Inconsistent quality control, with issues like unglued nut and faulty toggle switch

  • Some units require additional maintenance, such as truss rod oiling and fret dressing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist.

Comparisons

  • The KM-7 MKIII Artist neck is thinner and more comfortable for small hands compared to the chunkier, Les Paul D-shaped neck on Solar guitars.

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  • The KM-7 MK-III Artist neck has a light C shape, contrasting with the SLS Elite's D shape, making the KM neck more preferred for comfort by some users.

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  • The KM-7 Hybrid features the MK II neck, which is slightly skinnier than the MK III neck, offering a different feel for players.

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  • Compared to PRS SVN, the KM-7's M7 pickups are less treble-heavy, offering a different tonal character.

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Features and functionality

  • The KM-7 MKIII Artist features a brass block which significantly enhances sound quality, paired with a swamp ash body for a snappy response.

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  • The Hipshot hardware on the KM-7 MK-III feels premium, enhancing the guitar's overall quality perception.

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  • The KM-7 MKIII features Lundgren M7 pickups, praised for their versatility and ability to handle various musical styles.

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User experience

  • Owners report the KM-7 MKIII's open pore wenge/purpleheart neck feels exceptionally smooth and superior, often comparing it to a luxurious texture.

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  • Some owners find the custom-voiced Fishman pickups on the KM-7 MKIII heavy and thick, matching Keith Merrow's signature sound.

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  • The KM-7 MK-III is praised as one of the best 7-string necks, with owners noting its exceptional playability.

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Value and pricing

  • One owner received a $400 discount due to a long wait time for the Blue Crimson version, highlighting potential delays with Schecter orders.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Open gear tuners on the KM-7 maintain their functionality well over time, with no significant issues reported even after two years of use.

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  • Owners recommend performing a setup out of the box, as some report minor intonation issues that benefit from fret leveling.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Gotoh tuners are recommended for those considering upgrading to locking tuners for improved stability.

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Build quality

  • The KM-7's flame top finish in trans white is noted for its unique and visually appealing aesthetic not commonly seen on other guitars.

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Use cases and applications

  • The KM-7's 26.5" scale length is favored for drop tunings like Drop A and Drop G, maintaining stability and playability.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Schecter KM-7 MK-III Artist - Extended Range Guitar Nerds

ergnerds.com

The Schecter Keith Merrow Signature KM-7 MK-III Artist dazzles with its custom shop aesthetics and premium features, making it a top choice for metal guitarists. With a sleek design, comfortable playability, and articulate sound, this 7-string is loaded with high-end specs like a swamp ash body, wenge neck, and Fishman Fluence pickups. While its price tag of $1,699 might raise eyebrows for a South Korean-made guitar, the KM-7 offers a wealth of features typically reserved for custom models, delivering a unique blend of tone woods and craftsmanship. Balancing perfectly and boasting a solid build, it offers exceptional value for those seeking a well-designed, performance-ready instrument.

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