A few months back, we reviewed the Schecter Solo-II Standard and found it to be a great way to get an affordable Les Paul-Style guitar. However, the Solo-II Standard is a bit smaller than a standard Les Paul with a few changes to the classic design. Today, we’ll be looking at the Solo-II Custom, a newer model from Schecter that’s a bit more akin to the original Les Paul style.

We’ll start with the specs as usual!

Features:

  • Mahogany Body
  • 3pc Mahogany Neck
  • Flamed Maple Top
  • Ebony Fretboard w/Mother of Pearl Block Inlays
  • Set-Neck Construction
  • 24.75” Scale Length & 12” Radius
  • 22 X-Jumbo Frets
  • TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece
  • Schecter Locking Tuners
  • Chrome Hardware
  • Schecter USA Pasadena Pickups
  • Volume/Volume/Tone(Push-Pull for Coil Split)/3-Way Switch
  • 12-16″ Compound Radius

The classic Les Paul aesthetic is well represented by the Solo-II Custom. The Arched Flamed Maple top comes in a Natural Finish as well as Transparent Black, both of which are wonderfully accompanied by multi-ply binding and a gorgeous, Ebony Fretboard.

The compound radius is a neat feature that separates this guitar from the usual Les Paul design. The flatter upper end allows this guitar to appeal to shredders a bit more, while still maintaining the chunky low-end of the neck that we are used to seeing on these guitars.

The 24.75″ Scale is pretty much required for a Les Paul clone. Even though the short scale isn’t necessarily made for super low tunings, these scale lengths offer a different feel that a lot of guitarists prefer. Not to mention the super sweet, warm sound that has become an unmistakable staple.

(We actually touch on the benefits of different scale lengths in our ‘What Are Fanned Frets?‘ article.)

Which brings us to tone…

Solo-II Custom Natural

Solo-II Custom Black

Tone:

Mahogany is a generally warm tonewood. The decision to include a Mahogany body with a Mahogany neck creates a really thick, resonant sound.

Schecter’s Pasadena pickups (also found in the Tempest Custom)  were a great addition to this guitar as they add a very precise, tight sound to this guitar that I didn’t expect. Originally designed for Zacky Vengeance (Avenged Sevenfold), the Pasadena pickups were definitely intended for metal, but are quite dynamic and flexible. For heavy sounds, the bridge pickup is articulate and thick, but manages to clean up quite well on a lower gain/clean amp setting.

These aren’t my favorite for super drop-tuning, or progressive metal styles, but they handle radio rock/metal styles very well and are great for a studio environment where you need something versatile.

Build Quality:

In terms of quality, the mid-range Schecter line seems to do quite well for their quality-to-price ratio. Most of them aren’t perfect, but they certainly succeed in delivering something without noticeable or major flaws.

This particular instrument had no issues with playability as the neck and fretboard were wonderfully set up. The hardware felt nicely built, although one of the tuners felt a bit loose out of the box.

The only noticeable aesthetic issue was that the pickguard had some scratches. Now, I know that the pickguard is intended to have scratches and it’s sort of unavoidable, but I’d rather my guitars come out of the box as fresh as can be!

Final Verdict:

The Solo-II Custom is a great option for the guitarist looking for a Les Paul clone that stays fairly true to the original design. It adds a few modern appointments, such as an Ebony board and compound radius, that don’t affect the tone too much, so you get to have modern playability with a classic sound.

It would sit happily in most studio environments as it is quite versatile, but could also make a live workhorse if you don’t mind a heavier guitar!

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This article was written by Zac Buras, our editor located in Louisiana.

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