Balsac Signature Guitars
When you dive into the world of heavy metal, you’ll quickly realize it’s more than just distorted guitar riffs and guttural vocals. It’s a culture, an art form, and a way of life for many.
Central to this universe is the unique characters who bring the music alive, one of whom is the larger-than-life persona, Balsac the Jaws of Death, from the notorious band GWAR.
Balsac Signature Guitars
The Legend of Balsac
To understand the importance of Balsac’s signature guitars, we need to start at the roots. For those unfamiliar with GWAR, strap in because it’s a wild ride. Formed in the ’80s, GWAR isn’t just a band – it’s a theatrical performance, a saga of intergalactic barbaric warriors who play metal. Every member has a persona, and Balsac the Jaws of Death is one of the most recognizable ones, with his towering bear trap facepiece.
Balsac, as a character, is a fusion of humor, shock value, and sheer musical talent. While the theatrics are a significant aspect of GWAR’s appeal, one cannot ignore the music’s prowess. The rhythm guitar sections provided by Balsac are foundational, giving GWAR its distinctive sound – a mix of thrash, punk, and pure, unadulterated metal.
It’s not just about the music or the stage presence, though. Balsac and the rest of GWAR have always represented the freedom to be audacious, to challenge norms, and to just have unabashed fun while doing it. They are icons in the metal world, not just for their longevity but for their unwavering dedication to the essence of rock and metal.
Schecter Balsac E-1 FR
When a guitarist like Balsac collaborates with a renowned brand like Schecter, magic is bound to happen. Schecter, having established itself as a frontrunner in the world of rock and metal guitars, was the perfect choice for Balsac’s vision. Enter the Schecter Balsac E-1 FR.
Design & Aesthetics
From the get-go, this guitar screams metal. Its sharp contours and unique shape are a nod to the classic Explorer design, with a hint of modern edginess. What immediately catches the eye is the custom GWAR finishing, paying homage to the band and the man behind the guitar. The signature ‘beast’ inlay on the 12th fret is a beautiful touch, tying in the theme of the guitar perfectly.
Construction
Crafted with a mahogany body, the Schecter Balsac E-1 FR ensures a warm tone with excellent sustain, a staple for metal and rock genres. The set-neck construction provides added sustain and makes it easier to access higher frets. It comes with a 3-piece mahogany neck, which not only adds to its tonal properties but also ensures durability – because let’s face it, a GWAR performance is nothing if not energetic.
Sound & Electronics
The heart of any signature guitar lies in its pickups and electronics, and the Balsac E-1 FR does not disappoint. Equipped with Schecter’s own USA Apocalypse-VI pickups, it promises a roaring, aggressive tone suitable for heavy riffs and blazing solos. The guitar features a volume knob, a tone control with a push-pull coil-split function, and a 3-way pickup selector switch. The coil-splitting capability adds versatility, allowing players to venture into cleaner, more toned-down sonic territories when needed.
The Floyd Rose 1500 Series Tremolo ensures guitarists can dive-bomb to their heart’s content without losing tuning stability. It’s a staple for many metal guitarists, and its inclusion in the Balsac E-1 FR is a testament to the guitar’s dedication to the genre.
Playability
The ebony fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets ensures smooth playability, especially for those fast-paced solos. The ‘Thin C’ neck shape is comfortable for both chord progressions and shred sessions. The 25.5″ scale length strikes a balance, making it easier for players to hit those high notes while maintaining a robust low-end.
SCHECTER BALSAC E-1 FR specification table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand | Schecter |
| Configuration | HH |
| Strings | 6 |
| Made in | Indonesia |
| Series | Artist |
| Colors | Red |
| Left-Handed Version | No |
| Body | |
| Type | Solid Body |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1500 Series |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint | Set |
| Tuners | Schecter Locking |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Material | Maple 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods |
| Decoration | BälSäc Jaw at 3rd Fret |
| Scale Size | 25.5″ |
| Shape | Ultra Thin C |
| Thickness | 1st Fret: 0.748” (19mm) – 12th Fret: 0.787” (20mm) |
| Frets | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel |
| Fretboard Radius | 14″ |
| Nut | Locking |
| Nut Width | 41.3mm (1.625”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch | 3 Way |
| Knobs | Speed |
| Pickup Mods | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls | 2 |
| Tone Controls | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic (Humbucker / Active) |
| Neck Pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico (Humbucker / Active) |
In Conclusion
In the vast sea of signature guitars, the Schecter Balsac E-1 FR stands tall, not just as a testament to the guitarist’s prowess but also as a symbol of the legacy of GWAR. It’s not just a tool but an extension of Balsac’s persona – audacious, unapologetic, and undeniably metal.
For budding guitarists, this is more than just an instrument. It’s a slice of metal history. For the seasoned players, it’s a workhorse, built to withstand the rigors of touring and energetic performances. And for the fans, well, it’s a piece of Balsac, a piece of GWAR, a piece of the rebellion that they’ve come to love and respect.
Music, at its core, is about expression. And what better way to express oneself than with a guitar that not only sounds phenomenal but carries with it a legacy of rock, shock, and sheer audacity? The Schecter Balsac E-1 FR is not just a guitar; it’s a statement.
