Schecter Damien Platinum 9 SBK

Schecter Damien Platinum 9 SBK review

The Damien Platinum 9 SBK is built around a clear priority: keeping an unusually low register controlled and playable. Its 762 mm, or 30-inch, scale gives the strings room to maintain tension at tunings that can feel slack on shorter guitars. Combined with two active EMG 909 humbuckers, a mahogany body and a maple neck, the result is a distinctly metal-focused instrument with a broad enough range for clean parts and atmospheric textures.

At a listed price of 1,139, it sits well below the cost of a custom-built extended-range guitar. That value depends on wanting a nine-string instrument in the first place. This is a specialist design, and its long scale and wide neck make it less adaptable as an everyday guitar for players who mostly use conventional tunings and standard-range instruments.

Construction and feel

The body is mahogany, with no separate top, and the finish is matte black. A layered silver and platinum-colored binding outlines the body. The neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard, 24 extra-jumbo frets and a slim C-shaped profile. The nut is 63.5 mm wide, making the extended string layout immediately apparent in the fretting hand.

Player feedback describes the neck as more comfortable than its length and width might suggest. Guitarists already used to an eight-string guitar, a six-string bass, or a slim neck profile may need little time to adjust. Others should expect a genuine transition. The extra reach is part of the instrument's purpose, not a detail that disappears once the first riff is underway.

Reports on build quality are largely positive. The hardware, controls and electronics are described as solid, and the matte finish has drawn favorable comments. One owner noted small inconsistencies in the binding that were visible only on close inspection. That is worth checking in person when possible, though the available feedback presents it as a minor cosmetic issue rather than a broader construction concern.

Low-register performance

The strongest case for this guitar is its response in very low tunings. Players report that the low notes stay clear and defined rather than turning muddy, including during palm-muted riffs and high-gain passages. The long scale supports that result by helping the strings retain tension. One reviewer used a tuning that stepped down from B to A on the lowest string, while another valued the guitar for moving between low tunings and a conventional high E.

String choice takes some planning. Owners report that a ready-made set may not suit every tuning or preferred feel, so combining individual strings with a standard set, or ordering a custom set, may be necessary. The best gauge depends on tuning and playing style, but the practical point is simple: check availability before settling on a setup. Very low notes are useful only when the strings feel stable under the picking hand.

The 24 extra-jumbo frets provide room for lead work, and reviewers describe the instrument as comfortable for riffs, chords and solos after a short adjustment period. Grover tuning machines and a two-way adjustable truss rod add practical setup flexibility. There is no tremolo system, which suits the fixed, low-tuning approach. Neither a gig bag nor a hard case is included.

Pickups and sound

The two active EMG 909 humbuckers deliver the high output and firm attack expected from a guitar aimed at heavy music. In the bridge position, players describe a clear response that preserves note definition on the lowest strings. The neck pickup is reported to produce warmer tones for cleaner passages and solos. High-gain rock, modern metal, progressive metal and tightly muted riffing are the most natural uses.

Clean and atmospheric sounds are possible, and equalization can broaden the palette. Still, the pickups and the instrument's physical dimensions shape its character. Feedback is mixed on genre flexibility: some owners enjoy using it across styles, while others find its width, scale and active pickups less suited to funk or other settings that call for a more conventional feel and response. Treat it as a focused tool rather than a guaranteed all-purpose guitar.

Verdict

The Schecter Damien Platinum 9 SBK makes a convincing case for players who need a nine-string guitar with a long scale and a controlled low end. Its slim neck profile helps offset the instrument's size, while the active pickups deliver a direct, forceful sound that works especially well with high gain. The reported construction quality is strong overall, with occasional minor concerns about binding finish.

Buy it for extended-range metal, low tunings and the specific feel of a 30-inch scale. Before ordering, consider the neck width, plan for suitable strings and account for the lack of an included case. For players comfortable with those tradeoffs, the Damien Platinum 9 SBK offers a substantial route into the nine-string range without custom-shop pricing.