I figured out the issue with the "hybrid" sustainiac mode. 1. Open up the back plate and turn all three gain knobs all the way up, or to your desired location. 2. In order to get the "hybrid" mode (middle position) on the sustainiac to work above the 12th fret, pull the tone knob out. It's push/pull, and when it's pulled, you're accessing the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. After I pulled that knob out, the hybrid mode works great.
Thanks for this info. I just bought the Schecter HELLRAISER HYBRID C-1 FR-S from Sweetwater in "Ultra Violet". Hopefully it doesn't take months to receive it. Obviously I haven't yet encountered the issue you are referring to above, but it's good to know in advance how to solve it.
Sweet playing, Brett! Stumbled across this. Looking at going more stripped down for the Schecter Omen Extreme-6. My level of playing doesn't warrant such a beautiful and sophisticated guitar. Keep on rockin'!!!
Man that smile at 19:11 made me smile just as big lol I hope to be as cool as you when I get older. Nice demo of the guitar by the way. I'm really looking into this model but in the other finish.
Thanks!! It's great to love what you do for a living! I'm just a goofy looking old man, no one has told me I'm cool in twenty years. Thanks for the kind words!!!
Mine just arrived, and man I’m blown away with it. It’s a truly unbelievable guitar, to say it’s a game changer is an understatement. The fishman pup output and clarity are astonishing, I’ve got some really expensive pups in other guitars and have to there isn’t anything better. My copy has a few minor build issues, so the fit and finish could be improved a little, nothing worth returning it over though. Overlooking the minor flaws the thing sounds and plays as well as anything at any price and stomps most $10,000 custom shop guitars from other brand. And not by just a little, it literally destroys them... it does all types of music equally well....
The Five Elements I picked the vintage burst, the orange one. The neck is thin, I actually like it more than the wizard, it’s not as thin, it feels thin but also has a solid feel. To me It feels like a really thin Stratocaster D neck to me... it’s a really good guitar, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed if you are looking for a fast Ibanez type metal guitar. The neck through is amazing I can easily reach the 24th fret on the low E while holding it with one hand. And I’ve got average size hands.
The Five Elements No problem, it’s tough to pick one, I played hundreds at the local guitar center and decided to order this one without playing it and it worked out great, I’ve got another Shecter so I knew they make good quality for lower prices. You just can’t find neck through with stainless frets and top end pickups for the money.... the couple things wrong with mine are the neck pickup is slightly crooked, no big deal, and the string tree is a little crooked as well... the actual finish and binding are flawless and it was setup absolutely perfect right out the box. A couple minor things, but hey if that saved me fifteen hundred bucks I’ll happily live with it... everything that matters was 100% perfect... just wanted to mention that... it’s a pretty expensive guitar, but other companies sell similar builds for 2 or 3 times as much so... I just got a Taylor K14 a few months ago so that 5 grand purchase got in hot water with the wife lol... so I had to go premium budget brand, happy I did though, a 3K PRS or Suhr isn’t any better... good luck with the hunt...
Awesome review, it's really useful to actually hear how the Sustainiac sounds in the context of a song. Love your playing too btw, perfect balance of flashy shredding but still keeping it tasteful. I'm very tempted by this SLS Elite model. My first decent guitar was a Schecter Reaper-6 hardtail and it just feels so comfortable to play, I really like the ultra-slim neck and it everything just feels tight. When I'm ready to get another 6 string I want it to give me something unique that I don't have currently, so a guitar with a Floyd Rose and Sustainiac would be ideal. I imagine it will have everything I like about the Reaper-6 but elevated even more. I have tried a Floyd Rose before on a Jackson 7 string but I didn't really get on with it. I loved what it can do, and the tremolo was very smooth to use, could get very fine control over it. The problem was the damn thing just wouldn't stay in tune. Kinda defeats the point of the locking nut. I still don't know whether there was something wrong with it, whether I was doing something wrong myself (am still largely a beginner) or whether it just needed a good setup. But I wasn't impressed enough by how it played to want to put more money into it with a setup so just decided to return it. I'm up for trying a Floyd again, and perhaps with only 6 strings it may end up helping with that tuning stability. Would you say the Sustainiac helps make tapping easier/cleaner btw? Would think that it could help by keeping the strings vibrating as you tap the notes so you don't just need finger strength alone to keep the notes ringing out. With regard to your pinned comment, it's interesting that Voice 2 of the Fishman pickup helped with the sustain above the 12th fret. Voice 2 seems to be a lower gain, more passive sounding voice so you'd think it would actually be worse for the sustain but then there is more low end on Voice 2 so maybe that helps?! I have a Cort 7 string with the Fishman Moderns and they are incredibly impressive pickups. The coil split is nice to have but I'm sure that wouldn't be too difficult to add to this SLS Elite if desired.
Thanks for the nice comments. I believe a Floyd Rose is the only tremolo system that will actually stay in tune. But you have to know how to set it up correctly, and how to tune it correctly. Once the strings are broken in, I can't make a Floyd go out of tune. I have them on well over 20 guitars. BUT, they must be Original Floyd Rose if you expect that performance. The 1000/1500 series are okay, but wear out within a year. The Floyd Rose Special is useless. That's the biggest mistake Floyd ever made was licensing his patent to other companies that made an inferior version, and then him finally making the same inferior version with his name on it. Most of the Floyd equipped guitars under 1k now come with Specials on them. Doesn't make them a bad guitar. It just means that you need to buy an Original Floyd rose and swap it out. The Sustainiac is great for sustaining notes, but I never turn it on for tapping really. When you're using it, you have to be in control of all the strings, ALL the time. So it doesn't really add anything useful to my tapping game. Also, I've seen tons of people using it with harmonics, but really it only works with certain harmonics, otherwise the fundamental tone takes over because of the Sustainiac and kills the harmonic. I find the anomaly with the Fishman pickups to be a bit odd. I have several guitars with Sustainiacs and only the Fishman pickups have this issue. I have two with Duncan Full Shreds, and one with an EMG 85, and those don't have any issues at all. Good luck!
I have been into electric guitar instruments for years.....and Shecter is hitting it out of the ball park with these new 2018 builds, Especially for the price point.
All 3 of my Zions are from 1988. Hoover era Zions are my favorite playing guitars. I got all mine from Ken. Met him several times. What a great guy. Wish he would have been able to keep running the company.
Hi So first off what a great review and just a super great video Your playing is superb and so is your taste in music I followed the link to get more of what you do and Wow! I've had my Elite for at least a year and it's my favorite as for a go to guitar I'm never wishing I had another in my hands when I'm holding and playing the elite I beg of you Please tell me where I can find the backing track you are using in this video and maybe some advice where I get some more like it and stuff like the style in your link?! It's exactly on par with the style I want to play Spiked the like and of course subscribed Your advice is greatly appreciated!!!😊
@@BrettFunkGuitar Seriously, you play like a 'rock star' :-). The phrase 'If you are good enough, you are old enough', is normally applied to a young person, but age should not be a barrier for anyone, in pursuing their passions. You're living proof of that and are easily good enough, to play in any famous Rock/Jazz band, currently playing. 'Virtuoso level' IMHO. I'm a pianist and recognise talent when I hear it. Thank you for the upload. The jam at the end. Great solo. Reminds me a little of Santana :-)
@@BrettFunkGuitar Why you are not an Internationally known guitarist, is beyond me. You deserve to be recognised for your incredible guitar skills. Any music project I'm doing & I'm doing a few at the moment, you would be the first person I would think of for lead & rhythm guitar. You can do it all :-). All the best, Brett. Keep playing those 'funky' grooves, buddy (no pun intended) :-)
It has trouble generating the harmonics that high up on the fretboard. It's because it's an active pickup as well as string tension. Let us know if you change strings. I had one in the store and it cut it out a tad. Remember there isn't a lot of string for the sustainer to vibrate when you fret that high so it will be a faint rotation of the string. You can also raise the sustainer. Also important is pickup selector. If you have it on the Fishman, and have the sustainer active, the Fishman has to pick up the feedback. If you switch to the sustainer, it should help more.
Thanks Mr. King!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. You can just milk it. It's a bionic guitar, mesh with it, and become a bionic guitarist! :D I'm getting really close to starting the new video series! Fun stuff ahead!
Thanks for the input. I'll tinker with that. Honestly, I've not had much time to get mess with the guitar other than just playing it. I about to have my Luthier go over it completely. I'll do a new video when I get it back. Thanks for watching!
@@hilow4085 Thanks man, it was just unscripted, off the cuff, and then the improv at the end. I'm planning on trying to do more professional vids coming soon. The learning curve on the video editing software is pretty steep, and although I'm getting it to do what I want, I'm certain that I'm missing a lot of shortcuts that would make the workflow easier. I'm considering taking a class on the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. It's tough to fit that in with a family and 40+ full time guitar students. Thanks again for your comments! :D
Damn Brett, you have some nice licks! I got my first Schecter at the end of last month - I have a Sun Valley SS FR-S in Birch Green. The sustainiac is loads of fun!
Thanks for reviewing this. Might have to be my next guiar. Just this past week got the Satin Gold burst Syn Custom-S and I'm in love with the sustainiac. Haha. You ever try one??
Hi, I just bought the exact same guitar but I'm having trouble with the sustainiac as it makes a grungy low frequency noise (like an oscillator sine wave sound), I've already read all the pdf and troubleshooting guides on the sustainiac website and I know the issue is mainly crosstalk and maybe a reverse polarity of the driver as I'm not getting fundamentals sustain, just harmonics, BUT, this model is as it came from the factory, no modifications, That's why I found strange to have these issues and before I move any cables I'd like to see how yours is wired in, I can't return it as it was a very good deal (maybe this is why) so I'm wondering if I could write to you and exchange photos of the circuit board on the back to compare it to yours, I haven't found a schematic for this model as it seems it's different to the stock sustainiacs as this circuit board has 8-pin and 6-pin connectors whereas the stock circuit board mentioned in all the troubleshooting guides is a 8-pin and 10-pin configuration, so the colors of the cables doesn't match on mine, that's why I'd like to compare it to yours if possible, please let me know how can I get in touch with you, Thanks!
