Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (25)
$1,199.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$1,199.00
Amazon
4.1 (7)
Used
Musician's Friend
2.0 (1)
$1,199.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,239.00

Average Price: $1,167

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Schecter Retro C-1 E/A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the perfect blend of electric and acoustic tones with the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye. This semi-hollow electric guitar is a versatile powerhouse designed for musicians who crave both robust electric crunch and the warm, resonant sound of an acoustic. Its Fishman Powerbridge offers seamless switching between electric and acoustic tones, allowing you to craft a unique soundscape with ease. The Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers provide rich, full-bodied electric tones, with a coil tap option for added versatility. Whether you're delivering a soulful acoustic set or shredding through an energetic electric performance, this guitar has you covered.

Crafted with a mahogany body and a flamed maple top, the Retro C-1 E/A doesn't just sound great—it looks stunning too. The set-in mahogany neck, adorned with a rosewood fretboard and mother-of-pearl dot inlays, offers a smooth playing experience, while the thin C neck profile ensures comfort even during long gigs. With 24 X-Jumbo frets and Grover machine heads, precision and reliability are at your fingertips. The guitar's dual control layout, including magnetic and piezo volume and tone controls, along with a 3-way switch, provides an intuitive interface to shape your sound.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow mahogany body with a flamed maple top
  • Rosewood fretboard with 24 X-Jumbo frets
  • Fishman Powerbridge for acoustic tones
  • Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers with coil tap
  • Thin C neck profile for comfort
  • Grover machine heads for reliable tuning
  • TonePros T1Z tailpiece for easy string changes
  • Dual volume and tone controls for both humbuckers and piezo
  • 3-way switch for versatile sound options

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape C
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Flamed Maple
Body Finish Urethane
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin C
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 14"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Dots
Number of Frets 24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Graph Tech XL Ivory Tusq
Bridge/Tailpiece Fishman Powerbridge (Piezo) with TonePros T1Z Tailpiece
Tuners Grover
Neck Pickup Schecter Diamond Plus Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Schecter Diamond Plus Humbucker, Piezo
Controls 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
Switching 3-way Output Switch, 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye best suited for?

The Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye is versatile, but its semi-hollowbody design and Schecter Diamond Plus Humbucker pickups make it particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

What is the neck profile of the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye, and how does it affect playability?

The Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye features a Thin C neck profile, offering fast playability and comfort, which is ideal for guitarists who favor speed and precision.

Does the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye include a piezo pickup, and what is its benefit?

Yes, the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye includes a Fishman Powerbridge Piezo pickup, allowing for acoustic-like tones and enhanced versatility in sound options.

How many frets does the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye have, and what type are they?

The Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye has 24 extra jumbo frets, providing ample range and easier string bending for expressive playing.

Is the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its semi-hollowbody construction, dual humbuckers, and piezo pickup, the Schecter Retro C-1 E/A Cat's Eye delivers a wide range of tones suitable for live performances.

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound options with H+H+Piezo pickups

  • Offers seamless switching between acoustic and electric tones

  • Stunning build quality with excellent fit and finish

  • Comfortable neck profile for easy playability

  • Great value for the price with premium features

  • Reliable tuning stability and durable hardware

  • Provides a range of tones for various genres

  • Beautiful wood and finish akin to higher-priced guitars

  • Piezo pickup delivers an appealing, distinct acoustic flavor

  • Comes with necessary tools for easy setup adjustments

CONS

  • Piezo pickup volume initially lower than magnetic pickups

  • Some initial tuning and setup adjustments required

  • Strings may wear quickly due to contact with sharp piezo edge

  • Active pickups require battery maintenance

  • Potential for shipping-related damage and tuning instability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Retro C-1 E/A.

Build quality

  • Owners report that the satin finish on some models can make the guitar feel "cheap," whereas the glossy finish is preferred for a more premium feel.

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  • Some users note that Schecter C-1 E/A models can be perceived as cheaply made, with specific mention of a model made in Indonesia having a blemish.

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Features and functionality

  • The Cat's Eye model's glossy finish is favored for its aesthetics, despite lacking locking tuners, which users note can be added later if desired.

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  • The Duncan Designed pickups on older models are described as slightly dark, impacting the overall tone.

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  • The Schecter USA pickups are noted as solid, with a vintage style, complementing the piezo system for versatile sound options.

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  • The placement of the main toggle switch is critiqued, with suggestions for a more convenient location on the upper part of the body.

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User experience

  • Some users are more comfortable modding the Cat's Eye model due to its lower price, compared to the Faded Vintage Sunburst.

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  • Owners who have tried both models noted a preference for the Cat's Eye model due to its feel and sound despite its lower cost.

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  • It's noted that the neck of the Schecter C-1 E/A is distinctively narrow near the headstock, which may affect playability preference.

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  • Several users with small hands find the Schecter neck profile ideal for playability, preferring it over thicker necks like those on PRS guitars.

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Value and pricing

  • While the Faded Vintage Sunburst model is more expensive, some buyers feel justified in paying more for features like the zebrawood top and reinforced neck.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A user reports that when the battery starts to fail, there is a bleed from magnetic to piezo pickups, affecting the tone unexpectedly.

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  • Initial setups may be necessary, as reported by new owners, to achieve optimal playability.

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Comparisons

  • The Schecter C-1 E/A is significantly cheaper than the PRS SE HBII when considering gloss finish options, with price differences up to $1100 versus $1200 for Schecter.

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  • Users compare the Schecter C-1 E/A favorably against PRS semi-hollow models, citing better playability due to the neck profile.

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Use cases and applications

  • The piezo system is highlighted for its potential, especially when paired with gear like the TONEX, enhancing tonal possibilities.

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