7 stringers, I need some opinions

[mediumpimpin]

So after my last thread about what guitar I should get next for down tuned metal and Sanford suggesting a 7-string, I got to thinking. I talked to my guitar teacher a little about why he built his 7 string to bring to his band rehearsal in Tampa and he said he was having intonation probs with the 6 strings when he tuned all the way down to A. With my next guitar, I want to be able to do just that, tune down low. It will be a dedicated metal guitar, so keep that in mind.

So, I've been thinking about getting a 7 string to avoid intonation problems and so I don't lose a lot of range from tuning real low. What I wanna know is, how hard is a 7 string to transition to? I mean, is the wider neck and longer scale a big step away from typical fender/gibson scale lengths and necks? I have relatively small hands, so I'm a little apprehensive about a 7 string. I plan on making a trip down to GC or wherever has some good 7 strings, just to get a feel, but I'd like some opinions first. Also, as far as decent 7 strings under a grand, what should I be looking at? Before I had the 7 string idea, I had my sights set on this schecter, due to the blackouts:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-C1-ATX-Electric-Guitar?sku=515764

There is a 7 string version, which I like too. Both guitars are pretty much all business, which I like for this purpose. I'm not looking for a real pretty guitar this go around, I want something that plays and sounds good.

edit: I forgot about something else. How hard is it to transcribe downtuned 6 string stuff for a 7 string? I ask b/c that was the main reason I didn't want a 7 string at first, seeing how most bands play downtuned 6's.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Just getting a 7 string won't solve intonation problems. With the same guage, the low string on a 7 will respond the same as the low string on a 6 in the same tuning.

It's not hard to transcribe, but you have to watch out for the F# vs G string thing.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

I know the intonation won't get better just by having an extra low string, but I figured the extra inch of scale length would. I dunno what gauge I'd be using tho, I've never played a 7 before, much less something with a 26.5in scale.

 

[Toner]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

I have a couple 7s, and the longer scale length helps A LOT!

Since I tune mine standard with the low A dropped, I use ernie ball 10-56 Sets and they work perfectly, that set on a 25.5 7 string is floppy as hell, but nice on the 26.5 scales.

I also tune mine a little different too like the other guy said. I tune it like you normally would imagining the high E wasn't there, So I can still play a lot of the same Dropped power chords I would on a 6 string.

 

[NevermindUs]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

depending on the neck shape it could be a big difference, or none at all. i played a couple of really flat back ibanez 7s, but i went with the schecter gryphon 7 cause its got a curvier back and felt more natural

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

depending on the neck shape it could be a big difference, or none at all. i played a couple of really flat back ibanez 7s, but i went with the schecter gryphon 7 cause its got a curvier back and felt more natural

I haven't played a schecter in a loooooong time, much less a 7. Are their necks all pretty similar? I definitely don't like the ibanez shredder necks too much, they're way too thin and have really flat radius' that don't feel comfortable to me. I played LPs exclusively for a while so thick necks don't bother me too much.

 

[Ascension]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

IMO the carvin DC 727or 747 are in another league from the Shecters and the Ibanez. I had a nice DC747 in Green Burst Quilt over Mahogany at one time. Compared to the Carvin 7's an Ibanez Universe at over twice the price is a cheaply made shoddy piece of JUNK!!!
A base DC 747 will cost you $899 + the case.
Here ya go this will absolutely blow the Shecter or anything Ibanez builds at any price flat out of the water in, materials, build quality and playability!! It's not even CLOSE!!
http://www.carvinguitars.com/guitars-in-stock/single.php?Serial=100900

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

IMO the carvin DC 727or 747 are in another league from the Shecters and the Ibanez. I had a nice DC747 in Green Burst Quilt over Mahogany at one time. Compared to the Carvin 7's an Ibanez Universe at over twice the price is a cheaply made shoddy piece of JUNK!!!
A base DC 747 will cost you $899 + the case.
Here ya go this will absolutely blow the Shecter or anything Ibanez builds at any price flat out of the water in, materials, build quality and playability!! It's not even CLOSE!!
http://www.carvinguitars.com/guitars-in-stock/single.php?Serial=100900

Trust me, I know how good carvins are, my dc135t is my #1. I'm ordering a decked out cs6 sometime soon here. The dc747 is a little out of my price range tho, as I'd have to swap pups on it, the stockers aren't gonna do it for what I want.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Trust me, I know how good carvins are, my dc135t is my #1. I'm ordering a decked out cs6 sometime soon here. The dc747 is a little out of my price range tho, as I'd have to swap pups on it, the stockers aren't gonna do it for what I want.

Used the Carvins are a good deal. Had some guy on Boston CL that couldn't unload the thing for a measley $400 about a year ago.

I would say you might also want to look at the ESP SC607B; it has the scale you're looking for and the set neck. May be out of your price range though.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Used the Carvins are a good deal. Had some guy on Boston CL that couldn't unload the thing for a measley $400 about a year ago.

I would say you might also want to look at the ESP SC607B; it has the scale you're looking for and the set neck. May be out of your price range though.

Isn't the Stephen Carpenter a thru neck? That's a sweet guitar and all, but I think it's overpriced compared to the schecter I'm looking at. They both have the same hardware (tone-pros), the schecter has duncan blackouts (a plus imo) and the schecter has an ebony board (another plus). The only things the SC has on the schecter are the XJ frets (vs jumbo) and it's neck thru.

