The Schecter Guitar Research Omen Extreme 6 has become a popular choice for beginner guitarists and those looking for an affordable upgrade. Priced accessibly, especially when found on sale, it promises PRS SE aesthetics and features without breaking the bank. After spending considerable time practicing with this guitar, it’s time to provide an honest review, particularly from the perspective of both an adult beginner and a parent considering it for an 11-year-old. While it boasts impressive qualities for the price, there are quirks that potential buyers should be aware of. Is the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 the right guitar for you or your aspiring young guitarist? Let’s dive into the details.
The Great: Visual Appeal and Neck Comfort
Firstly, the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 is undeniably a visually striking instrument. It genuinely competes with the PRS SE series in terms of looks and finish quality. The inlays are meticulously done, and the overall aesthetic is simply stunning. For younger players, or even adults who are drawn to visually appealing instruments, this is a significant advantage. If keeping a budding guitarist engaged is partly about the “cool factor,” the Omen Extreme 6 delivers in spades.
Secondly, the satin finish on the neck is a standout feature. It offers exceptional comfort and playability. Once you experience the smooth, fast feel of a satin neck, going back to a glossy, lacquered neck can feel somewhat cumbersome. This is a major plus for beginners who are still developing their hand strength and technique.
The Good: Functional Components and Playable Setup (with Adjustments)
In terms of functionality, all components of the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 operate as expected. Initially, the pickup selector switch required a bit of contact cleaner to function flawlessly, but this was a minor and easily resolvable issue. String changes are straightforward, which is a practical consideration for beginners learning to maintain their instrument.
The guitar’s intonation is generally good, especially after some basic adjustments. Out of the box, there was noticeable fret buzz, particularly on the lower frets of the thicker strings. However, a quarter-turn counterclockwise adjustment of the truss rod, along with a minor bridge adjustment on the low E string side, significantly improved the intonation. Post-adjustment, the notes ring true across the fretboard, even beyond the 12th fret, with minimal sharpness or flatness. Before these adjustments, the intonation was noticeably off, sometimes by as much as a semitone.
Sonically, the neck pickup in humbucking mode is subjectively pleasing. It provides a warm and versatile tone suitable for various genres. Even in split-coil mode, the neck pickup remains usable and offers a brighter, single-coil-esque sound. It pairs well with both solid-state amps like the Orange Crush 20 (especially using the gain channel at lower gain/higher volume settings, as well as the clean channel) and tube amps such as the Blackstar HT5 Mk II, performing admirably across different amp settings.
The Bad: Bridge Pickup and Palm Muting Challenges
While the neck pickup is a highlight, the bridge pickup of the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 presents a challenge. Through an Orange Crush 20 amplifier, the bridge pickup, even in humbucking mode, was found to be harsh and somewhat unpleasant. Using a tube amp like the Blackstar HT5 MKII does improve the bridge pickup’s tone, making it more acceptable in humbucking mode. However, it still lacks the warmth and versatility of the neck pickup and might require further EQ adjustments or pedal enhancements to become truly satisfying for all players.
Comfort-wise, palm muting on the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 can be problematic, particularly when playing seated. Compared to guitars with different body styles, like a Telecaster, achieving comfortable and consistent palm muting is significantly more difficult. The guitar’s design makes it challenging to find a natural resting position for the strumming hand that facilitates easy palm muting, especially at slower tempos around 80 bpm. To effectively palm mute while seated, it often requires picking almost exclusively over the neck pickup and allowing the strumming hand to move more than ideal, which is less than ergonomic.
The Ugly: Measurement Discrepancies
Perhaps the most concerning aspects of the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 are discrepancies in advertised versus actual measurements, specifically in three key areas.
Firstly, while the nut width might technically align with specifications, the string spacing at the nut is noticeably narrower than expected – approximately 8-10% less than guitars like MiM Fenders, PRS SEs, or Epiphones. While this tighter string spacing can be beneficial for players with smaller hands, such as an 11-year-old, it may feel cramped for adults or those accustomed to standard string spacing. The narrowness is comparable to budget-friendly guitars like the Classic Vibe Squier Stratocaster, while most other guitars feel considerably more spacious in comparison.
Secondly, although the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 boasts a 25.5” scale length, typical of Fender-style guitars, the fret spacing at the first and second frets corresponds more closely to a 24.75” scale length, which is more commonly found on Gibson-style guitars. This deviation from expected fret spacing for a 25.5” scale is unusual. Again, this might be advantageous for younger players or those with smaller hands as it reduces the initial finger stretch, but it’s a deviation from standard specifications.
Thirdly, the advertised 14” fretboard radius appears inaccurate. Comparing it to an Ibanez with a 15.75” radius revealed a stark difference in feel. Upon measurement with a luthier’s radius gauge, the Schecter Omen Extreme 6’s fretboard radius is closer to 12” near the nut and approaches 10” in the wider sections of the neck. This discrepancy explains why guitars with a 9.5” radius, like many Fenders, feel familiar, while wider radius fretboards feel dramatically different. The tighter radius may be more comfortable for some playing styles, but it is not as advertised.
Conclusion: A Great Beginner Guitar with Caveats
In conclusion, the Schecter Guitar Research Omen Extreme 6 is a compelling option as a beginner guitar, particularly for younger players or those with smaller hands, especially when purchased at a discounted price. Its stunning aesthetics and comfortable satin neck are significant positives. However, potential buyers should be aware of the quirks, including the less-than-ideal bridge pickup, palm muting challenges, and, most importantly, the measurement discrepancies in string spacing, fret spacing, and fretboard radius.
It appears that in an effort to pack numerous features into a guitar at this price point, some compromises were made, particularly in adhering to standard specifications. For an 11-year-old beginner, the narrower string spacing and fret spacing might be beneficial. However, for an adult player, or someone seeking precise specifications, these deviations might be less desirable. If visual appeal and neck comfort are top priorities for a beginner guitar, and the measurement variations are acceptable, the Schecter Omen Extreme 6 remains a strong contender. Just be prepared to potentially upgrade the bridge pickup and be mindful of the unique neck profile.
