INTRODUCTION

The Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary in Gold Burst celebrates five decades of Schecter guitar design by taking the iconic C-1 platform and loading it with a genuinely premium modern performance specification.

Built around a resonant swamp ash body and neck-thru maple, walnut and padauk construction, the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary combines exceptional upper-fret access with an Ultra Thin “C” neck, ebony fingerboard, 12"–16" compound radius and 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets. It is an unmistakably modern Schecter designed for speed, precision and demanding technical playing.

Electronics are equally distinctive. A special Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition bridge humbucker is paired with a Gold Sustainiac neck system, providing everything from powerful conventional rhythm and lead tones to effectively endless sustain and controllable harmonic feedback. A Floyd Rose 1500 locking tremolo completes the performance package, giving players the ability to combine sustained notes with dramatic pitch effects, dive-bombs, pull-ups and expressive vibrato.

Finished in exclusive 50th Gold Burst with black and gold hardware, brass fingerboard inlays and glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side markers, this anniversary C-1 combines Schecter’s heritage with the modern engineering that has made the brand a favourite among serious rock and metal players.

KEY FEATURES

• Schecter 50th Anniversary model

• Iconic C-1 double-cutaway body

• Exclusive 50th Gold Burst finish

• Swamp ash body

• Neck-thru construction

• Schecter Ultra Access heel

• Maple/walnut/padauk multi-ply neck

• Carbon-fibre neck reinforcement rods

• Ebony fingerboard

• Ultra Thin “C” neck profile

• 25.5" scale length

• 12"–16" compound fingerboard radius

• 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets

• Offset brass ring fingerboard inlays

• Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers

• Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition bridge humbucker

• Gold Sustainiac neck pickup system

• Two dedicated Sustainiac mini switches

• Master volume and master tone controls

• Three-way pickup selector

• Floyd Rose 1500 locking tremolo

• Floyd Rose locking nut

• TonePros “M Series” tuners

• Heel-access spoke-wheel truss rod adjustment

• Black single-ply binding

• Premium black and gold hardware

• Factory-fitted Ernie Ball Regular Slinky .010–.046 strings

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary takes one of Schecter’s most established designs and pushes it firmly into premium performance territory. Neck-thru construction, stainless steel frets, an ebony compound-radius fingerboard and an extremely slim neck give it the speed and accessibility demanded by modern technical players, while the familiar C-1 shape remains comfortable and balanced.

Its biggest creative advantage comes from the combination of Sustainiac and Floyd Rose. The Sustainiac can keep a note ringing and developing while the locking tremolo manipulates its pitch, opening up lead textures that are impossible to achieve with a conventional fixed-bridge twin-humbucker guitar. For players who genuinely use expressive guitar techniques, the FR-S specification offers far more than cosmetic anniversary upgrades.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition Humbucker

At the bridge is the special Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition humbucker, developed for the 50th Anniversary collection.

The bridge pickup is designed to provide the authority, attack and clarity required for modern rock and metal. It offers the focused response needed for tight palm-muted riffs while retaining sufficient definition for complex chords and heavily saturated lead tones.

For players using high-gain valve amplifiers, digital modelling systems or modern pedal rigs, the Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition provides a strong, articulate foundation.

It is equally capable of delivering aggressive rhythm sounds and cutting lead tones, making it the main conventional voice of the C-1 FR-S.

Gold Sustainiac System

The neck position features an eye-catching Gold Sustainiac.

The Sustainiac serves as a neck pickup while also incorporating an active sustainer system capable of dramatically extending how long a note can continue ringing.

Instead of relying solely on amplifier volume and physical feedback, the system can keep the strings vibrating electronically.

That gives the player access to:

• Exceptionally long sustained notes

• Controlled feedback effects

• Harmonic development

• Ambient textures

• Sustained chords

• Experimental lead sounds

• Tremolo-assisted pitch effects

For expressive lead guitar, the Sustainiac can fundamentally change the way the instrument is played.

Sustainiac Controls

Two dedicated mini switches provide control over the Sustainiac system.

This allows the player to engage the sustainer and alter its behaviour independently of the guitar’s standard pickup controls.

Once understood, the system becomes an expressive tool rather than simply an effect.

Players can allow a note to develop into harmonics, sustain a bend considerably longer than would normally be possible or combine sustained notes with Floyd Rose manipulation to create dramatic pitch-based textures.

