We’re starting to see bits and pieces of news trickling out of various brands in the run-up to Winter NAMM 2013 and this morning, I just spotted something pretty cool from Schecter Guitars – the new Tempest Special.

Personally, Schecters haven’t really been on my radar for awhile now, because they’ve been concentrating on the modern metal market. Apart from Jeff Loomis, their most high profile endorsees are the guys from Avenged Sevenfold. Far be it from me to criticize, but when you give yourselves the stage names “Synyster Gates” and “Zacky Vengeance”… well that just screams “poserdouchebagasshat” to me, and makes me quite angry.

But wait – perhaps I’ve judged too hastily! Could it be that I’m just a dick, and these two gentlemen are fine, upstanding members of metal society who are certainly not posers?! Oh wait.

(And yes I know it’s technically “poseur” but since the general accepted spelling has become “poser”, it seems “poser-ish” to spell it “poseur)

Anyway, it’s guys like this who turn me off the Schecter brand.

However, it looks like in 2013, Schecter are going to take some chances with a less “yarghmetal” guitar, in the form of this P-90 loaded beaut:

And is that REAL mother of pearl I spy? I’m interested already! I’m a huge sucker for proper, non-plastic MOP.

Here’s a bit more on the specs:

	Tuners - Grover ROTOMATICS® WITH 18:1 GEAR RATIO (102-18 SERIES) The original Rotomatic® with an improved higher ratio gearing. The 18:1 ratio provides for finer tuning and greater stability. The finer gears provide smoother tuning and a higher degree of backlash elimination
	Finger Board - Rosewood The most common fretboard, Rosewood is naturally oily, and works well for any surface that sees frequent human contact. The sound is richer in fundamental than Maple because the stray overtones are absorbed into the oily pores.
	Pickups - Seymour Duncan Hot P90 SP90-2/ Vintage P90 SP90-1 Bridge- Extra coil windings combined with dual (small) ceramic magnets produce higher output, increased sustain, and more sensitivity to subtle string movements. Pronounced upper mid-range detail that makes this pickup really cut through the mix. Neck- The short, wide bobbins account for higher output and more powerful mid-range than Strat® or Tele® single-coils. To be vintage correct, the SP90-1 is wound with plain enamel wire on the same Leesona winder that wound the 1950s versions.
	Neck - 3-pc Mahogany Made with 3 pieces of mahogany for extra stability. 3 piece necks can withstand the test of time. Where standard necks may show aging defects from temperature and moisture changes throughout the years, the 3 piece neck will stay nice and straight for a lifetime of playability.
	Bridge- TonePros AVT-II Wraparound Advanced Version Tailpiece II: This wraparound bridge assembly is matched with the large cap (AVT2P) set of Locking Studs. Set includes TonePros “Heighten & Tighten” adjustment tool for our patented Locking Studs. The AVT-II is currently the only locking, Piezo loadable, standard saddle, fully intonatable wraparound bridge in the world.

Well, with guitars like this to add variety to their brand, and the advent of Schecter Amplification, 2013 is finally a year that I’m looking forward to seeing what Schecter has in store once again!