Schecter C-1 SGR Review – Schecter Crank Up the Value to 11!

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

• Check Price

Off the bat, let’s get one thing straight… this isn’t a Schecter C1 – a model that can set you back anywhere from $500 to $1,500. No, you aren’t going to find one of those in the cheap guitar market. However, if you’re on a budget, don’t fear! Today we are taking a look at the entry-level Schecter C-1 SGR, which offers a huge dose of Schecter’s sexy gothic style, solid electronics and good playability. It also comes in at under $150… Now, THAT sounds like a guitar worth taking a closer look at!

Body & Neck

Despite the budget price, Schecter have gone to town on the looks of the C-1 SGR. Under close inspection you can tell it’s not a premium model, but the overall build and detailing puts some other budget electric guitars to shame. Look at the polished black chrome hardware, the custom Gothic Cross inlay on the 12th fret, and the Schecter headstock – it’s another level.

Décor aside, the C-1 SGR is fundamentally a great little player, with a double-cutaway basswood body featuring an arched top, and comfortable contours. This comes in either a walnut satin, electric blue, or – our favorite – a midnight satin black finish. The body cutaways allow for a nice playing experience with the highest frets of the full 24-fret neck. This maple neck is bolted onto the body and features a rosewood fretboard.

For looks alone, the Chinese-made C-1 SGR would receive full marks, although the fit and finish lacks in some areas, so it could do with a proper setup out of the box to really bring out the best in this guitar.

Hardware

The hardware isn’t as impressive as the design of this guitar, but for such an affordable price it’s hard to gripe. It comes fitted with two SGR humbuckers at the bridge and neck positions, which are stock but more than acceptable. These are tended to by two knurled metal control knobs (one for volume, one for tone) and a pickup selector switch.

The rest of the hardware is pretty decent, and more than you’d expect for the price. There’s a set of sealed tuners, a fixed tune-o-matic bridge with string-through body tailpiece, and a graphite nut. On some marketplaces it comes with a cool Schecter zippered gig bag, which really adds to the value.

Sound

Sound is where the C-1 SGR gives away its price, as it doesn’t offer the beefy, rich tones of a mid-range/high-end model. But we weren’t expecting it to. What it does offer is a decent clear tone which retains its clarity as the overdrive is cranked up. It’s ample for practice and jamming sessions, and with a good amp, it could impress.

Conclusion

Schecter – we love the C-1 SGR. For such a budget price, it’s really hard to fault. Beginners would really appreciate its playability and affordability, just as much as an experienced guitarist. While it lacks a little beef in the output, it’s a guitar that offers seriously good value.

For more info about the Schecter C-1 SGR, click here.
For more electric guitars under $200 you might like, click here.