Floyd Rose 1500 Tremolo

The Floyd Rose 1500 provides the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary with a serious double-locking tremolo system.

The strings are secured at both the bridge and locking nut, helping the guitar maintain tuning stability during extensive tremolo use.

The system allows techniques including:

• Deep dive-bombs

• Pull-ups

• Flutter effects

• Harmonic squeals

• Aggressive vibrato

• Chord drops

• Extreme pitch manipulation

• Sustainiac-assisted tremolo effects

Fine tuners built directly into the Floyd Rose bridge allow small tuning adjustments once the locking nut has been secured.

Why Choose the FR-S Combination?

The FR-S configuration is particularly useful for players who want their guitar itself to become part of the creative effects process.

A Floyd Rose provides extensive control over pitch. A Sustainiac provides extensive control over sustain.

Together, the two systems interact in ways that a conventional guitar cannot replicate.

A sustained harmonic can be raised or lowered dramatically with the tremolo. A chord can be allowed to develop before being manipulated in pitch. Single notes can continue far beyond their normal decay.

For progressive, instrumental and technically adventurous guitarists, the FR-S combination provides a substantial amount of creative freedom.

Neck-Thru Construction

The C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary uses neck-thru construction, with the multi-ply neck running through the central structure of the instrument.

This eliminates the conventional bolt-on neck heel and creates an exceptionally smooth transition between the neck and body.

Schecter combines this construction with its Ultra Access heel contour, giving the fretting hand excellent freedom when working in the highest positions.

For players who regularly use the full 24-fret fingerboard, this is a meaningful practical advantage.

Maple, Walnut and Padauk Multi-Ply Neck

The neck itself uses a premium combination of maple, walnut and padauk.

Multi-ply construction provides additional structural rigidity compared with a straightforward single-piece neck while giving the rear of the instrument a distinctive appearance.

Schecter also incorporates carbon-fibre reinforcement rods, adding another layer of structural reinforcement alongside the adjustable truss rod.

For a guitar designed for demanding use, this is precisely the type of construction detail experienced players are likely to appreciate over the long term.

Ultra Thin “C” Neck Profile

The C-1 FR-S uses Schecter’s Ultra Thin “C” neck profile.

Approximate thickness is:

• 19mm at the 1st fret

• 20mm at the 12th fret

This is slimmer than Schecter’s standard Thin “C” profile and is designed specifically around modern high-performance playing.

The reduced depth makes rapid position changes, wide stretches and technically demanding passages feel particularly accessible.

Players who favour substantial vintage necks may prefer something thicker, but guitarists who want speed and minimal resistance are likely to feel immediately at home.

Ebony Fingerboard

The multi-ply neck is topped with a premium ebony fingerboard.

Its smooth surface, dark appearance and contemporary feel suit the high-end specification of the anniversary model particularly well.

Rather than using conventional dot markers, Schecter fits distinctive offset brass ring inlays, reinforcing the black-and-gold anniversary aesthetic.

The combination creates a fingerboard that looks sophisticated without becoming overly decorative.

12"–16" Compound Fingerboard Radius

The ebony fingerboard uses a 12"–16" compound radius.

This means the fingerboard gradually becomes flatter as you move towards the higher frets.

In the lower positions, the slightly more curved 12" radius remains comfortable for chords and rhythm work.

Further up the neck, the flatter 16" radius becomes increasingly suitable for:

• Wide string bends

• Fast lead runs

• Legato

• Tapping

• Sweep picking

• Technical playing

• Low-action setups

This provides a useful balance between everyday comfort and high-performance lead playability.

24 X-Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets

The C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary features 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets.

Twenty-four frets provide a complete two-octave range on every string, while the X-Jumbo dimensions give bends, vibrato and legato techniques a direct, controlled feel.

The use of stainless steel is particularly significant.

Stainless steel fretwire is considerably more resistant to wear than conventional nickel-silver material, making it especially valuable for players who put substantial hours into their instrument.

The smooth surface also gives string bending an exceptionally refined feel.

Luminlay Side Markers

Schecter equips the guitar with Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers.

These provide an immediately useful stage feature.

Under darker lighting, conventional side dots can become difficult to see. Luminlay markers remain much easier to locate, helping the player navigate the neck without relying on bright stage illumination.

