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Schecter Hellcat-VI
Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
VS
Playability
75
Sound
79
Build
64
Value
73
Score
73
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Playability
78
Sound
78
Build
67
Value
74
Score
74
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Schecter Hellcat-VI vs Robert Smith UltraCure VI Specs Comparison
Schecter Hellcat-VI Robert Smith UltraCure VI
General
Brand: Schecter Schecter
Year: 2010 2011
Configuration: SSS SSS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: South Korea South Korea
Series: Retro Artist
Colors: White, Sunburst Gray
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Swamp Ash Mahogany
Bridge: TonePros System w/Custom Brass Saddles TonePros System w/Custom Brass Saddles
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Set
Tuners: Grover Vintage Deluxe Hipshot Grip-Lock
Fretboard: Pau Ferro Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods Maple 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods
Decoration: Mother of Pear Dots Mother of Pearl Blocks
Scale Size: 30" 30"
Shape: Schecter C Thin C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.826'' (21mm) - 12th Fret: 0.905'' (23mm) 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm)
Frets: 22 XL Jumbo Nickel Silver 24 XL Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 14"
Nut: Black Tusq XL Black Tusq XL
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan SJAG-1B (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan SJAG-1M (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan SJAG-1N (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Coil Split None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Nickel Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Schecter Hellcat-VI and Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Schecter Hellcat-VI and Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI's switch options

Reasons to Get
Schecter Hellcat-VI over Robert Smith UltraCure VI

Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Neck Joint
Bolt-On vs Set
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.826'' (21mm) vs 0.79'' (20.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.905'' (23mm) vs 0.87'' (22.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 14'' (355.6mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings

Reasons to Get
Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI over Hellcat-VI

Release Year
2011 vs 2010
From a more recent year
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.79'' (20.1mm) vs 0.826'' (21mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.87'' (22.1mm) vs 0.905'' (23mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Fretboard Radius
14'' (355.6mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Value Score
74 vs 73
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Schecter Hellcat-VI vs Robert Smith UltraCure VI

Bridge Pickup
Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack vs Seymour Duncan SJAG-1B
Different Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup
Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack vs Seymour Duncan SJAG-1M
Different Middle Pickup
Neck Pickup
Schecter USA MonsterTone Stack vs Seymour Duncan SJAG-1N
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Ash vs Mahogany
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Pau Ferro vs Rosewood
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs 2-4
Different Headstock

Shared Features
Schecter Hellcat-VI vs Robert Smith UltraCure VI

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Nut Material
Black Tusq XL
Same Nut Material
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
SSS
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
30'' (762mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Type of Frets
XL Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Schecter Hellcat-VI Prices

    SET PRICE ALERT

    Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI Prices

      SET PRICE ALERT

      These are affiliate links. We may earn a fee if you purchase after clicking. These prices are prone to error. Make sure you're buying the right product after clicking on a link from our site. We are not liable if you buy the wrong product after following these links. As an Amazon Associate site we earn from qualifying purchases.

      Hand Size Comfortability

      And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Schecter Hellcat-VI favors large hands more than the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

      Schecter Hellcat-VI:
      Big Hands
      Small Hands
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI:
      Big Hands
      Small Hands

      Beginner Friendliness

      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 Hellcat-VI
      • Comfortable shape
      • Easy-to-use bridge
      • Tall frets
      • Narrow nut
      • Comfortable neck
      • Comfortable fretboard
      • Short scale
      • Locking tuners

      New Player Friendliness

      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
      • Easy-to-use bridge
      • Locking tuners
      • Tall frets
      • Narrow nut
      • Comfortable neck
      • Comfortable shape
      • Comfortable fretboard
      • Short scale

      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

      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.

      Woods Used in the Schecter Hellcat-VI

      Pau Ferro wood pattern used for guitar building
      Pau Ferro
      Ash wood pattern used for guitar building
      Ash

      Pau Ferro has a dark, chocolate-like color with straight dark grains that is being used as a replacement to Rosewood due to the regulations. It produces a warm tone that is somewhere between Mahogany and Rosewood. Find out more about Pau Ferro.

      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 Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI

      Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
      Rosewood
      Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
      Mahogany

      Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

      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 Robert Smith UltraCure VI.

      Pickup Configuration

      Both pickup configurations are SSS. SSS is perfect for players who like to play clean. The definition you get between notes and the crispiness is unmatched by most other configurations. You can still use it for distortion, but you won't get the same kind of output and power compared to a humbucker, and the hum they produce also makes them less adequate for high gain.

      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 Schecter Hellcat-VI has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

      We found the same or similar pickups to the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI's online:

      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: Schecter Hellcat-VI.

      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 Hellcat-VI 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.

      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 Hellcat-VI.

      Final Sound Quality Scores

      Schecter Hellcat-VI
      Pickups 100
      Sustain 75
      Versatility 70
      Tuning Stability 70
      Sound 79
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
      Pickups 95
      Sustain 75
      Versatility 60
      Tuning Stability 80
      Sound 78

      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 Hellcat-VI compares to the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI.

      Country of Origin

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

      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.

      In this case, both have Black Tusq XL nuts. 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).

      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 Robert Smith UltraCure VI 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 Robert Smith UltraCure VI.

      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.

      The Schecter Hellcat-VI has a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

      On the other hand, the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI comes with 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: Schecter Hellcat-VI.

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

      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Schecter Hellcat-VI
      • Expensive Wood
      • Black Tusq XL Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Coil Split Pickups
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • Made in South Korea
      • No Neck-Through Build
      • No Weight Relief
      • No Luminescent Inlay
      • No Tremolo
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
      • Locking Tuners
      • Expensive Wood
      • Black Tusq XL Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • Made in South Korea
      • 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

      Final Build Quality Scores

      Schecter Hellcat-VI
      Quality of materials 61
      Features 55
      Quality Control 75
      Build Quality 64
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
      Quality of materials 66
      Features 60
      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

      Schecter Hellcat-VI Nut Width
      Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

      The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42mm (1.654'').

      This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

      If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

      Scale Length

      Schecter Hellcat-VI and Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI's Scale Length
      Both have the same 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 scale length of 30".

      This is a scale used for baritones and guitars with more than 6 strings. Since the scale is so long, the tension of the strings will be higher. This means that bending will require a lot more strength than with a shorter scale. However, it also allows you to use really low tunings without causing fret buzz and without needing to increase your string gauge too much.

      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 Hellcat-VI Neck Profile
      Schecter Hellcat-VI's neck profile
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI Neck Profile
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI'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 Schecter Hellcat-VI and the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI 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

      Schecter Hellcat-VI Fingerboard Radius
      Schecter Hellcat-VI's Fingerboard radius
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI Fingerboard Radius
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI's Fingerboard 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 Hellcat-VI's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI.

      Still, both tend to favor soloing over chords, so if you're looking for a guitar for playing rhythm, you might want something else with a radius closer to a Stratocaster's 9.5''.

      Fret Size

      Schecter Hellcat-VI and Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI 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

      Schecter Hellcat-VI
      Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
      Chord Playability 60
      Solo Playability 80
      Playability 75
      Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure VI
      Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
      Chord Playability 60
      Solo Playability 90
      Playability 78