I see a lot of people making the mistake of being brand loyal biased. I have no dog in this fight so i would judge these based on playability, price, and aesthetics. Based on the info I would definitely choose the Schecter over the Gibson.
Great video! The tones are so similar that you don’t NEED to spend the extra money. My concern with Schecter and most of the Asian made guitars is that trade and resale values are so poor. If you buy used or aren’t interested in trades, go for it. That Explorer will always get $700-$800+ though.
RNA MUSIC Very good indeed! 😎 bought the E1 and the build and playability it fab for the price!! That custom transparent pick guard you showed is a great idea... a shame to hide that beautiful top.
Great video. I was looking through google pics to see if anyone posted a pic of the Schecter E1 without the pickguard and found your video. Didn't notice the clear pickguard til you mentioned it but I'm gonna get me an E1 and it does look better to me without pick guard. Watching your comparison video just sealed the deal for me. Thank you.
I own both. I prefer the schecter. The gibson is too muffled and warm sounding. The schecter has 24 frets, a longer scale, and coil splits. I love my gibson, but I love the schecter more.
The new Schecter Elite has 24 stainless jumbo frets, 25.5" scale length and Modern Fluence pickups for around $1259 while nothing has changed on the Gibson and those are ridiculously priced these days. I've owned 4 Explorers over the past 20yrs and if I'm buying another it'll be the Schecter Elite, real no brainer for the amount of features for the price - only downside is the resale value but these days with the Gibson's being so pricey they aren't holding value as well as they used to. Great video, Cheers!
Hi! I found both great, but Gibby has a chunkier response due to the lacquer finish, on the other hand the schecter has a more compressed resonance pronounced high end and controlled bottom end due to the polyurethane finish. The same for the Nashville/alloy bridge thin and lightweight hardware producing open and losen attack. The schecter has metric posts heavier tonepros hardware zinc tailpiece producing brighter and fuller string vibration but compressed by polyurethane paint. Pickups are different. Depending on what you want and the amp you plug either guitar you may need alnico v or ceramic stuff, the same as the DC resistance. One more factor: FRETBOARD. Gibby has warm open rosewood or granadillo. Schecter has xj frets and snappy brighted compressed tight ebony fretboard. Both are fine, but Gibby tends to be a hard rock choice while schecter a METAL option for drop tunes or melting high gain material. I think Gibby is a better instrument because of the the selected mahogany and treated wood, but not 10 times better than the schecter which is mind blowing as well...
@@miguellopez106 It's worth mentioning that my schecter is the 7 string matte finished model too. So the 26.5" scale helps for a bit of a snappier tone/lighter string gauges. I've since sold my Gibson explorer since I just didn't jive with it's tone. (put the money towards an LP standard, which I like the sound of more.) I've owned about a dozen Gibsons of various models (V, Ex, LP, SG,) and that explorer was the only one I didn't like the sound of. (played great, however.) I'm thinking I just got bad luck and a dead-sounding piece of wood for mine.
I never was a fan of "sunburst color", BUT on this guitar it looks absolutely gorgeous! I love it.. never thought, that I will say this about a sunburst guitar: What a beauty!
Schecter hands down. Better specs, better inlays and overall a nicer looking guitar. I do prefer the Gibson pickups but that is an easy fix on the Schecter and is down to taste, not everyone will prefer the Gibby pups. Brand loyalty has no place in todays market, not with so much information, reviews and buyer feedback available on the net. Gibson still does a lot well but value for money is not there anymore, especially where it comes to QC. I wish people would stop basing purchasing decisions on "resale value". That value is determined by us and if everyone stopped buying overpriced crap the prices would be forced down. Sure, vintage instruments have an intrinsic value that goes beyond tone, build quality and playability, but beyond that, newer guitars should ALL depreciate in value regardless of brand unless it is a rare, collectible instrument.
Tone is an easy fix on the amp,...but I thought the Gibson sounded more mid-rangy,....also most Gibson Explorers have a fat neck,...the guy below is talking about re-sale value,.....if that's the case,..no one will ever buy the best sounding guitars.
The pick ups on the schecter are way better than Gibson more of a raw metal tone. I guess if you're into a more pop sound of music you would love the Gibson pick ups better.
Me llegó una Schecter E-1 hace poco, me sorprendió el nivel de construcción que tienen! Creo que con un upgrade de pickups podría tener un nivel aún mejor, Schecter tiene instrumentos sencillamente increíbles. Greetings from Argentina, amazing review!
Great video demo, I have watched this more times than I can count. I have a 1983 Gibson Explorer and I had to completely rebuild it. It is HEAVY as hell, but it does sound great, and I just have always loved the Explorer body shape. If i had to buy new, i like the simpler body style of the Gibson, BUT... The Schecters are amazingly well built, bang for the buck is off the charts, I would get the Schecter today!!! The tones from your Double Rec is INSANE dude!!!
honestly as far as sounds go its a little hard to tell any real difference especially with all that gain any difference was probably more the pickups that said I think the scheckter is a nicer guitar per the finish and binding etc. as far as resale or holding value you can usually pick up an explorer for $850 ish don't think the schecter is gonna be less than $600 so they're both gonna hold about the same value. Korean guitars are becoming the new MIJ as far as reputation. just my opinion.
