SCHECTER1189 vs SCHECTER285-U — Compare

Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black vs Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure guitar in Black Pearl Open Box

The Damien Platinum-6 FR S is a high-gain metal machine with a Floyd Rose tremolo and Sustainiac pickups for aggressive, articulate tones, while the Robert Smith UltraCure is a post-punk and alternative-rock workhorse with dual Seymour Duncan '59s and a Bigsby bridge for dark, moody, sustained character. Choose the Damien for metal and progressive rock; choose the UltraCure for alternative, indie, and studio work.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

$1,149.00
View Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure guitar in Black Pearl Open Box

$1,187.00
View Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure guitar in Black Pearl Open Box

Specs side by side

Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin BlackSchecter Robert Smith UltraCure guitar in Black Pearl Open Box
Price$1,149.00$1,187.00
BrandSchecterSchecter
SeriesSchecter DamienSchecter Robert Smith
BodySingle Cutaway—
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale25.5" Scale35" Scale
Strings65
Frets24 Frets24 Frets
FretboardRosewoodMaple
NeckMapleMaple
Neck ConstructionSet-NeckBolt-On
Pickup ConfigurationHHActive HH
BridgeFloyd Rose LicensedString-Through Body
YearUnknown2023
ConditionNewUsed

Why choose Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

  • ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge provides tuning stability and tremolo range essential for metal
  • ✓ EMG 81/85 Sustainiac pickups with 3-mode switching (Fundamental-Mix-Harmonic) deliver aggressive, articulate high-output tones
  • ✓ Purpose-built ergonomics and thin neck ideal for fast, technical metal and progressive playing

Why choose Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure guitar in Black Pearl Open Box

  • ✓ Bigsby Flat Top B50 bridge with TonePros tuning system creates sustained resonance and dynamic response suited to alternative and post-punk
  • ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan '59 pickups offer warm, dark, crystalline clarity across a wider tonal spectrum than high-gain designs
  • ✓ Chambered mahogany body and set-neck construction deliver moody character and responsiveness for fingerpicking and expressive chord work
  • ✓ Open-box pricing offers mid-tier value
Bottom line: Buy the Damien Platinum-6 FR S if you play metal, progressive rock, or hard rock and need tuning stability and high-output aggression. Buy the Robert Smith UltraCure if you play post-punk, alternative rock, indie, or need a versatile studio guitar with dark tone and sustained resonance.

Frequently asked questions

Which guitar is better for metal?

The Damien Platinum-6 FR S is purpose-built for metal. Its Floyd Rose Special bridge locks tuning for drop-tuned riffs, and the EMG 81/85 Sustainiac pickups with aggressive character and high output are standard in metal. The UltraCure's Seymour Duncan '59s and Bigsby bridge are voiced for warm, sustained tones unsuited to tight metal articulation.

Which guitar works better for alternative rock and post-punk?

The Robert Smith UltraCure is designed specifically for post-punk, alternative rock, and studio sessions. Its dark, moody tone, crystalline clarity, and responsive dynamics match the tonal character of The Cure and similar alternative acts. The Damien's aggressive high-output character is designed for metal and would sound too bright and aggressive for that style.

How do the necks compare?

Both guitars feature a thin 'C' maple neck at 0.787" at the first fret and 25.5" scale with 24 X-Jumbo frets. The Damien emphasizes rapid upper-fret access for lead work; the UltraCure emphasizes comfort for both technical and expressive playing, with a slightly thicker profile at the twelfth fret (0.866" vs. unstated on the Damien).

What is the price difference and value?

Both are mid-tier priced. The UltraCure is listed as open-box, which typically offers a discount versus new. The Damien's Floyd Rose and Sustainiac circuit justify the cost for metal players; the UltraCure's Bigsby, dual '59s, and chambered body justify its cost for alternative and studio players. Neither is objectively better value—it depends on your genre.

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