Schecter PT/Blacktop Strat/Blacktop Tele

seachto7

Hi all,

In light of the fear of getting a Gibson SG and suffering from neck heavy syndrome, I've been toying with the idea of a Schecter PT or blacktop strat.
On the one hand, I get the feel of a strat (or maybe a tele), but get 2 humbuckers.

Anyone play the Schecters or the others?

Ravelleman

Totally different guitars in terms of construction. I mean, a PT is nowhere near the SG bar, perhaps, the humbuckers.

seachto7

I know, but I'm looking for a decent guitar with humbuckers. I like strats. I like SGs, I like teles....
Ideally I'd like a G&L F-100, but they're expensive and I don't think there is anywhere in Ireland to try them.

I need to play a few more SGs, but if it keeps "dropping", (neck heavy), then I'll look at some other options.... tele or strat style HH guitars.

Ravelleman

seachto7 wrote: »

Ideally I'd like a G&L F-100, but they're expensive and I don't think there is anywhere in Ireland to try them.

You can get close.

Just find any G&L with a #1 neck. Most recent ones have them.

I have four...

seachto7

Ravelleman wrote: »

You can get close.

Just find any G&L with a #1 neck. Most recent ones have them.

I have four...

How do you mean a #1 neck? I think the F100 is about €2k? If it were around a €1k I'd hold out and save for one. Quality guitars. Defo has to be a HH axe as an alternative to my jazzmaster...

This one:

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/guitars/f100/index.asp

But might be out of my league $$$$ hence the schecter question..

wild turkey

If you want an SG keep playing them until you get the right one
Ive always found getting an alternative to what I really wanted never worked out.
Ive had 3 of them only 1 being neck heavy, a good leather strap solved that.

seachto7

wild turkey wrote: »

If you want an SG keep playing them until you get the right one
Ive always found getting an alternative to what I really wanted never worked out.
Ive had 3 of them only 1 being neck heavy, a good leather strap solved that.

True enough. There are a good few in Waltons as far as I recall. A slimmer neck profile would be nice too. It would be great to A/B the SG with the g&l etc. It doesn't HAVE to be an SG but my experience if them (sitting down) is of a good solid guitar. I also like the feel of strats and teles but need a HH guitar. I'd be open to any of them really. My experience of g&l is limited but very very good. Expensive but worth it...

Ravelleman

seachto7 wrote: »

How do you mean a #1 neck? I think the F100 is about €2k? If it were around a €1k I'd hold out and save for one. Quality guitars. Defo has to be a HH axe as an alternative to my jazzmaster...

This one:

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/guitars/f100/index.asp

I know the F-100.

G&L essentially offer 'custom' guitars. Every one you see has, in theory, been ordered by someone who picks out what they want from a list of options. G&L then build the guitar specifically for that person. A lot of shops buy certain guitars in bulk all with the same features knowing that they will sell due to popularity or because of trade discounts. G&L may also make certain combinations without direct orders because they know that they can sell them every month. But officially every G&L build is made to order.

The #1 neck is the most common neck available but you can pick any of the ten varieties they make.

However, as the F-100 is less popular, they only offer it with the #1 neck. So, if you want to get an idea of what it will feel like, just find a G&L with a #1 neck. Most will have them.

seachto7

Ah I see. This I did not know. Hence the high price tag...I'll look into it...

There's also the cheaper asat tribute tele style which I think I have seen in a shop somewhere...

68 lost souls

A good suede strap will stop the neck heavy SG problem, that or the Tony Iommi strap button placement. And if it is still a problem a weight in the control cavity. I use a strap like this one on my SG and it overcomes the neck heavy problem,

seachto7

Thanks for the heads up. I just need to start trying out a few then...

KeithTS

I'd stay away from Blacktops in general if you're looking for the H-H Strat ot Tele.
What is it that you're looking to get out of this guitar, it seems your only requirement is H-H, is it solely for hotter pups?

seachto7

I have a Jazzmaster, which sounds good and jangly, so I'm looking for a HH guitar. I play an Ibanez semi hollow, which is ok, but not totally floating my boat. Much for the body shape as well as everything else. So I'm looking at HH options, don't have €1,000s to spend, but would hold out for a nice guitar. This is why I would throw the G&L F-100 into the pot. (though where to play one is another thing)

I threw the Schecter PT and Blacktop strat into the pot, just due to the HH configuration, and "feel" wise, I'd know what to expect.

I don't want an Ibanez or somerthing that's "rock" looking. I like the more traditional look if possible.

The SG, from what I have played, are decent, but which one to get is another things... Same as any guitar I guess...

Schecter PT gets favourable reviews, but no idea where I could try one out...

68 lost souls

Some PRS SE models might be worth checking out too for that HH configuration.

wild turkey

Dont forget the 72 deluxe teles
once fitted with 500k pots theyre fine guitars

Ravelleman

wild turkey wrote: »

Dont forget the 72 deluxe teles
once fitted with 500k pots theyre fine guitars

I wouldn't be able to live with the fretboard radius but they've always attracted my attention. There is a Classic Player version that solves that problem though, luckily - also worth checking out, OP.

seachto7

I had a MIM 72 deluxe before, and like an eejit, I sold it. It was nice, but my particular one wouldn't stay in tune. Ever.