I have a Schecter hellraiser V1 and a Schecter Omen. On the omen i changed out the machine heads with some locking gotohs, and put a invader in the bridge. I really love the neck on that guitar. And it was a steal at 120.00$ used. I love schecter guitars but i like the sound of those gibson pickups. I have a set 496 and 500t in my gibson sg, and love em. You also have to give gibson respect for the fact that they came up with the body design that was way ahead of its time. And has been copied by everybody. To bad the headstock angle sucks.
Well done. I have always been a Gibson fan. I own a 59 and 62 Melody Maker love them. A SG and a Les Paul. Now It may be time for Gibson to wake up and look around. This year I found Schecters WOW. They are half the money or better. The finish and workmen ship are out standing as is the sound and power. As your demo showed there really is no question. With most Schecters you are getting a great looking and sounding guitar plus a lot more money in your pocket!!
dude, Im very critical when watching Review videos. .... Your review is one of the best,most useful videos Ive seen. Filler to a minimum,covered important selling points & features & hardware etc & basically side b side, .......well done!
I just found out that Schecter made an Explorer style guitar. It looks awesome! Either this one or the purple E-1 FRS with the Floyd Rose would be so sweet to have! Schecter necks on the C-1's feel good, similar to a 60's Les Paul neck, and I would imagine this is probably similar. In the demo it sounded like the Schecter had more treble or bite but they both sound thick, heavy and bad ass!
I have an '02 Schecter C1 Classic and a mid 2000-2010 C1 Plus. Love them both. My C1 Classic helped a buddy of mine - a long time and 4 Gibson Les Paul owner - to switch to Schecter Jeff Loomis models.
You brought us a good unbiased review of both guitars and I have to say that my taste runs towards the Schecter E1 Custom for a couple of reasons. First, killer over-all looks and South Korean quality is as good as anything Gibson is doing these days. Price vs quality, again Schecter gets my vote here. To my ear with the limited audio that we have over you tube and computers, I liked the sound of both guitars so I don't think the Scecter gave up anything to the Gibson, but more clean playing might have helped with that determination. Overall, I'll spend my money on the Schecter E1 Custom and not look back! Thanks for a great review.
I Owned a Gibson Explorer 90's version like yours and regret selling it. Loved that guitar and definitely a hotter pick up sound than the Schecter However I do Love that new Schecter look and I would definitely buy one. Nice Review.
Great review! I like the format of some talking with A/B sound comparisons mixed in! The Schecter looks amazing but I prefer the “smoother/creamier” sound of the Gibson.
Loved the vid. RNA music! Keep it going. Full disclosure, I'm a Gibson fan, I have several Les Pauls. I prefer American made. But they do have issues and of all the guitars I've had over the years.. I've played guitars that feel better and are just as good. If I was in the market for either of these guitars.. I am actually going to have to say I would go with the Schecter! I like.
I like what he said about the neck being beefier on the Schecter, one of the reasons why the old guitars tend to sound that good is that extremely thin necks are overabused nowadays, which doesn't really help tone wise. About the pickups, the Gibson sounds fatter but more muffled, the E-I clearer and more articulate. The clean also sounds more usable. Lead tones are more singing too. I like both, the Gibby sounds more on the old -school sounds side, the Schec more modern maybe? I'd gladly listen to them thru a old marshall tho
I own a 2012 Schecter Solo 6 Standard Gold Top and it's by far the best guitar I've ever touched. 25 years experience with vintage Gibson, fender, hofner and gretsch but this Schecter is the greatest! For once, I only own this one guitar cause it'll do it all and then some baby!!!
Definite food for thought, even though I’ve never purchased a Schecter model. In any case, I would need to be confident that it wouldn’t just take up space in my home like my Epiphone Explorer ultimately ended up doing - so I ended up letting it go. Doesn’t hurt that some have mentioned 24 jumbo frets on the Schecter version.
Schecter (like it's parent ESP/LTD) makes a great $1,000 guitar. They have great hardware/ electronics. They play pretty good right out of the box. I'll bet that E1 plays just as good as that Explorer.
@@tonymarinelli7304 yeah he’s not really in that business anymore. You’d have to ship your guitar to him any way to make sure if a good fit, which is impractical. If you can find someone local who’s someowhat crafty and has a band saw and sanders I bet you could find someone to make it
Hi, sorry for the question (and for the language, I’m not English 😂), but I have to buy a new guitar so I need to know a little more about the Schecter E-1 Custom... I alrealy have a guitar with a bright open sound, high gain, with mid scooped, and strong trable. So, now I need another guitar more mid-focused, a bit more compressed, and strong, but not too muddy. Budget around 1000€/$ I am thinking about Les Paul Studio with pickup 498t and 490r, because I love the 498t sound, but I don’t like much the 490r, and I know Gibson sometimes has problems with the tune of strings... So now I’m listening the Schecter E-1 Custom, similar price, very beautiful shape, the sound is very strong, mid-focused, but not muddy/dark, so it seems perfect! But now I don’t know if it’s better the Les Paul Studio with 498t/490r pickups, or the Schecter E-1 Custom. In this video, the what pickup has the Explorer? Do you think it’s better Les Paul Studio or Schecter E-1 Custom? Thanks!!