Also, I already tried adjusting the pots on the circuit board and also adjusted the height of the pickups, no luck, that noise and lack of fundamental harmonics is still there, Both Schecter and Sustainiac have not replied to my messages so my only hope now is to find someone with the same model and compare the wiring, if it's the same maybe my circuit board is bad 😕
Wow, that is something I've never experienced, and I have 4 Schecters with Sustainiacs. The only thing I'm thinking is maybe you need to put new 9 volt batteries in your battery boxes. I only use Energizer or Duracell. I would try that first. Let me know if that solves the issue, if not, I'm happy to help you troubleshoot further. Good luck! The other option may be to find a guitar tech with Sustainiac experience and see if they can sort out the issue. I'm not good with the wiring stuff. My solders look like marbles, so I always personally take my guitars to my luthier.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks, as I mentioned before I already tried all the possible adjustments described by Sustainiac on their website with no luck, first thing I did when I got it last week was obviously install fresh new Energizer batteries, also, I live in a small town in Spain and literally no one here knows about the Sustainiacs and there's no qualified guitar techs here but that's not a problem as I actually have experience wiring and setting up guitars so that's why I find strange that this one has these issues being a guitar straight from the store that had no modifications as far as I know and I can tell that the 1st time I opened it looked that no one touched it so I think is either a factory miswiring or a factory defect on the circuit board, so as I mentioned before too: what I need from you if posible is to exchange a picture of the wiring cavity on my guitar and you tell me if it looks the same on yours, or if you can send me a simple picture of yours from the wiring cavity, Can I send you a message to your WhatsApp? I looked on your website and there's no email but your phone number is there, please let me know if it's possible, Thanks
I had a Sustaniac guitar back in 1990 ,horrible Trem unit on it wouldnt stay in tune , I gues sthey stopped trying to make guitars & focussed on just the pickups.
Hi Brett I just got mine too. I noticed that the fundamental and harmonic modes works almost all strings and all frets. But mix mode only works on certain strings and frets. Especially the A,G and D strings on the 7th fret. The sustain dies. Adjusted the trimport but doesn't seems to work too. Hope to hear your feedback
I figured out the issue with that. 1. Open up the back plate and turn all three gain knobs all the way up, or to your desired location. 2. In order to get the "hybrid" mode (middle position) on the sustainiac to work above the 12th fret, pull the tone knob out. It's push/pull, and when it's pulled, you're accessing the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. After I pulled that knob out, the hybrid mode works great.
Yes, the only problem mine has is that it fails above the 12th fret unless I have the tone knob pulled out, engaging the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. No issues on any strings below the 12th fret.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you so much Brett. Appreciate your reply so much. I decided to send back the guitar to local retailer and let them check and find out what are the issues. Have a nice day
I’m not so sure on that sustainiac pickup just yet. I’m stuck between having both fishmans or the sustainiac because I play mostly 70s to 80s Rock in the band with some 90s to 2000s Rock/punk. Not so much metal unless I’m just messing around in between breaks.
So what did you decide? For me, the Sustainiac just added a whole new tool that has an effect on everything I play "lead guitar wise". It's really changed my entire approach to making melodies. Unlimited sustain to me is like the equivalent of giving an athlete unlimited energy and oxygen. It made what was limited, limitless. Incredible! I don't know if I can actually play without it now. It's kinda like the same reason guys get married. ;)
I saw this in a store last week. I should have tried it out. Now it's in my top 3 "want that" list. The other is a Schecter Keith Merrow mkIII 7 standard. And a Dingwall NG3 5
@@BrettFunkGuitar I did, indeed, get it just this week and its everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It doesn't look one bit out of place next to my USA-made guitars that cost 3X as much. More importantly, it plays and sounds amazing.
Mr. Funk Thank you for the informative review. Thank you for the price changes history on this guitar. Are they still available thru your Sweetwater rep., Nick. Since you sold me on this guitar, you should get the credit .
You're welcome, congrats! Nick LaMendola is my Sweetweater sales rep. He's a great guy. They are still in stock. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1FRSEltBFB--schecter-c-1-fr-s-sls-elite-black-fade-burst
Thanks for the video. 2nd day with this guitar in Antique Fade. Lovin it. Don't have the issue with the center position Suatainiac above the 12th fret. Wondering it you lowered the pickup magnet when you lowered the action? If not could the difference in gap b causing your problem? One would think not because it should just increase the pull, but I've seen weirder things.
Hey Brett, magic tone there plus great finger work! The Sustainiac and Fernandes sustainer predate the ebow by quite a long way. I bought a Sustainiac about 15 years ago for something like £250 from the folks that make them to put into a custom build of mine. Neal Schon has used them forever. Satch and Steve Lukather are also fans. Jack Thammarat is a master with them. Make some more ambient jams to delight us please!
I feel like the finish near the horns looks off... "scuffed" looking. Other than that nice guitar. I'm getting the sls elite in black fade, but that antique fade looks nice too.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Is there anything better than "new gear day"? Don't let our ladies know but... the birth of our kids, the day we get married... They're a close second.
Love the music (as well as the guitar). This is tasteful playing that lets the music breath. Not hundreds of notes at breakneck speed, so boring - although Brett is more than capable of doing so when it 'fits', as we can see and hear. Cheers!!
Did any of you notice fret buzz on your elite? If so what did you end up doing? Return? Try different strings? The nut on these seem to be set for very low action. Thanks all
Thanks Brandon. I appreciate it. I'm getting closer and closer to launching my new lesson program on RUclips. It's been two years of content creation, and I'm getting so close. Thanks for watching!
Yeah, it's not the gate. I'm still tweeking it. Positions 1 and 3 work perfect, and this thing plays like butter, but a few notes in position 2 seem to fail, but not always. I think it's the active pickup. My Blackjack with the Duncan "Full Shred" works perfect in every mode.
Dude I want to take you to Guitar Center and flim you putting every young #$%^@# to shame. Thoroughly impressed with your shredding vs taste abilities.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I don't even play guitars when I go into guitar center anymore. I've been teaching guitar full time, plus gigging, for nearly 30 years now. Currently I'm doing Skype lessons with all my local students, and I've added some remote students. It's going way better than expected. I thought Skype was gonna suck, but I got it nailed now.
Just bought this guitar new, no manual, what the hell is the tubular piece of metal for which you get with the Allen key and spring pack???? I have no idea. Cheers.
That tubular piece of metal is to adjust your truss rod. Look at the spot where your neck meets the body. See that round metal thing with the holes in it? That where you would use that tool to adjust the bow in your neck. But I would suggest that you don't use that unless you're certain you know what you're doing.
@@mevideoism6738 If you ever have issues with your neck, take it to a good guitar tech and be sure you have all the tools that came with the guitar. Congrats on the new guitar!
@@BrettFunkGuitar any advice or tutorials on how to restring a floyd rose, any do’s and donts? What do you use to block the bridge when restringing a battery, a piece of cork? Do you recent all fine tuners to the half way mark before locking the nut?etc etc cheers!!!!
Dude! You 'improvised' that solo? Nice, super TASTEFUL. Nice Schecter, BTW. Waiting for the single-cut ("Solo" Series) version. Thanks for an excellent demo'.
Hi mr. Funk. I am 71 old and In the end I also bought this identical guitar that will reach me this week. I had taken a PRS with the floyd last year, but then I returned it after few days because I couldn't keep it tuned. Maybe I had to try again. Can you tell me if can keep it tuned with this Schecter whithout problems ? Good music is yours, would like to play half like you !
Nothing will stay in tune better than a Floyd Rose, but you have to have it setup correctly. Check out this video with "Floyd Rose". ruclips.net/video/DmCLWitfWx8/видео.html
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you for the answer but ... I am from Italy and I can undertand only a little english, but when it is spoken I cannot understand well. If sombody shows how or if it is written could be easier for me !
Thanks! Mine is 7.2 pounds. Just weighed it. I used a bathroom scale, me plus guitar minus just me equals 7.2lbs. That's as close as I can get with the tools at hand. :D
Hi Mr. Funk, I love your new Schecter! I love your playing too! Man your good! I've been looking at the Schecter C-1, and C-7 sls s FR, but the apocalypse red reign. I was hoping maybe by summer I can make that happen! You said that your new guitar looked kind of green. On my laptop It looks okay, but on my tv screen it does look green. But to me it looks good either way. Maybe that's something Schecter should look at! I've had two different Schecter so far and the both were awesome, they both had the sustainiac. The ones that I had had a fine tuning adjustment on the board in the back, you might can work out that problem you were talking about! I wise I hadn't sold then! I love what there doing over at Schecter. I hate to ask you, but will you please cover up your big white legs in the next video, there blinding me!!! Ha Ha.LOL! Thank you for sharing the awesome video. Hope you have fun with your new Schecter! Thanks again See you In the next video! Todd P.
@@MazenArafat I would recommend this package. All the backings are great. If you like this one, you'll like all of these> jtcguitar.com/store/package/jack-thammarat-complete-box-set/
One of my students just bought one, it's fantastic! I love that it has the knob that lets you control the gain of the Sustainiac, just like my Blue Blackjack. Both my other Schecters don't have that control for the Sustainiac, you have to open up the back to adjust the gain of each setting from there. I'm gonna see if I can forfeit the tone knob and have my luthier rewire the Sustainiacs so they have front side gain control . Why no tremolo? It's really cool what you can do with a Floyd and a Sustainiac together www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1ApocFRSRR--schecter-c-1-fr-s-apocalypse-red-reign
Could you please explain what about the "book matching" caused you to return the first two? This looks like a great guitar for the price... Not a fan about the "made in Singapore" thing, which is where I believe these are made. What's your opinion of it now that you've had it for a while?
