Schecter Stiletto Studio 5

I'll give it an 8 for features. EMG-HZ pickups, which are passive, and not bad. Decent EMG B64 EQ. 35" scale, which I think really helps with the B string. 5-piece neck-thru mahogany body with bubinga top - more of a thin veneer actually. Pretty level frets. You will have to use extra-long strings for this bass. I have D'Addario regular long scale strings on it right now, and the winding on the B and E steps down just before or in the nut. Sounds fine, but it's not the optimum situation.

As far as sound goes, it was fine with the EMG-HZ's, but I got a good deal on a set of EMG 40-P5's, and I put those in there with new 25k ohm volume pots. I'm not going to say it sounds necessarily better, but definitely different. I'm an EMG fan anyway, so I think it sounds good. I do get compliments on my sound sometimes. With both pickups full-up and the EQ set "flat" (knobs set at the center detents), I get a nice round, punchy, all-purpose tone. I don't do much knob twiddling on it, but I'd like a little more cut from the treble control. The B string is really good.

Don't know about the factory setup, as I bought this one used. I tightened the truss rod a bit, lowered the bridge saddles, and I have pretty low action. I've played a number of Schecters, and it seems easier to get a low action without having fretwork done than on a lot of "major" name basses.

Having said that, though, I'd like the B string saddle to go lower. I'm going to use strings on my next change-out that have a tapered B to take care of that issue. Adjusting the bridge can be kind of a pain as you have to loosen the strings, loosen allen screws holding the bridge saddles in place, and manually slide the saddles back and forth. IOW, there are no screws for adjusting the intonation. Once you get it figured out, it's OK, just not the most convenient.

The bass seems durable enough. Finish is pretty thin, though, and may wear off more quickly than a thick poly finish. I'd definitely gig it without a backup, I like to take as little stuff as possible to gigs. Just check the batteries first, and take spares.

Can't give a rating here - the bass isn't under warranty, and I haven't talked to Schecter much. I think I called them once a while back, and they answered my question.

Been playing 25+ years, in bands and churches. I like this bass, and I'm comfortable with it being my only bass. I'll probably pick up a cheap backup (maybe another used Stilleto of some persuasion) just in case, but I don't feel the need to have a lot of basses. The most I've ever owned is 6 at once. I've had quite a few basses over the years running the gamut from cheap to pretty nice - Fender, Squier, Modulus, US Masters, Peavey, and more. To get something significantly "better" than this bass, for my tastes, I'd go for a Modulus. I play the Schecter mostly thru a preamp/poweramp setup with a 2x10 or 4x10 Carvin cab, or both. I've also played it several times thru an SVT with a 4x10/1x18 stack, and it sounded huge, natch.

This is an update of my previous review.

I did try out the Bartolini 5.4 AP as mentionned by Anonymous and I do not recommand it unless you want to change the pick ups as well.

First of all this bases comes with EMG B-64Q that is more funcky then the Bartolini and very well adapted for the EMG HZ pick ups.

You can see spec for the EMG B-64Q on this pate
http://www.emginc.com/downloads/wiringdiagrams/B30EQ-B64EQ.pdf

The Bartolini preamp has more gain then the EMG, but it does not transorm the EMG HZ pickup into something else. The basic sound is EXACTELY THE SAME.

The difference is this:

Both preamp sounds equal flat, except that the the EMG is slightly more shimering.

Bartolini 5.4:
- More gain +9DB
- 3 different frequency for mid notch 250 (nice), 500, 800 Hz
- Soft slope on each EQ, means that both High and Low overlap with mid and so on. Not that it's worst or better, it's just different.

EMG B-64Q
- Sounds more brilliant in general
- Mid notch 600Hz, more boost and cut then the Bartolini.
- Stiffer slope on each EQ, mans tht EQ sections does not overlap as much on each other.
- Hi EQ is higher frequency and Los is lower freqency.

My conclusion is that the original EMG preamp sounds better with this instrument and is better adapted to the EMG HZ pickup.

If you like the sound of this base, don't mess with it, save your money and keep it this way. It has a great metal tone right away, and the Bartolini preamp will not transorfm your bass as new pickup would do.

I did record with it recently, and I like the slopy grinding sound of it and the bottom is solid.