I bought a Gretsch and just didn't like the pickups so i traded it for an Epiphone Explorer, one of the years that came with a Gibson truss rod cover. When i got it i thought the PO was an idiot for putting that on, but then found out it came like that. Every screw is stripped, the truss rod will lift up trying to pull out the Allen wrench, the solder joints look like they were done by a crackhead after a 7 day bender, but the frets are nice, it's got a beautiful ebony neck, and the body looks pretty good. Even looking like a dozen 15 year old boys have owned this guitar, this thing is, i hate to say it, my best playing guitar. The action is stupid low with minimum fret buzz, and i hate fret buzz, and the shape of the neck is so good and a bit beefy. But this thing sounds freaking awesome! So good that I'm refusing to fix the crappy solder joints for fear i might change something. I love this shape, the neck ends up sitting a bit closer, or further down. I own an older Schecter Omen and a last year's Schecter Banshee that i absolutely love...only after ripping out the extra stupid sustainiac pickup system and replacing with a killer custom Kansas made Odezza pickup pots wires switches and caps. I left the cystaniac system complete in case anyone wanted to buy it. And I'm looking for a new guitar so your video is absolutely perfect. I love the bound headstock of the schechter, and the square inlays, but the Gibson should hold its value and maybe eventually increase in value. But, sectors are just so nice to play. I firmly believe that Schechter guitars are by far the best value, fit and finish and sound and playability of any guitar available today. But I sure do love a Gibson! If you could only have one, which one would it be? Oh crap, this video is 6 years old. Damn....
I know I’m late to the game, but my opinion. First, I love the comparison. I’m also a Gibson enthusiast and respect the unbiased comparison. The E-1 seems to sound brighter and clearer in this video. Definitely worth consideration for great sounding guitars on a budget.
Schecter quality (in my experience) is amazing. I currently have the Diamond P Plus that they started making in 2014. Great quality in their respective price ranges.
Been on and off wanting the schecter for over a year. Thinking the neck may be a little thick but I think I would love it. Not to mention it looks stunning especially when light hits it
I had a Gibson Explorer from the faded series. It had serious fret sprout. I traded it in. The Schecter E-1 looks damn nice for about 3 to 400 bucks less. They sound very similar tone-wise.
What are the pots rated at? 250 or 500? Hows the attack and articulation with regards to playing it, sometimes you need to play it to tell the difference esp if the pots are 500
Nice! To my ear, the Schecter pickups sound a little thin and lack that thick bottom end that the Gibson has. But that Schecter is pretty, though! Maybe toss a couple of Bareknuckles in there? IDK. Loved the video!
My Gibson Explorer is an early 90's like yours. That guitar is so well balanced, no neck whatsoever. I'm curious about the Schecter, any neck dive issues with this guitar?
@@RNAMusic Thanks for the reply. I'm curious, how did you correct the neck dive? Was it an easy fix? I am interested in these guitars but neck dive is a deal breaker for me every time. Thanks
@ couple of tire balancing weights I put in the control cavity to add a tiny bit more weight to that part of the guitar. It was very slight on the neck dive, so it didn’t take much to balance it. I do not like neck dive either, this one barely had any but it was enough to me to try the tire weight trick
@@RNAMusic Yeah, guitars with horrible neck dive are no fun to play but this E1 doesn't sound too bad at all. A couple tire weights is an easy fix. Thanks for the reply along with the info!!
Hi man, nice comparison, my schecter is an explorer E1 diamond series it's quite similar to that one in your video but mines color is black Pearl About the price the factory told me something like u$869 do you believe is that price? Thanks
Clean or distorted, I really couldn't tell the difference, soundwise, between the two guitars. I am surprised the E-1 Custom doesn't come with the Ernie Ball compensated nut that some of the other Schecter Custom's have (the C-1, the Solo II, and the Avenger Customs).
new sub found this video after watching your video about your gibson video love the videos man i love my gibson explorer got a 79 explorer for 300 dollors with a repaired head stock and routed body for a kahler bridge but i have it set up to the standard stop bar best playing guitar ive ever had or played will say tho schecter makes amazing stuff the tempiset i had a while back is still the one that i regret selling i say get your hands on whats ever is the best deal around gibson may be going down hill a little bit but i will say back in there hay day they made some amazing stuff
Good comparison! But I personally think that a Chapman Ghost Fret/Schecter E1 comparison would be better. Especially considering that they are made in the same factory!
Hi, thanks for the review, i have just remembered i have a Schecter V in blonde in it's case under the bed that i bought mint second hand as it looks WoW but sadly i can't get on with it's jumbo frets, i shall dig it out and take it to my local store to see if the frets can be redone to normal size
Good sound samples! You could tell how they differed in sound, though they both sounded good. With the Gibson Explorer or any Gibson in general, I think they should have taller frets. That's what I always wanted for my Gibson SG! Just give me that extra jumbo fret goodness and I'm happy! For that reason alone I think I would get the Schecter, if I would have to choose! Cheers!
I love both those guitars. The Shek definitely has more eye candy and value priced for everyone, but I think the Gibson has a little bit more of an "engine" sound wise. On a side note, I believe far East luthiers are really getting good at manufacturing. They've been at it now for a few decades now which is reflected in the higher quality of their product lines.
It's an ESP MX 250 kinda like the one James from Metallica used. Gibson sued esp for making that style explorer tho so now you can only get them from Japan and they cost 3-5k
I have this schecter, do you have a link to where I can have the clear pick guard made? Also at this price point the E1 blows away the Gibson. Just saying
A friend of mine locally made the pick guard for me. Other people have asked, but they’d have to ship the guitar to him for him to do it, and no one wants to do that.
Dam that Schecter sounds great!!! My dream rig is this guitar as my rythm guitar and the new Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH FR E Okoume for my lead guitar. Oh I can dream.