It says they are made in South Korea on the back of the headstock. What I didn't like about the bookmatching on the first guitar they sent me was how uneven it appeared in the center between the pickups. The one I kept looks much better than the first one. Here is more info on bookmatching: www.sweetwater.com/insync/bookmatching/
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks for the info. My list of guitars ~1k I'd love to own is growing quickly! I just bought a Reverend and there's a Charvel next up.
Actually my Luthier has it at the moment. I'm getting a fret level/dress and full setup. I believe the issue is with the three "sustainiac gain" knobs under the back plate. I decided to wait till my Luthier has put D'Addario's on it to mess with the settings. FYI: Whenever I get a new guitar, be it brand new or used, I spend the $130.00 to have my own Luthier do the fret level/dress and full setup, and it makes a world of difference. Another thing most people don't think about is that when you get a new guitar, even if the intonation is set perfectly, you have to reset your intonation if you so much as change string brands, even if they are the same size set of strings, like 10-46, etc. I only learned that part recently. I'll let you know when I get it back, and I'll make a new video. Thanks for watching!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks for the Response!!! I'm really considering buying this guitar for me, it is beautiful, and I've been told that the Sustaniac pickup is quite fun to play, it really encourage creativity, now, I know that Schecter has lots of models with sustaniac, Would you say that this is a Versatile guitar? Again thanks for the Reply! and Let me know whenever that video is ready, I'm already subscribed to your channel
@@star_gazing I have three Schecter's with Sustainiacs now. I love them. Very versatile. Many of my students have them now too. One of my students just bought this model, and it's beautiful! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1ApocFRSRR--schecter-c-1-fr-s-apocalypse-red-reign
@@BrettFunkGuitar For less than $20 you can buy "The key" which makes it easy to set intonation yourself very quickly.Another trick is to use "Hollow points" but instead of leaving a whole set on,I just put 1 on,set the intonation and lock down the saddle screw,and take it back off.Also those lock screws and saddle screws aren't chrome,they're stainless steel,that's a Schecter exclusive Floyd Rose 1500 tremolo.
@@Slicklickz Thanks for the input Bro! I appreciate it! Oddly enough, as much confidence I have in my playing, I ALWAYS second guess myself when it comes to setups that are beyond a simple truss rod adjustment. My luthier is world class, so I let the mechanic do the job. He's even offered to teach me, but I've always felt that a real pro at "anything" is the person you want working on your stuff if you want it just right. It's all about knowledge and experience. My guy is the guitarist in an incredibly good VH cover band here in Colorado, and he builds amps too. He takes good care of me, his son was a student of mine.
I don't have a comparison to the non-sustainiac version of this guitar, but the sustainiac driver sounds pretty good when it's being used as a pickup. I really don't use it for that. When I'm playing my Schecter it's usually so that I can use the sustainiac driver.
There is an allen head screw on the side of the collar that surrounds the whammy bar hole. You must loosen it up, insert the bar, then tighten it just enough where it will stay in one position. Whatever you do, don't force it. Your guitar should have come with the allen wrench you need to adjust this screw.
Brett Funk one more question. Every time I press down of the low E string on every fret above the 12th, the strings action is so low that the string touches the bottom pickups. I have tried using the heel access trust rod adjuster but the string does not raise at all. I am not playing in a low tuning either.
Hi Brett, I bought this exact same guitar, it has some trouble with sustain, it seemed to work but was weak. I raised the post by one turn on each side of the sustainiac seems to work fairly good in fundamental, middle setting is weak, top setting is OK. is there any advice you can give? , can it be adjusted any other way? how did you fix the above 12 fret problem. Mine does not sound like yours which is what I expected with delay and such.
Honestly, I've not even put new strings on it yet. I've been working with video editing and lights. However, I plan to put some D'Addario XL-110's on it soon, and see if I can get past that 12th fret issue in the hybrid (middle) position. Part of the difference in the tone you're getting compared to mine could be whatever you're running your guitar through. What amp are you using? Mine is running through an old Digitech GSP-2101LE with a patch I tailored over a few decades. EQ and gain also will play a part in this. I'll report back after I get new strings and hopefully get the hybrid position working. Like I said in the video, all three positions work perfectly on my blue Blackjack with the Sustainiac. Good luck, let me know if you discover anything we can learn from.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks for the reply, I meant the way it sustains is different, In a different post on here one person posted " If you lay the guitar on a padded table with the Sustainiac on and a jack plugged into the output will the strings begin to oscillate on their own? No amp connected". I get nothing on that with mine. also, if I switch from fundamental to hybrid ( or any switching for that matter) while sustaining a note it craps out. Sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to figure out if I should send this back for a replacement pup or if it's just me expecting too much. ha ha. Thanks for your time.
@@robertmoore4602 Are you sure your cable is plugged into the guitar and the Sustainiac switch is in the on position for the first test? Also, NEVER leave the cable plugged into this guitar when you're not playing it, it will drain both batteries. If I were you, first thing I would do is put two fresh Energizer or Duracell 9volts in the battery boxes. That could be the entire issue if your batteries are low. I still have to figure out the 12th fret situation with the hybrid position. I think you can get it to work. It does take a moment for the change to happen when you change from one position to the other. I'll let you know more after I change the strings. Good luck!!!
@@robertmoore4602 And never be sorry for asking questions. That's how we get answers my friend! If we all share our information freely, that's a step towards us all achieving our goals! :D
Hey Brett, After going nuts for a week trying to figure this out, I talked with the folks at sustainiac and they explained how it should be set. after setting it to their specs it works perfectly! I bought this from the same place as you so I just don't know how something like that could be missed (pup recessed to much and gain trimpot set too low)!. Pretty disappointing regarding that but, It's working perfectly now! Your playing is incredible and your demo sold me on this particular guitar. Some people have said the sustainiac is to much of a gimmick but, I'm seeing it as another tool to be a bit creative with. Cheers!
The sustainiac is really two things in one if it's "humbucker size". What I mean is this. The humbucker version is half "sustainiac driver" that creates the magnetic field. The other half is a single coil pickup, which sounds okay, but nothing remarkable. If you are using that single coil pickup side and have the sustainiac turned "off", but then turn the sustainiac "on", it automatically switches your output to come from your bridge pickup, because the sustainiac can not do both functions at the same time. You can also get a sustainiac single coil, but it's ONLY a driver, and will not give any sound of it's own. Notice the guitar in this video, Satch has a single sustainiac driver in his neck position and a humbucker in his bridge position. This means he can only get sound from the bridge pickup. But that guitar is so sweet looking. I want one. ruclips.net/video/xSayYNy28TA/видео.html
Hi I just purchased this guitar and I have a question about the push pull knob. I read one is the active voice and the other is the high output humbucker voice. Would you happen to know which is which when pulling/pushing the tone knob I don’t have a guitar ear so they both sound the same to me haha? Thanks!
I believe that Voice 1 is active if the knob is in it's standard (pushed in) position, and that when you pull the tone knob you are activating voice 2. I am not 100% certain of this, but it makes sense that voice 1 would be the default. Modern Humbucker Alnico Voicings: Voice 1 (Modern Active): The ideal active alnico sound. Full, round, and boosted, but with unprecedented articulation and dynamics. Voice 2 (Crisp, clean and fluid): The clean, crisp neck humbucker tone you’ve always wanted without the thin, plinky sound you don’t. Having said that. I've noticed on 2 of this same model guitar, one of which I just finished setting up a few hours ago for one of my students, that the Sustainiac Hybrid Mode - Center Toggle Position, only works (all the way up and down the neck) if you pull out the knob and activate voice 2. Also, understand that behind the big plate in the back are three Sustainiac intensity adjustment knobs. You have to take the back plate off to adjust them, or drill access holes in the back plate itself as I did. However, I have had all three Sustainiac intensity knobs turned up full, and they work great. Hope that helps.
No tremolo system will stay in tune better than a Floyd Rose, but it's very important that everything is setup correctly. If you don't know what you're doing with a Floyd, it can be a bit frustrating. Once you have it all figured out, it's amazing!!! :D
I owned my first Zion in 1988. I went to the 1995 NAMM show in search of the best playing guitar on the showroom floor. I played everything. I walked away with another Zion. zionguitars.com/
I never split coils on my bride pup, so I don't know. I'll test it next time I plug it in and let you know what I find out. I think that the coil tap from the tone push/pull effects both pickups, but I'm not 100% certain.
@@musicessentials5275 This guitar doesn't appear to have an extra switch to split the Fishman, but perhaps the push pull tone knob is doing the same function as the switch you're referring to.
I just plugged in the Schecter, and the push pull tone knob absolutely changes the sound of the both the Sustainiac in the neck, and the active Fishman in the bridge, and both pups when the selector switch is in the middle position. Based on this article, clearly the Fishman is split when the push pull knob is pulled out rather than being tapped, because only a single coil pup can be tapped. www.haloguitars.com/store/coil-split-vs-coil-tap-whats-the-difference Both terms refer to electric guitar pickups, and while the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, coil splitting and coil tapping are definitely not the same thing. Coil splitting refers in particular to humbucking pickups, in which two coils of wire and two magnets are used together. These coils and magnets are of opposite polarity, which cancels (“bucks”) unwanted noise and hum and produces higher output and a thicker, heavier sound. In coil splitting, the connection between the two coils of a humbucking pickup is broken, disabling one coil and allowing the other to continue to function. In effect, coil splitting turns a humbucking pickup into a single-coil pickup - a useful feature for guitarists who like both options at their fingertips without having to switch guitars. On instruments that feature it, coil splitting is usually accomplished by means of various onboard switching types. Coil tapping, on the other hand, refers in particular to single-coil pickups. Tapping a coil means taking the signal from somewhere within the coil of wire rather than from the end of it, thus reducing pickup output (more windings means higher output); it too is accomplished by onboard switching. Some high-output single-coil pickups use coil taps to produce lower output that more closely resembles that of, say, a vintage Fender single-coil pickup. Of the two features, coil splitting is more prevalent than coil tapping.
