Schecter Stiletto

[Matt R.]

Anyone have any experience with these basses? I'm considering an inexpensive 5 string and this would probably fit the bill. I had my hands on a 4 string (righty) and it wasn't bad, but I didn't plug it in. Seemed nice over all though. I have also seen good reviews on these basses, but I just wondered if any of you here have tried one. Thanks all
M

[Matt R.]

Here's an example of one. The 'Custom' model:

http://www.stevesmusiccenter.com/Schect ... om5LH.html

[fivebass52]

Adirondack Guitars has a selection of them too...

http://adirondackguitar.com/lefty/schec ... t_5-lh.htm

[AzWhoFan]

I've played righty 5'er and lefty 4's. They can be "great value for the money" basses on the used market, there always seems to be tons of them floating around, lefties included.

I have never dug into the details on the electronics or hardware, but in general I do like the sound of them. I also like the feel and resonance of the wood as well as the neck profile.

[thumbslam]

Would definitely spring for the bubinga topped version if buying new. They seem to be a bit more refined and finished. The electronics are better too. The light wood looks cheap in person but the play feel is the same. I checked them out at Guitar Center I feel a good bang 4 buck %. I always thought the Ibanez stuff in that range was junk and felt like I could twist it up like a pretzel. EMG's sound nice and full.

This originally had a buy it now for like 350....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Schecter-Stiletto-A ... 3a583eb236

[Charmand G]

I`ve also had a little runaround with Schecter Stilletto Studio 5 lately, but have hard time finding anyone shipping to Europe/Norway. Here, they have a pretty bad reputation regarding customer service, never responding to inqueries etc.
But they seem like a bang for the buck. How many NT`s do you get to that price? They look really nice too.

[pjmuck]

Would definitely spring for the bubinga topped version if buying new. They seem to be a bit more refined and finished. The electronics are better too. The light wood looks cheap in person but the play feel is the same. I checked them out at Guitar Center I feel a good bang 4 buck %. I always thought the Ibanez stuff in that range was junk and felt like I could twist it up like a pretzel. EMG's sound nice and full.

This originally had a buy it now for like 350....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Schecter-Stiletto-A ... 3a583eb236

+1. I played a bubinga topped version Stiletto at a local GC a year or so ago and thought it was a great sounding/feeling instrument. The only thing that kept me from going for it is I'm not crazy about the orangy wood look and brushed matte finish gold knob combo.

I'm drooling over their Riot series now, though for $1000 it's definitely pricier than I'd like to pay for a Schecter. Still, I think they make great stuff for the money, and one of the only companies out there that truly supports us lefties. They make nearly every one of their models left handed, including 4,5,6, fretless and 8 string lefty Stilettos. Here's the Riot:

http://www.adirondackguitar.com/lefty/s ... /riot5.htm

[Carmine]

Matt, I have a Studio 4 and an Elite 4, but I would think my comments would apply to the 5's as well.... if you are going with a Schecter Stiletto, it's a case of Good/Better/Best, and the differences are appreciable. IMO given a choice I would hold out for at least an Elite (better), or a Studio (best). The the bolt-on Custom isn't a bad instrument by any means, but the overall fit, finish and feel on the Studios and Elites is superior, and Schecter's multi-laminate neck-thru construction is a thing of beauty, about as nice as it gets especially at this price point. The neck profile is fast and comfortable, and you can set up your action incredibly low if that's your preference. Both have EMG active HZ pickups; the Elite has an EMG active 2-band 9V EQ that's more than capable, but the big plus with the Studio is the EMG active 18V preamp w/ Master Volume, Blend, and 3 band EQ. You can easily dial in anything from warm to bright to aggressive, and I would think that addtional flexibilty and power would be of even more benefit on a 5 string. The Studio lefty is only available in Honey Satin Natural finish, but I like it- the bubunga top looks great and I like the combination with the Satin Gold hardware.

There seems to be enough of these in circulation that if you're patient you will catch a deal on one, pre-owned if necessary to maximize your bang for buck... BTW, I know Basshappi had an Elite 5 in his photo gallery back in April 08; maybe he can offer a first hand opinion...

[Matt R.]

Wow thanks for all the input guys. Carmine, I like the Studio the best looks-wise. Nice. Although these basses aren't really my vibe so to speak, I have been wanting a reasonably priced fiver and these are my favorite I've seen for the money.

[Basshappi]

I have the Elite 5 and I'm very happy with it. I would go with either the Elite or the Studio. One of these days I'll add a Studio 8 to the stable.

[Carmine]

Hey Matt, there's a nice Stilleto Elite 5 on ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Schecter-Bass-Elite ... 19baf9bfb6