Aaron Marshall Signature Guitars
Aaron Marshall, a name well revered in the world of Progressive Metal, is known for his intricate and eloquent guitar work, blending technical precision with melodic sophistication. He is the creative force and lead guitarist behind the instrumental progressive metal band, Intervals.
His work is distinctive for its fusion of musical elements, showcasing versatility and a profound understanding of musical landscapes. The style and intricacy of Aaron’s work have earned him acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, adding a rich layer to the tapestry of progressive metal.
Aaron Marshall Signature Guitars
Defining the Sound: Progressive Mastery
Aaron Marshall’s musical style is characterized by a seamless blend of progressive metal and other genres, creating rich, multifaceted soundscapes that resonate with listeners. He experiments with rhythm, melody, and tone, pushing the boundaries of conventional metal music. His compositions often feature complex time signatures, intricate riffs, and expansive sonic textures, illustrating a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of musical theory.
The progressive metal genre, with its emphasis on technical proficiency and musical exploration, offers the perfect canvas for Aaron’s artistic expression. He embraces the freedom and complexity of the genre, crafting compositions that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His work exemplifies the transformative power of progressive metal, using the genre’s flexibility to explore new sonic territories and challenge musical norms.
Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6
The Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6 is a striking electric guitar part of Schecter’s Artist Series, reflecting the individual style of guitarist Aaron Marshall. This instrument is recognized for its distinctive features and reliable performance. It is made in Indonesia and launched in 2022, showcasing a bold green color, and interestingly, it is available in a left-handed version.
Aaron Marshall is renowned for his intricate and sophisticated playing style, merging progressive tunes with mesmerizing rhythms, and this guitar seems to be a manifestation of his artistic preference and technical requirements. The Artist series by Schecter typically represents collaboration with musicians to bring forth instruments that are a representation of the artist’s style, and the Aaron Marshall AM-6 is no exception.
Let’s dive into the guitar’s specs, which are presented in the following table:
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand | Schecter |
| Year | 2022 |
| Configuration | HH |
| Strings | 6 |
| Made in | Indonesia |
| Series | Artist |
| Colors | Green |
| Left-Handed Version | Yes |
| Body | |
| Type | Solid Body |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Bridge | Gotoh Vintage 2-Point Tremolo |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-On |
| Tuners | Hipshot Grip-Lock |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony |
| Neck Material | Quarter Sawn Wenge |
| Decoration | Aluminum Offset/Reverse Circles |
| Scale Size | 25.5″ |
| Shape | Thin C |
| Thickness | 1st Fret: 0.79” (20.1mm) – 12th Fret: 0.87” (22.1mm) |
| Frets | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel |
| Fretboard Radius | 12″ to 16″ |
| Nut | Black Tusq XL |
| Nut Width | 41.7mm (1.643”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch | 5 Way |
| Knobs | Dome |
| Volume Controls | 1 |
| Tone Controls | 1 |
| Bridge Pickup | Schecter USA Solstice (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup | Schecter USA Equinox (Humbucker / Passive) |
This table outlines the intricate specifications of the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6, showcasing its exceptional features and design considerations tailored to provide optimal musical experience for guitar enthusiasts. From its solid body made of Basswood to its innovative electronics configuration, every detail contributes to its overall aesthetic and performance appeal. The availability of this model in a left-handed version makes it a versatile choice for a wider range of musicians. Whether you are a fan of Aaron Marshall’s music or simply a guitar aficionado in search of a uniquely crafted instrument, the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6 is designed to meet high standards of quality and musical expressivity.
Construction and Playability:
This model features a bolt-on neck joint, which contributes to its sustain and tonality, and also allows for easier neck adjustments or replacements if needed. This, coupled with a Thin C neck shape, makes it a comfortable choice for various playing styles, facilitating smooth navigation along the neck, especially for those who prefer a faster play.
Precision and Control:
The guitar is equipped with Hipshot Grip-Lock tuners, ensuring precision and stability in tuning, a crucial aspect for performers who employ varied tuning setups in their play. The tuners are known for their reliability, meaning once you’ve set your desired tuning, it’s going to stay intact, allowing you to focus solely on your playing.