I have 3 US Fender basses that I run through SUN tube amp with its 215 cab, and a Tune fretless that I run through GK amp and Avatar 212 cab.

I have been looking for a modern sound bass for a while they are very expensive. Last week, a pal I play with brought a Schecter Damien guitar at our weekly rehearsal. I was so impressed by the quality of construction and the sound of it that I decided to look for Schecter basses. After looking at Schecter's catalog and reviews on this site, I decided to pay a visit to my local Guitar Center and I found one right there waiting for me.

All features have been well listed already. I was attracted by this nech-thru instrument.

Looks beautiful.

As many features as you might imagine, easy to set up. Not sure if I will keep the Elixir strings on it though. The DR Long Neck Taper would probably be the best fit for my own style.

35" neck is a bit of a challenge for me right now, but I will get use to it.

The batteries compartment is very tight so it doesn't rattle.

Sound is very good all the way. It is deep rather then right in your face. The EMG HZ pickup have a character close to the EMG Select. The preamp does not enhance the sound. It just change the EQ. Zingy highs but a bit boomy lows. Boosting the low can make it sound a bit tighter. Cut through very well though. Can play through all of the neck. Get a big boom on B and E strings. Playing down the neck gives a very even tonal balance.

Excellent for metal. Actually, even if I like the sound, I did not buy it specificaly for that. I ordered the Bartolini 5.4 preamp as recommanded by Anonymous and I will probably upgrade the pickups for bartolini M45CBC as well. That will belance very well the the dark sound of Mahogany. I will let you all know for sure.

What I'm looking for is more Modulus Quamntum or Karl Thomson kind of sound, and I believe the Bartolini pickup will give me just that.

Used with the GK/Avatar rig it's clean and a bit boxy. (That's the Avatar cab sound, low budget club sound). Still leave the EQ flat on both the amp and the instrument and it sounds both clancky and big.

Now when used with the SUN stace, that's a different story. This thing cooks. The sound is so big and lively. This rig is not as loud as an SVT stack, but it has better defined lows and mid (yeah that's rignt, I like the mids if the SUN215 better then the SVT810). It's the highgs that are limited, but that's also what I'm looking for with this rig. The sound with the Studio-5 is great. Great presence and destructive lows. Talk about low B, sheesh...it's not just big, it's also beautiful.

You like distortion, this bass delivers. The capability of crancking mids and highs and the big lows, makes it perfect for fuzz, overdrive distortion or any effect. Why is that? Because the sound is more hight end then vintages basses. It's just the right balance to end with a big bold distortion sound. I use second channel on the SUNN, BOSS ODB3 or EH Big Muff PI. Of course you need Tube amp and cab WITHOUT tweeter to enjoy distortion at it's best.

The instrument was setup in California, I believe that beside putting a sticker, they didn't do much. But that's alright, Fender does not set their instrument either. Anyway, that's not what I care about.

This is the best part of it. The action was not best on store, but after reading reviews on this site, I had total confidence that I get myself what I wanted. I did so very easily. I do maintain myself all of my instruments. The truss rod was completely relaxed. Quite amazing how streight the neck was with a loosen truss rod. So I had to spin the nut a bit before getting any tension. Now the neck is completely straight.


It's amazing the quality of the neck and the fret work. The action is so low, it's unbelievable. It makes it very easy to play, and that is good because I'm new to 5 strings. I could never set any of my US fender basses that low without serious buzz.

Playability is awesome but I'm not use to 5 strings yet. Playing 5 strings make playing 4 strings like a picnick.

I don't like the feel of the Elixir strings though. I never liked nickel strings, they make the touch unpredictable. I like the feel and sound of DR stainless steel much better then anything else. But you got to admit that nickel strings are great for slapping. I will wait until the preamp is changed before changing the strings.

Build like a tank.

I find it a bit heavy on the shoulder though. I have replaced all of those beautiful gold knobs by wooden knobs. This is almost one pound off. It makes a big difference on my back and shoulder. I have a sensitive back because of nasty jobs I did while I was a student. When I started playing this bass I was a bit depressed by the weight, but I remember that I had similar problem in the past with my Jazz bass after instaling metal knobs. I went back to the original.

I had a hard time finding light good loocking knobs for this bass and any poorly selected know would screw up the look of it. Luckily enough www.guitarpartsresource.com cary wooden knobs. I got the BOXWOOD DOME KNOBS.

