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Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
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Playability
73
Sound
62
Build
57
Value
69
Score
64
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Playability
77
Sound
79
Build
67
Value
74
Score
74
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Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist vs Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR

Reasons to Get
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist over Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR

Release Year
2023 vs 2015
From a more recent year
Type of Frets
Medium vs XL Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Body Type
Hollowbody vs Solid Body
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.827'' (21mm) vs 0.748'' (19mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.945'' (24mm) vs 0.787'' (20mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) 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
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Reasons to Get
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR over Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist

Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
XL Jumbo vs Medium
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 12"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Pickups Brand
EMG vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Nut Material
Locking vs Plastic
Best tuning stability for intense tremolo usage
Body Type
Solid Body vs Hollowbody
Feedback free
Number of Frets
24 vs 20
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.748'' (19mm) vs 0.827'' (21mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.787'' (20mm) vs 0.945'' (24mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.625'' (41.3mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
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
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output
Value Score
74 vs 69
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist vs Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR

Bridge Pickup
Super 58 vs EMG 57
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Super 58 vs EMG 66
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Basswood vs Mahogany
Different Body Wood
Nut Material
Plastic vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist vs Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
2
Same volume control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body

Common Strengths

  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR is probably the better product overall with its final score of 74 compared to the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's 64 score, which is a significant difference.

The Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR wins when it comes to sound, playability, build quality, value for the money. This means that it wins over the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist in every aspect.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR is the better choice.

The Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR meets 5 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist meets only 4. 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

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
  • 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.

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Overview

  • From Ibanez's 2023 AF series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Linden body
  • 3pc Nyatoh/Maple neck
  • Bound Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Super 58 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Super 58 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Walnut bridge
  • AF Expressionist Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Overview

  • From Schecter's 2015 Hellraiser Hybrid series
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Maple 3-pc neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 57 (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: EMG 66 (Humbucker/Active)
  • 2 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1500 Series bridge
  • Ultra Thin C Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo frets
  • Grover tuners
  • 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

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

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.

Woods Used in the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist

Basswood wood pattern used for guitar building
Basswood

Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.

Woods Used in the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany

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.

Winner: Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

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

The Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR pickups from a more specialized brand than the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist. Its pickups should give you a fuller, richer sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Hard Rock and similar genres.

We found the same or similar pickups to the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR's online:

The Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's pickups are Passive while the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR's are Active.

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: Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

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.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

They both share the following switching options:

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist and Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist and Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR'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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
Pickups 60
Sustain 70
Versatility 53
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 62
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
Pickups 85
Sustain 85
Versatility 61
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 79

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 Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist compares to the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist is built in Indonesia while the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR 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 Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist 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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR 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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

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.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

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 Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist'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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR'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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's are Ibanez while the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR's are Grover

Winner: Tie.

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
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
  • Expensive Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in South Korea
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
Quality of materials 46
Features 55
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 57
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
Quality of materials 51
Features 75
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 67

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

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Nut Width
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Nut Width
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Nut Width
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 41.3mm (1.625''). This is a 1.7mm (0.068'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's Scale Length
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's Scale Length
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR's Scale Length
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR'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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR has the longest scale: 25.5". The Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist 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

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Neck Profile
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's neck profile
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Neck Profile
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR'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.

Both the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist and the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR have a C-shaped 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

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Fingerboard Radius
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's Fingerboard radius
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Fretboard Compound Radius
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR'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 Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR 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 Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist favors large hands more than the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR.

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Frets Size
Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's Frets Size
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR Frets Size
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR's Frets Size

The Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR has XL Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist's Medium frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 70
Playability 73
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 90
Playability 77

Specs Side-by-Side

Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist vs Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
General Ibanez AF95 Artcore Expressionist Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 FR
Brand: Ibanez Schecter
Year: 2023 2015
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia South Korea
Series: AF Hellraiser Hybrid
Colors: Sunburst Black, Purple
Left-Handed Version: No Yes
Body
Type: Hollowbody Solid Body
Body Material: Linden Mahogany
Bridge: Walnut Floyd Rose 1500 Series
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Ibanez Grover
Fretboard: Bound Macassar Ebony Ebony
Neck Material: 3pc Nyatoh/Maple Maple 3-pc
Decoration: Acrylic block Mother of Pearl Offset/Reverse Dots w/Gothic Cross at 12th Fret
Scale Size: 24.75" 25.5"
Shape: AF Expressionist Ultra Thin C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) - 12th Fret: 0.945'' (24mm) 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.787'' (20mm)
Frets: 20 Medium Nickel Silver 24 XL Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12" to 16"
Nut: Plastic Locking
Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'') 41.3mm (1.625'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Super 58 (Humbucker / Passive) EMG 57 (Humbucker / Active)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Super 58 (Humbucker / Passive) EMG 66 (Humbucker / Active)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Speed Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 2 2
Tone Controls: 2 1