 

[Loserchief]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Schecter C-7 Hellraiser or blackjack ATX is where it's at imo, especially when considering bang-for-the-buck. Great features on both,you jsut pick if you want EMGs or blackouts.
Both have a very wide and thick neck with a very flat fretboard. the neck is a lot like a 6-string classical,maybe even wider, but imo it's the perfect 7-string neck.
I never found it hard to switch to 7-strings it just another string added on not a whole new instrument. The one extra inch ins cale isn't really noticeable in feel,but in tone imo(more clarity and better intonation)

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Well Comparing Schecter to Ibanez is somehow weird ,since they have totally different neck joint and shapes.The thickness is totally different too.

I needed 20 minutes to get familiar with the 7. string.I quit hitting the 7. accidently after 2 months.
Now i don't play 6s anymore and getting an 8 string soon.(A higher A will be added).

between 25,5" and 26,5" is not a big difference.At least playwise...

Check sevenstring.org for some advi ce and you can find many used ones there...Cheers!

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Schecter C-7 Hellraiser or blackjack ATX is where it's at imo, especially when considering bang-for-the-buck. Great features on both,you jsut pick if you want EMGs or blackouts.
Both have a very wide and thick neck with a very flat fretboard. the neck is a lot like a 6-string classical,maybe even wider, but imo it's the perfect 7-string neck.
I never found it hard to switch to 7-strings it just another string added on not a whole new instrument. The one extra inch ins cale isn't really noticeable in feel,but in tone imo(more clarity and better intonation)

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I guess I just need to get my ass down to GC and play whatever schecter 7s they have. If I like em, I'll probly go blackjack atx, I've really liked what I've heard from the blackouts. I do have some emgs in another axe, so it'd be cool to compare.

Well Comparing Schecter to Ibanez is somehow weird ,since they have totally different neck joint and shapes.The thickness is totally different too.

I needed 20 minutes to get familiar with the 7. string.I quit hitting the 7. accidently after 2 months.
Now i don't play 6s anymore and getting an 8 string soon.(A higher A will be added).

between 25,5" and 26,5" is not a big difference.At least playwise...

Check sevenstring.org for some advi ce and you can find many used ones there...Cheers!

Thanks, I didn't know about sevenstring.org, I'll check it out. I've seen those 8 strings, they look intimidating. I see your going the opposite route of what I've seen, most use the 8th string to go even lower, which is redundant in a band situation, imo cuz you're venturing into bass territory.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

I Have an ESP LTD SC-207 to sell ... 25.5 scale. $350 Shipped to CONUS

 

[vinterland]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

My 8 string has over a 2" nut width I don't know exactly what it is like 2.25 or something, compounds from 23.5 scale to a 26" and I had no trouble adjusting nor did I on any 7 strings either. It has a killer neck on it though, which makes a huge difference in feel. The only thing I can't do is wrap my thumb over the top which I do occasionally on string bends on 6 strings.

I'd look to Vigier for quality production 7's. Everything else I'd recommend would be custom shop.

 

[usagi]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

If you find the Blackjack or the Hellraiser neck to thick you should check out the Jeff Loomis sig Schecter model. The neck is more substantial than an Ibanez but I found it more comfortable than the Hellraiser. Also, checkout sevenstring.org if you have more questions.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Thanks for all the help guys, I went to GC today and got to play around a little on a c7 hellraiser. It was definitely a nice playing guitar and the emgs were pretty good too. The neck was really comfortable and the extra width and scale length didn't screw me up too bad. I didn't buy it cuz it was a scummy floor model and I need to wait a little while. I think I'm gonna order a blackjack atx c7 as soon as I get the money together.

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Sweet.
Again ,check sevenstring.org.
You will have enough knowlege about Schecters...If like the feel, stay away from Ibanez.
You can find some good deals on 7 string schecters there ,since many of 7 string players move to custom guitars these days...
Cheers man..Welcome to the club!

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Sweet.
Again ,check sevenstring.org.
You will have enough knowlege about Schecters...If like the feel, stay away from Ibanez.
You can find some good deals on 7 string schecters there ,since many of 7 string players move to custom guitars these days...
Cheers man..Welcome to the club!

Thanks, ya I won't be getting an ibanez anytime soon, unless they release a 7 string iceman with a non shredder neck, I'm not holding my breath. I will definitely be eyeballing 7string for a deal on a schecter. I really want the atx with the blackouts, so I may end up going with MF.

 

[kherman]

Re: 7 stringers, I need some opinions

Love my Carvin.
But, I have to agree with others.
If your going to do real low tunings a longer scale length is probsbly going to be more beneficial to you.
The 25.5 scale length on the Carvin is fine for standard B or even B flat.
But, once you start going to A, G, or F# tunings the longer scale will help with intonation and string tension in the those lower tunings.
But, obviously your fret spacing gets wider. So, that may or may not be a problem for you.
I'm personally more comfortable with the 25.5 scale. So, I stayed tuned to B flat.

Another thought may be the Agile 7 strings.
There's the Septor (25.5), interceptor (27), Interceptor Pro 25 (35.5, neck thru) right now.
Sometimes they do a 27" Int-Pro as well.
But, Rondo only posts their guitars on the site when the guitars are in stock.
http://www.rondomusic.com/

Other thoughts are customshop.
Ran
Shamray
RRR
KxK
GMW

to name a few.

As mentioned, hang out over at www.sevenstring.org for a while.
Very helpful info on 7 strings.


My 7s.

Carvin DC727.
Schecter V7.

Both 25.5 scale. But again, I stay tuned to B flat with no problems.