The tone was hard to judge but the sustain on the Gibson was better so I would go with the Gibson just for that. I'm not stuck on looks but the Schector is very pretty.
I like both, but I would choose the Schecter over a current Gibson model. Price and performance and save myself $300 that could go towards pedals, amps, & etc! You have the best of both worlds, a well made '91 and a current E-1 !! Lucky dawg!!!!
As a Gibson explorer owner I'm biased but would play mine over that schecter anyday. I could care less about inlays. Both these guitars in this video sound great though. Not sure where schecter is made but my gibbo was made right here in Merica and you cant go wrong with that
Could it be that the pickups on your Gibson sound hotter to your ear be because they are uncovered, whereas the Schecter pickups have the Chrome covers? I also noticed that the sustain on your Gibson rang out a bit longer than the schecter's. Both are killer guitars and that Schecter sure is Purdy. But that Explorer sure does have a lot of character and you can tell is well-loved. Thanks for the video I've been wanting to see more on that Schecter, oh by the way! That guy who made the pickguard for the Schecter should make some more to sell!
Nope, Gibson pups ARE hotter. Schecter Sunset Strip pickups are ceramic but not extremely hot, less than a JB actually. Schecter pickup philosophy is based on "tone mascularity" but with articulation, clarity and richness. You won't find muffled pickups in their catalog, no matter how hot they are
I would really dig the Schecter with a more minimalistic look. Flame maple veneer, no binding, no fretboard inlays and maybe a reverse headstock. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
I see a lot of people making the mistake of being brand loyal biased. I have no dog in this fight so i would judge these based on playability, price, and aesthetics. Based on the info I would definitely choose the Schecter over the Gibson.
Thanks for the feedback and taking time to watch!
Yes i agree schecter is definately less expesnive with cheaper parts
Great video! The tones are so similar that you don’t NEED to spend the extra money. My concern with Schecter and most of the Asian made guitars is that trade and resale values are so poor. If you buy used or aren’t interested in trades, go for it. That Explorer will always get $700-$800+ though.
i'd say im brand loyal to some designs. for example, i really like the jackson v's and chapman and esp explorer
Schecter is better
Definitely worth watching, very thorough comparison and good sounds demos too! Close to buying a Schecter right now! 🤠👍
+Have Guitar they make great ones!
RNA MUSIC Very good indeed! 😎 bought the E1 and the build and playability it fab for the price!! That custom transparent pick guard you showed is a great idea... a shame to hide that beautiful top.
It really is!
Great video. I was looking through google pics to see if anyone posted a pic of the Schecter E1 without the pickguard and found your video. Didn't notice the clear pickguard til you mentioned it but I'm gonna get me an E1 and it does look better to me without pick guard. Watching your comparison video just sealed the deal for me. Thank you.
The Gibson sounds awesome. I'm a huge fan of Schecter though. Such great value for what you get with a Schecter guitar.
thanks for watching Dimo!
For me it would have to be the Schecter because Jumbo frets, I love them also it sounds fantastic!
+Patrick Rooney thanks for watching!
The jumbo frets and the 12-16 compound radius neck sold me on the Schecter.
Those RIFFS MAN!!! Such a GREAT tone too!! Nice comparison video!
I own both. I prefer the schecter. The gibson is too muffled and warm sounding. The schecter has 24 frets, a longer scale, and coil splits. I love my gibson, but I love the schecter more.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
@simo he probably has another schecter explorer that has 24 frets and 25,5 inch scale length
The new Schecter Elite has 24 stainless jumbo frets, 25.5" scale length and Modern Fluence pickups for around $1259 while nothing has changed on the Gibson and those are ridiculously priced these days. I've owned 4 Explorers over the past 20yrs and if I'm buying another it'll be the Schecter Elite, real no brainer for the amount of features for the price - only downside is the resale value but these days with the Gibson's being so pricey they aren't holding value as well as they used to. Great video, Cheers!
Hi! I found both great, but Gibby has a chunkier response due to the lacquer finish, on the other hand the schecter has a more compressed resonance pronounced high end and controlled bottom end due to the polyurethane finish. The same for the Nashville/alloy bridge thin and lightweight hardware producing open and losen attack. The schecter has metric posts heavier tonepros hardware zinc tailpiece producing brighter and fuller string vibration but compressed by polyurethane paint. Pickups are different. Depending on what you want and the amp you plug either guitar you may need alnico v or ceramic stuff, the same as the DC resistance. One more factor: FRETBOARD. Gibby has warm open rosewood or granadillo. Schecter has xj frets and snappy brighted compressed tight ebony fretboard. Both are fine, but Gibby tends to be a hard rock choice while schecter a METAL option for drop tunes or melting high gain material. I think Gibby is a better instrument because of the the selected mahogany and treated wood, but not 10 times better than the schecter which is mind blowing as well...
@@miguellopez106 It's worth mentioning that my schecter is the 7 string matte finished model too. So the 26.5" scale helps for a bit of a snappier tone/lighter string gauges. I've since sold my Gibson explorer since I just didn't jive with it's tone. (put the money towards an LP standard, which I like the sound of more.) I've owned about a dozen Gibsons of various models (V, Ex, LP, SG,) and that explorer was the only one I didn't like the sound of. (played great, however.) I'm thinking I just got bad luck and a dead-sounding piece of wood for mine.
I never was a fan of "sunburst color", BUT on this guitar it looks absolutely gorgeous! I love it.. never thought, that I will say this about a sunburst guitar: What a beauty!
