Reviewed by:
Hakael, on february 08, 2008
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Not sure of the year this bass was made. It's a special edition C4 model Guitar Center exclusive (although discontinued if I understand correctly), 4 string, made in Korea. Being of the C4 family of basses, this shares quite a bit of similarity with the C4 bass with some minor differences. It has a mahogany body with a maple (walnut too), bolt-on neck. Two EMGhz (non-active) pickups with a two band active EQ circuit (requiring a 9v battery). S-Tek bridge (looks like an ABM). The body is done in a glossy black with a cream binding on both body and neck. Pearl "Dancing Girl" inlays adorn the neck. Hardware is done in a dull, metal grey. It strikes a very unique look and is always a conversation starter. // 9
Sound: I listen and like to play various genres of music, with the majority being blues, hard-rock, and heavy metal. This is definitely a hard-rock to heavy metal toned bass. In comparing it with a friends Fender P-Bass (both played through a Peavey Max 110 Bass Combo), the C4 seemed to have a much stronger "punch" to it than the Fender. The best way I can describe it, is it has a much more "modern" voicing than the Fender did. It would lend itself very well to the hard-rock/metal genre, but would be a little overpowering/out of place with less heavy music styles. So if heavier music styles are your thing, this could chug with the best of them, however if you play anything other than hard-rock or metal, you may want to look elsewhere. The sound can further be adjusted by removing the backplate and fooling around with the switches for the onboard EQ. It's also very quiet, and I got very little hum, if any at all, even when standing close by my computer. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: Since I got it used, I can't really comment on how it may have been setup at the factory. Considering my past experience with Schecter though, I wouldn't expect anything less than satisfactory. Even having been used, there was very little that needed to be adjusted on the bass at all when I got it. The intonation was "spot-on" and the action of the strings is amazingly low with the neck perfectly straight. I get very little if any string buzz out of it (and usually only when I mess something up on my part), and I'm just starting to learn myself. I had a more accomplished friend play it and it sounded perfectly clean with. For a used piece, I can honestly say this had no flaws that I can find, and I unfortunately was the first person I'm sure to put a little dink in the back of the headstock. Otherwise, you couldn't tell it was used from new. // 10
Reliability & Durability: Everything about the guitar seems very solidly built, from the tuners, to the knobs, and the electronics. Everything turned or reacted smoothly, not too loose or too tight. Even gave it a good shake without so much as a rattle or anything seeming out of place. Quality wise, I know this would be able to stand up in a gigging situation. My only gripe really (and an unfortunate big one) is with the bridge. There's approx. 16 little screws that keep the bridge saddles together and in place. The saddles themselves can easily be removed by unscrewing one screw, which if it isn't tightened properly, could possibly send a saddle flying off on an unfortunate string break. Also intonation is a slightly harder chore as there's no intonation screw to move the saddles back and forth and the saddles have to be loosened, then moved by hand. As long as all the screws are kept tight though, the bridge seems as solid as any. Just a lot more complicated than I expected a bridge to be. I still give it a higher than average score mainly because mine currently is pretty solid, and haven't experienced any problems with it. It just takes a little more work, than your average bridge. // 8
Impression: I'm admittedly new to the bass scene and picked this up used at my local GC. I made my initial decisions based on the facts that I own a number of Schecter guitars (including the bass's little brother, the C-1 XXX) and am fond of their quality of construction, playability, and price. Of course, the fact that it matched my C-1 XXX didn't Hurt either. I've been playing guitar for almost a year and picked up this bass to add to my collection as a way to add more variety to my practicing. Aside from the bridge, I think the bass is stellar in almost every way and matches most of the playing styles that I like to play on the guitar. My favorite feature, although it admittedly has nothing to do about it tonewise, is that it matches my C-1 XXX in looks. The fact that it not only looks great, but plays great is a combination I just couldn't pass up. If this was stolen, I'd definitely chase this one down, as these are seemingly getting harder and harder to find. If it was no longer available, the quality of it alone has me sold on Schecter and they would be my first manufacturer to check with when considering a replacement. // 9
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