It is a small detail, but one that makes considerable sense on an instrument clearly designed for professional performance.

Swamp Ash Body

The anniversary C-1 uses a swamp ash body.

The wood is shaped into Schecter’s familiar C-1 form, with its sculpted double-cutaway design and carved top providing a combination of comfort and unmistakably modern styling.

The body is outlined with subtle black single-ply binding, helping define the edge of the Gold Burst finish.

Swamp ash also provides an appropriate foundation for the instrument’s powerful electronics and performance-focused construction.

50th Gold Burst Finish

The official finish is 50th Gold Burst, developed specifically for the anniversary collection.

Rather than treating the anniversary concept as simply a small logo addition, Schecter carries the gold theme throughout the instrument.

The finish is complemented by:

• Gold Sustainiac

• Offset brass ring inlays

• Gold control knobs

• Black and gold hardware

• Dark ebony fingerboard

• Black binding

The result is cohesive and immediately recognisable as a special-edition Schecter.

TonePros “M Series” Tuners

The headstock features TonePros “M Series” tuners.

Although the Floyd Rose locking nut takes over much of the tuning stability once the guitar has been locked down, quality machine heads remain important for restringing and bringing the instrument to pitch during the initial setup process.

Their inclusion adds another premium component to an already extensive hardware specification.

Heel-Access Spoke-Wheel Truss Rod

Schecter uses a two-way adjustable truss rod with a spoke wheel positioned at the neck heel.

This allows much easier access when neck-relief adjustments are required.

For players who perform their own setups or experiment with different string gauges, this is substantially more convenient than many traditional truss rod arrangements.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary is best suited to intermediate, advanced and professional players who want a serious modern performance guitar with specialist lead capabilities.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Modern metal

• Progressive metal

• Hard rock

• Progressive rock

• Instrumental guitar

• Technical lead guitar

• Metalcore

• Alternative metal

• High-gain rhythm playing

• Studio recording

• Live performance

• Sustainiac users

• Floyd Rose players

• Guitarists who use the full 24-fret range

• Players seeking a premium anniversary Schecter

The specification makes most sense for a guitarist who will genuinely use the Sustainiac and Floyd Rose.

If you primarily play rhythm guitar and never use tremolo effects, a simpler C-1 may be more practical. For players who actively use these features, however, the C-1 FR-S offers creative possibilities that a conventional guitar simply cannot provide.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

Modern Metal

The C-1 FR-S is naturally suited to modern metal.

The Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition bridge humbucker delivers the focused response required for high-gain rhythm playing, while the 25.5" scale provides familiar string tension for articulate riffing.

The Floyd Rose also provides access to the dramatic pitch effects associated with many contemporary metal styles.

Technical Lead Guitar

This is arguably where the anniversary C-1 is strongest.

Its combination of:

• Ultra Thin “C” neck

• 12"–16" compound radius

• 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets

• Ultra Access neck construction

• Floyd Rose 1500

• Sustainiac

creates an exceptionally capable lead platform.

Fast runs, tapping, legato, wide bends and expressive tremolo techniques all feel completely at home.

Progressive and Instrumental Guitar

The Sustainiac makes the C-1 particularly interesting for progressive and instrumental players.

Instead of thinking solely in terms of conventional picked notes, the player can create sustained textures, evolving harmonics and extended feedback-style effects directly from the guitar.

Combined with delay, reverb and modulation effects, the creative range becomes substantial.

Hard Rock

The guitar is equally capable of conventional high-energy hard rock.

A powerful bridge humbucker, Floyd Rose and fast neck create exactly the type of specification required for riff-heavy rhythm work followed by expressive lead playing.

Studio Recording

The C-1 FR-S is a particularly useful studio instrument because it can cover both conventional and unconventional guitar parts.

The bridge pickup handles familiar rhythm and lead sounds, while the Sustainiac can produce sustained textures that might otherwise require additional production techniques.

For layered arrangements, that makes the guitar an extremely creative tool.

HOW IT COMPARES

Versus the Avenger FR-S 50th Anniversary

The C-1 FR-S and Avenger FR-S 50th Anniversary models share much of the same premium specification, including neck-thru construction, swamp ash body material, compound-radius ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, Anniversary Edition bridge pickup, Gold Sustainiac and Floyd Rose 1500.

The main decision is therefore largely about body shape and playing preference.

