Wes Hauch Schecter 7: Unlocking The Secrets Of A Seven-String Metal Masterpiece
What if the key to unlocking a new dimension of heavy music wasn't just in your hands, but in the very instrument you were holding? For a generation of modern metal guitarists, the answer lies with a specific name and a specific guitar: Wes Hauch Schecter 7. This isn't just a signature model; it's a precision-engineered tool that has redefined the boundaries of technical death metal and progressive music. But who is the mind behind this formidable seven-string, and what makes this particular Schecter so revolutionary? Let's dive deep into the world of Wes Hauch, his iconic gear, and how you can channel his seismic sound.
The Architect of the Seven-String Sound: Wes Hauch's Biography
Before we dissect the guitar, we must understand the guitarist. Wes Hauch is not merely a player; he is a composer, a tone scientist, and a pivotal figure in the contemporary metal scene. Rising to prominence with bands like The Faceless and later Entheos, Hauch's career is a masterclass in technical proficiency fused with avant-garde compositional sense. His work is characterized by blistering alternate picking, intricate sweep patterns, and a rhythmic complexity that pushes the limits of human capability. The "Wes Hauch Schecter 7" is the physical manifestation of his sonic philosophy—a no-compromise instrument built for extreme precision and versatility.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wes Hauch |
| Born | June 15, 1988 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Primary Genres | Technical Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Djent |
| Key Bands | The Faceless, Entheos, ex-Aversions Crown |
| Signature Model | Schecter Wes Hauch 7 (and 8-string variants) |
| Notable Traits | Extreme technical proficiency, complex composition, signature "djent" rhythm tone, advocacy for extended-range guitars. |
| Active Years | 2008 – Present |
The Genesis of a Signature: Why a Seven-String?
The journey to the Wes Hauch Schecter 7 begins with a fundamental question: why extend the guitar's range? For Hauch, the seven-string wasn't just about lower tunings for heavier chugs (though it excels there). It was about expanding harmonic and melodic possibilities. The extra low B string provides a foundational depth impossible on a six-string, allowing for thicker, more resonant power chords and a wider intervallic leap for lead lines. This additional string facilitates the complex, wide-stretch arpeggios and low-end riffs that define his style. It’s the difference between a pianist with 88 keys and one with 76—the extra range unlocks entirely new compositional landscapes.
The Drop-A and Beyond: Tuning as a Creative Tool
Hauch frequently utilizes drop-A tuning (A-D-G-C-F-A-D) on his seven-string, a tuning that provides a monstrous low A while maintaining familiar chord shapes from standard six-string tuning in the higher registers. This allows for seamless transitions between earth-shaking rhythm sections and fluid, high-fretboard leads without mental recalibration. For players looking to emulate his rhythm tone, embracing an extended-range tuning is the non-negotiable first step. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a fundamental re-wiring of your approach to harmony and riff craft.
Dissecting the Beast: The Schecter Wes Hauch 7 Specifications
Schecter, known for its high-quality instruments at accessible prices, partnered with Hauch to create a guitar that leaves nothing to chance. The Schecter Wes Hauch 7 is a study in functional design, where every spec serves a sonic purpose.
Body and Neck: Stability and Sustain
The guitar features a swamp ash body, prized for its strong midrange punch and bright, articulate highs—perfect for cutting through dense metal mixes. This is paired with a through-body maple neck constructed from three pieces for maximum stability, a critical feature for a seven-string under high tension. The ultra-thin "U" contour is a player's dream, facilitating effortless access to the upper frets, which is essential for Hauch's high-speed scalar runs and wide-neck stretches. The carbon fiber reinforcement rods ensure the neck remains perfectly straight, battle-ready for tour life and aggressive playing.
The Fretboard and Frets: A Precision Instrument
A bound ebony fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets provides a slick, fast playing surface. The larger fret wire allows for lower action without fret buzz, enabling the lightning-fast alternate picking Hauch is known for. The 12"-16" compound radius flattens out as you move up the neck, making complex chord shapes and string bends more comfortable in the higher registers—a subtle but crucial detail for extended-range playing.
The Heart of the Tone: Pickups and Electronics
This is where the magic happens. The Wes Hauch 7 is loaded with a set of custom-wound Schecter pickups designed in close collaboration with Hauch.
- Bridge Pickup (Hauch-7): A high-output, aggressive ceramic magnet pickup. It’s tight, focused, and incredibly articulate. It captures every nuance of a down-picked chug or a fast alternate-picked run without becoming muddy. This is the source of that iconic "djent" rhythm tone—percussive, tight, and razor-sharp.
- Neck Pickup (Hauch-7): A lower-output, warmer-sounding pickup that provides excellent clean and lead tones. It’s clear and articulate, perfect for legato leads, sweep arpeggios, and ambient clean passages, ensuring the seven-string doesn't become a one-trick pony.
The electronics feature a simple, effective control layout: a master volume, a master tone (with a push-pull coil-split for the bridge pickup), and a 3-way toggle switch. This no-nonsense approach reflects Hauch's philosophy: maximum tonal versatility with zero menu-diving. The coil-split on the bridge pickup is particularly valuable, offering a thinner, more single-coil-like sound for cleaner passages or sparser rhythms.
Hardware: Built for Extreme Performance
Schecter locking tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability, a absolute necessity with the increased string tension of a seven-string. The fixed bridge is a simple, sturdy hardtail that maximizes sustain and tuning integrity—there are no moving parts to go out of adjustment under hard playing. This is a workhorse, not a show pony.
Channeling the Hauch: Practical Playing Techniques and Concepts
Owning the guitar is one thing; playing it like Wes Hauch is another. His style is a fusion of extreme technique and musical intelligence.