Zlease help me understand the Sustaniac. If you lay the guitar on a padded table with the Sustainiac on and a jack plugged into the output will the strings begin to oscillate on their own? No amp connected. The one I bought does that but a demo one I tried at another store did not. Guitar Center will allow me to return it for another or a refund.
Your guitar is working correctly. If the Sustainiac pickup is turned on, it makes ALL the strings vibrate, ALL the time. The one at the store probably had a nearly dead battery in it. Be SURE to ALWAYS unplug your guitar cable from the guitar when you're not playing it, or the battery will die quickly. Anytime that a cable is plugged into the guitar, it is drawing juice from the battery, even if the Sustainiac pickup is turned off. And, the active pickup's battery is the exact same. NEVER leave this guitar plugged in if you're not playing it. Hope that helps! Have fun!!!
Hey Brett, Just found your site. And just learning about Schecter Research guitars. Pretty much old school Gibson/Fender guy playing 70's/80's classic rock but finding that those guitars are both expensive and not giving me the sustained sound I crave. (Also, now believe both companies use nostalgia to bait ya and then reel you in. Their pricing is actually sort of ridiculous.) So I also live in Colorado and just tried out a C-1 Platinum FR-S at one of the local GCs. Sustainiac was great. Can't afford a Jackson PC-1 so the C-1 seems to be a reasonable alternative. Was previously looking at a Fender Elite Strat which has solid sound versatility and a very playable neck. But the Schecter really gives me OD and sustain I cannot get out of the Fender. And it's sound can be cleaned up when needed. Bottom line, have pretty much decided to pursue a Hellraiser now. Pricing is way better. And your video just confirms all of this! Nice job man. Might run into you somewhere in the State as some point so cheers!
Why do all of these youtubers use a pair of scissors instead, of a box blade to "unbox" their new guitar? Its buggin' me to no end. That being said, can you review the Schecter PT SLS Elite?
Congrats man, you'll love it. That's a great price! I now have 3 Sustainiac Schecters. Just got a Sun Valley Super Shredder. I'll have a new unboxing video and review soon.
Awesome playing, Brett! I just got an identical guitar (color and all). I, too, have the issue with the sustaniac loosing the notes on higher frets. Did you ever try swapping out the strings with daddario? If so, did that help?
I did swap out the strings for the D'Addarios and had a full setup by my luthier. Turns out that if you take the back plate off, there are individual "gain" knobs for each of the three Sustainiac modes. You set them and then leave them in the best configuration that you like. My Blackjack has a knob on the front of the guitar that controls the "gain" of the Sustainiac in all three modes. It's much easier to make "real time" changes to the Sustainiac gain with this configuration, but if you get your back panel gains dialed in, it should work perfectly. It's a trial and error process until you find the sweet spot for the way you want the Sustainiac to respond to your individual playing style. Good luck, have fun!!!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Good to know - thank you! I think it's just that one position that needs higher gain on my guitar (if anything one may need to be turned down). Really enjoying this guitar so far!
I ordered this guitar! and I'm waiting for it! This is the best review I've seen out there, I've also check your other videos where you feature this guitar, and I'm really confident I've made the right decision, which amp are you using?
Thanks Man!!! I'm playing through a Digitech GSP-2101LE. I have a half dozen of them, and I've yet to be able to reproduce "my tone" with anything else. I have an AxeFXII, and Line 6 gear, and I just keep going back to the old boxes. This video shows my setup and I go through every parameter in my crunch and clean patches. ruclips.net/video/LcV4UMYZ1Ds/видео.html
My blue Zion, Classic Maple - 1988 - Hoover Era I'm playing the blue Zion in this video. ruclips.net/video/8ZobkQsm5Dg/видео.html Here is a used one, probably mid 90's, but still Hoover Era. I ordered mine direct from Ken Hoover and it came custom to my specs, Floyd Rose & EMG's 85-SA-SA, the rest is the same, except for the color. www.ebay.com/itm/Zion-The-Classic-electric-guitar-with-custom-paint-job-and-upgraded-nut/163766397737
I figured out the issue with the "hybrid" sustainiac mode.
1. Open up the back plate and turn all three gain knobs all the way up, or to your desired location.
2. In order to get the "hybrid" mode (middle position) on the sustainiac to work above the 12th fret, pull the tone knob out. It's push/pull, and when it's pulled, you're accessing the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. After I pulled that knob out, the hybrid mode works great.
i have the schecter omen 6....best guitars out for the money....btw love the auto opening garbage can....i have it too lol
@@harshtruth9148 I have those same trash cans in every room in the house. :D
@@BrettFunkGuitar My trash can goes to 11. LOL
LOL!
Thanks for this info. I just bought the Schecter HELLRAISER HYBRID C-1 FR-S from Sweetwater in "Ultra Violet". Hopefully it doesn't take months to receive it. Obviously I haven't yet encountered the issue you are referring to above, but it's good to know in advance how to solve it.
Sweet playing, Brett! Stumbled across this. Looking at going more stripped down for the Schecter Omen Extreme-6. My level of playing doesn't warrant such a beautiful and sophisticated guitar. Keep on rockin'!!!
Good luck with the new Schecter! And thanks for listening.
Best video on this guitar. Can’t wait to get mine this weekend!
Thanks man. Congrats, you'll love this guitar!
Man that smile at 19:11 made me smile just as big lol I hope to be as cool as you when I get older. Nice demo of the guitar by the way. I'm really looking into this model but in the other finish.
Thanks!! It's great to love what you do for a living! I'm just a goofy looking old man, no one has told me I'm cool in twenty years. Thanks for the kind words!!!
This dude can shred!! Blew my mind at the end of the video
Thanks man, I appreciate the kind words! :D
Just ordered a c-1 sls elite. Non sustainaiac. Still very excited for it. Nice shredding bro!
Congratulations! Outstanding choice! Thanks for the kind words.
I have this guitar (without sustaniac) since one year and it sound very cool !!!
Mine just arrived, and man I’m blown away with it. It’s a truly unbelievable guitar, to say it’s a game changer is an understatement. The fishman pup output and clarity are astonishing, I’ve got some really expensive pups in other guitars and have to there isn’t anything better. My copy has a few minor build issues, so the fit and finish could be improved a little, nothing worth returning it over though. Overlooking the minor flaws the thing sounds and plays as well as anything at any price and stomps most $10,000 custom shop guitars from other brand. And not by just a little, it literally destroys them... it does all types of music equally well....
Excellent post!!! Glad you're enjoying the guitar. I love mine!!! Have fun, Robert!!!
The Five Elements I picked the vintage burst, the orange one. The neck is thin, I actually like it more than the wizard, it’s not as thin, it feels thin but also has a solid feel. To me It feels like a really thin Stratocaster D neck to me... it’s a really good guitar, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed if you are looking for a fast Ibanez type metal guitar. The neck through is amazing I can easily reach the 24th fret on the low E while holding it with one hand. And I’ve got average size hands.
The Five Elements No problem, it’s tough to pick one, I played hundreds at the local guitar center and decided to order this one without playing it and it worked out great, I’ve got another Shecter so I knew they make good quality for lower prices. You just can’t find neck through with stainless frets and top end pickups for the money.... the couple things wrong with mine are the neck pickup is slightly crooked, no big deal, and the string tree is a little crooked as well... the actual finish and binding are flawless and it was setup absolutely perfect right out the box. A couple minor things, but hey if that saved me fifteen hundred bucks I’ll happily live with it... everything that matters was 100% perfect... just wanted to mention that... it’s a pretty expensive guitar, but other companies sell similar builds for 2 or 3 times as much so... I just got a Taylor K14 a few months ago so that 5 grand purchase got in hot water with the wife lol... so I had to go premium budget brand, happy I did though, a 3K PRS or Suhr isn’t any better... good luck with the hunt...
Finally a proper review ! Thank you so much !!
You're welcome. Thanks!! :D
You're welcome! Also did you ever find out what exactly was wrong with the sustainiac pickup?
Awesome review, it's really useful to actually hear how the Sustainiac sounds in the context of a song. Love your playing too btw, perfect balance of flashy shredding but still keeping it tasteful.
I'm very tempted by this SLS Elite model. My first decent guitar was a Schecter Reaper-6 hardtail and it just feels so comfortable to play, I really like the ultra-slim neck and it everything just feels tight. When I'm ready to get another 6 string I want it to give me something unique that I don't have currently, so a guitar with a Floyd Rose and Sustainiac would be ideal. I imagine it will have everything I like about the Reaper-6 but elevated even more.
I have tried a Floyd Rose before on a Jackson 7 string but I didn't really get on with it. I loved what it can do, and the tremolo was very smooth to use, could get very fine control over it. The problem was the damn thing just wouldn't stay in tune. Kinda defeats the point of the locking nut. I still don't know whether there was something wrong with it, whether I was doing something wrong myself (am still largely a beginner) or whether it just needed a good setup. But I wasn't impressed enough by how it played to want to put more money into it with a setup so just decided to return it. I'm up for trying a Floyd again, and perhaps with only 6 strings it may end up helping with that tuning stability.
Would you say the Sustainiac helps make tapping easier/cleaner btw? Would think that it could help by keeping the strings vibrating as you tap the notes so you don't just need finger strength alone to keep the notes ringing out.
With regard to your pinned comment, it's interesting that Voice 2 of the Fishman pickup helped with the sustain above the 12th fret. Voice 2 seems to be a lower gain, more passive sounding voice so you'd think it would actually be worse for the sustain but then there is more low end on Voice 2 so maybe that helps?! I have a Cort 7 string with the Fishman Moderns and they are incredibly impressive pickups. The coil split is nice to have but I'm sure that wouldn't be too difficult to add to this SLS Elite if desired.
Thanks for the nice comments.
