Gear article
Schecter Omen Extreme-5 Bass Guitar Black Cherry
The Schecter Omen Extreme-5 is a five-string electric bass guitar featuring a mahogany body, flamed maple top, and dual Schecter Diamond bass pickups. Known for its Black Cherry finish and active electronics, it is designed to provide a versatile tonal range suitable for genres ranging from jazz to heavy metal.
See live pricesBackground and Construction
The Schecter Omen Extreme-5 is positioned as a high-performance 5-string instrument within the Schecter Guitar Research catalogue. It utilizes a mahogany body as its foundation, a tonewood traditionally selected for its warmth and sustain. This is topped with a flamed maple veneer, which is arched to improve resonance and aesthetic appeal. The body is finished in a deep Black Cherry and accented with crème binding for a classic, high-end look.
The neck is constructed from maple, a wood known for its stability and bright tonal response. This is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, a combination intended to balance the 'snap' of the maple with the 'smoothness' and warmth of rosewood. The instrument also features black chrome hardware and a high-quality Graph Tech nut for improved tuning stability.
Electronics and Hardware
The core of the Omen Extreme-5's sound comes from its Schecter Diamond Bass pickups. These are humbucking units designed to offer high output with minimal noise. The active electronics allow for significant tonal shaping, enabling the player to boost or cut specific frequencies to suit their performance environment.
Supporting the strings is the Schecter Diamond Bass bridge, which provides a solid anchor for better vibration transfer to the body. The inclusion of Schecter-branded tuners ensures that the additional tension of the low B-string is managed reliably.
Tonal Character
The combination of tonewoods and electronics results in a complex sonic profile. The mahogany and rosewood components provide thick lows and a rich midrange, while the maple neck and top add 'sparkle' to the high frequencies. This creates a sound with significant depth that remains clear even when playing the lower register of the fifth string.
Because the pickups are designed for versatility, the bass can produce the mellow, rounded tones required for jazz and blues, as well as the aggressive, punchy character necessary for hard rock and metal.
User Suitability
The Omen Extreme-5 is primarily aimed at intermediate to professional players who require the extended range of a five-string bass. Its aesthetic and pickup voicing make it particularly popular in heavier genres, but its active EQ makes it a 'workhorse' instrument for session players who need to cover multiple styles with one bass.
Market Comparison
At its price point of approximately £679, the Omen Extreme-5 competes with other active five-string models. Compared to traditional designs like the Fender Player II Jazz Bass or the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V, the Schecter offers a more modern, 'aggressive' body shape and humbucking pickups rather than single-coils. While Fender models often focus on vintage-inspired passive or active tones, the Schecter is built for higher output and modern resonance.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary body wood of the Schecter Omen Extreme-5?
- The body is made of mahogany, which provides a warm and rich tonal foundation. It is topped with flamed maple for added resonance and a premium appearance.
- How many strings does this model have?
- The Omen Extreme-5 is a 5-string bass guitar. This provides an extended lower range compared to standard 4-string models, usually including a low B string.
- What type of pickups are installed in this bass?
- It features Schecter Diamond Bass pickups. these are designed to be versatile enough for genres ranging from jazz to heavy metal.
- What finish does the Omen Extreme-5 feature?
- This specific model comes in a Black Cherry finish. The finish is designed to highlight the grain of the flamed maple top.
- What kind of nut is used on the Omen Extreme-5?
- The bass is equipped with a Graph Tech nut. This material is chosen for its self-lubricating properties and its ability to enhance tuning stability.
- What is the benefit of the arched top on this bass?
- The arched top is not just an aesthetic feature; it adds resonance to the mahogany body. This helps enhance the overall tone and sustain of the instrument.
- What materials are used for the neck and fingerboard?
- The neck is made of maple for brightness and strength. It is paired with a rosewood fingerboard to add warmth and smooth out the mid-range frequencies.
- Is the hardware on the Omen Extreme-5 chrome or gold?
- The hardware is finished in black chrome. This includes the Schecter Diamond bridge and the Schecter-branded tuning machines.
- Can this bass be used for jazz music?
- Yes, the Schecter Diamond pickups are designed to deliver a range of tones. The mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard provide the warmth and depth required for jazz and blues.
- How does the price of the Omen Extreme-5 compare to Fender Player II models?
- The Omen Extreme-5 typically retails around £679. This places it in a similar mid-range bracket as the Fender Player II series, though the Schecter offers different tonewoods and a 5-string configuration.
- Does the Omen Extreme-5 feature body binding?
- Yes, the body features crème binding. This provides a visual contrast against the Black Cherry finish and the dark mahogany body.
- Is this bass suitable for metal and hard rock?
- Absolutely. The mahogany body and high-output Diamond pickups are specifically voiced to handle the aggressive lows and punchy mids needed for rock and metal.