The C-1 offers Schecter’s familiar, compact double-cutaway design, while the Avenger provides a more unconventional and aggressive silhouette.

Players who prefer a more traditional modern-superstrat form will generally gravitate towards the C-1.

Versus the C-1 50th Anniversary

The FR-S version is the specialist performance choice.

Its Floyd Rose and Sustainiac add extensive pitch and sustain capabilities that go beyond a more conventional guitar configuration.

If those specialist features are unnecessary, the standard 50th Anniversary C-1 may provide a simpler solution.

If expressive tremolo and controlled sustain are central to your playing, the FR-S is the version to choose.

Versus a Fixed-Bridge C-1

A fixed bridge is considerably simpler when changing strings, adjusting tunings or switching string gauges.

The Floyd Rose requires more setup knowledge but provides far greater expressive pitch control.

Players who rarely touch a tremolo will generally be better served by a hardtail guitar. Players who regularly use dive-bombs, flutter and vibrato techniques will appreciate what the FR-S offers.

Versus a Conventional HH Guitar

A standard two-humbucker guitar can provide excellent rhythm and lead tones but cannot replicate the extended sustain and controlled harmonic feedback of the Sustainiac.

The C-1 FR-S is therefore aimed at a more creatively adventurous player rather than someone who simply needs conventional neck and bridge humbucker sounds.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Brand	Schecter
Model	C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary
Item Number	4137
Instrument Type	Solidbody Electric Guitar
Finish	50th Gold Burst
Dexterity	Right Handed
Number of Strings	6
Construction	Neck-Thru with Ultra Access
Body Material	Swamp Ash
Top Contour	Carved Top
Binding	Black 1-Ply
Neck Material	Maple/Walnut/Padauk Multi-Ply
Neck Reinforcement	Carbon Fibre Reinforcement Rods
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Neck Profile	Ultra Thin “C”
Neck Thickness	19mm at 1st fret / 20mm at 12th fret
Scale Length	25.5"
Fingerboard Radius	12"–16" Compound
Frets	24 X-Jumbo Stainless Steel
Inlays	Offset Brass Rings
Side Markers	Luminlay Glow in the Dark
Nut	Floyd Rose Locking
Nut Width	41.3mm
Truss Rod	2-Way Adjustable with Spoke Wheel at Neck Heel
Bridge Pickup	Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition
Neck Pickup	Gold Sustainiac
Controls	Master Volume / Master Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Way Toggle
Sustainiac Controls	2 Mini Switches
Bridge	Floyd Rose 1500
Tuners	TonePros “M Series”
Hardware Colour	Black and Gold
Control Knobs	Gold Metal Dome with Black Top
Battery Compartment	Battery Box
Factory Strings	Ernie Ball Regular Slinky .010–.046
Compatible Case	Schecter 1620 SGR-1C C-Shape Hardcase, sold separately

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Sustainiac system requires battery power to operate its active sustain functions.

A dedicated battery compartment is built into the guitar for convenient battery access.

As with other active guitar electronics, unplugging the instrument when it is not being used will help maximise battery life.

🎵 FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Serious modern rock and metal players who want the familiar C-1 body shape combined with neck-thru construction, a Floyd Rose, Sustainiac and exceptionally fast playability.

Customers usually upgrade from: Mid-range Schecter, Ibanez, Jackson and similar performance guitars where premium fretwork, improved neck construction, more advanced electronics and higher-grade hardware have become priorities.

Most commonly paired with: High-gain valve amplifiers, modelling systems, noise gates, overdrive or boost pedals, delay and reverb effects and a suitable protective hardcase.

Our tip: The real strength of the C-1 FR-S is not simply having both a Sustainiac and Floyd Rose—it is using them together. Allow the Sustainiac to develop a held note or harmonic, then manipulate its pitch with the Floyd Rose to create textures that a conventional guitar cannot achieve.

Showroom feedback: Players already familiar with Schecter’s C-1 shape should find this anniversary model immediately comfortable, but the Ultra Thin neck, stainless steel frets and exceptionally smooth neck-thru upper access give it a noticeably more premium performance feel.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable team of musicians helps players choose guitars and equipment that genuinely suit their playing style, technique and existing setup.

