The Schecter Demon-7 is designed for guitarists looking to explore the depths of 7-string playing without breaking the bank. This mid-price range instrument packs a punch with a 26.5″ scale length, Duncan Designed pickups, and a GraphTech Black TUSQ nut, making it a serious contender for both beginners venturing into extended range guitars and seasoned players seeking a reliable and affordable axe.
Tuning Stability: 10/10
Exceptional tuning stability is a hallmark of the Demon-7. After weeks of rigorous playing, there’s simply no fault to find in this area. Whether you’re dive-bombing or employing subtle vibrato, this guitar holds its tuning steadfastly, allowing you to focus entirely on your performance without constant adjustments.
Acoustic Sound: 9/10
Despite being an electric guitar, the acoustic properties of the Demon-7 are surprisingly impressive. The longer 26.5″ scale and wider neck contribute to a resonant and powerful acoustic tone. The guitar rings out clearly with fantastic sustain and no noticeable dead spots. The tone is tight and bright, which is particularly beneficial for playing heavy riffs on the low B string, ensuring clarity and avoiding any muddiness.
Electric Sound: 9.5/10
The Duncan Designed HB-105 pickups are a standout feature of the Demon-7. These active humbuckers offer a surprisingly versatile tonal palette. While not possessing the absolute highest output of some active pickups, they deliver a powerful and articulate response for chunky rhythm playing and soaring leads. Chords ring out with clarity and definition, and the pickups perform admirably even when dialing back for clean tones, demonstrating a versatility not always expected from active pickups in this price range. It’s worth noting that the HB-105s are licensed versions of Seymour Duncan Blackouts, offering a similar sonic character at a more accessible price point.
Finish: 10/10
The Satin Black finish on the Schecter Demon-7 is nothing short of breathtaking. The flawless application and smooth texture demonstrate a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in guitars at this price. Schecter’s attention to detail in the finish is truly commendable, giving the guitar a premium look and feel.
Neck: 9/10
The neck profile of the Demon-7 is remarkably comfortable, even for players new to 7-string guitars. The transition to a wider neck is surprisingly seamless, feeling more like an extension of a 6-string rather than a drastically different instrument. While access to the highest two frets is slightly limited, this is a common characteristic even in some 6-string bolt-on guitars. The 26.5″ scale, while increasing string tension slightly for bends, provides ample spacing for fingers, particularly beneficial for complex chords and higher register playing. The neck has an inviting quality that encourages extended playing sessions.
Table 1 Schecter Demon 7 neck dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Width at nut | 48mm |
| Width at 24th fret | 67.5mm |
| Thickness at 1st fret | 21.5mm |
| Thickness at 12th fret | 22.5mm |
| Fingerboard radius | 14″ (355.6mm) |
Features: 9/10
For its price point, the Schecter Demon-7 is loaded with impressive features. The standard construction is enhanced by the inclusion of a GraphTech Black TUSQ nut, which contributes to tuning stability and sustain, and the Duncan Designed pickups are a significant upgrade compared to generic pickups often found in guitars in this category.
Balance: 9.5/10
The Demon-7 exhibits excellent balance whether playing seated or standing. When using a wider strap, the guitar sits perfectly in position. Even with a standard strap, the balance remains more than acceptable, contributing to a comfortable playing experience during long sets or practice sessions.
Weight: 9/10
The weight of the Demon-7 is well-judged – neither too heavy nor too light. It feels substantial and comfortable, providing a sense of quality without being cumbersome, allowing for hours of playing without fatigue.
Price: 10/10
With a new price point around 280-300 euros, the Schecter Demon-7 represents outstanding value. For the features, playability, and sound quality it offers, it’s difficult to find a comparable 7-string guitar that delivers such performance at this price.
Advantages
Finish Quality
Exceptional Finish: The flawless satin black finish elevates the guitar’s appearance beyond its price range.
Features
Premium Features: Duncan Designed pickups and GraphTech TUSQ nut are high-quality components rarely found at this price.
Electric Sound Quality
Versatile Electric Sound: The HB-105 pickups offer a wide range of tones suitable for various genres, from heavy metal to surprisingly usable cleans.
Acoustic Sound Quality
Resonant Acoustic Tone: The guitar’s acoustic properties are surprisingly good, contributing to the overall sonic experience.
Balance
Comfortable Balance: Well-balanced for both seated and standing playing positions.
Price
Unbeatable Price: Offers exceptional value for money in the 7-string guitar market.
Drawbacks
Limited Access to Upper Frets
Upper Fret Access: Like many bolt-on guitars, access to the top two frets is somewhat restricted.
Specification
- 24 X Jumbo frets
- 26.5″ scale
- GraphTech Black TUSQ nut
- Maple bolt-on neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Basswood body
- T-O-M bridge with strings through body
- Duncan Designed HB-105 active humbuckers (HH)
- 3-way switch
- Volume pot
- Tone pot
- Finish – Satin Black
- Hardware – Black Chrome
- Year of production – 2011
- Country of production – Indonesia
Image alt text: Schecter Demon-7 7-string electric guitar front view showcasing its sleek satin black finish and body shape.
Image alt text: Back view of the Schecter Demon-7 electric guitar highlighting the string-through body design and body contours.
Image alt text: Front headstock detail of the Schecter Demon-7 featuring the Schecter logo and tuning machines.
Image alt text: Rear headstock view of the Schecter Demon-7 showing the neck joint and hardware details.
In conclusion, the Schecter Demon-7 is an outstanding option for guitarists seeking an affordable and high-performing 7-string guitar. Its impressive tuning stability, powerful pickups, comfortable neck, and flawless finish, combined with its exceptional value, make it a top recommendation in its class. Whether you’re delving into 7-string playing for the first time or looking for a reliable workhorse instrument, the Demon-7 delivers on all fronts.
