Who is the Schecter John Browne TAO 7 designed for?

The guitar is designed for progressive metal and technical guitarists, specifically mimicking the setup used by John Browne of Monuments. It is ideal for players who require clarity and tight response for complex, high-gain riffing.

What pickups are used in the TAO 7?

The guitar features a pair of Schecter USA pickups: the Chaosbreaker in the neck position and the Colossus in the bridge position. These are high-output pickups designed for tight lows and scorching highs.

What is the neck profile of the Schecter John Browne TAO 7?

It features an Ultra Thin 'U' maple neck. This profile is designed to be exceptionally fast and comfortable for technical playing styles and rapid runs.

Does the TAO 7 have an ebony fretboard?

Yes, the guitar is equipped with an ebony fretboard. This wood choice contributes to a smooth playing feel and a crisp, snappy tonal response.

What kind of tuners does this model use?

The guitar utilizes Hipshot Grip-Lock machine heads. These locking tuners provide steadfast tuning stability, which is essential for heavy riffing and aggressive play.

What is the benefit of the Ultra-Access heel?

The Ultra-Access heel is a sculpted neck joint that allows the player easier access to the highest frets. It removes the bulk typically found at the neck-body junction of traditional bolt-on guitars.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features a Satin Trans Purple finish. The satin texture provides a matte look and feel, while the transparent purple allows the wood grain underneath to be visible.

How many strings does the TAO 7 have?

This is a seven-string guitar. The additional low string allows for the extended range required for modern progressive metal and down-tuned compositions.

Is the TAO 7 suitable for low tunings?

Yes, the combination of a seven-string scale and the Colossus bridge pickup is specifically designed to handle low-end frequencies without losing definition. The Hipshot locking tuners also help maintain stability in lower tunings.

What is the typical price for the Schecter John Browne TAO 7?

The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £1,699. This reflects its status as a high-end signature model with premium hardware and USA-made pickups.

Are the pickups active or passive?

The Schecter USA Colossus and Chaosbreaker are high-output passive pickups. They are designed to be highly responsive and dynamic to the player's touch without the need for a battery.

How does the sound of the TAO 7 compare to other metal guitars?

The TAO 7 is voiced for modern 'djent' and progressive metal, focusing on 'cutting' through a mix with strong mid-range and tight lows. It is generally clearer and more percussive than vintage-voiced instruments.

Gear article

Schecter John Browne TAO 7 String Satin Trans Purple

The Schecter John Browne TAO 7 is a signature seven-string electric guitar designed for the Monuments guitarist, John Browne. It features high-output Schecter USA pickups and a thin, fast-playing neck profile optimized for modern technical metal and progressive riffing.

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Background and Design

The Schecter John Browne TAO 7 is a precision-engineered instrument developed in collaboration with John Browne, the guitarist for the progressive metal band Monuments. Known for his intricate and rhythmically complex riffing, Browne required an instrument that could provide both structural stability and high-performance playability. The guitar is finished in a Satin Trans Purple, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements its aggressive technical capabilities.

Hardware and Playability

The instrument is designed for speed and comfort, featuring an Ultra Thin 'U' maple neck that facilitates rapid movement across the fretboard. The ebony fretboard provides a smooth surface for technical maneuvers, while the Ultra-Access heel allows players to reach the upper registers without obstruction. For tuning stability, the TAO 7 is equipped with Hipshot Grip-Lock machine heads, ensuring the instrument remains in tune during intensive performance sessions.

Electronics and Sound Character

The sonic core of the TAO 7 consists of two Schecter USA pickups: the Colossus and the Chaosbreaker. These high-output units are voiced specifically to handle the demands of down-tuned seven-string playing.

Chaosbreaker (Neck): Provides clarity and responsiveness for intricate lead work.
Colossus (Bridge): Delivers a thunderous tone with tight low-end, cutting mid-frequencies, and scorching highs.

The pickups are noted for their dynamic range, allowing the player to maintain precision even at high gain levels.

Comparison and Suitability

While Schecter offers various seven-string models, the John Browne TAO 7 is specifically tailored for progressive metal and djent styles. Its fixed-bridge design and locking tuners make it more stable for complex rhythmic work compared to instruments with tremolo systems. While other Schecter models might use EMGs or Fishman Fluence pickups, the custom USA-made Colossus and Chaosbreaker set provides a unique tonal identity suited for those seeking Browne's specific signature sound.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the Schecter John Browne TAO 7 designed for?: The guitar is designed for progressive metal and technical guitarists, specifically mimicking the setup used by John Browne of Monuments. It is ideal for players who require clarity and tight response for complex, high-gain riffing.
What pickups are used in the TAO 7?: The guitar features a pair of Schecter USA pickups: the Chaosbreaker in the neck position and the Colossus in the bridge position. These are high-output pickups designed for tight lows and scorching highs.
What is the neck profile of the Schecter John Browne TAO 7?: It features an Ultra Thin 'U' maple neck. This profile is designed to be exceptionally fast and comfortable for technical playing styles and rapid runs.
Does the TAO 7 have an ebony fretboard?: Yes, the guitar is equipped with an ebony fretboard. This wood choice contributes to a smooth playing feel and a crisp, snappy tonal response.
What kind of tuners does this model use?: The guitar utilizes Hipshot Grip-Lock machine heads. These locking tuners provide steadfast tuning stability, which is essential for heavy riffing and aggressive play.
What is the benefit of the Ultra-Access heel?: The Ultra-Access heel is a sculpted neck joint that allows the player easier access to the highest frets. It removes the bulk typically found at the neck-body junction of traditional bolt-on guitars.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features a Satin Trans Purple finish. The satin texture provides a matte look and feel, while the transparent purple allows the wood grain underneath to be visible.
How many strings does the TAO 7 have?: This is a seven-string guitar. The additional low string allows for the extended range required for modern progressive metal and down-tuned compositions.
Is the TAO 7 suitable for low tunings?: Yes, the combination of a seven-string scale and the Colossus bridge pickup is specifically designed to handle low-end frequencies without losing definition. The Hipshot locking tuners also help maintain stability in lower tunings.
What is the typical price for the Schecter John Browne TAO 7?: The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £1,699. This reflects its status as a high-end signature model with premium hardware and USA-made pickups.
Are the pickups active or passive?: The Schecter USA Colossus and Chaosbreaker are high-output passive pickups. They are designed to be highly responsive and dynamic to the player's touch without the need for a battery.
How does the sound of the TAO 7 compare to other metal guitars?: The TAO 7 is voiced for modern 'djent' and progressive metal, focusing on 'cutting' through a mix with strong mid-range and tight lows. It is generally clearer and more percussive than vintage-voiced instruments.