The Schecter Guitar Research Omen 6 is often touted as an excellent entry-level electric guitar, particularly appealing to beginners or those seeking an affordable instrument for rock and metal genres. Purchased as a potential starter guitar for an 11-year-old, this review delves into the real-world experience of owning and playing the Omen 6, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses for players of all levels. After extensive practice and hands-on evaluation, here’s a detailed look at what the Schecter Omen 6 offers.
The “Great” Aspects of the Schecter Omen 6
Stunning Aesthetics and Finish
One of the most immediately striking features of the Schecter Omen 6 is its visual appeal. It’s no exaggeration to say that in terms of looks and finish, this guitar can rival instruments in the PRS SE series, often at a higher price point. The inlays are particularly impressive, adding a touch of class that belies its budget-friendly nature. For young or hesitant beginners, the sheer visual allure of the Omen 6 can be a significant motivator, making practice sessions more enticing and fostering a stronger initial connection with the instrument. The aesthetic quality here is genuinely exceptional for a guitar in this price range.
Exceptionally Comfortable Satin Neck
The neck of the Schecter Omen 6 is finished with a satin coating that provides an incredibly smooth and comfortable playing experience. Many guitarists find satin necks superior to traditional lacquered finishes, which can sometimes feel sticky or slow down hand movement. The satin neck on the Omen 6 allows for effortless gliding up and down the fretboard, enhancing playability and making longer practice sessions more enjoyable, especially for beginners still developing their technique and hand strength.
The “Good” Points: Functionality and Playability
Reliable Components and Hardware
Functionally, the Schecter Omen 6 is generally solid. All components operate as expected, with only a minor initial issue requiring a quick spray of the pickup switch to ensure smooth transitions. Beyond this minimal hiccup, there have been no problems with the hardware. String changes are straightforward, making maintenance easy even for novice players learning to care for their instrument. The overall functionality ensures a reliable playing experience.
Acceptable Intonation with Adjustments
Out of the box, the intonation of the Schecter Omen 6 required some attention. There was noticeable buzzing on the lower frets of the thicker strings, and general intonation inaccuracies further up the neck. However, with a quarter-turn counterclockwise adjustment of the truss rod and a minor tweak to the bridge, the intonation became significantly more accurate across the fretboard. While some initial setup was necessary, the guitar is capable of achieving proper intonation, ensuring notes ring true across the neck after these adjustments are made.
Versatile Neck Pickup
The neck pickup on the Schecter Omen 6 is a standout feature, particularly when used in humbucking mode. It delivers a warm, full tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres. Even in split-coil mode, while less powerful, it remains usable and offers a brighter, single-coil-esque sound. The neck pickup pairs effectively with different amplifier types, performing admirably with solid-state amps like the Orange Crush 20 (especially when pushing the volume on the clean channel or using low gain settings) and tube amps such as the Blackstar HT5 Mk II, proving its versatility across different sonic landscapes.
The “Bad” – Areas for Improvement
Bridge Pickup Tone – Subjective and Potentially Harsh
While tone is subjective, the bridge pickup on the Schecter Omen 6 presented some challenges. Through an Orange Crush 20 amplifier, the bridge pickup’s tone was found to be somewhat harsh and less pleasing, even in humbucking mode. It was only when paired with a tube amplifier, specifically the Blackstar HT5 MKII, that the bridge pickup became more acceptable. Players relying on solid-state amps, especially at higher volumes, might find the bridge pickup tone less desirable compared to the more agreeable neck pickup.
Palm Muting Comfort Issues
Comfort during seated playing, particularly when palm muting, is an area where the Schecter Omen 6 falls short, especially when compared to guitars like a Telecaster. Achieving comfortable palm muting while seated can be challenging, requiring an awkward hand position and excessive movement of the strumming hand. For techniques that heavily rely on palm muting, particularly at slower tempos, the Omen 6 may not be the most ergonomic choice, potentially impacting playing fluidity and comfort for some guitarists.
The “Ugly” Truth: Measurement Discrepancies
Narrow String Spacing
There are notable discrepancies between the advertised specifications and the actual measurements of the Schecter Omen 6. The string spacing at the nut, while technically within specification, is narrower than standard, measuring approximately 8-10% less than guitars like MiM Fenders, PRS SEs, or Epiphones. While this tighter spacing can be advantageous for players with smaller hands, such as younger learners, it may feel cramped for adults or those accustomed to more standard string spacing. This narrower spacing is comparable to the Classic Vibe Squier Stratocaster, which also has a noticeably compact feel.
Inconsistent Fret Spacing
Despite advertising a 25.5” scale length, which is standard for Fender-style guitars, the fret spacing at the first and second frets of the Omen 6 more closely resembles that of a 24.75” scale length guitar, commonly found on Gibson-style instruments. This inconsistency in fret spacing relative to the advertised scale length is unusual and deviates from expected industry standards where fret spacing is directly determined by scale length, regardless of manufacturer.
Radius Misrepresentation
The fingerboard radius, advertised as 14”, also deviates from the actual measurement. Upon inspection with a luthier’s radius gauge, the Omen 6’s fretboard radius is closer to 12” near the nut and flattens out to approximately 10” towards the body. This discrepancy explains why a 15.75” radius Ibanez felt dramatically different. The flatter advertised 14” radius might lead players to expect a different feel, especially those familiar with flatter fretboards, while the actual, more curved radius is closer to that of a typical Fender (9.5”), albeit still slightly flatter.
Conclusion
The Schecter Guitar Research Omen 6 presents itself as a visually appealing and functional beginner guitar, particularly attractive at its discounted price point. Its stunning finish and comfortable satin neck are significant positives, especially for engaging new players. While the components are generally reliable and the neck pickup offers versatile tones, the bridge pickup and palm muting comfort may be areas for improvement depending on player preference and style. The measurement discrepancies concerning string spacing, fret spacing, and radius are notable and might affect players with specific preferences or expectations based on advertised specs. Ultimately, the Schecter Omen 6 is a compelling option for beginners, especially younger players or those with smaller hands, who prioritize visual appeal and a comfortable neck, but it’s essential to be aware of these nuances and potential limitations.
