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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Information
- +Stunning distressed relic finish with raw mahogany reveal
- +Floyd Rose 1500 ensures tuning stability for dive bombs
- +Sustainiac neck pickup delivers infinite sustain for solos
- +24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets for fast playing
- +Premium hardware and USA-made signature bridge pickup
- +Iconic deathbat inlays and SYN engravings
- −Relic finish may not appeal to players preferring pristine guitars
- −Price point ($1,999) limits accessibility to committed fans
- −Sustainiac system adds complexity that beginners may not utilize
- −No information on headless option despite speculation about Gates' recent stage use
What pickups does the Schecter Synyster Custom-S have?
The guitar features a Sustainiac neck pickup for infinite sustain and a Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature bridge pickup with black-engraved cover. Controls include volume, tone, three-way pickup selector, and two Sustainiac mini switches for versatile sound shaping.
What makes the distressed finish unique?
The Distressed Satin Black finish deliberately peels back to reveal raw mahogany beneath, creating a worn battle-tested aesthetic that echoes Avenged Sevenfold's musical journey and transforms the guitar into a wearable work of art.
Is the Schecter Synyster Custom-S suitable for beginners?
No. At $1,999 and featuring advanced hardware like the Floyd Rose 1500 and Sustainiac system, this signature model is designed for committed musicians and dedicated A7X fans who already play professionally or semi-professionally.
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