I believe a Floyd Rose is the only tremolo system that will actually stay in tune. But you have to know how to set it up correctly, and how to tune it correctly. Once the strings are broken in, I can't make a Floyd go out of tune. I have them on well over 20 guitars. BUT, they must be Original Floyd Rose if you expect that performance. The 1000/1500 series are okay, but wear out within a year. The Floyd Rose Special is useless. That's the biggest mistake Floyd ever made was licensing his patent to other companies that made an inferior version, and then him finally making the same inferior version with his name on it. Most of the Floyd equipped guitars under 1k now come with Specials on them. Doesn't make them a bad guitar. It just means that you need to buy an Original Floyd rose and swap it out.
The Sustainiac is great for sustaining notes, but I never turn it on for tapping really. When you're using it, you have to be in control of all the strings, ALL the time. So it doesn't really add anything useful to my tapping game. Also, I've seen tons of people using it with harmonics, but really it only works with certain harmonics, otherwise the fundamental tone takes over because of the Sustainiac and kills the harmonic.
I find the anomaly with the Fishman pickups to be a bit odd. I have several guitars with Sustainiacs and only the Fishman pickups have this issue. I have two with Duncan Full Shreds, and one with an EMG 85, and those don't have any issues at all.
Good luck!
I have been into electric guitar instruments for years.....and Shecter is hitting it out of the ball park with these new 2018 builds, Especially for the price point.
yes thank u been looking to see how it sounds finally rock on
Great playing. Love the Zion guitars on the wall! I owned a few Zions back when Ken owned the company in the late 80’s
All 3 of my Zions are from 1988. Hoover era Zions are my favorite playing guitars. I got all mine from Ken. Met him several times. What a great guy. Wish he would have been able to keep running the company.
I think all three look amazing! Such a great looking guitar
Hi
So first off what a great review and just a super great video
Your playing is superb and so is your taste in music
I followed the link to get more of what you do and Wow!
I've had my Elite for at least a year and it's my favorite as for a go to guitar
I'm never wishing I had another in my hands when I'm holding and playing the elite
I beg of you
Please tell me where I can find the backing track you are using in this video and maybe some advice where I get some more like it and stuff like the style in your link?!
It's exactly on par with the style I want to play
Spiked the like and of course subscribed
Your advice is greatly appreciated!!!😊
That's probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me on the interweb. Thanks, you made my day.
Thanks for sharing as I am currently considering purchasing a C-1-FR-S-SLS-Elite
I love mine. Congrats, and good luck!
Awesome video. Thank you! I can’t wait to buy this beautiful guitar
Congrats! You'll love it!
I have a Sustainer on my Schecter Banshee, and it's a blast.
Rock on! :D
Isn't it great to see someone love what they do? :-) A lesson for anyone out there, in not to 'judge a book by it's cover'. This grandpa can play :-)
Thanks for the kind words. I actually am a grandpa, but I'm still a 21 year old rock star in my head. :D
@@BrettFunkGuitar Seriously, you play like a 'rock star' :-). The phrase 'If you are good enough, you are old enough', is normally applied to a young person, but age should not be a barrier for anyone, in pursuing their passions. You're living proof of that and are easily good enough, to play in any famous Rock/Jazz band, currently playing. 'Virtuoso level' IMHO. I'm a pianist and recognise talent when I hear it. Thank you for the upload. The jam at the end. Great solo. Reminds me a little of Santana :-)
@@martialway100 Thanks again for the kind words. I've been doing this professionally for neary 40 years. It's all I do is gig and teach guitar.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Why you are not an Internationally known guitarist, is beyond me. You deserve to be recognised for your incredible guitar skills. Any music project I'm doing & I'm doing a few at the moment, you would be the first person I would think of for lead & rhythm guitar. You can do it all :-). All the best, Brett. Keep playing those 'funky' grooves, buddy (no pun intended) :-)
@@martialway100 Thanks again man. Once again, you made my day, Brother! If you need guitar parts for a project, I might be game. Find me on Facebook.
It has trouble generating the harmonics that high up on the fretboard. It's because it's an active pickup as well as string tension. Let us know if you change strings. I had one in the store and it cut it out a tad. Remember there isn't a lot of string for the sustainer to vibrate when you fret that high so it will be a faint rotation of the string. You can also raise the sustainer. Also important is pickup selector. If you have it on the Fishman, and have the sustainer active, the Fishman has to pick up the feedback. If you switch to the sustainer, it should help more.
Thanks for the detailed info. I really appreciate that!!!
WOW...I have a ZION from 1988 with reverse head stock/Floyd Rose. Very nice.
Awesome! Do you have a picture you can post? All my Zions are 1988's. I have 4.
Brett Great review and playing!!!!! Nice work. I cant wait til mine is delivered. Thank you
Thanks Mr. King!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. You can just milk it. It's a bionic guitar, mesh with it, and become a bionic guitarist! :D
I'm getting really close to starting the new video series! Fun stuff ahead!
I just got a Reaper FR-S and whoo-boy is it nice.
Sweet! Congrats!
Really good review and awesome play
Thanks Bow!!!
Amazing song/solo. That schecter sounds great. 👍
Thanks for the kind words. And thanks for listening. :D
Hey man, at around 8:56, it could be dieing out only because you might need to relevel your fretboard or bridge
Thanks for the input. I'll tinker with that. Honestly, I've not had much time to get mess with the guitar other than just playing it. I about to have my Luthier go over it completely. I'll do a new video when I get it back. Thanks for watching!
@@BrettFunkGuitar you're welcome, I really did love your review, you did a very good job explaining the piece
@@hilow4085 Thanks man, it was just unscripted, off the cuff, and then the improv at the end. I'm planning on trying to do more professional vids coming soon. The learning curve on the video editing software is pretty steep, and although I'm getting it to do what I want, I'm certain that I'm missing a lot of shortcuts that would make the workflow easier. I'm considering taking a class on the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. It's tough to fit that in with a family and 40+ full time guitar students. Thanks again for your comments! :D
Rockin!
Thanks for the vid.
I've been thinking about buying a Schecter.
Broncos Will come back to Kick some ass in 23'!
Rockin' The Rockies!
🤘🏻👽
Right on, Chris. Hope you love the guitar! Rock on!
Damn Brett, you have some nice licks! I got my first Schecter at the end of last month - I have a Sun Valley SS FR-S in Birch Green. The sustainiac is loads of fun!
Thanks man! Enjoy your Schecter!
Does anyone know which Fishman pickup is in this sustainiac version
www.fishman.com/portfolio/fluence-modern-6-string-humbucker-pickups/
Thanks for reviewing this. Might have to be my next guiar. Just this past week got the Satin Gold burst Syn Custom-S and I'm in love with the sustainiac. Haha. You ever try one??
I just want to say a few things.
1. You make a very thorough video and you give tons of info.
2. Holy balls you can play well!
Thanks for the kind words, Drew. I really appreciate it.
Could list the amps and other devices in your play mode for a future video?
Absolutely! Thanks for asking!
Here is the amp I'm playing through, and my patch settings.
ruclips.net/video/LcV4UMYZ1Ds/видео.html
Hi, I just bought the exact same guitar but I'm having trouble with the sustainiac as it makes a grungy low frequency noise (like an oscillator sine wave sound), I've already read all the pdf and troubleshooting guides on the sustainiac website and I know the issue is mainly crosstalk and maybe a reverse polarity of the driver as I'm not getting fundamentals sustain, just harmonics, BUT, this model is as it came from the factory, no modifications, That's why I found strange to have these issues and before I move any cables I'd like to see how yours is wired in, I can't return it as it was a very good deal (maybe this is why) so I'm wondering if I could write to you and exchange photos of the circuit board on the back to compare it to yours, I haven't found a schematic for this model as it seems it's different to the stock sustainiacs as this circuit board has 8-pin and 6-pin connectors whereas the stock circuit board mentioned in all the troubleshooting guides is a 8-pin and 10-pin configuration, so the colors of the cables doesn't match on mine, that's why I'd like to compare it to yours if possible, please let me know how can I get in touch with you, Thanks!
Also, I already tried adjusting the pots on the circuit board and also adjusted the height of the pickups, no luck, that noise and lack of fundamental harmonics is still there, Both Schecter and Sustainiac have not replied to my messages so my only hope now is to find someone with the same model and compare the wiring, if it's the same maybe my circuit board is bad 😕
Wow, that is something I've never experienced, and I have 4 Schecters with Sustainiacs.
The only thing I'm thinking is maybe you need to put new 9 volt batteries in your battery boxes.
I only use Energizer or Duracell. I would try that first.
Let me know if that solves the issue, if not, I'm happy to help you troubleshoot further. Good luck!
The other option may be to find a guitar tech with Sustainiac experience and see if they can sort out the issue.
I'm not good with the wiring stuff. My solders look like marbles, so I always personally take my guitars to my luthier.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks, as I mentioned before I already tried all the possible adjustments described by Sustainiac on their website with no luck, first thing I did when I got it last week was obviously install fresh new Energizer batteries, also, I live in a small town in Spain and literally no one here knows about the Sustainiacs and there's no qualified guitar techs here but that's not a problem as I actually have experience wiring and setting up guitars so that's why I find strange that this one has these issues being a guitar straight from the store that had no modifications as far as I know and I can tell that the 1st time I opened it looked that no one touched it so I think is either a factory miswiring or a factory defect on the circuit board, so as I mentioned before too: what I need from you if posible is to exchange a picture of the wiring cavity on my guitar and you tell me if it looks the same on yours, or if you can send me a simple picture of yours from the wiring cavity, Can I send you a message to your WhatsApp? I looked on your website and there's no email but your phone number is there, please let me know if it's possible, Thanks
Awesome playing! Can’t wait to get my C7 SLS FR Elite in the mail!
Thanks Luke! Congrats on your new axe!!!
I had a Sustaniac guitar back in 1990 ,horrible Trem unit on it wouldnt stay in tune , I gues sthey stopped trying to make guitars & focussed on just the pickups.