Heavy dense wood like Mahogany is good to enhance solid low end. I could see the difference between a Swamp Ash and an Alder body Jazz Bass. The swamp ash sounds much better.

Mahogany is also very durable and has a dark and warm wound.

I have never given a 10 to an instrument, but considering the quality of construction and the features for the price, this is a great deal.

I tried the Custom 5 before and I was not that impressed despite the gorgous look. But the neck-thru and the mid pot of the studio made all the difference. It plays and sounds better then an Ibanez SR905.

It is true that the playability compares more to a $2000 up instrument.

Thanks to all other reviewer, and my pal who just purchase a Damien Guitar. Without them, I would never have considered Schecter. Now I will pass the word that they build awesome Guitars and Basses.

see other reviews for other features, but I chose this bass for the following reasons:
24 frets
5 strings
EMG pickups w/ 3 EQ dials
It looks awesome

Sounds pretty awesome. First, keep in mind I got an Ampgeg combo amp to back up my new bass. My old equipment really sucked compared to this gear(Turser short staff bass, used Peavey amp)Using a pick really gets some awesome tone, esp when using the high end. Harmonics are impressive when the mids are turned up. Of course the lows rock and do what they're supposed to do.

Looks killer, and doesn't seem like it'll wear anytime soon.

seems pretty good in the half year i've had it. still getting used to the wider staff.

N/A

I got my first bass in '00, though didn't really get into it till '01. My first bass was godawful, and the used, small Peavey combo was worse- I 'upgraded' to a Turser bass in maybe '02. In '04 I started with electric guitar (used Ibanez RG w/floyd rose and EMGs installed, Line 6 Spider II combo). In the past, I've tried to get the most I can with my limited financial resources, but I think I nailed it with this bass- highly recommended!

Korean Made 24 fret bass with a Maple and walnut neck through design into a mahogany body with highly figured bubinga top. Striking bass!! 3 band active EQ for two soapbar EMG-HZ pickups, each with it's own volume control. the satin finish is flawless, even though I bought it as a factory 2nd for finish blemish (can't find anything noticable). compact body style, perfect for my 5'7 frame (My Jazz bass 5 string was huge, and made me look even smaller than I am). Great hardware, all satin gold finish, beefy bridge! 35 inch scale that is not hard to get used to because the neck is slim. Came with molded end 10' cable (will get minor use in effects line, maybe) and two allen wrenches for neck and bridge adjustments.

I play in a variety band in Las Vegas, we play old rock, blues, some newer stuff and maybe some funk/disco if absolutely necessary. The bass has a nice glassy top end that is not expected in an instrument with a mahogany body. turning up each pickup seperately really provides a good range of sounds, then we get to the EQ. the active circuit is good, but does not seem to have as much effect as my mexican Jazz Bass Deluxe, but with my amp set up to get a good sound as it is, the active EQ is great for adding those little touches that different songs call for. probably won't ever have to turn the treble past the center position... Found no noise at all through three different amps and with all the controlsfull up, she's as quiet as possible!

Wow!!! I thought that surely a new instrument that was shipped to me from the east coast (to Vegas) would need some sort of adjustments, but no, this thing is setup nice and low!! You do get some fret noise when you are playing ithout an amp, but as soon as you plug in there is nothing bad coming through the speaker (unless you let your guitar player play it, he'll be grabbing those strings so hard that you can hear the fret noise, but that's just what guitar players do when they play a bass....) Everything about this instrument is exceptional!!! Neck to body heel is so smooth, I can't believe how easy the fret access is up top!!

Having just received my stiletto, I can't really say. My first five string was an Essex (SX now) b-205, and it still rips like the best of them, my guess, with the features and construction of the stiletto, it'ss be my main axe for many many years to come! I would certainly use it without another bass present (except my fretless, only because it makes different sounds)!!!

Have just asked what guage of strings they ship the axe with, from previous reviews I can imagine that I'll get a response in no time!

I have been playing bass for 12 years, I have a mexican Fender Jazz bass deluxe 5 string, a Yamaha RBX 260F fretless 4 string, a Kingston bass (it's older than I am) and several guitars. I play through a Yorkville BM200 combo, a Peavey basic 112 (to fill the other side of the stage) and use an Aphex Punch Factory (optical compressor) and Boss bass chorus pedals. Were this bass stolen I would certainly find the culprit to enflict great pain, or buy another one. I compared this axe with a lot of other basses (I've been in the market for a new bass for almost two years) nothing onthe market can compare to the value and build of this axe.

