Schecter Scorpion Bass

Neck through, tuned BEAD (no G)
Tribal in fretboard, same as other guy that reviewed this bass.
They make one with "string through body" but I like the way this one looks, newer Scorpions arent as impressive looking.

"once properly adjusted" It sounds and Plays VERY WELL. YES the strings can be adjusted to hit the fretboard but they can be set up. Thanx Ken @ Rainbow repair 440-944-2530

Awesome bass, and I've owned MANY. I have 6 now and my Tribal Scorpion is my favorite!

I use it when I need a mean low growl. it never dissappoints me and Always impresses everyone that sees it.

If you call Schecter the will pick up the phone "hello...Schecter guitar research" usually within a few rings. If you email them, the will write you back later that day. They are Very Friendly.

Like I said, Its known as #6. and I wouldnt mind a Spector, but this bass is near and dear to me. Hell, Id like to buy another one (one with string through body) but Fiance wouldnt understand why I need 2 Scorpions. I bought Factory Strings, matching strap and Schecter hard case. Play one and see for your self.

The main feature of this bass is that it is a 4 string tuned down to B-E-A-D like the top four strings of a 5 string bass. What a concept!!! This is my first bass and I bought it intending it for all original music. I was looking for unusual sound and I hate too many strings! (Some day I'll get a Schecter A-5X 5 string electric guitar.) Theoretically it fit the bill perfectly. I've also been able to learn cover parts but some players may have difficulty playing songs they know on this instrument with its unique - and it is unique - configuration.
It has 22 frets, a 35" scale length and a set neck. The neck is very thin and is easy to play but also easy to deflect. It has two EMG Hi-Z pickups and active electronics with bass and treble controls. It has a black satin finish with white binding all around the fretboard and headstock. There is only one fret with an inlay, a double diamond, and that is at the twelth fret, but the inlay along the top of the fretboard has dots in the expected places. The bridge has individual, adjustable saddles and the strings are custom "Scorpion Bass Strings" that can be bought seperately.

Here's the problem, the top string is way to floppy and its tone doesn't match the other strings! It is practically useless except for some, and only some, synth type processing. I might as well have gotten a regular four string because this top string just gets in the way (and I hate too many strings). So far this IS a fatal flaw. (See the "Customer Support" section below about changing tunings/strings.)
Other than that, however, the tone is really good. The tone controls (active) are well voiced and can poduce a good dipped yet trebly sound. However, once again there's a problem - noise, even with the tone set flat. I'm not a fan of onboard active electonics because I play mostly direct (despite my Vox T-60 amp and custom subwoofer) and can shape my tone with processors, and there usually isn't enough gain on board because manufacturers want long battery life. (The first thing I do when I get one of these instuments is put in a dc jack then use a 12 volt adaptor.) When there's active tone control before gain noise is inherntly worse. Furthermore, the controls compartment is not shielded! This really ticks me off. There's no reason for an instrument this expensive to have been skimped on in this area. With that said, if you gig you'll like the tone controls and probably won't notice the noise.
The bottom line - it sonds great if you don't use the top string!

The bass came in perfect condition and playing setup. I didn't get the case for it but one's available.
I'll never buy a satin finish guitar again. It always looks dirty. With that said, this is THE wickedest looking bass I've ever seen!! (Just keep it clean.) It's understated adornments but "devil" headstock do the trick. Remember there's only one inlay on the fretboard and everything else is black except for the binding all around. Even though I hate the top string I'm keeping this bass based on its looks alone! It goes great with the looks of my Vox T-60. (This is not like me.)

I don't have any worries about the durability of this instrument except the satin finish. It seems rugged but I have no experience in how they age. The only other concern is the availability of the Scorpion Bass strings. I ordered a set - they actually look a little different than the ones that came on the instrument. The bass is still being made and I'm sure the strings will be around for a long time to come.

We'll see. I haven't actually contacted the company but I've been to their website. They have a schematic of the electronics which is nice. BUT, the litterature that came with the instrument said not to change the tuning or string guages without contacting the factory first! This is understandable since the neck is so long, thin and flexible, however I couldn't find anything on the website about it. I haven't given up on this instrument yet. If I could tune it up a half step (remember it's for original music) or something like that I might be happy.

I'm 42 and have been playing instuments since I was a kid, but never very well. I'm mostly interested in creating tone. I have a mandolin, a synthesizer, an acoustic guitar, electric guitars and a million effects. I bought this bass, mail order, based on the concept of 4 strings detuned. I've never played a 5 string bass and maybe their 5th strings are allways like this. I suspect, however, that this instrument could be A COMPLETE DOG to many players. Beware. Nonetheless, I'm getting use out of it and I like what I'm creating for now.