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Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
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Playability
77
Sound
81
Build
83
Value
65
Score
80
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Playability
78
Sound
79
Build
69
Value
75
Score
75
FIND IT ON:
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Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature vs Dan Donegan Ultra

Reasons to Get
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature over Dan Donegan Ultra

Country of Manufacturing
United States vs South Korea
Built with higher quality standards
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
Release Year
2021 vs 2011
From a more recent year
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.785'' (19.9mm) vs 0.79'' (20.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.835'' (21.2mm) vs 0.87'' (22.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Fretboard Radius
16'' (406.4mm) vs 14'' (355.6mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Reasons to Get
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra over Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature

Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Neck Joint
Neck-Through vs Set
Stronger neck and easier access to upper frets
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.79'' (20.1mm) vs 0.785'' (19.9mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.87'' (22.1mm) vs 0.835'' (21.2mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
14'' (355.6mm) vs 16'' (406.4mm)
More curved fretboard helpful to play chords without muting strings
Value Score
75 vs 65
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature vs Dan Donegan Ultra

Bridge Pickup
Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set vs Schecter USA Brimstone-Six
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set vs Schecter USA Brimstone-Six
Different Neck Pickup
Neck Wood
Mahogany vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Nut Material
Locking vs Black Tusq XL
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature vs Dan Donegan Ultra

Body Wood
Mahogany
Same Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
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
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
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)
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra Prices

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature is probably the better product overall with its final score of 80 compared to the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra's 75 score, although not by a lot.

The Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature wins when it comes to sound, build quality. On the other hand, the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra has the upper hand when it comes to playability, value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
  • Comfortable shape
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale
  • Easy-to-use bridge

New Player Friendliness

Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature Overview

  • From Schecter's 2021 Artist series
  • Synyster Gates Signature
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Quilted Maple top
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose Original bridge
  • Custom Syn C Shape Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Schecter/Hipshot Staggered Locking Tuners tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra Overview

  • From Schecter's 2011 Artist series
  • Dan Donegan Signature
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 14" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Maple 3-pc neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Schecter USA Brimstone-Six (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Schecter USA Brimstone-Six (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece bridge
  • Thin C Neck-Through neck
  • 22 XL Jumbo frets
  • Schecter Locking 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

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.

Woods Used in the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra

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.

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 Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

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 Dan Donegan Ultra.

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 Dan Donegan Ultra 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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature's switch options
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra'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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
Pickups 85
Sustain 80
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 95
Sound 81
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
Pickups 90
Sustain 85
Versatility 59
Tuning Stability 80
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 Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature compares to the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature is built in United States while the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra is made in South Korea.

The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

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: Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature has 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.

On the other hand, the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra comes with 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).

Winner: Tie.

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature 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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature.

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 Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature's brige 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.

On the other hand, the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra's 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.

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature.

Tuners

They both have 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: 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.

The Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature has 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.

On the other hand, the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra comes with 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: Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Retainer Bar
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in South Korea
  • 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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
Quality of materials 75
Features 75
Quality Control 100
Build Quality 83
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
Quality of materials 56
Features 75
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 69

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.

Scale Length

Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature and Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra'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 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature Neck Profile
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature's neck profile
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra Neck Profile
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra'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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature and the Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra 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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature Fingerboard Radius
Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature's Fingerboard radius
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra Fingerboard Radius
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra'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 Dan Donegan Ultra's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature'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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature.

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''.

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.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature and Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra 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 Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 77
Schecter Dan Donegan Ultra
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 78

Specs Side-by-Side

Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature vs Dan Donegan Ultra
General Schecter Synyster Gates FR QM USA Signature Dan Donegan Ultra
Brand: Schecter Schecter
Year: 2021 2011
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: United States South Korea
Series: Artist Artist
Colors: Black Natural Burst Black
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Bridge: Floyd Rose Original TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Neck-Through
Tuners: Schecter/Hipshot Staggered Locking Tuners Schecter Locking
Fretboard: Ebony Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany Maple 3-pc
Decoration: Custom Syn Inlay Gold Dots
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Custom Syn C Shape Thin C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.785'' (19.9mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm)
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel 22 XL Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 16" 14"
Nut: Locking Black Tusq XL
Nut Width: mm ('') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set (Humbucker / Passive) Schecter USA Brimstone-Six (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature engraved Humbucker Set (Humbucker / Passive) Schecter USA Brimstone-Six (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Speed
Pickup Mods: None Coil Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1