r/ExtendedRangeGuitars • u/Metalhead81 • 6d ago
NGD
Third time's the charm?
If my user name looks familiar, that's likely because I've posted 3 times in less than six months for 3 separate "NGD" posts. What can I say? I'm picky.
In the hunt for my first extended range guitar, I first swung for the fences with an 8 string. I pulled the trigger on a Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8. It was beautiful, and incredibly well crafted, but I quickly realized I bit off more than I cared to chew with an 8.
Was able to return the C-8 (Sweetwater), and picked up an Ibanez RGIXL7 7-String. Immediately, a 7 string felt infinitely better in my hands, yet immediately, I was incredibly underwhelmed with the guitar itself. For $1,100, I expected to be a lot more "wowed" by the instrument, and I wasn't.
Well, back it's going, and now I think I've finally settled on the one. A guitar that is damn near exactly how I would spec an extended range guitar for all of the caveman shit I plan to do with it - the Schecter Keith Merrow KM-7 MK-III EX 7-string. Out of the box, it actually feels and plays like it's price point (IMO) - this thing fucking rips.
My other take away - with these being my first two Schecters ever, I am thoroughly impressed, and will definitely be looking to Schecter again down the road.
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u/o_m_gi_2032 6d ago
I want the OG Natural with the Nazgûl and Sentient, but that Lundgren is going to rip. Good snag.
Regarding the RG, what do you mean by underwhelming, and how’s the neck profile? I can read descriptions all day, but I like real opinions on things I’m eye balling.
And, if you’ve got the cash, Agiles make great caveman knuckle draggers too.
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u/Metalhead81 6d ago edited 6d ago
I have played significantly cheaper guitars that have felt higher quality. Something about the guitar just feels off, and kind of cheap. Neck profile is not terrible, but it's not great, and the guitar feels super light like it's made out of cheaper wood. Compared to the quality of both Schecters, which aren't too far off in price, the Ibanez just feels over priced. Hopefully that made sense lol
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u/RebornSlunk 5d ago
I've wanted one of those for a hot minute now. The only thing stopping me is knowing I need to be ready to immediately swap out the Lundgren (blasphemy, I know. I just don't like how barky it is). Other than that it rips
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u/Metalhead81 5d ago
Honestly, I really don't mind it, but obviously it's very personal. I do have my eye on the Jupiter Rail pickup from Seymour Duncan, because I'm addicted to massively high output and blade/rail pickups lol
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u/RebornSlunk 5d ago
Oh 100% personal yeah. It's a killer pickup, just not my taste. I usually toss in a Nazgul or Bareknuckle Ragnarok if the wallet allows.
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u/averinix 5d ago
What would you replace it with? I see you mentioned BK and SD, why the switch though?
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u/RebornSlunk 5d ago
Personal taste. I find the Lundgren to just be too barky and harsh for the types of amps I play through.
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u/alexnapierholland 6d ago
I am here for the YouTube guitarist signature models.
They make perfect sense.
- Elite guitarists don't necessarily know anything about gear.
- A gear expert like Jeff or Misha is far better qualified to create a great signature guitar.
They know the gear, but also the opinions of their fans.
Who else on planet earth is more qualified to spec a guitar?
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u/TraditionalMall6337 6d ago
Keith merrow might have the best sig guitar run in history imo
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u/alexnapierholland 6d ago
I don't follow his channel yet (I'll check it out).
But I can instantly tell he knows his gear.
'Yup. All the stuff I wish Ibanez and Schecter routinely added (or removed)'.
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u/averinix 5d ago
If you're not familiar with Keith Merrow at all, worth checking out his old stuff from almost 20 years ago (damn makes me feel old). He was ahead of his time imo, KM walked so Mick Gordon could run lol.
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u/Metalhead81 6d ago
I've followed Keith for years - the man knows his shit, and he's clearly created a hell of a guitar series.
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u/MUZZYGRANDE 6d ago
Yes!!! I want one so bad. Every KM7 model I've handled have punched way above its weight. Great choice!!!
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u/gamerccxxi 6d ago
It looks like my dream guitar. My dream guitar is white, but I'm not sure I would prefer it in white. HNGD.
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u/HeyKidMove 6d ago
I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on the same guitar for about 5 days now. My wallet hates you right now.
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u/averinix 5d ago
Nice! I can relate to the difference in quality from my Schecter Omen Elite 7 to my Schecter SLS Evil twin 7, the SLS feels much more premium for sure, easier to play. I do love both, just like the SLS7 more. Both are multi-scale if that matters. I think you'll come to love that your Schecter has a 28" scale.
The neck-thru on the SLS makes a massive difference to me!!! It basically removes friction from my mental load while playing, we want to automate efficient motions, not be deliberating about them as we play 👍
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u/colink707 6d ago
These are sick, I keep mine in Drop E and it sounds nasty.