Fretboard and Frets:
The Macassar Ebony fretboard adorned with Aluminum Offset/Reverse Circles is not just visually striking but also provides a smooth surface for fingers, enhancing playability. The 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets are durable and resilient to wear, offering a longevity that is crucial for musicians who spend a substantial amount of time playing their instrument.
Electronics and Sound Variety:
The 5-way switch and the configuration of one volume and one tone control allow the player to sculpt their sound with detail and precision. Whether you are looking for warm, mellow tones or sharp, bright sounds, the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6 is versatile enough to cater to a broad spectrum of sonic preferences.
Pickups:
The Schecter USA Solstice (Bridge) and Schecter USA Equinox (Neck) pickups bring forth a balanced and versatile sound palette. The passive humbucker pickups are renowned for their ability to cancel out noise and interference, ensuring that the sound output is clear and undistorted. This is particularly useful for musicians who explore diverse musical genres and require a versatile sonic output from their instrument.
Material and Aesthetics:
The Basswood body coupled with a Quarter Sawn Wenge neck not only provides a stable and robust structure but also contributes to the guitar’s tonal properties, enriching the sound with warmth and resonance. The green color and the meticulous decoration add to the aesthetic allure of the instrument, making it a visually appealing choice for performers who value stage presence.
Bridge System:
Equipped with a Gotoh Vintage 2-Point Tremolo bridge, this guitar allows for a variety of vibrato effects, enhancing the expressive range of the instrument. It’s an essential feature for those who love adding subtle nuances or dramatic flair to their playing through pitch modulation.
Versatility and Accessibility:
The model’s accessibility is enhanced by its left-handed version availability, ensuring that a wider range of musicians can experience its features and quality. Its adaptability to different music genres makes it a versatile companion for musical exploration, from clean, melodious passages to high-gain rock tones.
Final Thoughts:
The Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6 is more than just a signature model; it’s a versatile and reliable instrument that speaks to a broad range of guitar enthusiasts, whether they are fans of Aaron Marshall or not. It combines aesthetic appeal with functional design, offering a balanced and varied sonic output, comfort in playability, and reliability in construction and material choice.
In conclusion, this guitar stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design, addressing the diverse needs and preferences of today’s musicians. Whether you are a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-6 brings forth a blend of quality, versatility, and aesthetic charm, offering a fulfilling musical experience.
Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-7
The inception of the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-7 is a reflection of Aaron’s pursuit of musical excellence and innovation. This signature guitar was conceived as a collaborative venture between Aaron and Schecter, aimed at crafting a unique instrument that encompasses Aaron’s musical essence and technical requirements. The process involved in-depth discussions, meticulous planning, and thoughtful design choices to ensure the guitar was a true extension of Aaron’s musical vision.
A Symphony of Collaboration
The creation of the AM-7 was not just about developing a high-quality instrument, but also about fostering a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the creators. It was crucial that the guitar reflected Aaron’s artistic identity and facilitated his expressive playing style. The collaborative efforts were centered around achieving a harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sound quality, culminating in a guitar that stands out in both performance and appearance.
Musical Versatility Embodied
Aaron’s diverse musical palette demanded a guitar capable of adapting to varying musical landscapes. The AM-7 is designed to traverse genres, catering to the dynamic needs of progressive metal and beyond. Its construction and features are fine-tuned to enable musicians to explore a spectrum of tones and playing techniques, making it a versatile companion for those looking to push their musical boundaries.
The Artistic Essence
The Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-7 is not merely an instrument; it’s a canvas reflecting Aaron’s artistic spirit. It’s imbued with a sense of style and refinement that resonates with Aaron’s aesthetic sensibilities. Every curve, every finish is a testament to the aesthetic harmony aimed for in this creation, offering musicians a piece that is visually engaging and rich in artistic expression.
Sound Craftsmanship
The meticulous attention to detail and the pursuit of perfection in sound led to the incorporation of top-notch components and materials in the AM-7. From high-quality woods to premium pickups, every element was chosen with care to ensure durability, sound clarity, and tonal richness. The craftsmanship involved is a blend of precision and passion, dedicated to delivering an instrument that stands up to the expectations of professional musicians.