I will take a Schecter, more bang for the buck, and I own a Hellraiser hybrid C1. Excellent guitar!!!
I AGREE 110% I HAVE THE CHEAPER C1 PLAT WITH EMGS, MY GOD THE QUALITY IS INSANE!!! plus nothing beats the thin C shaped neck
Schecter hands down. Better specs, better inlays and overall a nicer looking guitar. I do prefer the Gibson pickups but that is an easy fix on the Schecter and is down to taste, not everyone will prefer the Gibby pups. Brand loyalty has no place in todays market, not with so much information, reviews and buyer feedback available on the net. Gibson still does a lot well but value for money is not there anymore, especially where it comes to QC.
I wish people would stop basing purchasing decisions on "resale value". That value is determined by us and if everyone stopped buying overpriced crap the prices would be forced down. Sure, vintage instruments have an intrinsic value that goes beyond tone, build quality and playability, but beyond that, newer guitars should ALL depreciate in value regardless of brand unless it is a rare, collectible instrument.
Tone is an easy fix on the amp,...but I thought the Gibson sounded more mid-rangy,....also most Gibson Explorers have a fat neck,...the guy below is talking about re-sale value,.....if that's the case,..no one will ever buy the best sounding guitars.
The pick ups on the schecter are way better than Gibson more of a raw metal tone. I guess if you're into a more pop sound of music you would love the Gibson pick ups better.
Me llegó una Schecter E-1 hace poco, me sorprendió el nivel de construcción que tienen! Creo que con un upgrade de pickups podría tener un nivel aún mejor, Schecter tiene instrumentos sencillamente increíbles.
Greetings from Argentina, amazing review!
Great video demo, I have watched this more times than I can count. I have a 1983 Gibson Explorer and I had to completely rebuild it. It is HEAVY as hell, but it does sound great, and I just have always loved the Explorer body shape. If i had to buy new, i like the simpler body style of the Gibson, BUT... The Schecters are amazingly well built, bang for the buck is off the charts, I would get the Schecter today!!! The tones from your Double Rec is INSANE dude!!!
I’m sorry I’m just now seeing this comment! Thank you so much for watching!!!
honestly as far as sounds go its a little hard to tell any real difference especially with all that gain any difference was probably more the pickups that said I think the scheckter is a nicer guitar per the finish and binding etc. as far as resale or holding value you can usually pick up an explorer for $850 ish don't think the schecter is gonna be less than $600 so they're both gonna hold about the same value. Korean guitars are becoming the new MIJ as far as reputation. just my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bryan!
I have a Schecter hellraiser V1 and a Schecter Omen. On the omen i changed out the machine heads with some locking gotohs, and put a invader in the bridge. I really love the neck on that guitar. And it was a steal at 120.00$ used. I love schecter guitars but i like the sound of those gibson pickups. I have a set 496 and 500t in my gibson sg, and love em. You also have to give gibson respect for the fact that they came up with the body design that was way ahead of its time. And has been copied by everybody. To bad the headstock angle sucks.
Well done. I have always been a Gibson fan. I own a 59 and 62 Melody Maker love them. A SG and a Les Paul. Now It may be time for Gibson to wake up and look around. This year I found Schecters WOW. They are half the money or better. The finish and workmen ship are out standing as is the sound and power. As your demo showed there really is no question. With most Schecters you are getting a great looking and sounding guitar plus a lot more money in your pocket!!
+Alan Elias thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
dude, Im very critical when watching Review videos. .... Your review is one of the best,most useful videos Ive seen. Filler to a minimum,covered important selling points & features & hardware etc & basically side b side, .......well done!
Thank you very much! I've done plenty that were not so good lol. I appreciate your feedback and taking time to comment!
I just found out that Schecter made an Explorer style guitar. It looks awesome! Either this one or the purple E-1 FRS with the Floyd Rose would be so sweet to have! Schecter necks on the C-1's feel good, similar to a 60's Les Paul neck, and I would imagine this is probably similar. In the demo it sounded like the Schecter had more treble or bite but they both sound thick, heavy and bad ass!
thanks for watching and commenting! Killer guitar! We've been Schecter Dealers since 2009 and love them!
I have an '02 Schecter C1 Classic and a mid 2000-2010 C1 Plus. Love them both. My C1 Classic helped a buddy of mine - a long time and 4 Gibson Les Paul owner - to switch to Schecter Jeff Loomis models.
Starting to dig this channel, great video! - Eric (Switchblade Jesus, Corpus Christi TX)
That was a fun, educational and thorough comparison, Ryan. Thanks! I've subbed. More power to you, Sir.
+Brett Kingman wow!!! Thank you Brett! I enjoy your videos tremendously!
You brought us a good unbiased review of both guitars and I have to say that my taste runs towards the Schecter E1 Custom for a couple of reasons. First, killer over-all looks and South Korean quality is as good as anything Gibson is doing these days. Price vs quality, again Schecter gets my vote here. To my ear with the limited audio that we have over you tube and computers, I liked the sound of both guitars so I don't think the Scecter gave up anything to the Gibson, but more clean playing might have helped with that determination. Overall, I'll spend my money on the Schecter E1 Custom and not look back! Thanks for a great review.
+Mike Magnum thanks for watching and leaving some great feedback! Much appreciated!
I Owned a Gibson Explorer 90's version like yours and regret selling it. Loved that guitar and definitely a hotter pick up sound than the Schecter However I do Love that new Schecter look and I would definitely buy one. Nice Review.