1. The Percussive "Djent" Rhythm
Hauch's rhythm playing is less about pure distortion and more about syncopated, rhythmic precision. It’s the sound of a drum machine played on guitar.
- The Technique: Use a combination of down-picking and palm muting on the low strings, often in tight, syncopated groupings (e.g., groups of 5 or 7 notes). The goal is a staccato, "chugging" sound that locks in with the drums.
- Actionable Tip: Practice with a metronome. Start slow, focusing on making every muted note identical in volume and attack. Record yourself and listen for consistency. The tone comes from your picking hand attack and right-hand muting, not just the amp.
2. Economy of Motion and Alternate Picking
His lead work is a masterclass in economy picking and seamless alternate picking across all seven strings.
- The Concept: He minimizes string skipping and uses efficient picking paths. His famous "chromatic" runs often weave through all strings in logical, pattern-based sequences.
- Actionable Tip: Isolate three-string patterns (e.g., strings 1-2-3, 2-3-4, etc.) and practice ascending and descending with strict alternate picking. Gradually expand to four, five, and six-string patterns. The goal is even note duration and absolute clarity at high tempos.
3. Wide-Stretch Arpeggios and Harmonic Exploration
The seven-string allows for arpeggios that would be impossible on six strings.
- The Sound: Sweep-picked arpeggios that span five or six strings, creating a massive, orchestra-like sound. He often uses diminished and harmonic minor arpeggios to create a dark, exotic flavor.
- Actionable Tip: Learn your basic major, minor, and diminished arpeggio shapes across all seven strings. Practice them in thirds and sixths to create wider intervals. The extra low B string lets you root these shapes an octave lower, adding gravity.
The Tone Chase: Amplification and Signal Chain
The Schecter Wes Hauch 7 is only the first link in the chain. Hauch's signature sound is a product of a specific signal path.
- Amps: He is famously associated with the Peavey 6505+ (for its tight, aggressive low-end) and the Kemper Profiling Amp for its versatility and consistency in live settings. The core is a high-gain, modern metal channel with a tight low end and present highs.
- Cabinets: Typically 4x12" cabinets loaded with V30 speakers, which provide the midrange cut and high-end sparkle that defines modern metal.
- Pedals: He uses a Maxon OD808 (or similar Tube Screamer variant) as a boost in front of his amp. This is crucial. The pedal isn't for distortion; it's for tightening the low end, boosting the mids, and adding a slight harmonic saturation. The settings are usually: high gain, low tone, medium level—just enough to "tighten" the amp's low end.
- The Secret:Less is more. His signal chain is famously simple: Guitar -> OD808 -> Amp. No unnecessary modulation or delay in his core rhythm tone. The clarity and definition come from the guitar's pickups and his technique.
Who Is the Wes Hauch Schecter 7 For?
This is not a beginner's guitar, nor is it for everyone. It's a specialized tool for a specific job.
- The Ideal Player: A modern metal guitarist (deathcore, tech-death, progressive metal) who needs extreme low-end tuning stability, effortless high-fret access, and a pickup set that delivers both punishing rhythm tones and clear, articulate leads. A player who values function and feel over flashy aesthetics.
- The Player Who Might Look Elsewhere: A blues, classic rock, or jazz guitarist. A player who primarily uses vintage-style single-coils or humbuckers in standard tuning. Someone who prefers a tremolo system for dive bombs or a thinner, more "vintage" neck profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Schecter Wes Hauch 7 good for beginners?
A: Not really. Its thin neck and high-output pickups are optimized for aggressive styles. A beginner would be better served on a six-string with a more versatile pickup configuration and a slightly thicker, more forgiving neck.
Q: How does it compare to other signature seven-strings like a John Petrucci or a Tosin Abasi model?
A: The Wes Hauch is purpose-built for extreme modern metal. Petrucci's models (Music Man) lean towards progressive rock/metal with more traditional voicings and often feature tremolos. Abasi's (Ibanez) are built for his unique two-handed tapping style and often have fanned frets. The Hauch is the pure, unadulterated rhythm-and-lead machine for drop-A and lower.
Q: Can I use it for genres outside of metal?
A: Absolutely. The clean channel on a good amp will reveal a surprisingly clear and articulate neck pickup. You can play jazz, fusion, or ambient clean passages. However, its sonic sweet spot and physical design are undeniably biased towards high-gain, technical playing.
Q: Is it worth the price compared to other Schecter models?
A: Yes, for the right player. You are paying for specific, player-focused features: the ultra-thin neck, the custom pickups, the carbon-reinforced stability, and the direct input of a world-class player. It offers a level of specification and "out-of-the-box" readiness for its niche that more generic models lack.
Conclusion: More Than a Guitar, a Statement
The Wes Hauch Schecter 7 is far more than a celebrity-endorsed instrument. It is a cohesive, purpose-built system for the modern seven-string guitarist. It represents a philosophy: that an instrument should empower the player to execute their vision without physical or tonal compromise. From its stable, fast neck to its surgically precise pickups and no-nonsense hardware, every element serves the goal of delivering clarity, power, and playability in the most demanding musical contexts.
Whether you're an aspiring tech-death shredder looking to step into the world of extended-range guitars, or a seasoned pro seeking a dedicated workhorse for low-tuned riffing, the Wes Hauch 7 stands as a benchmark. It doesn't just allow you to play like Wes Hauch; it provides the platform upon which you can build your own seven-string voice. It’s a testament to the fact that in the pursuit of extreme music, sometimes the most revolutionary tool is the one that feels like a natural extension of your own hands and mind. The question isn't just what you can play on it, but what new musical worlds you can now explore.
