Schecter USA Traditional Wembley HSS Electric Guitar

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Schecter USA Traditional Wembley HSS Electric Guitar. This instrument features a classic double-cut design, a trio of tonewoods for a balanced sound, and an HSS pickup configuration for versatile tonal options.

Key features include:

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Alder Body
Vibrato Tailpiece
2 Single-coil Pickups and 1 Humbucking Pickup (HSS configuration)
Rosewood Fingerboard

Figure 1: Schecter USA Traditional Wembley HSS Electric Guitar in Sonic Blue. This image displays the full body of the guitar, highlighting its Sonic Blue finish, white pickguard, HSS pickup configuration (two single-coils, one humbucker), volume and tone knobs, 5-way pickup selector, and vibrato tailpiece.

2. Setup

2.1 Initial Inspection

Upon unboxing, carefully inspect the guitar for any signs of damage. Ensure all components, such as tuning machines, bridge, and electronics, are securely in place.

2.2 Tuning the Guitar

Use an electronic tuner to accurately tune your guitar. The standard tuning for a 6-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest string).

Connect your guitar to a tuner or use a clip-on tuner.
Pluck each string individually.
Adjust the corresponding tuning machine head until the tuner indicates the correct pitch.

2.3 Connecting to an Amplifier

To hear your guitar amplified, you will need a guitar amplifier and an instrument cable.

Ensure your amplifier is turned off and its volume is set to minimum.
Connect one end of the instrument cable to the output jack on your guitar (located on the side of the body).
Connect the other end of the instrument cable to the input jack on your amplifier.
Turn on your amplifier and slowly increase the volume to a desired level.

3. Operating the Guitar

3.1 Controls Overview

Your Schecter Traditional Wembley HSS features the following controls:

Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of the guitar.
Tone Knobs: Adjust the treble frequencies. Typically, one tone knob for the neck/middle pickups and another for the bridge pickup.
5-Way Pickup Selector Switch: Selects different pickup combinations.

3.2 Pickup Selector Positions

The 5-way switch offers various tonal options:

Position 1 (Bridge): Activates the bridge humbucker pickup, providing a powerful, bright tone suitable for lead and rhythm playing. This humbucker also features coil-splitting for a single-coil sound.
Position 2 (Bridge & Middle): Combines the bridge humbucker (often split) and the middle single-coil pickup, offering a balanced, articulate sound.
Position 3 (Middle): Activates the middle single-coil pickup, producing a clear, bell-like tone.
Position 4 (Middle & Neck): Combines the middle and neck single-coil pickups, resulting in a warm, slightly scooped sound.
Position 5 (Neck): Activates the neck single-coil pickup, ideal for warm, smooth tones often used for blues and jazz.

Note: The coil-splitting feature for the bridge humbucker is typically activated by a push/pull pot on one of the tone knobs, or a dedicated switch. Refer to your guitar's specific wiring diagram if available for exact functionality.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

Regular cleaning helps preserve the finish and playability of your guitar.

Wipe down the body, neck, and strings with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and oils.
For stubborn grime on the body, use a guitar-specific polish or cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Clean the fretboard periodically with a lemon oil or fretboard conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.

4.2 String Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on usage, to maintain optimal tone and intonation.

Loosen the old strings and carefully remove them.
Clean the fretboard and bridge area while the strings are off.
Install new strings, ensuring they are properly seated in the bridge saddles and wrapped around the tuning posts.
Stretch the new strings gently and tune the guitar. Repeat stretching and tuning until the pitch stabilizes.

4.3 Storage

Store your guitar in a stable environment, away from extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations. A guitar case or gig bag provides protection from dust and physical damage.

5. Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No Sound	Amplifier off or volume low Faulty instrument cable Guitar volume knob turned down Dead battery (if active pickups are installed, though this model is passive)	Check amplifier power and volume settings. Try a different instrument cable. Ensure guitar volume knob is turned up. Not applicable for this model.
Excessive Buzzing/Humming	Poor grounding Interference from electronics Loose cable connection Single-coil hum (normal for single-coil pickups)	Ensure all connections are secure. Move away from electronic devices. Try a different outlet or ground connection. Utilize humbucker or hum-cancelling positions where possible.
Poor Intonation	Old strings Incorrect bridge saddle adjustment	Replace strings. Adjust bridge saddles for accurate intonation (professional setup recommended if unsure).

6. Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Traditional Wembley HSS
Body Material	Alder
Neck Material	Maple
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Color	Sonic Blue
Pickup Configuration	H-S-S (Humbucker-Single-Single)
Bridge System	Vibrato (Tremolo)
Item Weight	22.2 pounds
Product Dimensions	49.4 x 20.2 x 4.9 inches
UPC	810051476347

7. Warranty and Support

Schecter Guitars typically come with a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Schecter Guitars website.

For technical support, service, or parts inquiries, please contact Schecter customer service through their official channels. Keep your purchase receipt and serial number (usually located on the back of the headstock) handy when contacting support.

Official Schecter Website: www.schecterguitars.com