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Synyster Gates' Dark Masterpiece: Schecter Synyster Custom-S Relic

The Schecter Synyster Custom-S updates the iconic Avenger design with a hauntingly beautiful finish. Classic tone with a touch of modern grit

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Schecter Synyster Custom-S Synester Gates Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold's guitar maestro, Synyster Gates, in collaboration with Schecter Guitars, unleashes a symphony of darkness and power – the Schecter Synyster Custom-S. Earlier this month, we saw the Schecter ZV-H6LLYW66D, Zacky Vengeance’s new signature; now, this aged model has officially dropped.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S

This stunning signature guitar embodies the rebellious spirit and haunting aesthetic of A7X's recent album, "Life is But a Dream..." Its distressed finish and classic lines hark back to Gates' iconic tone. Those anticipating his on-stage gold headless guitar will be left breathless, wondering if it heralds a new era in Schecter designs.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S.
That Relic-look

A Signature Sound, Refined

Synyster Gates and Schecter wisely choose to evolve, rather than reinvent, the beloved Avenger design. This Synyster Custom-S radiates individuality and will surely become an instant classic for fans and shredders alike.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S Synester Gates Avenged Sevenfold

Materials That Sing

This guitar is built to perform. The mahogany body delivers the quintessential warmth and resonance that defines Gates' signature sound.

Paired with a sleek 16" radius ebony fretboard adorned with 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets, the playing experience is lightning-fast. The ultra-thin C-profile mahogany three-piece carbon fibre reinforcement rods neck and Luminlay side dots ensure effortless navigation even in the darkest stage settings.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S Synester Gates Avenged Sevenfold
Floyd Rose 1500

Battle-Worn Beauty

The Distressed Satin Black finish is the standout feature of this new model. Boldly peeling back to reveal the raw mahogany beneath, the guitar tells a story of hard-fought battles, a visual echo of Avenged Sevenfold's musical journey. This detail, coupled with gilded "SYN" and Deathbat inlays, transforms the Custom-S into a wearable work of art.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S Synester Gates Avenged Sevenfold
Sustainiac controls

Hardware Fit for a Shred King

No Synyster Gates signature is complete without divebomb-ready reliability. The Floyd Rose 1500 locking bridge, paired with precision Grover tuners, guarantees tuning stability no matter the intensity of Gates' signature vibrato techniques.

The Sustainiac neck pickup unlocks a world of infinite sustain, fueling those jaw-dropping solos that have become synonymous with his style. It is paired with a Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature bridge pickup with a black-engraved cover. The controls consist of volume, tone, and a three-way pickup selector switch, plus two Sustainiac mini switches.

Schecter Synyster Custom-S Synester Gates Avenged Sevenfold Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature bridge pickup
Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature bridge pickup

The Headless Mystery Deepens

Synyster Gates' recent use of a gold headless guitar on stage has made a lot of waves. Could this be a sign of Schecter's first foray into headless design with a Gates signature at the helm? Fans are holding their breath as the enigma unfolds.

This guitar carries a price tag of an RRP of $2,859 (currently discounted to $1,999 on Schecter's site), putting it firmly in the realm of guitars for the committed musician.

Guitar Bomb Verdict

It certainly makes a statement and will appeal to fans of Avenged Sevenfold. There are some great specifications in pickups and hardware, but you must be a fan of that relic look. Maybe not a guitar for everyone, but one that will turn heads for anyone who plays one live.

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Jef Stone
Jef Stone
Founder and editor of GuitarBomb. Jef has been writing about guitars, effects pedals, and music gear for over ten years, covering everything from breaking gear news and leaks to hands-on reviews.