Hi Brett
I just got mine too. I noticed that the fundamental and harmonic modes works almost all strings and all frets. But mix mode only works on certain strings and frets. Especially the A,G and D strings on the 7th fret. The sustain dies. Adjusted the trimport but doesn't seems to work too. Hope to hear your feedback
I figured out the issue with that.
1. Open up the back plate and turn all three gain knobs all the way up, or to your desired location.
2. In order to get the "hybrid" mode (middle position) on the sustainiac to work above the 12th fret, pull the tone knob out. It's push/pull, and when it's pulled, you're accessing the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. After I pulled that knob out, the hybrid mode works great.
@@BrettFunkGuitar i tried that but it seems the same😭. What about yours Brett? Do you able the get the mix sustain on the 4th/3rd strings at 7th fret?
Yes, the only problem mine has is that it fails above the 12th fret unless I have the tone knob pulled out, engaging the "Voice 2" of the Fishman Fluence pickup. No issues on any strings below the 12th fret.
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you so much Brett. Appreciate your reply so much. I decided to send back the guitar to local retailer and let them check and find out what are the issues.
Have a nice day
Always happy to help. Good luck! :D
Very good playing, bravo!
Thank you!!!
Gramps has some bad ass chops
Thanks. And yes, I am a grandpa. 🤟
Best review of this guitar on RUclips
Thank Lunarwave! I appreciate it.
I’m not so sure on that sustainiac pickup just yet. I’m stuck between having both fishmans or the sustainiac because I play mostly 70s to 80s Rock in the band with some 90s to 2000s Rock/punk. Not so much metal unless I’m just messing around in between breaks.
So what did you decide? For me, the Sustainiac just added a whole new tool that has an effect on everything I play "lead guitar wise". It's really changed my entire approach to making melodies. Unlimited sustain to me is like the equivalent of giving an athlete unlimited energy and oxygen.
It made what was limited, limitless. Incredible! I don't know if I can actually play without it now. It's kinda like the same reason guys get married. ;)
A) I want, nay, I NEED that guitar.
B) I could listen to you play all day.
Thanks for the kind words Mr. Hammer. Hope you're able to get that new guitar!
I saw this in a store last week. I should have tried it out. Now it's in my top 3 "want that" list. The other is a Schecter Keith Merrow mkIII 7 standard. And a Dingwall NG3 5
@@BrettFunkGuitar I did, indeed, get it just this week and its everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It doesn't look one bit out of place next to my USA-made guitars that cost 3X as much. More importantly, it plays and sounds amazing.
@@gottlicherhammer Congrats Bro!!! That's fantastic!!!
Mr. Funk Thank you for the informative review. Thank you for the price changes history on this guitar. Are they still available thru your
Sweetwater rep., Nick. Since you sold me on this guitar, you should get the credit .
You're welcome, congrats! Nick LaMendola is my Sweetweater sales rep. He's a great guy.
They are still in stock. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1FRSEltBFB--schecter-c-1-fr-s-sls-elite-black-fade-burst
Damn you. Just ordered exact guitar
Congrats! Hope you love it!
I just ordered that guitar, then I heard you play it. Now I want to give everything away and quit playing..😂 You are an amazing player
Thanks for the kind words. Never quit!
Just get inspired to practice more and you'll be better than me in no time. :D
Thanks for the video. 2nd day with this guitar in Antique Fade. Lovin it. Don't have the issue with the center position Suatainiac above the 12th fret. Wondering it you lowered the pickup magnet when you lowered the action? If not could the difference in gap b causing your problem? One would think not because it should just increase the pull, but I've seen weirder things.
Congrats man, and thanks for the information. I'll have to tinker some more with the pups.
Hey Brett, magic tone there plus great finger work! The Sustainiac and Fernandes sustainer predate the ebow by quite a long way. I bought a Sustainiac about 15 years ago for something like £250 from the folks that make them to put into a custom build of mine. Neal Schon has used them forever. Satch and Steve Lukather are also fans. Jack Thammarat is a master with them. Make some more ambient jams to delight us please!
Thanks Graeme! Will do. There are a lot more on the way. I like JT too. I use a bunch of his JTC backings when I'm practicing. Good stuff!
I feel like the finish near the horns looks off... "scuffed" looking. Other than that nice guitar. I'm getting the sls elite in black fade, but that antique fade looks nice too.
Congrats on your new guitar!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Is there anything better than "new gear day"? Don't let our ladies know but... the birth of our kids, the day we get married... They're a close second.
Look forward to ordering this one! You mentioned some instructional videos coming? I'm nowhere near this level!
Yes, I'm waiting on two pieces of gear to begin my video run!
Love the music (as well as the guitar). This is tasteful playing that lets the music breath. Not hundreds of notes at breakneck speed, so boring - although Brett is more than capable of doing so when it 'fits', as we can see and hear. Cheers!!
Thanks for the kind words Phil! :D
C1 schecter SUSTAINIAC is my signature brand,
Right on, Rock on!!! :D
Nice licks!!! You will be responsible for my next purchase, now i know what to give to myself for my 50th birthday ; D
Congrats! Happy Birthday!
@@BrettFunkGuitar thank you!!
Did any of you notice fret buzz on your elite? If so what did you end up doing? Return? Try different strings? The nut on these seem to be set for very low action. Thanks all
I've not had that problem. I would take it to a luthier and let them have a look, then decide whether to return it. Good luck!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks Brett. Very appreciated
Got one today ....truly amazing 😍♥️♥️♥️ it's amazing the joy a guitar can bring a person
Congrats! Have fun! Happy New Year!
Great lead guitaring.
Thanks John!
Very Nice Moves!
Thanks Kytronn!
Your awesome man I subbed keep it up
Thanks Brandon. I appreciate it. I'm getting closer and closer to launching my new lesson program on RUclips. It's been two years of content creation, and I'm getting so close. Thanks for watching!
Sounds like maybe the gate is kicking in. Have you tried that note without the gate?
Yeah, it's not the gate. I'm still tweeking it. Positions 1 and 3 work perfect, and this thing plays like butter, but a few notes in position 2 seem to fail, but not always. I think it's the active pickup. My Blackjack with the Duncan "Full Shred" works perfect in every mode.
Dude I want to take you to Guitar Center and flim you putting every young #$%^@# to shame. Thoroughly impressed with your shredding vs taste abilities.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I don't even play guitars when I go into guitar center anymore. I've been teaching guitar full time, plus gigging, for nearly 30 years now. Currently I'm doing Skype lessons with all my local students, and I've added some remote students. It's going way better than expected. I thought Skype was gonna suck, but I got it nailed now.
Just bought this guitar new, no manual, what the hell is the tubular piece of metal for which you get with the Allen key and spring pack???? I have no idea. Cheers.
That tubular piece of metal is to adjust your truss rod. Look at the spot where your neck meets the body. See that round metal thing with the holes in it? That where you would use that tool to adjust the bow in your neck. But I would suggest that you don't use that unless you're certain you know what you're doing.
@@BrettFunkGuitar thank you, I will pretend I did not get it.
@@mevideoism6738 If you ever have issues with your neck, take it to a good guitar tech and be sure you have all the tools that came with the guitar. Congrats on the new guitar!
@@BrettFunkGuitar any advice or tutorials on how to restring a floyd rose, any do’s and donts? What do you use to block the bridge when restringing a battery, a piece of cork? Do you recent all fine tuners to the half way mark before locking the nut?etc etc cheers!!!!
@@mevideoism6738 ruclips.net/video/Z9iy_V-Duoc/видео.html
Dude! You 'improvised' that solo? Nice, super TASTEFUL. Nice Schecter, BTW. Waiting for the single-cut ("Solo" Series) version. Thanks for an excellent demo'.
Yes, that was one improvised take from start to finish. Thanks for the kind words Mr. Wapitty. Congrats on the new axe. Have fun!!!
Damn I wish I could play like you.... I'm 50 years old and wanting to start, do you think i'm too old? do you think i can get as good as you?
Thanks for the kind words. I don't see why you couldn't be as good as you want to be. It's all about time spent, and how you spend that time.
Hi mr. Funk. I am 71 old and In the end I also bought this identical guitar that will reach me this week. I had taken a PRS with the floyd last year, but then I returned it after few days because I couldn't keep it tuned. Maybe I had to try again. Can you tell me if can keep it tuned with this Schecter whithout problems ? Good music is yours, would like to play half like you !
Nothing will stay in tune better than a Floyd Rose, but you have to have it setup correctly.
Check out this video with "Floyd Rose".
ruclips.net/video/DmCLWitfWx8/видео.html
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you for the answer but ... I am from Italy and I can undertand only a little english, but when it is spoken I cannot understand well. If sombody shows how or if it is written could be easier for me !
Nice video, very informative. How much does this guitar weigh? I see different weights online and the manufacturer has not responded yet.
Thanks! Mine is 7.2 pounds. Just weighed it. I used a bathroom scale, me plus guitar minus just me equals 7.2lbs. That's as close as I can get with the tools at hand. :D
@@BrettFunkGuitar thanks!
@@songfantasy670 Sure thing!
Hi Mr. Funk, I love your new Schecter! I love your playing too! Man your good! I've been looking at the Schecter C-1, and C-7 sls s FR, but the apocalypse red reign. I was hoping maybe by summer I can make that happen!
You said that your new guitar looked kind of green. On my laptop It looks okay, but on my tv screen it does look green. But to me it looks good either way. Maybe that's something Schecter should look at!
I've had two different Schecter so far and the both were awesome, they both had the sustainiac. The ones that I had had a fine tuning adjustment on the board in the back, you might can work out that problem you were talking about! I wise I hadn't sold then! I love what there doing over at Schecter.
I hate to ask you, but will you please cover up your big white legs in the next video, there blinding me!!! Ha Ha.LOL!
Thank you for sharing the awesome video.
Hope you have fun with your new Schecter!
Thanks again
See you In the next video!
Todd P.
Thanks Todd! I have a student with the Red Reign, it's a fantastic guitar!!!
Good luck!
