Schecter Robert Smith Ultracure Black (Ex-Demo) #w19061092

What we say:

Since 1976, Schecter guitars have carved a unique and highly revered path through the world of original guitar design. No mere copyists, Schecter are known for some truly outlandish designs but are equally well known for their high quality control and rock 'n' roll attitude. For those players who are a little wearied with the usual models on offer, dive into the world of Schecter guitars and discover a treasure trove of original thinking mixed with some of the best hardware and construction available. Their designs fit every pocket, too: A-list rock stars go out on stage with these guitars and so can you.

Speaking of A-list rock stars, this beautiful and unusual axe is the up-to-date signature model for The Cure's Robert Smith. The iconic frontman (and seriously underrated guitarist) has used Schecter guitars for years and this is the latest in a long line of ‘Ultracure’ guitars.

Loosely based on Schecter’s existing Ultra model - the construction, woods and raised centre area are similar - but with a completely redrawn silhouette, Smith’s guitar is iconoclastic, authoritative and just plain cool. It’s a large and relatively heavy beast despite the Mahogany body being chambered: it feels fine on a strap though and the shape hangs well. The neck is a 3 piece maple set-neck with a ‘Thin C’ profile (we’d say it’s a little chunkier than thin and all the better for it) and a flat 14” radius Rosewood fretboard with two whole octaves’ worth of Extra Jumbo frets. Although this is for a player who specialises in texture and melody, this thing can really shred! The fret markers are excellent looking big Mother of Pearl blocks for added stage presence.

Hardware has always been a feature that Schecter have focussed on and the Ultracure sports some top class choices. The pickups are a pair of Seymour Duncan ’59 models, each with a convincing coil-split function with push/pull controls on the two volume knobs (Smith doesn’t use tone controls so they’ve been ditched completely) to fulfil the more jangly moments of a Cure set. The bridge is a licensed Bigsby B50 unit matched with a Tonepros roller TOM bridge and Schecter’s own locking tuners. A little Bigsby wobble is always welcome and on a body of this size it’s a perfect addition.

Obviously this will appeal more to the Goth/Alternative crowd but ignoring the famous provenance, this is a superb sounding guitar that plays incredibly well and is made to very high construction standards. Colour options? Sure, any colour you like as long as it’s black! Come on, this is The Cure!