Schecter Stiletto Studio-4 Left-handed Review

The best-sounding bass I own; a real winner!

I've played bass guitar in various groups over the last 50 years. In my early playing days, being a lefty was a big disadvantage. I'd have to take right-handed guitars and string them "backwards" so that the strings would be in their normal configuration (E as the top string). My first truly left-handed bass was a 1974 Fender Telecaster that I still own, but it was a heavy guitar… read more with a neck like a baseball bat and by today's standards, had a very muddy sound coming from its one humbucker neck pick-up. Today, lefty basses are common. I currently own nine (including the second bass I ever owned, a righty 1968 Gibson EB3 short-scale that I flipped the strings on and played "upside down"). Some of those basses I bought simply because I liked their colors. And so it was with the Schecter Studio 4. It was love at first sight when I laid my eyes on it. I read up on it and saw that a number of people considered it more of a "metal" guitar, but I didn't care. I wanted it. The guitar arrived with only two minor flaws: The treble and mid knobs had to be re-centered so the screw in them was sitting on the detent notch, so I could tell by looking how to adjust the particular knob (yes, I'm probably OCD on those minor details). Otherwise, it was set up beautifully, with a low action and no fret buzz. This is the first guitar I've owned with a 3-band active EQ and it definitely makes a positive difference, particularly to someone who's played Fender Jazz and Precision basses for years. I already own a Schecter Model-T Session that has a 2-band EQ (which is a wonderful guitar I highly recommend, by the way), but having a mid-EQ control makes a world of difference. I can go from a deep to a trebly tone with just making a few quick adjustments; it's great! Some reviews have stated that the guitar feels heavy. It doesn't feel heavy to me. I played it for three hours of a 4-hour gig just recently and it didn't bother my shoulder (I also use padded 3-inch-wide guitar straps which really eases the load over a long gig). And while some commentators have stated this is primarily a guitar for metal, I find it to be quite versatile. My band plays some hard rock, but nothing approaching metal. We primarily play classic rock, so while I might use a pick for some driving hard rock number, I'll also use my fingers on some Motown tune and it sounds lovely. I love this guitar. When I play a 4-hour gig, I usually take three basses with me. I'll play one the first hour, another the second and play the third one for the final two sets (why have a bass if you don't play it). As I mentioned earlier, I played this one for 3 out of 4 sets my last gig and didn't want to take it off then. If you're a lefty and looking for just one guitar to buy, buy this one. You will not be sorry.

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The Only Bass I haven't SOLD

I've had a constantly rotating stock of basses through the years. This one is the only one that I don't even consider selling/trading. I have been buying trading playing all the different makes and models so I can find "the one for me" and I feel like I've already found it. I have long fingers and the neck, although much thicker than most, fit's perfect. I have full access to… read more every fret without any reaching or straining and I can do it comfortably. I could see it not being favorable for someone with short fingers. The tone is absolutely amazing, I have an older model with the EMG Hz passive pickups paired with the active preamp. Compared to my full active ibanez it's not as bright BUT being a 34" scale and strung up BEAD with NYXLs off a 5 set it's not meant to be. The notes hit deep and full and sustain for days. The only modifications I have made are a Hipshot D-tuner and soon I'll be installing a set of active pickups (just because I have them laying around if they are too hot I'll go back to the original pickups). The price on this is a little high, but when you compare it with instruments that are even more expensive than this it becomes obvious how much value you are getting. I really can't see myself spending more to only get marginally better quality. If this isn't your main bass it certainly deserves a spot in your collection.

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Great Choice

I have always played a right handed bass upside down. It's how I learned. On guitar I had made the change to left handed guitars. But after 45 years I decided to make the change. Although there isn't a lot to choose from, Most are cheap entry level basses. Fender offers a number of lefty models but I already have a jazz bass. So I came across this Schecter. Never played one but… read more thought I'd give it a shot. I absolutely love this bass! Great balance,and the neck is perfect. Sweetwater set it up(as always) and the action is so low I barely have to put pressure to form the notes. Plays like a dream. Active EQ and humbucker pick ups give it deep bottom end and great tone through both pick ups. Special shout out to Matt Fuller, my sales rep. Totally took great care of me and my order. Definitely recommend the Schecter stiletto studio 4. Honey satin finish is beautiful

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I like it.

Great bass for the price. I was looking for a lefty (not lots of choices in the bass world), with a nice natural wood finish. The contrast of the through neck really sets it off, along with the gold hardware. The tonal qualities are vast, with bass, mid, and treble controls (active), and a pickup pan control. The neck is a bit fat compared to my Ibanez SG500, but I still moved… read more around on it just fine. Weight is about normal, and balance is comfortable. I would recommend it.

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Sonorous work of art

I love this bass! I've got Fenders, Gibsons, and Yamahas that all cost at least twice what this Schecter set me back, and I couldn't be happier with this beauty. Looks wonderful, sounds wonderful, easy to play, and the price is right. I'm going to buy the 5 string too!

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