Made in Korea and set up in Schecter's California factory, the 2004 Studio 5 I bought is fretless. It is a 35" long-scale neck-through bass, with a maple and walnut neck, and mahogany body with bubinga wings. The bass has a gorgeous and high-end looking honey satin finish, which continues to look fine with regular cleaning but which is susceptible to dings. The rosewood fretboard is lined. The neck and bridge pups are passive EMG's (each has its own volume/blend control--VERY nice), and the 18-volt active electronics feature 3-band EQ controls. The controls, the very solid grover tuners and the massive diamond custom bridge (with individual saddles for each string--AWESOME) all have a gold satin finish. The electronics and battery compartments are not shielded (which has been known to cause a buzz on the Stiletto Studio 5 fretted bass, but which is easily fixed), but the screw-holes for attaching the compartment covers are brass lined--this is a truly excellent and high-end feature that you normally associate with basses that are 2-3 times the price of this baby. The elixir roundwound strings, which come standard with Schecter's Stiletto Studio basses, are smooth as silk and wonderful to play. On balance, the materials and workmanship of this bass are entirely comparable to those of bassess (like the Peavey Cirrus) that cost $2,000-$3,000.

I play classic rock (i.e., everything from Hendrix to the Moody Blues); hence, I play a wide range of styles and have the need for a correspondingly wide range of bass tones. Although the passive EMG's on the Stiletto Studio 5 are quiet (which could be correcected by swapping them out with, say, active Bartolini's), the active electronics enable me to dial in virtually any tone that I'd like to achieve with a fretless bass (note: I use the Studio 5 for mid-to-slow tempo songs, and a fretted Stiletto Studio 6 for the faster, harder-rocking numbers). (Parenthetical note: I have been able to expand the tonal range of this bass even further by connecting it to my amp through a Korg AmpWorks bass amp modeling processor--I would highly recommend that other folks do the same!) The sound of this bass is, on balance, rich with full, deep sustain on the low end, with warm and full mids and clear, twangy highs (some folks might prefer a little more umph on the high end than this bass offers, but it is not a concern to me). The rosewood fretboard helps to accentuate the midrange, a good thing on a fretless bass. I suspect that, by replacing the Elixir roundwounds on this bass with flatwound strings, I would be able to even better accentuate the midrange. Across the fingerboard, the bass delivers the rich, ringin "mwah" that we expect from a quality fretless. As well, the 35" scale makes for a taut and highly responsive B-string. This is a bass that can be used with equally happy results in the studio and live.

The bass required virtually no setup coming out of the box (I did however raise the action a touch, but purely as a personal preference). The pickups were well adjusted, and the basss was, to my eyes, flawless: the finish is unblemished, and the hardware solid and well-fitted. Out of curiosity, I exposed the trussrod, which is easily accessible and, it appears, easy to adjust. Again, as with its sound and features, this bass provides the kind of quality that you normally associate with a $2,000-$2,000 boutique bass.

As far as I can see, this bass is built to last. The satin finish WILL ensure the occasional ding, but the hardware is solid, as are the strap buttons (I did, however, modify the buttons with the addition of strap guards, in order to protect against the possibility of one of the buttons popping loose). The neck/truss rod do not require periodic adjustment (even with temperature swings that, where I live, range from 90 degrees during the summer to minus-30 during the winter!), although I suspect that I will need to do a little adjustment when I eventually replace the Elixir strings. On the subject of strings, the Elixir strings ARE roundwounds, after all, and the fretboard IS rosewood, so, in order to prevent wear and tear on the fretboard, I will soon replace the Elixirs with flatwounds.

I haven't needed Schecter's customer support, although they responded promptly and informatively to the few informational questions that I sent in their direction. I suspect that their support would be top notch.

I have ZERO problems with this beauty. I would replace it in a heartbeat if it were stolen or lost. The features, sound, and action, fit and features of the bass are all top shelf; and other than possibly replacing the passive EMG's with active Bartolini's, there is really nothing that I would change about it. This bass is comparable in action, sound and range, and quality of workmanship to the Peavey Cirrus 5 basses (which I have played), which can cost almost 3 times as much. It is an astounding bargain!

