Schecter Jeff Loomis JL-7 Vampyre Red Satin electric guitar

General

Jeff Loomis is the guitarist for progressive metal band Nevermore. Several Schecter guitars form the core of his tonal toolkit. Schecter revisited the Jeff Loomis series, including this notable, sleek JL-7 Vampyre Red with black hardware, a thinner body with deeper arch top, stainless-steel frets and fixed Hipshot hardtail bridge. The neck of this 7-string guitar has been re-designed to offer improved playability at the highest frets. The neck is set into the body, and its Ultra Access design ensures a streamlined heel.

Schecter Jeff Loomis JL-7: construction

The JL-7's body is made of American swamp ash, a lightweight type of wood that's highly resonant. Tone-wise, it offers a nice balance between pleasant trebles, proper bass sounds and a somewhat scooped mid range. There's a Hipshot Hardtail bridge bolted onto the body, which greatly benefits the tone and sustain of the JL-7. The body also has an arched top and a very slender neck made of maple and walnut, supporting a maple fretboard. The 24 extra jumbo frets allow for great playability and provide a pleasantly sharp attack in combination with the maple fretboard.

Components and electronics

The Loomis signature has two special active EMG humbuckers that were designed to get the very best out of all seven strings. There's an EMG 57-7H at the bridge that offers a punchy sound with large dynamic headroom, and an EMG 66-7H at the neck for a warm, smooth sound with elaborate bass frequencies - both underneath a beautiful black brushed chrome cover. The no-nonsense controls consist of a volume knob and a 3-way pickup switch. This is a very straightforward metal guitar that beautifully combines the power of the seven strings and the overall character of Jeff Loomis' playing.