Very great comparison. Thanks a lot, just what I needed
Thanks for watching!
The riff after you mentioned the schecter pickup names sounded just like the entire soundtrack to California speed on the Nintendo 64, beautiful
Thanks! I'll have to go try and find that!
Great review! I like the format of some talking with A/B sound comparisons mixed in! The Schecter looks amazing but I prefer the “smoother/creamier” sound of the Gibson.
+Ettore Colicchio thank you for watching, and the kind words!
Love the Schecter E1 natural Koa top.. Such a beautiful looking guitar
I like your clear pick gaurd. That's a great idea
Schecter is my choice. Chords sounds clearer, quilt is gorgeous, and I dig the block inlays.
Only thing I'd change on the gibson is the location of the pickup switch
Loved the vid. RNA music! Keep it going. Full disclosure, I'm a Gibson fan, I have several Les Pauls. I prefer American made. But they do have issues and of all the guitars I've had over the years.. I've played guitars that feel better and are just as good. If I was in the market for either of these guitars.. I am actually going to have to say I would go with the Schecter! I like.
I like what he said about the neck being beefier on the Schecter, one of the reasons why the old guitars tend to sound that good is that extremely thin necks are overabused nowadays, which doesn't really help tone wise. About the pickups, the Gibson sounds fatter but more muffled, the E-I clearer and more articulate. The clean also sounds more usable. Lead tones are more singing too. I like both, the Gibby sounds more on the old -school sounds side, the Schec more modern maybe? I'd gladly listen to them thru a old marshall tho
Thank you for leaving your thoughts!
I own a 2012 Schecter Solo 6 Standard Gold Top and it's by far the best guitar I've ever touched. 25 years experience with vintage Gibson, fender, hofner and gretsch but this Schecter is the greatest! For once, I only own this one guitar cause it'll do it all and then some baby!!!
Definite food for thought, even though I’ve never purchased a Schecter model. In any case, I would need to be confident that it wouldn’t just take up space in my home like my Epiphone Explorer ultimately ended up doing - so I ended up letting it go. Doesn’t hurt that some have mentioned 24 jumbo frets on the Schecter version.
Can you please provide the contact info for the diamond plate pick guard? Thank you!
www.brainbanana.com/
RNA MUSIC thank you for the quick response! Cheers to you!
sure thing. I haven't talked to John in years, so i don't know if he even still builds them or not. Give him a shout though.
RNA MUSIC thanks fo your help, I subscribed to your channel, please subscribe to mine, i just started the channel
Great comparison. Love em both, apples and oranges
I tend to lean Gibson, but that Schecter is gorgeous.
It's a looker!
I love the Schecter! I've never owned one, but all the ones I have played were phenomenal.
Thanks for watching!
Good video. A perfect example of why you should always play a guitar, regardless of brand, before you buy.
Love them all! Love explorer shape! Gibson, Schecter, Chapman.. even with esp and Jacksons Kelly!
Schecter (like it's parent ESP/LTD) makes a great $1,000 guitar. They have great hardware/ electronics. They play pretty good right out of the box. I'll bet that E1 plays just as good as that Explorer.
+Fred Garvin its great!
Schecter sounded warmer and just as clean, with moderate ouput. 😀
Plus it looks killer 🎸
+Jerry Vanderecken thanks for the feedback!
Does Rosebud Guitars still exist? I would love one of those plexiglass pick guards
@@tonymarinelli7304 yeah he’s not really in that business anymore. You’d have to ship your guitar to him any way to make sure if a good fit, which is impractical. If you can find someone local who’s someowhat crafty and has a band saw and sanders I bet you could find someone to make it
Hi, sorry for the question (and for the language, I’m not English 😂), but I have to buy a new guitar so I need to know a little more about the Schecter E-1 Custom...
I alrealy have a guitar with a bright open sound, high gain, with mid scooped, and strong trable.
So, now I need another guitar more mid-focused, a bit more compressed, and strong, but not too muddy.
Budget around 1000€/$
I am thinking about Les Paul Studio with pickup 498t and 490r, because I love the 498t sound, but I don’t like much the 490r, and I know Gibson sometimes has problems with the tune of strings...
So now I’m listening the Schecter E-1 Custom, similar price, very beautiful shape, the sound is very strong, mid-focused, but not muddy/dark, so it seems perfect!
But now I don’t know if it’s better the Les Paul Studio with 498t/490r pickups, or the Schecter E-1 Custom.
In this video, the what pickup has the Explorer?
Do you think it’s better Les Paul Studio or Schecter E-1 Custom?
Thanks!!
I bought a Gretsch and just didn't like the pickups so i traded it for an Epiphone Explorer, one of the years that came with a Gibson truss rod cover. When i got it i thought the PO was an idiot for putting that on, but then found out it came like that. Every screw is stripped, the truss rod will lift up trying to pull out the Allen wrench, the solder joints look like they were done by a crackhead after a 7 day bender, but the frets are nice, it's got a beautiful ebony neck, and the body looks pretty good. Even looking like a dozen 15 year old boys have owned this guitar, this thing is, i hate to say it, my best playing guitar. The action is stupid low with minimum fret buzz, and i hate fret buzz, and the shape of the neck is so good and a bit beefy. But this thing sounds freaking awesome! So good that I'm refusing to fix the crappy solder joints for fear i might change something. I love this shape, the neck ends up sitting a bit closer, or further down. I own an older Schecter Omen and a last year's Schecter Banshee that i absolutely love...only after ripping out the extra stupid sustainiac pickup system and replacing with a killer custom Kansas made Odezza pickup pots wires switches and caps. I left the cystaniac system complete in case anyone wanted to buy it. And I'm looking for a new guitar so your video is absolutely perfect. I love the bound headstock of the schechter, and the square inlays, but the Gibson should hold its value and maybe eventually increase in value. But, sectors are just so nice to play. I firmly believe that Schechter guitars are by far the best value, fit and finish and sound and playability of any guitar available today. But I sure do love a Gibson!