When buying from Fair Deal Music you benefit from:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading musical instrument brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after purchase

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience supplying guitars, amplifiers and musical equipment

For a specialist performance guitar such as the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary, our team can also advise on Floyd Rose setup, Sustainiac operation, strings, amplifiers, effects and suitable protective cases.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading to the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary?

Fair Deal Music accepts part exchange on guitars, basses, amplifiers and other musical equipment, which could help reduce the cost of your new Schecter.

Contact our team with details of the equipment you would like to trade for a no-obligation valuation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does FR-S mean on the Schecter C-1?

FR-S refers to the combination of a Floyd Rose locking tremolo and Sustainiac system.

These are two of the defining features of this version of the C-1.

Is this a Schecter 50th Anniversary guitar?

Yes. The C-1 FR-S is part of Schecter’s special 50th Anniversary Collection.

What is the official finish?

Schecter calls the finish 50th Gold Burst.

The gold theme continues through the Sustainiac, brass fingerboard inlays, control knobs and black-and-gold hardware.

What bridge pickup does it use?

The bridge position features a Schecter Sunset Strip Anniversary Edition humbucker developed specifically for the anniversary collection.

Does it have a Sustainiac?

Yes. The neck position features a Gold Sustainiac system.

This allows dramatically extended note sustain and controllable harmonic feedback effects.

Does the Sustainiac work as a normal neck pickup?

The Sustainiac occupies the neck pickup position while also providing its active sustaining functions, allowing the guitar to retain a conventional neck-position sound alongside its specialist effects.

Does the Sustainiac require a battery?

Yes. The Sustainiac uses active electronics and therefore requires battery power.

A dedicated battery compartment is fitted to the guitar.

Does it have a Floyd Rose?

Yes. The C-1 FR-S features a Floyd Rose 1500 double-locking tremolo.

Can the Floyd Rose perform dive-bombs?

Yes. The system is designed for substantial pitch manipulation including deep dive-bombs, pull-ups, flutter effects and expressive tremolo techniques.

Does it have stainless steel frets?

Yes. The guitar features 24 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets.

Stainless steel provides excellent resistance to wear and an exceptionally smooth surface for bends and vibrato.

What is the neck profile?

Schecter uses its Ultra Thin “C” profile, approximately 19mm deep at the first fret and 20mm at the twelfth.

Is it neck-thru?

Yes. The guitar uses neck-thru construction with Schecter Ultra Access, providing particularly smooth access to the highest frets.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The ebony fingerboard has a 12"–16" compound radius.

It gradually becomes flatter towards the upper frets, making it particularly well suited to modern lead techniques and wide bends.

Does it have glow-in-the-dark markers?

Yes. The guitar features Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers, helping players navigate the fingerboard under darker stage lighting.

Is the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary suitable for beginners?

There is nothing preventing a beginner from playing it, but the Floyd Rose and Sustainiac introduce more complexity than a conventional fixed-bridge guitar.

Its specification is particularly well suited to intermediate, advanced and professional players who can take advantage of its specialist features.

Is a hardcase included?

No. The compatible Schecter 1620 SGR-1C C-Shape Hardcase is sold separately.

Can I part exchange another guitar towards it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music welcomes part-exchange enquiries. Contact our team with details of your existing guitar or other musical equipment for a no-obligation valuation.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary Gold Burst Electric Guitar

Please note: The compatible Schecter 1620 SGR-1C C-Shape Hardcase is sold separately.

CLOSING CALL TO ACTION

The Schecter C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary in Gold Burst is a fitting celebration of one of the company’s most recognisable guitar designs, combining the familiar C-1 platform with some of Schecter’s most desirable modern performance features.

Neck-thru construction, an Ultra Thin multi-ply neck, compound-radius ebony fingerboard and 24 stainless steel frets create an exceptionally capable playing platform. The Anniversary Edition Sunset Strip bridge humbucker provides the power required for serious rock and metal tones, while the Gold Sustainiac and Floyd Rose 1500 dramatically expand the guitar’s expressive possibilities.

For players who want a premium Schecter that can handle aggressive rhythm work, technical lead playing and experimental Sustainiac-driven textures with equal confidence, the C-1 FR-S 50th Anniversary deserves serious consideration.

Order securely from Fair Deal Music, visit our Birmingham showroom or contact our team for expert advice on the C-1 FR-S, Sustainiac operation, Floyd Rose setup or building the ideal rig around your new guitar.