Gothic Shred Machine Resurrected: Schecter Relaunches the Solo-II Damien Platinum
Schecter revives the Solo-II Damien Platinum! Features active EMG 81/85 pickups, Satin Black finish, and Grover hardware for $899/£999.Read our full preview.
Schecter Guitar Research has officially resurrected one of its most beloved single-cut shred machines. The Schecter Solo-II Damien Platinum returns in a striking Satin Black finish, combining signature gothic visuals with active EMG electronics, upgraded hardware, and classic set-neck construction built for maximum sustain.
Positioned at an MSRP of $899 / £999, the revived Solo-II Damien Platinum bridges the gap between mid-range accessibility and stage-ready performance, offering gigging musicians and studio recording artists a purpose-built instrument for heavy music.
Heavyweight Tone & Precision Construction
At the core of the Solo-II Damien Platinum is a solid mahogany body featuring a carved top contour and a single-cutaway design.
Designed to deliver deep low-end punch and singing sustain, the body is wrapped in multi-ply silver, white, and black binding that frames the sleek Satin Black top. Backside contouring and a sculpted neck joint ensure effortless access to all 22 jumbo frets.
The three-piece set maple neck is carved to Schecter’s comfortable Thin "C" profile. Paired with a 24.75-inch scale length and a 14-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, it offers low-friction playability ideal for fast lead runs, wide string bends, and heavy rhythm chugging.
Aesthetic details include Schecter’s iconic platinum bat inlays, black side dots, and a Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut for smooth tuning return and enhanced resonance.
High-Output Active EMG Electronics
For tone, Schecter sticks with the legendary, battle-tested active humbucker pairing that defined modern metal:
- EMG 81 (Bridge): Delivers razor-sharp attack, tight low end, and searing high-frequency response that keeps fast palm-muted riffs crystal clear under intense high gain.
- EMG 85 (Neck): Provides a warmer, thicker voice with smooth harmonic richness, perfect for fluid soloing and pristine, articulate clean lines.
The control layout features independent volume controls for each pickup, a master tone, and a three-way pickup selector toggle, allowing players to fine-tune output levels when switching between bridge rhythm and neck lead channels.
Tour-Ready Satin Chrome Hardware
Rounding out the guitar’s specs is a rock-solid hardware package finished in satin chrome:
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stopbar tailpiece for superior intonation and vibration transfer.
- Tuners: Genuine sealed-back Grover tuning machines for rock-steady stability.
- Factory Setup: Fitted with premium D’Addario NYXL 10-46 strings right out of the box.
- Protection: Fully compatible with Schecter's optional Solo-II fitted hardshell case.
Technical Specifications At A Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany with Carved Top |
| Finish | Satin Black (SBK) |
| Binding | Multi-Ply Silver/White/Black |
| Neck | 3-Piece Maple, Set-Neck with Ultra Access |
| Neck Profile | Thin "C" |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood, 14" Radius |
| Frets | 22 Jumbo |
| Inlays | Silver Platinum Bats |
| Nut | Graph Tech XL Black Tusq |
| Bridge Pickup | Active EMG 81 Humbucker |
| Neck Pickup | Active EMG 85 Humbucker |
| Controls | Bridge Volume, Neck Volume, Master Tone, 3-Way Switch |
| Bridge / Tailpiece | Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover |
| Factory Strings | D'Addario NYXL 10-46 |
| Price (MSRP) | $899 USD / £999 GBP |
Verdict & Final Score
Bottom Line: The revived Schecter Solo-II Damien Platinum is a triumphant return for single-cut metal guitars under $1,000.
With immaculate gothic ergonomics, top-notch Grover tuners, and active EMG 81/85 power, it delivers uncompromising tone and gig-ready reliability straight out of the box.
Score Breakdown
- Build Quality & Finish: 9.2 / 10
- Tone & Versatility: 8.8 / 10
- Playability & Ergonomics: 9.0 / 10
- Hardware & Components: 9.3 / 10
- Value for Money: 9.1 / 10
Overall Score: 9.1 (if you like bats) or 8.1 (if you don't) / 10
Where To Buy
Available at Andertons Available at Guitar Center Available at Sweetwater Available at Thomann
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What style of music is the Schecter Solo-II Damien Platinum best suited for?
While it handles hard rock, modern rock, and clean passages exceptionally well, the Solo-II Damien Platinum is primarily designed for high-gain heavy metal, thrash, metalcore, and industrial rock thanks to its active EMG 81/85 pickups and fast Thin "C" neck profile.
Are the EMG pickups active or passive?
The EMG 81 and EMG 85 are active humbuckers, meaning they require a standard 9V battery (located in an easy-access rear compartment) to operate.
Does this guitar come with a hardshell case?
No, the guitar does not include a hardshell case as standard, but it is fully compatible with Schecter's official Solo-II Hard Case (sold separately).
What is the neck profile like on the Solo-II Damien Platinum?
It features Schecter's popular Thin "C" profile, which feels fast and sleek without feeling uncomfortably thin, balancing neck stability with comfortable palm positioning during long playing sessions.
#Schecter #Solo-II Damien Platinum