If you could only have one, which one would it be?
Oh crap, this video is 6 years old. Damn....
Great vid, both guitars sound great.To me the Schecter sounds a bit brighter, but only a little ...
Excelent video! I prefer the Explorer shape, I used to own a 70's Gibson Explorer and I have played a Shector for years.
Where did you get that clear scratchplate?!?! I have this same exact E-1 and it's criminal to hide that beautiful figured top.
A friend of mine locally made it for me from Plexiglass.
I have a Gibson. I want the epi, schecter and ibanez versions for the ultimate shootout lol
Love the Schecter more
Thanks for watching!
I know I’m late to the game, but my opinion. First, I love the comparison. I’m also a Gibson enthusiast and respect the unbiased comparison. The E-1 seems to sound brighter and clearer in this video. Definitely worth consideration for great sounding guitars on a budget.
E1 Custom through a Dual Rec... Priceless
Schecter quality (in my experience) is amazing. I currently have the Diamond P Plus that they started making in 2014. Great quality in their respective price ranges.
+Woody H thanks for the comment!
Been on and off wanting the schecter for over a year. Thinking the neck may be a little thick but I think I would love it. Not to mention it looks stunning especially when light hits it
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I had a Gibson Explorer from the faded series. It had serious fret sprout. I traded it in. The Schecter E-1 looks damn nice for about 3 to 400 bucks less. They sound very similar tone-wise.
How much do those pick guards cost and could you pls link the website
Solid video. Nice playing too. To be honest, I preferred the Schecter.
Great video well done buddy. Blessings from Angus Young country Glasgow Scotland.
+ZERUBBABEL Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words.
How did you get that pickguard for the Schecter? It must not be available anymore...
A friend of mine locally made it for me.
@@RNAMusic he did a good job!
What are the pots rated at? 250 or 500? Hows the attack and articulation with regards to playing it, sometimes you need to play it to tell the difference esp if the pots are 500
Nice! To my ear, the Schecter pickups sound a little thin and lack that thick bottom end that the Gibson has. But that Schecter is pretty, though! Maybe toss a couple of Bareknuckles in there? IDK. Loved the video!
Thanks for watching!
After listening with my eyes shut and then open, I find I like them both for different reasons. I could see how they can have different applications.
+Rapaladude thanks for watching and sharing your perceptions!
My Gibson Explorer is an early 90's like yours. That guitar is so well balanced, no neck whatsoever. I'm curious about the Schecter, any neck dive issues with this guitar?
@@katoom-ju6vo very tiny bit but I corrected it
@@RNAMusic Thanks for the reply. I'm curious, how did you correct the neck dive? Was it an easy fix? I am interested in these guitars but neck dive is a deal breaker for me every time. Thanks
@ couple of tire balancing weights I put in the control cavity to add a tiny bit more weight to that part of the guitar. It was very slight on the neck dive, so it didn’t take much to balance it. I do not like neck dive either, this one barely had any but it was enough to me to try the tire weight trick
@@RNAMusic Yeah, guitars with horrible neck dive are no fun to play but this E1 doesn't sound too bad at all. A couple tire weights is an easy fix. Thanks for the reply along with the info!!
Hi man, nice comparison, my schecter is an explorer E1 diamond series it's quite similar to that one in your video but mines color is black Pearl
About the price the factory told me something like u$869 do you believe is that price? Thanks
Cool Shecter. Clearly inspirered by the Destroyer and ESP.
Is a schecter smaller than Gibson? The diverent is noticeable?
How are you liking the Blackstar HT? I pulled mine out of the closet last week (20 watt) and I gotta say. It sounds Killer with a TS9. I love it.
PS. Schecter does make very nice pickups even though I have a love affair with the 500T. It's so rowdy and freakin awesome.
Clean or distorted, I really couldn't tell the difference, soundwise, between the two guitars. I am surprised the E-1 Custom doesn't come with the Ernie Ball compensated nut that some of the other Schecter Custom's have (the C-1, the Solo II, and the Avenger Customs).
new sub found this video after watching your video about your gibson video love the videos man i love my gibson explorer got a 79 explorer for 300 dollors with a repaired head stock and routed body for a kahler bridge but i have it set up to the standard stop bar best playing guitar ive ever had or played will say tho schecter makes amazing stuff the tempiset i had a while back is still the one that i regret selling i say get your hands on whats ever is the best deal around gibson may be going down hill a little bit but i will say back in there hay day they made some amazing stuff
There are some great Gibbys out there for sure. I love my 91. Thanks for watching, appreciate the kind words!
My schechter is coming tomorrow! Hope I made the right choice!
I like all of mine!
Good comparison! But I personally think that a Chapman Ghost Fret/Schecter E1 comparison would be better. Especially considering that they are made in the same factory!
Schecter sounds brighter but I like the Gibson better
Thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts!