Very nice video. Are you using a delay pedal or a reverb pedal?
I'm using a very old Digitech GSP-2101LE rack processor, but the only effects in the chain of this patch are compression, distortion, and delay. :D
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks
Sure thing, here is a video of my patch settings.
ruclips.net/video/LcV4UMYZ1Ds/видео.html
Bad ass solo.
Thanks Edward!
Have a link for backing track? Or scales used? Trying to learn soloing more. And how you not have more subscribers...dang that was tastg
Umm teach me? Love the video!!! You are a beast at guitar!!! You live in Colorado?!
Thanks David. Yes, I'm in Longmont, and I'd be happy to teach you. :D
Give me a call - brettfunk.com
Nice playing man. 👍
Thanks Jonas!
WOW, cool ... where can I find these backing tracks you use ?
Thanks Mazen! I get most of my backing tracks from Jam Track Central - jtcguitar.com/
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you, Would you please tell me what is the name of it ? Many Thanks
@@MazenArafat jtcguitar.com/store/jamtracks/5263
@@MazenArafat I would recommend this package. All the backings are great. If you like this one, you'll like all of these>
jtcguitar.com/store/package/jack-thammarat-complete-box-set/
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thank you very much
I want an Apocolypse with sustaniac,but just stock hardtail,no tremelo
One of my students just bought one, it's fantastic! I love that it has the knob that lets you control the gain of the Sustainiac, just like my Blue Blackjack. Both my other Schecters don't have that control for the Sustainiac, you have to open up the back to adjust the gain of each setting from there. I'm gonna see if I can forfeit the tone knob and have my luthier rewire the Sustainiacs so they have front side gain control .
Why no tremolo? It's really cool what you can do with a Floyd and a Sustainiac together
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1ApocFRSRR--schecter-c-1-fr-s-apocalypse-red-reign
I think schecter always pair the sustaniac with a floating trem, but I think it would be great to have that combination
Sweetwater is the best. Bought and Epi SG from them. Could not be happier.
Awesome!
Could you please explain what about the "book matching" caused you to return the first two? This looks like a great guitar for the price... Not a fan about the "made in Singapore" thing, which is where I believe these are made. What's your opinion of it now that you've had it for a while?
It says they are made in South Korea on the back of the headstock.
What I didn't like about the bookmatching on the first guitar they sent me was how uneven it appeared in the center between the pickups. The one I kept looks much better than the first one.
Here is more info on bookmatching: www.sweetwater.com/insync/bookmatching/
And to answer your other question, this guitar is so sweet. It plays incredible. I'm very happy with my purchase! Thanks for watching!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks for the info. My list of guitars ~1k I'd love to own is growing quickly! I just bought a Reverend and there's a Charvel next up.
@@PerryCodes Congrats man! It's great to have instruments you love! :D
Did you figured out why after the 12th fret the Sustaniac wasn't working?
Actually my Luthier has it at the moment. I'm getting a fret level/dress and full setup.
I believe the issue is with the three "sustainiac gain" knobs under the back plate. I decided to wait till my Luthier has put D'Addario's on it to mess with the settings.
FYI: Whenever I get a new guitar, be it brand new or used, I spend the $130.00 to have my own Luthier do the fret level/dress and full setup, and it makes a world of difference.
Another thing most people don't think about is that when you get a new guitar, even if the intonation is set perfectly, you have to reset your intonation if you so much as change string brands, even if they are the same size set of strings, like 10-46, etc. I only learned that part recently.
I'll let you know when I get it back, and I'll make a new video.
Thanks for watching!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Thanks for the Response!!! I'm really considering buying this guitar for me, it is beautiful, and I've been told that the Sustaniac pickup is quite fun to play, it really encourage creativity, now, I know that Schecter has lots of models with sustaniac, Would you say that this is a Versatile guitar?
Again thanks for the Reply! and Let me know whenever that video is ready, I'm already subscribed to your channel
@@star_gazing I have three Schecter's with Sustainiacs now. I love them. Very versatile.
Many of my students have them now too.
One of my students just bought this model, and it's beautiful!
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1ApocFRSRR--schecter-c-1-fr-s-apocalypse-red-reign
@@BrettFunkGuitar For less than $20 you can buy "The key" which makes it easy to set intonation yourself very quickly.Another trick is to use "Hollow points" but instead of leaving a whole set on,I just put 1 on,set the intonation and lock down the saddle screw,and take it back off.Also those lock screws and saddle screws aren't chrome,they're stainless steel,that's a Schecter exclusive Floyd Rose 1500 tremolo.
@@Slicklickz Thanks for the input Bro! I appreciate it!
Oddly enough, as much confidence I have in my playing, I ALWAYS second guess myself when it comes to setups that are beyond a simple truss rod adjustment. My luthier is world class, so I let the mechanic do the job.
He's even offered to teach me, but I've always felt that a real pro at "anything" is the person you want working on your stuff if you want it just right. It's all about knowledge and experience.
My guy is the guitarist in an incredibly good VH cover band here in Colorado, and he builds amps too. He takes good care of me, his son was a student of mine.
How does the sustainiac pickup work when you turn off the sustainiac? Particularly in comparison to c-1 sls elite which does not have sustainiac?
I don't have a comparison to the non-sustainiac version of this guitar, but the sustainiac driver sounds pretty good when it's being used as a pickup. I really don't use it for that. When I'm playing my Schecter it's usually so that I can use the sustainiac driver.
Imagine the sustainiac with a whammy pedal and a wah wah!
Sounds like fun!
HELP: I recently bought this guitar and I cannot figure out how to get the whammy bar in. I apply so much pressure and it still wont go in
There is an allen head screw on the side of the collar that surrounds the whammy bar hole. You must loosen it up, insert the bar, then tighten it just enough where it will stay in one position. Whatever you do, don't force it. Your guitar should have come with the allen wrench you need to adjust this screw.
Brett Funk my guitar did not come with Allen key, I tried loosening it, I put it in and it still did not stay in place.
Brett Funk never mind, got it, thank you for the help!
@@Andrew-no2ds Anytime!!! Glad you got it squared away. :D Have fun!!!
Brett Funk one more question. Every time I press down of the low E string on every fret above the 12th, the strings action is so low that the string touches the bottom pickups. I have tried using the heel access trust rod adjuster but the string does not raise at all. I am not playing in a low tuning either.
Hi Brett, I bought this exact same guitar, it has some trouble with sustain, it seemed to work but was weak. I raised the post by one turn on each side of the sustainiac seems to work fairly good in fundamental, middle setting is weak, top setting is OK. is there any advice you can give? , can it be adjusted any other way? how did you fix the above 12 fret problem. Mine does not sound like yours which is what I expected with delay and such.
Honestly, I've not even put new strings on it yet. I've been working with video editing and lights. However, I plan to put some D'Addario XL-110's on it soon, and see if I can get past that 12th fret issue in the hybrid (middle) position.
Part of the difference in the tone you're getting compared to mine could be whatever you're running your guitar through. What amp are you using? Mine is running through an old Digitech GSP-2101LE with a patch I tailored over a few decades. EQ and gain also will play a part in this. I'll report back after I get new strings and hopefully get the hybrid position working. Like I said in the video, all three positions work perfectly on my blue Blackjack with the Sustainiac. Good luck, let me know if you discover anything we can learn from.
@@BrettFunkGuitar
Thanks for the reply,
I meant the way it sustains is different, In a different post on here one person posted " If you lay the guitar on a padded table with the Sustainiac on and a jack plugged into the output will the strings begin to oscillate on their own? No amp connected". I get nothing on that with mine. also, if I switch from fundamental to hybrid ( or any switching for that matter) while sustaining a note it craps out. Sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to figure out if I should send this back for a replacement pup or if it's just me expecting too much. ha ha. Thanks for your time.
@@robertmoore4602 Are you sure your cable is plugged into the guitar and the Sustainiac switch is in the on position for the first test? Also, NEVER leave the cable plugged into this guitar when you're not playing it, it will drain both batteries.
If I were you, first thing I would do is put two fresh Energizer or Duracell 9volts in the battery boxes. That could be the entire issue if your batteries are low.
I still have to figure out the 12th fret situation with the hybrid position. I think you can get it to work. It does take a moment for the change to happen when you change from one position to the other. I'll let you know more after I change the strings. Good luck!!!
@@robertmoore4602 And never be sorry for asking questions. That's how we get answers my friend! If we all share our information freely, that's a step towards us all achieving our goals! :D
Hey Brett, After going nuts for a week trying to figure this out, I talked with the folks at sustainiac and they explained how it should be set. after setting it to their specs it works perfectly! I bought this from the same place as you so I just don't know how something like that could be missed (pup recessed to much and gain trimpot set too low)!. Pretty disappointing regarding that but, It's working perfectly now! Your playing is incredible and your demo sold me on this particular guitar. Some people have said the sustainiac is to much of a gimmick but, I'm seeing it as another tool to be a bit creative with. Cheers!
But does the Sustaniac work as a standard pickup? Great video, superb playing, by the way!
The sustainiac is really two things in one if it's "humbucker size". What I mean is this. The humbucker version is half "sustainiac driver" that creates the magnetic field. The other half is a single coil pickup, which sounds okay, but nothing remarkable. If you are using that single coil pickup side and have the sustainiac turned "off", but then turn the sustainiac "on", it automatically switches your output to come from your bridge pickup, because the sustainiac can not do both functions at the same time. You can also get a sustainiac single coil, but it's ONLY a driver, and will not give any sound of it's own. Notice the guitar in this video, Satch has a single sustainiac driver in his neck position and a humbucker in his bridge position. This means he can only get sound from the bridge pickup. But that guitar is so sweet looking. I want one.
ruclips.net/video/xSayYNy28TA/видео.html
Hi I just purchased this guitar and I have a question about the push pull knob. I read one is the active voice and the other is the high output humbucker voice. Would you happen to know which is which when pulling/pushing the tone knob I don’t have a guitar ear so they both sound the same to me haha? Thanks!