This is a new 2004 model made in Korea (amazing what quality is being turned out from them). The scale is 35 inches with five strings at your command riding over a rosewood fretboard. It comes stock with a pair of EMG Hz passive pups and an onboard EMG active preamp(2volumes/bass,mid,treble) that operates at 18v's. It is a neck thru design (multi-laminate)of maple with walnut stringers for the neck and the body being mahogany with a bubinga laminate top all in a orangey honey satin finish. All gold hardware. The body style is very strikingly close to that of a petite series custom handmade Curbow bass. It hangs nicely over the shoulder and feels balanced. I'm giving this bass the highest score here for the amount of artistic design coupled with the electronics and hardware it comes with .... great bang for the buck - hard to beat.

Well now, the subjective part. The stock setup is most pleasing and yields a very warm round tone. The onboard preamp is smooth and quiet with good sweep in its range. Nice slap tones at hand as well and old school warmth. But, the preamp isn't all what i crave even though it performs well. I'm a Bartolini man and i have something to share about a cool upgrade to this bass. I'll detail this in the "overall rating" section. As this bass is stock, it will please the most discriminating tightwads wanting the best price point / performance satisfaction. My own rating here as an "8" is reflective of my bias favoring Bartolini electronics - this is where this bass falls short to my own expectations - but again, the stock goodies onboard will please most of you quite easily.

I had no probs setting this bass up to my very close tolerance specs to suit my playing. It plays very well with low action with very even frets along the entire board - nary a buzz anywhere. I'm giving the highest score here because i had no fuss at setting it up and it has remained stable since then. The neck is dead on straight.

So far, i see no signs of worry at using this bass as a first pick performer - all is well. Ya know, every instrument is going to suffer some play wear the more you put it to work ... so, i find some of the questions in this category irrelivant. Bottom line here is "how well do you treat your instruments"? So, no opinion here because some folks sress at every little scratch and mark while others blemmish the hell out of their axes at will. What can i say? Some like the clean and tidy look while others dig the rough and batterd.

Not relative - no opinion here.

Okay now, the defining moment for me personally. I bought this bass for its build features alone. The hardware was plenty acceptable to me and the EMG system was halfway pleasing for me as i knew i was going to replace something about it. The onboard stock EMG preamp is what i replaced leaving the passive EMG Hz pups in place. Why did i do this you may ask? I like the low end growl and performance of a Bartolini system. I knew i had about half the package with the Hz pups. The EMG preamp is just too sterile for me and lacks a certain kind of "soul" that i crave in my tone. I knew a Bartolini preamp would do the trick - and it did. I replaced the EMG pre with a Bartolini 5.4 AP preamp that comes with a mid freq toggle. I'm amazed how well the EMG Hz pups mate with this Bartolini preamp. I have now the robust punchy mids i dig and a lot less of the zingy treble and sterile bass i was getting from the EMG preamp. If your not accustomed to working on your own axes when it comes to electronics then DO NOT attempt this procedure - hire a pro to make the install for you. Another hole drilled is needed for the mid toggle and the entire Bartolini 5.4 AP system just fits into the cavity - the mid toggle is best fitted between the volume and blend pots just slightly above center - it's really the only place to put it and great as well that it can be fitted there. Anyhoot, i knew when i put the Bartolini system into the cavity and wired it all up i was in for a treat. I came away with a very cool and hip playing , sounding, and looking bass that overall cost me a mere fraction of what the higher end makers offer. You have to hear this bass with the Bartolini 5.4 preamp working with the EMG Hz pups to believe your ears ... it is so much MO BASS! My rig is fairly straight ahead : Blue Tube preamp > SWR Workingman's 4004 > SWR Goliath III 4x10 cab. I have various effects but don't use them presently. I might put a BBE into the chain and leave it at that. So, my bottom line has been absolutely met. I was on a mission - to find a neck thru design bass that wouldn't stress my wallet but meet my demands. This Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 was the best match at meeting my objectives. I knew when i bought it i was going to replace the onboard preamp and put in its place a preamp i knew that would take me the rest of the way at attaining my affordable goal. What a great overall value and performer i have in my hands when i strap this baby on - it is truly wonderful to get the BIG sound from little dollars.