The acoustic-electric model sports new inlays, fresh proprietary Pasadena pickups, a Fishman Powerbridge and a versatile switching system to maximize the plethora of tones on offer
(Image credit: Schecter)
Schecter has made up for its NAMM 2022 absence by introducing a newly tweaked C-1 E/A semi-hollow electric guitar.
Arriving in two fresh colorways – the old school Faded Vintage Sunburst and contemporary Satin Vintage Pelham Blue – the latest iteration of the single-f-hole six-string joins the flagship Cat’s Eye-finished model, though introduces a host of new aesthetic and functional appointments.
Chief among the spec sheet is the returning Fishman Powerbridge pickup, which is housed in the Nashville-style bridge. According to Fishman, its Powerbridge promises to supply both genuine acoustic guitar sounds to an electric platform and a blend of hybrid acoustic/electric tones.
The Powerbridge is joined by a new pickup pairing, which is headed up by a set of Schecter Pasadena and Pasadena Plus humbuckers situated in the neck and bridge positions, respectively.
The three pickups answer to an easy to navigate – yet pretty sophisticated – control layout, comprising Magnetic Volume and Magnetic Tone controls, the latter of which doubles as a push-pull pot, presumably for coil-splitting.
Other controls include a standard three-way pickup selector for the two humbuckers and an additional three-way output toggle switch, which moves between humbucker-only, both and Powerbridge-only positions.
A notable functional improvement can be found on the headstock, which swaps out the original’s Grover tuners for Schecter locking alternatives.
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There have been some aesthetic pick-me-ups as well, most notably in the form of the pearloid three-piece block inlays, which replace the standard dot inlays of the previous incarnation.
Build-wise, the newly appointed C-1 E/A Classic features a mahogany body – the Faded Vintage Sunburst version also comes equipped with a Zebrawood top – as well as a newly appointed carbon fiber reinforced three-piece set maple neck with Ultra Access heel contour.
It’s joined by a 14”-radius ebony fretboard – favored over its predecessor's rosewood 'board – which is topped with 24 jumbo frets and a Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut.
Matt is a Senior Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.
