Schecter Tempest Standard Electric Guitar - Vintage Gold Top Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, I got this at a crazy price. Maybe it had sat around for a while I don't know, but the instant after I ordered it the price went back up by $130.
So, needless to say, I got a great deal. Though the current price is still a bit less than original.
I have a couple Les Paul studios('94 & '07) and a '79 Tele and this thing keeps up just fine. I play it more than anything else. I keep it in my bedroom, for learning/writing new songs, plugged into a '53 Gibson GA-5, but I've played it a lot through my Rebel 20 mini(2x12) stack, a bit through a '60s Fender Bassman and quite a lot through my only SS amp a '70s Yamaha G100. Jumpin off track, this is hands down one of the best "clean" amps I've ever played, great re-verb and tremolo, just glassy jazz goodness and totally underrated. They usually go for around $250 for head w/4x10 cab, I have the 1x15 cab and lo-ove it. Any way.
Sound:
Versatile.... That's why I like it. It's made from pretty light asian mahogany and the pickups aren't as hot as stock LPs, so it doesn't rock the screaming LP sustain, but gets pretty close and does sustain. On the flip side it's heavier than a Tele and the pickups are totally different, but with the coil tap it gets pretty close to the Tele "twang" as well. The range of sound this guitar can make, just by fiddlin the knobs, is what has made it my "go to" for foolin around. I was looking at the maple capped model, but I'm glad I went with this one. I think the added brightness and sustain would make it a lot more like an LP, but not quite as sweet and It would destroy the "twang". That said, it has a very nice sound all it's own. If you took all the adjectives you'd throw at an LP or a Tele and put "kinda" in front of them, you'd have the Schecter tempest.
Fit and finish:
Decent.... I'm a craftsman and have built a few instruments, so I see things. You'd have to look pretty hard, but you can see where the price tag comes from. Like I said, decent. The partially recessed knobs, set and bound neck, good hardware and great fretboard definitely make up for a few flaws in the paint and some obvious masking lines. I love the shape and style. There are a lot of guitars that look like an LP or a Strat and there are many that I just can't stand, but this is one of my all time favorites and I think it's even knocked the Ibanez Iceman down a notch..... well maybe.
Playability:
Outstanding.... When I get a new guitar I usually spend a few hours setting it up(a friend got a $3500 LP and then spent $130 and a week getting the frets reworked and a set-up). When this arrived at my door I got out my tools before I even opened the box. I never used 'em. I'm sure it's the same for all Schecter guitars, but this is the best set-up I've seen out of the box on any guitar, simply beautiful. Beyond that, the neck profile and finish are great, the frets are great, I love playing this guitar. It has the lowest action of any of my guitars and doesn't buzz a bit. And it stays in tune. I've put this in the hands of a number of people and they all really like it.
Bottom line:
Would I gig this? Meh... It's worthy, just not my sound for live gigs, as a backup yes.
Would I recommend it to my best friend? HELL YES!!!! And I have.
Is it worth the money? Another HELL YES!!!! This is the best "new" guitar purchase I've ever made.

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