Schecter C-8 Hellraiser Black Cherry - Refurbished

A Hellraiser reference built for extended range

Launched in the mid-2000s, the Hellraiser series has established itself as one of Schecter's most recognizable lines. It built its reputation on refined aesthetics, carefully developed finishes and an approach clearly geared toward demanding guitarists. The Hellraiser C-8 carries on this DNA with an 8-string version designed for heavy, modern and technical styles.

Within the range, this model holds a prime position for musicians who want to take the step into extended range without giving up a genuine premium guitar feel. Its solid hardware, carbon-reinforced neck and Black Cherry finishing make it an instrument that is just as convincing on stage as it is in the studio.

Which guitarists and styles is it suited to?

The Schecter Hellraiser C-8 is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists looking for a stable, precise and comfortable 8-string. Its Ultra Access set neck makes it easier to reach the upper frets, while its flat radius and X-Jumbo frets encourage fast, clean and modern playing.

It excels in styles where low-end definition is essential: modern metal, djent, progressive metal, deathcore, metalcore and post-metal atmospheres. Thanks to its 28" / 711 mm scale length, it maintains good string tension in low tunings, with a cleaner low-end response than a standard guitar.

It is not the most logical guitar for a complete beginner, but it is perfectly suited to a musician already familiar with electric guitar who wants to expand their harmonic and rhythmic range. For syncopated riffs, extended chords and low-register monophonic lines, it offers a particularly inspiring playing environment.

A massive, tight and precise sound across the entire frequency range

The sonic character of this Hellraiser C-8 is first and foremost based on the combination of a mahogany body and a quilted maple top. Mahogany provides thickness, warmth and dense mids, while maple adds a little more attack and clarity. On an 8-string, this combination is particularly relevant: it helps retain body without allowing the low end to become muddy.

The EMG 808 pickups complement this acoustic foundation with a powerful, tight and very clean response under high-gain saturation. Their response is perfectly suited to palm-muted riffs, percussive attacks and modern rhythms requiring excellent note separation. The low register remains controlled, while the highs stay present without unnecessary harshness.

The set neck encourages generous sustain and a seamless feel under the fretting hand, while the Hipshot Hardtail fixed bridge with strings-through-body construction contributes to tuning stability and vibration transfer. The result is a direct, responsive and effective guitar, capable of handling highly energetic playing without sacrificing precision.

The control layout, with a 3-way selector, 2 volume controls and 1 tone control, makes it easy to balance the pickups and adapt the instrument to different situations. Although its natural territory is high-gain tones, this Hellraiser can also produce more open or darker textures depending on the amplification and settings used.

Recommended compatible accessories

If you want to complete the instrument with confidence in compatibility, the safest choice remains the SGR-1C case or gig bag, explicitly listed as an option for this model. For string replacement, an 8-string set in .009/.012/.016/.026/.036/.046/.064/.080 gauges also matches the original setup and helps preserve the balance intended by the manufacturer.

Technical specifications

Left handed	No	Nbr of strings	8
Strings	Steel	Color	Gradient

Type	electric guitar	Radius	16" / 406 mm
Number of strings	8	Fret type	X-Jumbo
Body	mahogany	Number of frets	24
Top	quilted maple	Scale length	28" / 711 mm
Series finishes	Gloss Black, Black Cherry	Inlays	gothic crosses
Finishing of the model shown	Black Cherry	Bridge	Hipshot Hardtail .125
Construction	Ultra Access set neck	Bridge type	fixed, string-through-body
Neck wood	3-piece mahogany with carbon reinforcement	Hardware finishing	Black Chrome
Profile	thin C	Pickups	2 EMG 808 humbuckers
Nut width	2.125" / 54 mm	Pickup brand	EMG
Thickness at the nut	0.787" / 20 mm	Selector switch	3-way
Thickness at the 12th fret	0.866" / 22 mm	Controls	2 volume controls, 1 tone control
Nut	Graph Tech XL Black Tusq	Power supply	9V battery compartment
Key	rosewood