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ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
VS
Playability
80
Sound
76
Build
60
Value
67
Score
72
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Playability
77
Sound
85
Build
78
Value
80
Score
80
FIND IT ON:
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LTD Snakebyte Camo vs Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition

Reasons to Get
LTD Snakebyte Camo over Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition

Release Year
2022 vs 2016
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Thin U vs Thin C
Comfortable neck with more grip
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.787'' (20mm) vs 0.79'' (20.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.866'' (22mm) vs 0.87'' (22.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm) vs 1.625'' (41.3mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
24.75'' (628.7mm) vs 25.5'' (647.7mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output

Reasons to Get
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition over ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo

Decorative Top
Quilted Maple vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 13.78"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Neck Profile
Thin C vs Thin U
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Nut Material
Locking vs Plastic
Best tuning stability for intense tremolo usage
Pickup Mods
Sustainer vs None
Infinite sustain when activated
Tone Knobs
1 vs 0
More tone control
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.79'' (20.1mm) vs 0.787'' (20mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.87'' (22.1mm) vs 0.866'' (22mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.625'' (41.3mm) vs 1.654'' (42mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm) vs 24.75'' (628.7mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Avg. Weight
8.275lbs (3.8kgs) vs 8.8lbs (4kgs)
Tends to be lighter
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Value Score
80 vs 67
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
LTD Snakebyte Camo vs Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition

Bridge Pickup
EMG JH James Hetfield vs Schecter USA Apocalypse-VI
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
EMG JH James Hetfield vs Sustainiac
Different Neck Pickup
Nut Material
Plastic vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
LTD Snakebyte Camo vs Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition

Body Wood
Mahogany
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Mahogany
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body
Type of Frets
XL Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Frets
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is probably the better product overall with its final score of 80 compared to the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's 72 score, although not by a lot.

The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition wins when it comes to sound, build quality, value for the money. On the other hand, the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has the upper hand when it comes to playability.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo is the better choice.

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition meets only 5. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

New Player Friendliness

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo Overview

  • From ESP LTD's 2022 Signature series
  • James Hetfield Signature
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • 3Pc Mahogany neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG JH James Hetfield (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: EMG JH James Hetfield (Humbucker/Active)
  • 2 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge
  • Thin U Set neck
  • 22 XL Jumbo frets
  • LTD Locking tuners
  • Weight between 7.7lbs (3.5kgs) and 9.9lbs (4.5kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Overview

  • From Schecter's 2016 Special Edition series
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Quilted Maple top
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Schecter USA Apocalypse-VI (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Sustainiac (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1500 Series bridge
  • Thin C Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Grover Rotomatic 18:1 tuners
  • Weight between 8.2lbs (3.7kgs) and 8.35lbs (3.8kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

However, the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

You can purchase similar pickups to the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's and use them on any guitar:

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's pickups are Active while the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's are Passive.

Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

Winner: ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Only the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition comes with some kind of pickup modification: Sustainer.

The pickups with Sustainer are able to recreate the 'feedback' you get when you hold your guitar near a speaker without muting the strings. This allows them to produce infinite sustain that you can use for as long as you want to create interest sounds and harmonics.

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo pickups switch and push knobs diagram
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's switch options
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Final Sound Quality Scores

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
Pickups 100
Sustain 85
Versatility 44
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 76
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
Pickups 85
Sustain 100
Versatility 69
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 85

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo compares to the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo is built in Indonesia while the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is made in South Korea.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

South Korea was for many years the number one choice for mass-producing semi-premium guitars. They can build excellent guitars for a cheap price. Now, it's less common to find Korean guitars because Indonesia has proved capable of building guitars just as well, but likely for cheaper.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition comes with a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

Winner: Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

In this comparison, the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition.

Tuners

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Nevertheless, the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition has a locking nut, so it should have even better tune stability and doesn't need locking tuners.

Winner: ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Sustainer Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in South Korea
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
Quality of materials 41
Features 60
Quality Control 80
Build Quality 60
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
Quality of materials 75
Features 85
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 78

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo Nut Width
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo Nut Width
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Nut Width
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has the wider nut with 42mm (1.654'') vs 41.3mm (1.625''). This is a 0.7mm (0.029'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's Scale Length
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's Scale Length
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's Scale Length
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's Scale Length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition has the longest scale: 25.5". The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo is only 24.75" long. This is a 0.75'' (19.1mm) scale length difference.

This longer scale means that the strings need more tension to get in tune. This is good if you want to avoid fret buzz, which can happen when the strings are too loose and touch the frets while vibrating. This is especially important when playing in lower tunings. This will also let you reduce the gap between fretboard and strings (low action) to make them easier to press down. However, this higher tension will also make it harder to perform bends and vibratos as the strings will feel stiffer.

This also means that the frets have a longer separation between each other, so this will make it harder for people with smaller hands when playing some chord positions.

Another characteristic of a longer scale is that it makes the guitar sound 'snappier' or brighter. This is due to the extra separation between harmonics and overtones produced by the tension. This influences tone more than any other factor (except the pickups).

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo Neck Profile
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's neck profile
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Neck Profile
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

In this case, both have different neck shapes:

The ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo has a U type of neck. This is also referred to as ''baseball neck'' because of its shape. It's usually thick, which is why some people with big hands like it. However, they can also be thin, similar to a C shape, but with more shoulders for a better grip.

The Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition, on the other hand, has a C neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo Fingerboard Radius
ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo's Fingerboard radius
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Fretboard Compound Radius
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition's Compound Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition is the only one with a compound radius. This is a huge win because it will give you the best of both worlds: a more curved radius in the first few frets for chords, and flatter as you come closer to the body for soloing.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo favors large hands more than the Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo and Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition Frets Size
Both have a similar XL Jumbo fret size

Both have a XL Jumbo fret size. These are really tall frets made like this so you don't meet any resistance when playing techniques like vibrato, bending, tapping, etc. They should make the guitar easier to play, but you have to be careful not to get the notes out of pitch by pressing down too hard, which might happen since the fretboard will be too low to stop your hand.

Final Playability Scores

ESP LTD Snakebyte Camo
Bending & Vibrato Ease 95
Chord Playability 75
Solo Playability 70
Playability 80
Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 90
Playability 77

Specs Side-by-Side

LTD Snakebyte Camo vs Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
General LTD Snakebyte Camo Schecter E-1 FR S Special Edition
Brand: ESP LTD Schecter
Year: 2022 2016
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia South Korea
Series: Signature Special Edition
Colors: White Pattern Purple Burst
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Bridge: Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece Floyd Rose 1500 Series
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: LTD Locking Grover Rotomatic 18:1
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony Ebony
Neck Material: 3Pc Mahogany Mahogany 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods
Decoration: White dots with snake at 12th Mother of Pearl Blocks
Scale Size: 24.75" 25.5"
Shape: Thin U Thin C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm)
Frets: 22 XL Jumbo Nickel Silver 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 13.78" 12" to 16"
Nut: Plastic Locking
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 41.3mm (1.625'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: EMG JH James Hetfield (Humbucker / Active) Schecter USA Apocalypse-VI (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: EMG JH James Hetfield (Humbucker / Active) Sustainiac (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Speed
Pickup Mods: None Sustainer
Volume Controls: 2 1
Tone Controls: 0 1