So the classic player would have a slimmer neck profile?

il gatto

Some SGs have a dense body and don't dive like the lighter ones. I played a few Epiphones which were nearly unplayable. Either keep playing until you find a good one (tricky in Ireland, I know) or look at the suede strap, strap button on upper horn options (butchery).
The other guitars you mentioned, while good, just won't get you near an SG. If you really want an SG, you'll probably regret not getting one.
You could look at a Yamaha SG. Pricey but fantastic guitars. Only come up occasionally. They make very few and most owners never sell them.
The other option is a Les Paul. Very close in tone, similar neck (often a bit chunkier, maybe narrower fretboard). Same pickups, same scale length. Can be heavy but there's no neck dive.
If your heart is set on an SG, keep looking.

il gatto

A small aside re: scale length. A PT or Strat won't sound exactly like an SG. They both have 25.5" scale. Gibson is 24.75" (but some reckon nearer to 24.6". Haven't ever checked). Many people who know better than me reckon after pickups, scale length has the next biggest bearing on tone. Part of Gibson's "fat" tone comes from the harmonics being more bunched. Conversely, part of Fender's "sparkle" comes from the harmonics been spaced further apart making them more distinct. So a Strat carrying '58 PAFs might not sound exactly like a '58 Les Paul. Other reasons too, of course, but anyway, something to think about

Ravelleman

seachto7 wrote: »

I had a MIM 72 deluxe before, and like an eejit, I sold it. It was nice, but my particular one wouldn't stay in tune. Ever.

So the classic player would have a slimmer neck profile?

The Classic Player has a C-shape neck, a 9.5" fretboard radius (so the fretboard is flatter) and medium jumbo frets (wider, possibly taller).

The '72 Thinline has a U-shape neck, a 7.25" radius (rounder) and vintage style frets (slimmer, possibly shorter).

I imagine the Classic Player's neck would be more or less the same as an American Standard Tele's, albeit with one less fret.

A good setup should sort out any tuning issues.

wild turkey

Sorry I actually meant the Mexican 72 Dlx

As far as I know its a 12" radius not very skinny though
Its very similar to my Highway 1 Strat which is my favourite neck

If you want a skinny neck Id look for a Peavey T-60
one of the best guitars built in the last 30 years
but the neck is too slim for me

Ravelleman

wild turkey wrote: »

Sorry I actually meant the Mexican 72 Dlx

As far as I know its a 12" radius not very skinny though
Its very similar to my Highway 1 Strat which is my favourite neck

You are right - my mistake.

Thinlines may also be worth considering though!

seachto7

Ah, it wouldn't have to be an SG either. I'm open to suggestions.

I also had a Yamaha SG that I sold years ago as well.

Maybe I should reconsider going back to the tele deluxe....

il gatto

seachto7 wrote: »

Ah, it wouldn't have to be an SG either. I'm open to suggestions.

I also had a Yamaha SG that I sold years ago as well.

Maybe I should reconsider going back to the tele deluxe....

SG2000? Sickener. I sell nothing. Place gets cluttered but couldn't live with seller's remorse.

seachto7

yup, SG2000. Bought it cheap and sold it cheap.

There is also the G&L asat deluxe tribute

il gatto

seachto7 wrote: »

yup, SG2000. Bought it cheap and sold it cheap.

There is also the G&L asat deluxe tribute

Ouch! Not even a tidy profit.
Any of the guitars you're looking are at quality instruments that will serve you well, but I tend to hanker after a particular guitar at a time. Unless you're stuck for one, I'd wait and see which one is still floating around in your head in a month or two. Guitars have to look "right" and make you feel good in a way an amp doesn't. I'd just keep the money available until you're really set on one.

seachto7

Yeah, you're right. I'll hold out, but have an idea of what I want...

il gatto

seachto7 wrote: »

Yeah, you're right. I'll hold out, but have an idea of what I want...

Me too. But Mila Kunis didn't answer my emails and the missus wasn't too pleased when she found out.

seachto7

conork93

I have a Stratocaster Blacktop HH and a Jaguar Blacktop HH. Both Excellent guitars for sound and Feel. The pickups are quite hot though. Some people may not be into that. The Guitars are very well built and easy to play though. typical fender lately. if any of that helps.

Good Luck whatever you choose.

Ive attached a Picture too

KeithTS

conork93 wrote: »

I have a Stratocaster Blacktop HH and a Jaguar Blacktop HH. Both Excellent guitars for sound and Feel. The pickups are quite hot though. Some people may not be into that. The Guitars are very well built and easy to play though. typical fender lately. if any of that helps.

Good Luck whatever you choose.

Ive attached a Picture too

Wouldn't be a fan of the Blacktop stock pups myself, a bit muddy sounding for my liking.

Saying that if the build is as good as you say it could be a nice idea to swap the pups out with P90's or P-rails and you'd still be getting a strat with more of an SG tone for well under €1k

conork93

KeithTS wrote: »

Wouldn't be a fan of the Blacktop stock pups myself, a bit muddy sounding for my liking.

Saying that if the build is as good as you say it could be a nice idea to swap the pups out with P90's or P-rails and you'd still be getting a strat with more of an SG tone for well under €1k

That is true i suppose, depending on how much gain you are running and what you are playing. they can come across as a little muddy. I've just bought a Gibson Les Paul junior and the P90 in that is crystal clear by comparison. But yes, if you did change out the pickups, you would have a lovely guitar for less then a grand.

Also i agree with what others are saying, The tele 72 deluxe is a Lovely Guitar to play and looks great.

seachto7

Knew a guy with a blacktop Jag, and I didn't like it at all. Sound or feel. I'd be interested in seeing how the blacktop strat plays though. Or any HH strat...

Would be nice to play the thinline HH tele..