Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR S Electric Guitar User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR S electric guitar. Please read it thoroughly to ensure proper use and care of your instrument.

Image: The Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR S electric guitar, featuring a satin black finish, two humbucking pickups, a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and a Sustainiac pickup.

The Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR S is a solidbody electric guitar designed for performance. It features a mahogany body, a 3-piece maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Key components include two humbucking pickups, a Floyd Rose Special Tremolo system for pitch modulation, and a Sustainiac pickup in the neck position for extended sustain effects.

Setup

1. Initial Inspection: Carefully remove the guitar from its packaging. Inspect for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping.
2. Tuning: This guitar is equipped with a Floyd Rose Special Tremolo system. Tuning a Floyd Rose bridge requires specific steps.
   • Unlock the nut clamps at the headstock.
   • Tune the guitar using the main tuning pegs.
   • Once roughly in tune, lock the nut clamps.
   • Use the fine tuners on the Floyd Rose bridge to achieve precise tuning.

   Note: Changes in string gauge or tuning may require adjusting the spring tension in the tremolo cavity to balance the bridge. Consult a qualified technician if you are unfamiliar with this procedure.

3. Strap Attachment: Securely attach a guitar strap to the strap buttons located on the body of the guitar. Ensure the strap is firmly seated to prevent accidental drops.
4. Connecting to an Amplifier: Use a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable to connect the guitar's output jack to your amplifier's input.

Operating Instructions

Controls Overview

• Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of the guitar.
• Tone Knob: Adjusts the treble frequencies, from bright (fully clockwise) to warm (fully counter-clockwise).
• 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch:
  • Position 1 (Neck): Activates the neck pickup (Sustainiac when active).
  • Position 2 (Middle): Activates both neck and bridge pickups.
  • Position 3 (Bridge): Activates the bridge pickup.

Sustainiac System

The Sustainiac system provides infinite sustain by converting the guitar's signal into vibrational energy that feeds back into the strings. It is located in the neck pickup position.

• Sustainiac On/Off Switch: Engages or disengages the Sustainiac system. When engaged, the neck pickup acts as the Sustainiac driver.
• Sustainiac Mode Switch: Selects the sustain mode.
  • Fundamental Mode: Sustains the fundamental note being played.
  • Harmonic Mode: Sustains the harmonic overtones of the note being played.
  • Mix Mode: Sustains a blend of both fundamental and harmonic overtones.
• Battery: The Sustainiac system requires a 9V battery, typically located in a compartment on the back of the guitar. Replace the battery when sustain performance diminishes.

Floyd Rose Special Tremolo

The Floyd Rose Special Tremolo allows for expressive pitch bending and dive bombs. Proper use and maintenance are crucial for tuning stability.

• Whammy Bar: Insert the tremolo arm into its receptacle on the bridge. Tighten the collar to adjust tension.
• Fine Tuners: Use these small knobs on the bridge for minor tuning adjustments after the nut clamps are locked.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe down the guitar with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For satin finishes, use a damp cloth with mild soap if necessary, then dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• String Replacement: Due to the Floyd Rose system, string changes require specific steps.
  • Loosen the nut clamps and fine tuners.
  • Unscrew the string locking blocks on the bridge to remove old strings.
  • Cut the ball end off new strings and insert them into the bridge saddles, then tighten the locking blocks.
  • Thread the strings through the tuning pegs, tune, lock the nut, and fine-tune.

  Tip: Change one string at a time to maintain tremolo balance, or block the tremolo with a wedge during a full string change.
• Fretboard Care: Periodically clean the rosewood fretboard with a specialized fretboard cleaner and conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.
• Floyd Rose Maintenance: Keep the pivot points and moving parts of the Floyd Rose bridge clean. A small amount of specialized tremolo lubricant can be applied to pivot points if friction is observed.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the 9V battery for the Sustainiac system regularly, or when the sustain effect weakens.

Troubleshooting

• No Sound:
  • Check cable connections at both the guitar and amplifier.
  • Ensure amplifier is on and volume is up.
  • Verify guitar's volume knob is not at zero.
  • If Sustainiac is on, check its 9V battery.
• Buzzing/Fretting Out:
  • Check string height (action).
  • Inspect for uneven frets.
  • Ensure neck relief is correct.
  • Note: These adjustments often require specialized tools and knowledge. Consult a guitar technician.
• Tuning Instability:
  • Ensure nut clamps are securely tightened after tuning.
  • Check for worn strings or improper string installation at the bridge saddles.
  • Verify tremolo springs are balanced and not worn.
  • Lubricate Floyd Rose pivot points if friction is present.
• Sustainiac Not Working:
  • Check the 9V battery. Replace if necessary.
  • Ensure the Sustainiac On/Off switch is engaged.
  • Verify all connections are secure.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Your Schecter Damien Platinum 6 FR S guitar comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For detailed warranty information, service, or technical support, please contact Schecter Guitar Research directly through their official website or authorized service centers. Do not attempt repairs yourself as this may void your warranty.

For further assistance, you may visit the official Schecter website: www.schecterguitars.com