SCHECTERCETQMBCH1037-U vs SCHECTERUCCEKNATGGH-U — Compare
Schecter CET USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Black Cherry Open Box vs Schecter California Custom Elite Koa Top USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Open Box
The CET USA Custom Shop excels in jazz and studio work with its articulate, balanced voice and premium all-around construction, while the California Custom Elite Koa Top is tailored for hard rock and blues with its warm woody resonance and aggressive tonal character. Choose the CET for versatile session work; choose the California for players prioritizing warmth and hard-rock punch.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Schecter CET USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Black Cherry Open Box
Schecter California Custom Elite Koa Top USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Open Box
Specs side by side
| Schecter CET USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Black Cherry Open Box | Schecter California Custom Elite Koa Top USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Open Box | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $2,429.14 |
| Brand | Schecter | Schecter |
| Series | Schecter USA Custom Shop | Schecter USA Custom Shop |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Stratocaster |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | — |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | — |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | — |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2013 | 2014 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Why choose Schecter CET USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Black Cherry Open Box
- ✓ Versatile balanced tone works across jazz, rock, and studio applications
- ✓ Premium neck geometry designed for smooth, responsive playing across entire fingerboard
- ✓ Articulate high-end clarity with substantial sustain rewards precision playing
- ✓ Professional-grade construction and USA Custom Shop quality control
Why choose Schecter California Custom Elite Koa Top USA Custom Shop Electric Guitar Open Box
- ✓ Warm woody resonance from koa and swamp ash pairing adds tonal character and sweetness
- ✓ Schecter Super Rock Monstertone pickups deliver aggressive hard-rock tones with defined lows
- ✓ Specific neck dimensions (.770" / .825") provide comfortable extended-session grip with precision
- ✓ Schecter Fulcrum Trem bridge ensures stable tuning and reliable vibrato control
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for jazz playing?
The CET USA Custom Shop is specifically listed as ideal for jazz with its articulate high-end clarity and balanced voice that supports smooth jazz voicings. The California Custom Elite is optimized for hard rock and blues rather than jazz contexts.
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The CET delivers articulate clarity with balanced highs and lows suited to precision work, while the California Custom Elite emphasizes warm woody resonance with subtle sweetness, favoring expressive hard-rock and blues tones. The CET is more neutral and versatile; the California is more character-driven.
Do these guitars have different neck profiles?
Yes. The California Custom Elite uses a measured Schecter C Shape (.770" at 1st fret, .825" at 12th fret), while the CET features a Custom Shop neck profile optimized for comfortable, responsive playing without specific measurements provided. Both prioritize playability but with different design philosophies.
Which is better for aggressive playing styles?
The California Custom Elite is explicitly designed for hard rock with its Schecter Super Rock Monstertone pickup set and warm-but-aggressive tonal character. The CET, while capable of aggressive rock passages, is optimized more for balanced versatility than raw aggression.