Schecter Hellraiser C-8 Electric Guitar Black Cherry
Description
Schecter Hellraiser C-8 Electric Guitar in Black Cherry
The Hellraiser C-8 sits perfectly in the hands of eight-string players who demand both comfort and control. Its thin "C"-shaped neck and extended 28" scale are purpose-built for lower tunings and heavier attack, while the set-neck construction with Ultra Access cutaway ensures you can reach every fret without wrestling the guitar. The arched quilted maple top and mahogany body aren't just eye candy—they contribute real tonal substance and sustain when you're pushing hard on stage or in the studio.
Playability & Neck Performance
The mahogany 3-piece neck features carbon fiber reinforcement rods that keep the neck rock-solid through aggressive playing and tuning stress, with minimal neck dive to slow you down. The thin "C" profile—measuring 0.787" at the first fret and 0.866" at the 12th fret—lets your hand settle naturally, whether you're shredding high or diving into the extended lower registers. Twenty-four X-Jumbo frets on a 16" fretboard radius give you the articulation and speed needed for complex extended-range work, while the rosewood fretboard ages beautifully with use. The Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut and Schecter locking tuners lock your intervals solid before you hit the first note.
Tone & Electronics
Dual EMG 808 active pickups—bridge and neck—are purpose-designed for eight-string clarity and punch, cutting through dense tunings with focused aggression. Independent volume controls for each pickup plus a master tone control and 3-way switch give you real tonal flexibility mid-set, whether you're blending positions or committing to one voice. The 9-volt clip-in battery powers reliable active output night after night, while the Hipshot Hardtail hardtail bridge with string-through-body design locks sustain and resonance in place, delivering the note decay and body you need in a live rig.
Key Features
- Body: Mahogany with quilted maple top and abalone binding (BLK/WHT/BLK multi-ply)
- Color: Black Cherry (BCH) with black chrome hardware
- Construction: Set-Neck with Ultra Access cutaway
- Neck: Mahogany 3-piece with carbon fiber reinforcement rods; thin "C" profile
- Scale: 28" (711mm) extended scale for eight-string tuning
- Fretboard: Rosewood with 24 X-Jumbo frets and abalone Gothic cross inlays
- Fretboard radius: 16" (406mm)
- Nut: Graph Tech XL Black Tusq, 2.125" width
- Bridge: Hipshot Hardtail (.125) with string-through-body design
- Pickups: EMG 808 (bridge) and EMG 808 (neck) active pickups
- Controls: Volume/Volume/Tone with 3-way switch and 9-volt battery compartment
- Tuners: Schecter locking tuners; 2-way adjustable truss rod
The Hellraiser C-8 combines premium hardware, active electronics, and meticulous construction to deliver a dependable platform for extended-range playing.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Schecter Hellraiser C-8 is a purpose-built eight-string electric guitar engineered for metal, djent, and progressive styles that demand extended-range clarity and aggressive articulation. Its thin C-shaped neck, 28-inch scale, and carbon-fiber reinforcement deliver fast, stable playability without neck dive, while dual EMG 808 active pickups produce focused, high-output tone with a tight low end perfect for drop tunings and heavy riffing. Built with set-neck construction, a quilted maple top over mahogany, and a Hipshot Hardtail bridge, this is a serious, road-ready instrument for intermediate to professional players committed to lower-tuned music.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guitar good for players new to eight-string instruments?
This Hellraiser is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players experienced with extended-range tuning and heavy styles. The thin C-shaped neck and 28-inch scale are optimized for speed and articulation, making it best suited for those already familiar with eight-string playing rather than a first foray into extended range.
What pickup configuration does it have, and can I adjust the output?
The guitar features dual EMG 808 active pickups (bridge and neck) powered by a 9-volt clip-in battery. You get independent volume controls for each pickup plus a master tone control and 3-way switch, giving you flexibility to dial in different tonal characters within the focused, articulate EMG 808 voice.
How does the neck feel, and will it stay stable during heavy playing?
The neck features a thin C profile (0.787 inches at the first fret) and is reinforced with carbon fiber rods to eliminate neck dive and maintain stability. Paired with Schecter locking tuners and a 16-inch fretboard radius, the design prioritizes speed, precision, and tuning reliability even with aggressive playing.
What is the scale length, and why does it matter for eight-string tuning?
The 28-inch extended scale is essential for eight-string instruments, ensuring proper string tension and clarity in the lower registers where the extended range operates. This length preserves the tight low-end definition and articulation that the EMG 808 pickups are designed to capture.
What hardware and construction ensure this guitar is reliable for gigging and recording?
The Hellraiser combines a set-neck with Ultra Access cutaway for durability, a Hipshot Hardtail bridge with string-through-body design for maximum sustain, Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut for tuning stability, and locking tuners. This combination makes it dependable for both live and studio use without frequent maintenance.
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