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Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
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Playability
82
Sound
71
Build
74
Value
71
Score
76
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Playability
82
Sound
64
Build
65
Value
70
Score
70
FIND IT ON:
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Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon vs Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS

Reasons to Get
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon over Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS

Release Year
2022 vs 2018
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Rob Scallon C vs Jackson Standard
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Nut Material
Black Tusq XL vs Plastic
Good tuning stability with rich tone
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.846'' (21.5mm) vs 0.79'' (20.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.866'' (22mm) vs 0.85'' (21.6mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
2.126'' (54mm) vs 1.875'' (47.6mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Value Score
71 vs 70
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS over Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon

Decorative Top
Quilt Maple vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 20"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Neck Profile
Jackson Standard vs Rob Scallon C
Thin and flat neck for playing fast
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.79'' (20.1mm) vs 0.846'' (21.5mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.85'' (21.6mm) vs 0.866'' (22mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.875'' (47.6mm) vs 2.126'' (54mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes

Other Key Differences
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon vs Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS

Bridge Pickup
Schecter Diamond 78 Special Rob Scallon vs Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Schecter Diamond 78 Rob Scallon vs Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Ash vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Mahogany vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony vs Laurel
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Black Tusq XL vs Plastic
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon vs Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS

Headstock
4-4
Same Headstock
Strings
8
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Joint
Neck-Through
Stronger neck and easier access to upper frets
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Neck-Through Build

Common Weaknesses

  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • 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 C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon is probably the better product overall with its final score of 76 compared to the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS's 70 score, although not by a lot.

The Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon wins when it comes to sound, build quality, value for the money. On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS has the upper hand when it comes to.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel that the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS is easier to play.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 5 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. 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. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

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.

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Overview

  • From Schecter's 2022 Artist series
  • Rob Scallon Signature
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 8 strings
  • 27" to 25.5"'' scale
  • 20" Fretboard Radius
  • Swamp Ash body
  • Mahogany 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Schecter Diamond 78 Special Rob Scallon (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Schecter Diamond 78 Rob Scallon (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Hipshot Hardtail (.125) w/ String Thru Body bridge
  • Rob Scallon C Neck-Through neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Hipshot Grip-Lock tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Overview

  • From Jackson's 2018 X series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 8 strings
  • 28" to 26"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Quilt Maple top
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Staggered Individual Saddles bridge
  • Jackson Standard Neck-Through neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Jackson Sealed Die-Cast 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 the Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon

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

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.

Ash is a type of wood that Fender used almost exclusively in the 50s, and it's still used by many brands. It's a dense wood with a light color that works well for a transparent, natural finish because of its beautiful patterns. In terms of sound, it's known for emphasizing the mid and high frequencies, but with strong low end. Find out more about Ash.

Woods Used in the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
Laurel
Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
Poplar

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.

There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

Winner: Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon.

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

None of these use a specialized pickup brand for their pickups. Some of the best guitars on the market come with pickups from brands like EMG, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, etc. You might want to replace your pickups eventually if you want to get the best sound out of any of these instruments.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

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 C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon comes with some kind of pickup modification: Coil Split.

Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon's switch options
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS'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 C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
Pickups 55
Sustain 85
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 71
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
Pickups 55
Sustain 80
Versatility 54
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 64

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 Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon compares to the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Indonesia.

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.

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 Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon has a Black Tusq XL nut. TUSQ nuts are usually the highest quality you can get. Black TUSQs are made from a special slippery material that helps the strings get back to its original position (one of the keys to tune stability).

On the other hand, the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS comes with 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.

Winner: Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon.

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.

Both come with a similar bridge: 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.

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: Tie.

Tuners

The Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon 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.

Winner: Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon.

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 Neck-Through neck joint. This neck is a lot more resistant and lets builders give the neck joint a more comfortable shape for soloing at the upper frets. The disadvantage is that they're more expensive and that if you damage your neck, you can't simply replace it like with bolt-on necks.

Winner: Tie.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
Quality of materials 61
Features 80
Quality Control 80
Build Quality 74
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
Quality of materials 45
Features 75
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 65

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

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Nut Width
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Nut Width
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Nut Width
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon has the wider nut with 54mm (2.126'') vs 47.6mm (1.875''). This is a 6.4mm (0.251'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon's Scale Length
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon's Scale Length
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS's Scale Length
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS'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.

In this case, both have a multi-scale. The Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon has a 27" to 25.5" scale, and the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS features a 28" to 26" size.

They incorporate two scale lengths at the same time. This is present in some instruments with long scale to give different tension to the lower strings than the higher strings. The thickest strings need more tension to avoid fret buzz (especially when tuned low), so the scale is longer for these strings, while the thinnest strings will need less tension (because they have a lower gauge), so they have a shorter scale to reduce stiffness for bends.

It can feel awkward if you've never played a multi-scale because the frets will have more separation for the higher strings, but a lot of people love their versatility.

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

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Neck Profile
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon's neck profile
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Neck Profile
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS'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 Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon has a C type of 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.

The Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS, on the other hand, has a D neck. This is a thin and flat neck that is made for playing fast. If you prefer a neck that doesn't get in your way when soloing, this is the shape you should use. Guitarists that prefer to have a bit more grip won't like this type of neck.

Fretboard Radius

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Fingerboard Radius
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon's Fingerboard radius
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Fretboard Compound Radius
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS'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 Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS 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 Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon favors large hands more than the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS.

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon and Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS Frets Size
Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

Final Playability Scores

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon
Bending & Vibrato Ease 90
Chord Playability 55
Solo Playability 100
Playability 82
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 100
Playability 82

Specs Side-by-Side

Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon vs Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
General Schecter C-8 Multiscale Rob Scallon Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLATX8Q MS
Brand: Schecter Jackson
Year: 2022 2018
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 8 8
Made in: Indonesia Indonesia
Series: Artist X
Colors: Black Satin Black Burst
Left-Handed Version: Yes No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Swamp Ash Poplar
Bridge: Hipshot Hardtail (.125) w/ String Thru Body Staggered Individual Saddles
Neck
Neck Joint: Neck-Through Neck-Through
Tuners: Hipshot Grip-Lock Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Fretboard: Ebony Laurel
Neck Material: Mahogany 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods Maple
Decoration: Pearloid Reverse Dots Offset Pearloid Dot
Scale Size: 27" to 25.5" 28" to 26"
Shape: Rob Scallon C Jackson Standard
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.846'' (21.5mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.85'' (21.6mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 20" 12" to 16"
Nut: Black Tusq XL Plastic
Nut Width: 54mm (2.126'') 47.6mm (1.875'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Schecter Diamond 78 Special Rob Scallon (Humbucker / Passive) Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Schecter Diamond 78 Rob Scallon (Humbucker / Passive) Jackson Uncovered 8-String Blade Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Coil Split None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1