The Prog Metal Companion
For fans of progressive metal and admirers of Aaron’s intricate compositions, the AM-7 serves as a gateway to exploring the depths of the genre. It’s a reliable companion for those keen on experiencing the technical and expressive aspects of prog metal, providing the means to delve into complex musical structures and innovative soundscapes.
A Comprehensive Inquiry into Price and Value
Priced notably higher than its peers, the Aaron Marshall AM-7 from Schecter might raise eyebrows. Yet, it’s imperative to consider whether the additional features it packs justify the heftier price tag. When assessing value, we should delve into the details that encompass the guitar’s build, scale, playability, and sound, besides its mere price comparison with 7-string, Fixed bridge guitars manufactured in Indonesia, which forms the competition here.
A Closer Look at Hand Size and Comfort
The Aaron Marshall AM-7 reflects balanced construction, taking into consideration its neck profile, scale size, fretboard radius, and nut width. This ensures the guitar is well-suited to musicians with various hand sizes. However, preference plays a pivotal role here, and the distinctness of each guitarist’s style demands a personal test run before a purchase.
Delving into Scale Length
Scale length is pivotal, influencing the overall playability and tone of the instrument. The AM-7 boasts a 26.5″ scale length, which, while close to the popular 25.50″ length, offers the advantage of tuning strings lower while maintaining low action without causing fret buzz, particularly beneficial for 7-string or classical guitars and those inclined towards lower tunings.
Examining the Neck Profile
The thickness and shape of the neck profile can significantly impact the feel and comfort of the guitar. The AM-7’s neck, with a C type profile, popularly favored for its versatility and comfort, suits various hand sizes and playing speeds. With its thin constitution, it’s conducive to swift solos and is less obstructive, while its substantial mass provides a comfortable grip for chords.
Exploring the Fretboard Radius
The AM-7 sports a 16″ fretboard radius. This flattish radius is more conducive to soloing over chord playing, yet it does not restrict its capability to play chords. This fretboard is notably different from other brands and favors bending and sliding without losing sustain.
Assessing Playability
When matched against main competitors, the AM-7 demonstrates decent playability, reflecting ease in bending & vibrato, and is particularly commendable in solo playability. It, however, scores a bit lower in chord playability. So, depending on the musical inclination, it might appeal more to some than others.
Appraising the Tone and Sound Quality
In electric guitars, the tonality is primarily driven by the hardware, particularly the pickups, rather than the wood. The Aaron Marshall AM-7, equipped with high-quality Schecter USA pickups, promises premium sound and eliminates the immediate need for an upgrade. Its HH configuration results in warmer tones, more output, and noise cancellation compared to single coils, making it suitable for various music genres.
Analyzing the Build Quality
The place of manufacture often influences the quality of the guitar. The AM-7 is crafted in Indonesia, a country gaining repute for producing quality guitars at a lower price. Schecter’s renowned quality assurance promises a well-built instrument that isn’t compromised due to the lower production cost associated with the location.
Bridge, Tuners, and Nut Material
The AM-7 is installed with a Hipshot 7-String Fixed Bridge, locking tuners, and a Black Tusq XL nut. The fixed bridge increases sustain and simplifies string change, the locking tuners enhance tuning stability and facilitate quick string changes, and the high-quality nut material ensures stable intonation and tuning, resembling the sound produced by bone and ivory nuts but with more durability.
Neck Joint
The bolt-on neck joint of this guitar may have been looked down upon historically but is now well-acknowledged for providing sustain comparable to other neck joints. It’s economical and offers the advantage of easy neck swap or upgrade if required.
Summing Up: A Balanced Verdict
In conclusion, the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-7 is a versatile and well-crafted instrument, with notable features and superior build quality. It caters to a wide range of musicians with its balanced construction, quality sound, and enhanced playability, offering numerous benefits in terms of scale length, neck profile, fretboard radius, and more.
However, its higher price point compared to its peers necessitates a careful consideration of its additional features and individual preferences before purchase. For those who find its specifications aligning well with their needs and who value its added features and build quality, the extra bucks might well be worth it. Musicians who prioritize elements like solo playability, quality sound, and the versatility of the HH configuration might find the Schecter Aaron Marshall AM-7 a suitable choice, offering value that aligns with its price.
