Pricing and availability

Average Price: $343

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Schecter Raiden Special 5 is a perfect choice for bassists seeking versatility and style in their performance. Known for its robust build and exceptional tone quality, this 5-string electric bass is designed to meet the needs of both seasoned musicians and aspiring artists. Featuring a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, the Raiden Special 5 ensures smooth playability and a rich tonal palette.

Equipped with Schecter SuperRock MM pickups, this model delivers a full and balanced output, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. The active 2-band EQ allows for precise tonal adjustments, ensuring you can tailor your sound to any stage or studio setting. The bass also boasts a 35” scale length, providing a tight and responsive low-end, essential for deep and resonant bass lines.

The Raiden Special 5's solid basswood body contributes to its lightweight feel, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions. With its sleek design and premium hardware, this bass is not only a reliable instrument but also an attractive addition to any musician’s gear collection.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass configuration
  • Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Schecter SuperRock MM pickups
  • Active 2-band EQ for tone shaping
  • 35” scale length for enhanced low-end response
  • Lightweight basswood body for comfortable playability
  • Premium hardware and sleek design

Product specs

Brand Schecter
Model Raiden Special-5 5-String Bass
Finish Black Cherry
Year 2010s
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Schecter Raiden Special 5 RED?

The Schecter Raiden Special 5 features a comfortable neck profile designed for ease of playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists who prefer a smooth, accessible feel across the fretboard.

What kind of tones can I expect from the passive pickups on this bass?

The passive HH pickup configuration on the Schecter Raiden Special 5 delivers a versatile range of tones, from warm and punchy lows to clear and articulate highs, making it suitable for various music genres.

Is the Schecter Raiden Special 5 RED suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Schecter Raiden Special 5 is well-suited for live performances, offering solid build quality and a dynamic tonal range that can cut through the mix in a band setting.

How does the double cutaway body shape benefit playability?

The double cutaway body shape of the Schecter Raiden Special 5 allows for easier access to the higher frets, enhancing playability for solos and intricate basslines.

Does the Schecter Raiden Special 5 have an active preamp?

No, the Schecter Raiden Special 5 does not have an active preamp; it features passive pickups, providing a straightforward and traditional bass sound.

Goldmusicsrl

Goldmusicsrl

SCHECTER RAIDEN SPECIAL-5 DEMO BY LUCA NEGRO

Video thumbnail for SCHECTER RAIDEN SPECIAL-5 DEMO BY LUCA NEGRO by Goldmusicsrl

SCHECTER RAIDEN SPECIAL-5 DEMO BY LUCA NEGRO

Goldmusicsrl

Goldmusicsrl

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Raiden Special 5.

Setup and maintenance

  • The push-pull tone knob on the Schecter Raiden Special 5 can be adjusted by slightly spreading the shaft with a flathead screwdriver for increased resistance.

    Source
  • An issue with the electronics was reported, where active electronics drain the battery if the guitar cable isn't unplugged, requiring frequent battery changes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some Schecter Raiden Special 5 models feature a very loose push-pull tone knob, which can be problematic for left-handed players due to accidental adjustments.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners highlight the Schecter Raiden Special 5's dual humbucker pickups for noise reduction and enhanced tone, similar to Stingray and Les Paul designs.

    Source
  • Some owners mention that the body of the Schecter Raiden Special 5 has sharp edges, which can be uncomfortable for some players while playing.

    Source

User experience

  • A parent reported their child plays the Schecter Raiden Special 5 daily in various bands, citing its playability and ease of use as key factors.

    Source
  • A left-handed player appreciates Schecter's availability of left-handed models, finding them more accessible than other brands under $1,000.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Schecter Raiden Special 5 is praised for versatility, handling genres from Metallica to Vulfpeck, demonstrating its adaptability to different musical styles.

    Source
  • A user highlights the Schecter Raiden Special 5's suitability for non-metal genres, achieving a thumpy sound with bridge muting and neck pickup rolled off for jazz applications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to standard Squier models, some prefer the Schecter Raiden Special 5 for its unique visual appeal, like the red and black tiger stripe effect.

    Source
  • Compared to Squier and Sterling by Music Man models, the Schecter Raiden Special 5 is noted to have superior build quality but is considered less tonally appealing by some users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have replaced the passive EMG HZ pickups with active Dave Ellefson signature EMGs, reporting brighter tones post-upgrade.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Raiden Special-5 Review: The coil tap is what really does it for me. | Schecter | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Schecter Raiden Special 5 RED shines as a value-packed bass guitar, offering versatility with its coil tap feature, allowing for a range of sounds from jazz to deep bass tones. Its reliability and durability score high, making it a trustworthy choice for gigs without a backup. While the action, fit, and finish are mostly commendable, initial setup adjustments for pickup height are necessary. The bass's sound quality competes with more expensive models, though it falls short of vintage Fender tones. Overall, it's a superb option for its price, making it a smart buy for budget-conscious musicians seeking versatility and reliability.

positive

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skz001

Could play better

I bought my first 5 string at the recommendation of my guitar players and this was the cheapest one I could find that still felt good. The push-pull knob is nice and can come close to a jazz bass when split. The stock pickups are not anything to write home about and finding the same size pickups to change them out with is difficult. The tuners are the generic Chinese tuners but with Schecter branding. overall it is a very nice playing bass.

More Schecter Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    skz001
    skz001

    Gear IQ 167