Hi, thanks for the review, i have just remembered i have a Schecter V in blonde in it's case under the bed that i bought mint second hand as it looks WoW but sadly i can't get on with it's jumbo frets, i shall dig it out and take it to my local store to see if the frets can be redone to normal size
Good sound samples! You could tell how they differed in sound, though they both sounded good. With the Gibson Explorer or any Gibson in general, I think they should have taller frets. That's what I always wanted for my Gibson SG! Just give me that extra jumbo fret goodness and I'm happy! For that reason alone I think I would get the Schecter, if I would have to choose! Cheers!
Thanks Kurgle!
A lot of Guitar companies are using woods like Bubinga or Bushwood,and dyes that they use now.
Think the E-1 Custom pickups would sound good in a Les Paul Standard 50s?
probably. they're not terribly hot pickups
I love both those guitars. The Shek definitely has more eye candy and value priced for everyone, but I think the Gibson has a little bit more of an "engine" sound wise. On a side note, I believe far East luthiers are really getting good at manufacturing. They've been at it now for a few decades now which is reflected in the higher quality of their product lines.
I REALLY like that E1.
It's pretty killer for the $$$
I have an ESP MX 250 so I'm good
ESP/LTD make great guitars too!
ESP makes the best explorers you'll find. But they'll cost you like 3 -5 grand
Nathandabest08 lucky 😩
Nathandabest08 You mean ltd?big difference!
It's an ESP MX 250 kinda like the one James from Metallica used. Gibson sued esp for making that style explorer tho so now you can only get them from Japan and they cost 3-5k
Schecter seems to have better cut.
Just seems like you would be less likely to loose it in the mix.
For covered pickups that says a lot.
That strap on the Gibson is really neat, what are your thoughts on it? Where did you got it?
Where are you located at in Texas? I live near Brownwood about 70 miles south of Abilene.
Schecter nowadays is what Gibson was in guitar world before the 2000’s. Gibson today is tired and broken.
Schecter for sure, they're so under rated
+Sean I agree!
where can you get that transparent scratch plate
Check out Rosebud Guitars on Facebook. I don't know if he's making guitar parts anymore though.
It depends on how its tuned an what type style you like.For say les paul and punk/punk go great together
that schecter looks sick,i wannit
can you tell weight of these guitars? is the difference in weight too much?
Between these two specific ones not much different.
I have this schecter, do you have a link to where I can have the clear pick guard made?
Also at this price point the E1 blows away the Gibson. Just saying
A friend of mine locally made the pick guard for me.
Other people have asked, but they’d have to ship the guitar to him for him to do it, and no one wants to do that.
Dam that Schecter sounds great!!! My dream rig is this guitar as my rythm guitar and the new Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH FR E Okoume for my lead guitar. Oh I can dream.
thanks for watching!
@@RNAMusic is there any way to fix those screw holes, thats a bad ass guitar why they put a pick gaurd on that thing of beauty is beyond me
The tone was hard to judge but the sustain on the Gibson was better so I would go with the Gibson just for that. I'm not stuck on looks but the Schector is very pretty.
+John Naylor thanks for taking time to comment!
I like both, but I would choose the Schecter over a current Gibson model. Price and performance and save myself $300 that could go towards pedals, amps, & etc! You have the best of both worlds, a well made '91 and a current E-1 !! Lucky dawg!!!!
thanks brian!
they sound the same but what do they sound like clean
Does the E-1 custom feel more comfortable due to the belly contour? while sitting down
Maybe a little but it wasn't super noticeable honestly.
Curious - are either of these guitars chambered or weight-relieved, or are they true solid bodies?
Are the bodies the same size or is the Schecter smaller?
+Iain McLean pretty much the same size
As a Gibson explorer owner I'm biased but would play mine over that schecter anyday. I could care less about inlays. Both these guitars in this video sound great though. Not sure where schecter is made but my gibbo was made right here in Merica and you cant go wrong with that
These schecters are Korean, thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts! I love my explorer as well!
Could it be that the pickups on your Gibson sound hotter to your ear be because they are uncovered, whereas the Schecter pickups have the Chrome covers? I also noticed that the sustain on your Gibson rang out a bit longer than the schecter's. Both are killer guitars and that Schecter sure is Purdy. But that Explorer sure does have a lot of character and you can tell is well-loved. Thanks for the video I've been wanting to see more on that Schecter, oh by the way! That guy who made the pickguard for the Schecter should make some more to sell!
Nope, Gibson pups ARE hotter. Schecter Sunset Strip pickups are ceramic but not extremely hot, less than a JB actually. Schecter pickup philosophy is based on "tone mascularity" but with articulation, clarity and richness. You won't find muffled pickups in their catalog, no matter how hot they are
Thanks for the feedback and thoughts!
That's a sweet Schecter. Is it for sale?
I would really dig the Schecter with a more minimalistic look. Flame maple veneer, no binding, no fretboard inlays and maybe a reverse headstock. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
Thanks for watching. I think more finishes are coming with the E1 in the future!
Друг мой то что ты хочешь она есть в серии СТАНДАРТ! А это серия на видео CUSTOM поэтому она сделана с более премиальным стилем! Будь здоров мой друг!
I pick the Gibson Explorer....because I have one...and it’s a freaking rock machine beast!
I like mine! It's one I will never part with. Lots of sentimental value for me.
I would love to get the clear pickguard for my E1 - where did you get it?
+Scott Wallace a friend of mine here in Canton made it.
+Scott Wallace rosebud guitars you can find him on Facebook