Selling: Schecter ATX C8

Saying goodbye to my Schecter ATX C8, going for 50% off the purchase price.

• Schecter ATX C8 active 8-string guitar
• Condition: 8/10, hard case included
• Confirmation/ queries: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Self-collect: CCK mrt stn
• No reservations, no trades
• Price: $750 (final)

Attack Sunday

I'm still using D'Addario for my 8-string guitar; it's the only brand that would put me at ease in terms of compatibility issues.

That set went into my Schecter ATX C8. It's not evident here but my C8 is creaming off nicely :-)

I bought this Gator hardcase for another guitar but I ended up giving it to the C8 instead simply because it fits. Available at Davis GMC.

How difficult is it to play an 8-string? 

Do not begin by believing it's difficult just because it has 2 more strings. In fact, you should be delighted by the fact that you have 2 more strings which you can use to replicate ideas that you play on the higher B & G strings. I embrace the 8-string this way so there's no issue for me in terms of acceptance. In fact, I tune my thickest 8th string to G instead of the recommended F#...

Wider neck = obstacle?

Yes, the wider neck has an immediate impact to feel, one of rejection because you have to stretch you fingers to play what you'd play easily on a 6. However, if you posture your arm & hand suitably while playing, I'd say it's no real hindrance at all. I'd also recommend you play the 8 standing up, this way, your hands are suitably straightened to finger the frets more comfortably. Those of us who prefer playing the 8 sitting down often had to bend or arch the fretting hand excessively to reach the lower strings. This hinder movements hence promoting lethargy & mistakes.

Incompatibility issue (Schecter - D'Addario)

The objective of this post is not to demean brand names for any incompatibility issues. Manufacturers do not conceive their products to be compatible with others'... Anyway, the pic above shows the Schecter Omen 8. Please note the image you see above, I am highlighting the thickest string in the line-up. Portion A is thinner than Portion B so that it helps the string to go through the machine head hole without issues. This was the default string set, fitted back at the factory.

I bought 2 packs of D'Addario EXL 140-8 to restring both my Schecters.

It turned out that the thicker portion (Portion B) of the .074 string could not go through. Should I be content with just winding the excess portion, I'd be dealing with so much string material that it makes me look very stupid because the ATX sports a set of locking tuners, I hardly need a round's worth of excess string there.

So I thought maybe the holes in the locking units are smaller but it was the same frustration with the Omen 8's non-locking ones- it just wouldn't go through. The pic you see above was after I snipped off the thinner bits, I attempted to compress a little bit of the thicker portion in the hope that a sizable length would go through & I would be able to force-pull the remainder from the other side but it was a futile attempt.

So ladies & gentlemen, if you are hoping to get the EXL 140-8 for your Schecters, I would advise you NOT to do so.