I believe that Voice 1 is active if the knob is in it's standard (pushed in) position, and that when you pull the tone knob you are activating voice 2. I am not 100% certain of this, but it makes sense that voice 1 would be the default.
Modern Humbucker Alnico Voicings:
Voice 1 (Modern Active): The ideal active alnico sound. Full, round, and boosted, but with unprecedented articulation and dynamics.
Voice 2 (Crisp, clean and fluid): The clean, crisp neck humbucker tone you’ve always wanted without the thin, plinky sound you don’t.
Having said that. I've noticed on 2 of this same model guitar, one of which I just finished setting up a few hours ago for one of my students, that the Sustainiac Hybrid Mode - Center Toggle Position, only works (all the way up and down the neck) if you pull out the knob and activate voice 2. Also, understand that behind the big plate in the back are three Sustainiac intensity adjustment knobs. You have to take the back plate off to adjust them, or drill access holes in the back plate itself as I did. However, I have had all three Sustainiac intensity knobs turned up full, and they work great.
Hope that helps.
@@BrettFunkGuitar thank you so much!!!!
@@bryanjacome9164 You're welcome, Bryan!
Nice!
I read that floyed rose goes out of tune if you bend. Is it true?
No tremolo system will stay in tune better than a Floyd Rose, but it's very important that everything is setup correctly. If you don't know what you're doing with a Floyd, it can be a bit frustrating. Once you have it all figured out, it's amazing!!! :D
Brett is correct. Floyd's and ibanez edge trems stay in tune like nothing else.
Yeah Brett you rock
Thanks co_li!
What brand are those guitars up on the wall at the top? They look very nice!
I owned my first Zion in 1988. I went to the 1995 NAMM show in search of the best playing guitar on the showroom floor. I played everything. I walked away with another Zion.
zionguitars.com/
Can you split the coils of the fishman pickup?
I never split coils on my bride pup, so I don't know. I'll test it next time I plug it in and let you know what I find out. I think that the coil tap from the tone push/pull effects both pickups, but I'm not 100% certain.
You have to buy specific switch to do it. It's rare too, cost me $150 to split the fishmans on my kiesel
So it is a tap and not a split then? Awesome video by the way man, keep it up.
@@musicessentials5275 This guitar doesn't appear to have an extra switch to split the Fishman, but perhaps the push pull tone knob is doing the same function as the switch you're referring to.
I just plugged in the Schecter, and the push pull tone knob absolutely changes the sound of the both the Sustainiac in the neck, and the active Fishman in the bridge, and both pups when the selector switch is in the middle position.
Based on this article, clearly the Fishman is split when the push pull knob is pulled out rather than being tapped, because only a single coil pup can be tapped.
www.haloguitars.com/store/coil-split-vs-coil-tap-whats-the-difference
Both terms refer to electric guitar pickups, and while the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, coil splitting and coil tapping are definitely not the same thing.
Coil splitting refers in particular to humbucking pickups, in which two coils of wire and two magnets are used together. These coils and magnets are of opposite polarity, which cancels (“bucks”) unwanted noise and hum and produces higher output and a thicker, heavier sound. In coil splitting, the connection between the two coils of a humbucking pickup is broken, disabling one coil and allowing the other to continue to function.
In effect, coil splitting turns a humbucking pickup into a single-coil pickup - a useful feature for guitarists who like both options at their fingertips without having to switch guitars. On instruments that feature it, coil splitting is usually accomplished by means of various onboard switching types.
Coil tapping, on the other hand, refers in particular to single-coil pickups. Tapping a coil means taking the signal from somewhere within the coil of wire rather than from the end of it, thus reducing pickup output (more windings means higher output); it too is accomplished by onboard switching. Some high-output single-coil pickups use coil taps to produce lower output that more closely resembles that of, say, a vintage Fender single-coil pickup.
Of the two features, coil splitting is more prevalent than coil tapping.
Does this guitar have push-pull knobs?
Volume/Tone (Push-Pull)/3-Way (Pickup) Switch/2-Way On-Off Sustainiac Switch/3-Way Sustainiac Mode Switch (Fundamental-Mix-Harmonic)
Nice video
Greetings to you sir
I hope you do guitar covers for awesome songs
Because your playing is amazing
All love and respect to you sir
Thanks Hema!
Zlease help me understand the Sustaniac. If you lay the guitar on a padded table with the Sustainiac on and a jack plugged into the output will the strings begin to oscillate on their own? No amp connected. The one I bought does that but a demo one I tried at another store did not. Guitar Center will allow me to return it for another or a refund.
Your guitar is working correctly. If the Sustainiac pickup is turned on, it makes ALL the strings vibrate, ALL the time.
The one at the store probably had a nearly dead battery in it.
Be SURE to ALWAYS unplug your guitar cable from the guitar when you're not playing it, or the battery will die quickly.
Anytime that a cable is plugged into the guitar, it is drawing juice from the battery, even if the Sustainiac pickup is turned off.
And, the active pickup's battery is the exact same.
NEVER leave this guitar plugged in if you're not playing it.
Hope that helps! Have fun!!!
surely this guy can play anything... on any guitar...
Thanks for the kind words. :D
Hey Brett, Just found your site. And just learning about Schecter Research guitars. Pretty much old school Gibson/Fender guy playing 70's/80's classic rock but finding that those guitars are both expensive and not giving me the sustained sound I crave. (Also, now believe both companies use nostalgia to bait ya and then reel you in. Their pricing is actually sort of ridiculous.) So I also live in Colorado and just tried out a C-1 Platinum FR-S at one of the local GCs. Sustainiac was great. Can't afford a Jackson PC-1 so the C-1 seems to be a reasonable alternative. Was previously looking at a Fender Elite Strat which has solid sound versatility and a very playable neck. But the Schecter really gives me OD and sustain I cannot get out of the Fender. And it's sound can be cleaned up when needed. Bottom line, have pretty much decided to pursue a Hellraiser now. Pricing is way better. And your video just confirms all of this! Nice job man. Might run into you somewhere in the State as some point so cheers!
Thanks for the great comment! I'm always here. And I love to jam with other players. Call me when you're around. I'm way easy to find.
brettfunk.com
Incredible playing. Love the tone. What are you playing it through?
Thanks man. I'm playing through a very old Digitech GSP-2101LE
Here is more info: ruclips.net/video/LcV4UMYZ1Ds/видео.html
Broncos baby!
Why do all of these youtubers use a pair of scissors instead, of a box blade to "unbox" their new guitar? Its buggin' me to no end. That being said, can you review the Schecter PT SLS Elite?
Absolutely! Send me a Schecter PT SLS Elite and a box blade and I will get on it immediately. ;)
How heavy is this guitar? How you like the Ultra Slim C neck? OH, GC is giving 20% also. I am ready to dive in after seeing your review. Thanks!
It feels like the weight of a strat. Feels great! Did you go ahead and get the guitar?
played the evil twin with sustainiac today and it blew my Sustained Mind 😮😮😮😮 getting that baby next week omg
Did I hear that correctly '5 or 6 w*nk notes in 5 minutes' :-). That word obviously means something very different, in the US/Canada :-)
A wank note is a "bad" note. ;)
@@BrettFunkGuitar In the UK, it means something very different :-)
@@martialway100 Well, it means the same thing here too. But a common term for a guitar player is "guitar wanker", at least among my friends.
I just bought it from American music supply for $ 1089.
Congrats man, you'll love it. That's a great price!
I now have 3 Sustainiac Schecters.
Just got a Sun Valley Super Shredder. I'll have a new unboxing video and review soon.
Awesome playing, Brett! I just got an identical guitar (color and all). I, too, have the issue with the sustaniac loosing the notes on higher frets. Did you ever try swapping out the strings with daddario? If so, did that help?
I did swap out the strings for the D'Addarios and had a full setup by my luthier. Turns out that if you take the back plate off, there are individual "gain" knobs for each of the three Sustainiac modes. You set them and then leave them in the best configuration that you like.
My Blackjack has a knob on the front of the guitar that controls the "gain" of the Sustainiac in all three modes. It's much easier to make "real time" changes to the Sustainiac gain with this configuration, but if you get your back panel gains dialed in, it should work perfectly. It's a trial and error process until you find the sweet spot for the way you want the Sustainiac to respond to your individual playing style.
Good luck, have fun!!!
@@BrettFunkGuitar Good to know - thank you! I think it's just that one position that needs higher gain on my guitar (if anything one may need to be turned down). Really enjoying this guitar so far!
@@aaronledbetter7429 Sweet, let me know if you get it dialed in. Post a video! :D
Ole boy's got some chops!!!!lol.
Thanks Mike. How did I get to be the old guy? When did that happen?
@@BrettFunkGuitar My apologies sir, but probably the same way I did, a lot of long days and nights. lol
LOL
I ordered this guitar! and I'm waiting for it! This is the best review I've seen out there, I've also check your other videos where you feature this guitar, and I'm really confident I've made the right decision, which amp are you using?
Thanks Man!!! I'm playing through a Digitech GSP-2101LE. I have a half dozen of them, and I've yet to be able to reproduce "my tone" with anything else. I have an AxeFXII, and Line 6 gear, and I just keep going back to the old boxes.
This video shows my setup and I go through every parameter in my crunch and clean patches.
ruclips.net/video/LcV4UMYZ1Ds/видео.html
What is your favorite guitar in your collection so far? send me the model# so I can shop for one. Thanks
James in Tx.
My blue Zion, Classic Maple - 1988 - Hoover Era
I'm playing the blue Zion in this video.
ruclips.net/video/8ZobkQsm5Dg/видео.html
Here is a used one, probably mid 90's, but still Hoover Era. I ordered mine direct from Ken Hoover and it came custom to my specs, Floyd Rose & EMG's 85-SA-SA, the rest is the same, except for the color.
www.ebay.com/itm/Zion-The-Classic-electric-guitar-with-custom-paint-job-and-upgraded-nut/163766397737