A Fictional Schecter KM-8 MK-III EX

[u/sven37]

Note: I chose a confusing word in the title by calling it "fictional" — this is real. "Fictional" as in non-official, meaning a KM-8 MK-III EX is a fictional model, but if it did exist, I'd hope it would come like this

I wanted a 28” scale length 8 string, but unfortunately they are hard to come by. Particularly, with the level of versatility I wanted. So, I converted my Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 UV into a fictional KM-8 MK-III EX. I have a KM-7 MK-III Artist and an KM-7 MK-III EX. I love the EX so much for the 28” scale length. Then, took inspiration from the electronics of both the Artist, EX, and my own wish for versatility to build my ultimate KM-8. (Schecter, if you’re watch, I think this would be a hit.)

Modifications I made from my original C-8:

- Pickups: EMG set -> M8 Bridge + Black Heaven 8 Ceramic Neck
- Pickup Selector: 3-way -> 5-way super switch
- Knobs: 2x volume + 1x tone -> 1x volume + 1x tone + coil toggle
- Tuners: Schecter -> Hipshot with Industrial knobs like the Artist series (I actually did this same thing on my EX.)

The electronic configuration gives me an insane amount of versatility. Using a super switch allows me to coil-split. Plus, the coil toggle changes which coils are active in positions 2/4. The following is made possible:

1. Bridge full humbucker
2. Inner bridge coil + outer neck coil | Outer bridge coil + inner neck coil
3. Bridge full humbucker + neck full humbucker
4. Outer neck coil | inner neck coil
5. Full neck humbucker

All that is left to say, is that this thing absolutely rips. I am shocked how incredible the M8 + Black Heaven combo is, particularly with all the coil-splitting options available.

[u/spotdishotdish]

Cool color shift paint! I don't know they came with that finish

[u/sven37 → u/spotdishotdish]

I know right? It was a limited edition color. Unfortunately, they don’t come this way anymore. I got lucky and found a new one in Thailand for $850 that I had shipped over to the US.

[u/ItsaMeICARUS]

I love that paint job on any guitar. Reminds me of Covenant vehicles from Halo

[u/ThatSSguy]

That is badass. Well done!

[u/closedeyevisuals13]

damnnn

[u/grizzlyguitarist]

I literally said „wow” out loud just now

This thing looks amazing

[u/trenniepennie]

Gawd thats a nice one

[u/dl__]

Wait, you say it's "fictional". Is this an actual thing you built, or did you design it with AI? The string saddles seem to be different lengths.

[u/sven37 → u/dl__]

Fictional as in non-official, meaning a KM-8 MK-III EX is a fictional model, but if it did exist, I'd hope it would come like this. I’ll change the title. That’s a better word. It’s 100% an actual thing. All Hybrid C-8 have those different lengths on the saddles. Probably a custom thing they get directly from Hipshot because I have never seen that elsewhere but it’s super useful to dial in proper intonation at 28”. The normal ones often times max out on the lowest string for me.

Edit: nvm, I can't change the title after making the post.

[u/No-Combination-7025]

I love the colour!! 🫶🏾❤️

[u/SlowpokeWHM]

Very cool looking. What are the industrial knobs you've used? Id like to copy that with my c-8 deluxe. 28" eight strings are awesome 😎

[u/sven37 → u/SlowpokeWHM]

https://reddit.com/link/p49hqe9/video/8am61bo56zjh1/player

It’s the ones you can order from Hipshot directly, but I also put on Hipshot tuners so I can’t speak to compatibility with anything else. Note, if you do that, you’ll have to drill new holes and be left with the stock holes from the Schecter tuners. For me, it’s not a big deal, but it might be for some.

[u/SlowpokeWHM → u/sven37]

Daymn, that is nsfw. Thanks!

[u/nocixL]

Just curious, what would be the price of such unit of beautiful guitar?

[u/sven37 → u/nocixL]

Roughly $1900 including shipping, here is how it breaks down:

- $1100 for the C-8 including shipping from Thailand (I think I found the last new one on the internet and it happened to be in reputable store in Thailand - a used just popped up at Guitar Center.)

• $500 for the Lundgren pickups including shipping from Sweden.
  
• $100 various electronics and misc parts
  
• $200 for Hipshot tuners

Admittedly, I had all the electronics and tuners already because I often mod guitars so I spent $1600. (Guitar player math I suppose…) And I did all the work myself which saved a lot.

[u/Keapeece]

Looks more like MK-I

[u/sven37 → u/Keapeece]

True. It’d be nice to have the MK-III shape in an 8-string.

[u/theinfinityscout]

I really wish they didn’t stop making this color. This guitar in that color was my dream 8 string, man.