Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $1,612

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner prog metal maestro with the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar, a masterpiece designed for the bold and adventurous guitarist. This electric beast combines the aesthetic allure of a flamed maple veneer over a lightweight swamp ash body, delivering resonant, high-frequency tones perfect for experimenting with complex soundscapes. The Tao's sleek, satin-finished neck, crafted from maple and padauk, features an ultra-thin "U" profile that ensures seamless transitions across its ebony fretboard, making it a shredding aficionado's dream.

At the heart of this guitar are the USA Colossus and Chaosbreaker humbuckers, a rare and coveted configuration that offers a dynamic range from crystal-clear highs to a punchy low end. Whether you're diving into rapid melodic runs or laying down heavy rhythms, these pickups deliver exceptional clarity and articulation. The volume push-pull control and 3-way pickup switch give you versatile sound-shaping capabilities, allowing you to glide effortlessly between clean tones and gritty metal crunch.

Built for performance, the Tao features a Hipshot fixed bridge and Grip-Lock tuners, providing rock-solid intonation stability. The glow-in-the-dark luminlay side markers ensure you never lose your place, even on the darkest of stages. With its robust hardware and deluxe finish, the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar is not just an instrument—it's a statement.

Key Features:

  • Swamp ash body with a flamed maple veneer top
  • USA Colossus and Chaosbreaker humbuckers
  • Push-pull volume control knob and 3-way pickup toggle
  • Ultra-thin "U" neck profile with ebony fretboard
  • Hipshot Grip-Lock tuners and fixed bridge
  • Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape John Browne Tao
Body Material Swamp Ash
Top Material Flamed Maple Veneer
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 5-piece Wenge/Padauk
Neck Shape Ultra Thin U
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 13.77"-15.75" compound
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 24, Extra Jumbo, Stainless Steel
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.643"
Nut Material Tusq XL
Bridge/Tailpiece Hipshot Fixed
Tuners Hipshot Grip-Lock
Neck Pickup Schecter USA Chaosbreaker Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Schecter USA Colossus Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume (push/pull coil-split)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What makes the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar suitable for metal music?

The Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar features a solid swamp ash body, flamed maple top, and powerful Schecter USA Chaosbreaker and Colossus humbuckers, delivering aggressive tones ideal for metal. Its ultra-thin U neck shape and stainless steel frets enhance playability for fast, technical playing styles.

How does the neck profile of the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar affect playability?

The guitar's ultra-thin U neck profile provides a comfortable grip for fast playing, while the 5-piece wenge/padauk construction with carbon fiber reinforcement ensures stability and durability, making it ideal for technical and intricate performances.

Can the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar coil-split its humbuckers?

Yes, the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar features a push/pull coil-split function on the volume control, allowing players to switch between full humbucker and single-coil tones for versatile sound options.

What type of frets does the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar have?

The Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar is equipped with 24 extra jumbo stainless steel frets, providing durability and a smooth playing surface for precise fretting and bending.

Is the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar comfortable for live performances?

With its lightweight swamp ash body and ergonomic design, the Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar offers comfort for extended live performances, while the Hipshot Grip-Lock tuners ensure tuning stability on stage.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

THE DJENT GUITAR - Schecter TAO-6 John Browne sig

Video thumbnail for THE DJENT GUITAR - Schecter TAO-6 John Browne sig by Ola Englund

THE DJENT GUITAR - Schecter TAO-6 John Browne sig

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for MONUMENTAL TONES: Schecter TAO-6 John Browne Signature Guitar Demo by Rhythm & Beard

MONUMENTAL TONES: Schecter TAO-6 John Browne Signature Guitar Demo

Rhythm & Beard

Rhythm & Beard

Video thumbnail for Did Schecter get it right? #schectertao by digital360

Did Schecter get it right? #schectertao

digital360

digital360

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar.

User experience

  • An owner praised the Azure Blue model as their best guitar experience, even compared to high-end Mayones, highlighting the instrument's superior feel and playability.

    Source
  • Some owners are shifting away from 8 strings, preferring 6s and 7s after initial excitement fades.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Tao 8 is considered an affordable option in the U.S. market, prompting interest from those previously deterred by higher prices.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A suggestion was made to replace the nut with a Tusq nut for improved performance, though this was not universally adopted.

    Source
  • Owners are swapping stock pickups for Bare Knuckle Impulse and Ragnaroks, citing a preference for varied split coil sounds and enhanced tonal versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The bridge pickup is notably placed closer to the bridge than typical, affecting tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The Tao 7 is likened to the Keith Merrow Signature models in build, though the Merrow offers a different neck shape that might appeal to those preferring a C profile.

    Source
  • The Ibanez Prestige RG5121, with Fishman Fluence pickups, is suggested as an alternative with similar feel and high build quality.

    Source
  • The Tao 6 design is compared to the Mayones Duvell, with similarities in feel.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck is slim but comfortable, avoiding the discomfort sometimes associated with Wizard necks during extended play.

    Source
  • Issues with neck stability and poorly painted tops noted, including blue paint sprayed over purple without proper masking.

    Source
  • Reports of delaminated fretboards and unseated frets have emerged from multiple owners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Tao 8 pickups are praised for clear tone under high gain, maintaining balance in bar chords without overpowering low notes.

    Source
  • The Tao 7's neck is described as Ibanez-esque with a U shape and significant shoulder, which may not suit players who dislike wider neck profiles.

    Source
  • The pickup in the Tao 6 has a pronounced mid-range hump, akin to having a built-in tube screamer.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Tao 7's stock pickups, Chaosbreaker and Colossus, are praised for their tonal quality in live performances, including major events like Wacken Open Air.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Nut slots cut too low and bent volume knobs have been issues for some owners.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Schecter Tao Series Review: The John Browne Signature

electrikjam.com

The Schecter Tao John Browne Signature guitar emerges as a standout for metal players, boasting exceptional craftsmanship and impressive features at an accessible price. Its sleek design, articulate pickups, and lightweight body make it a joy to play. While the aesthetic might not suit everyone, the performance is undeniably top-notch, rivaling much pricier custom models. However, some may find the lack of a Floyd Rose bridge a drawback. Overall, it’s hard to find fault; this guitar is a must-try for serious musicians looking to elevate their sound.

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5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

The guitar can be seen on this video.

See how John Browne uses Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar

John Browne

Guitarist, Composer

Monuments

...
Verified via Photo

In this post schecter announces the john brown signature guitar. This guitar comes in a 6, 7, and 8 string configuration. The guitar id loaded with his signature schecter chaos breaker and colossus pickup set

See how Andrew Baena uses Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar

Andrew Baena

Guitarist, Music Producer

Carcosa

...
Verified via Photo

In this post andrew shows off his schecter john brown signature 8 string. This guitar was sent to him by the team at schecter. Andrew states that this guitar is, in his opinion, the best 8 string schecter makes

See how Pete Cottrell uses Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar

Pete Cottrell

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Pete Cottrell unboxes a Schecter Tao John Brown Signature guitar in his Instagram post, mentioning he received it from Sweetwater. He states, "I finally have another 8 string! Since my last one needs some fixing up I’ve been without an 8 for a while. Always admired the @brownemonuments Tao-8 (especially in this sick Azure colour) and massive thanks to @sweetwatersound for the hook up."

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