DanTravis62
Moderator
Wow killer guitar
phillybhatesme
Well-known member
It really is. I've never owned any USA Schecters before and everything tells me this is one, but I just don't know. Plays fucking amazing though.
It's in immaculate condition too.
BeZo
Well-known member
Yep. That's a Tempest.
311boogieman
Well-known member
Call me confused so I'd email Schecter and ask.
But I'm thinking Made in Japan - not that that is a bad thing. See here:
AI search
Schecter "California" guitars refer to two distinct lines: high-end, truly custom-built models made in their USA Custom Shop in Sun Valley, California, and the more recent California Classic series, which are premium production models manufactured in Japan, primarily at the Fujigen factory. While the original Schecter ethos was rooted in California custom builds, the modern "California" branding now signifies either USA-made custom work or high-quality Japanese production, bridging their global manufacturing.
USA Custom Shop (Sun Valley, CA)
What it is: Hand-built, one-off, or limited-run instruments made to exact customer specs.
Location: Sun Valley, California.
California Classic Series (Made in Japan)
What it is: A line of premium, "modern take on the Super Strat" guitars, bridging the gap between their imports and USA customs.
Location: Built by master craftsmen at the Fujigen factory in Matsumoto, Japan.
Features: Often use Schecter USA pickups and premium woods, with high-quality construction.
But I'm thinking Made in Japan - not that that is a bad thing. See here:
AI search
Schecter "California" guitars refer to two distinct lines: high-end, truly custom-built models made in their USA Custom Shop in Sun Valley, California, and the more recent California Classic series, which are premium production models manufactured in Japan, primarily at the Fujigen factory. While the original Schecter ethos was rooted in California custom builds, the modern "California" branding now signifies either USA-made custom work or high-quality Japanese production, bridging their global manufacturing.
USA Custom Shop (Sun Valley, CA)
What it is: Hand-built, one-off, or limited-run instruments made to exact customer specs.
Location: Sun Valley, California.
California Classic Series (Made in Japan)
What it is: A line of premium, "modern take on the Super Strat" guitars, bridging the gap between their imports and USA customs.
Location: Built by master craftsmen at the Fujigen factory in Matsumoto, Japan.
Features: Often use Schecter USA pickups and premium woods, with high-quality construction.
cardinal
Well-known member
I'd say that's a USA Tempest from 98.
They may not have had specific models of the Tempest. They were a pretty small operation at that time. I'm sure it's a really nicely made guitar.
They may not have had specific models of the Tempest. They were a pretty small operation at that time. I'm sure it's a really nicely made guitar.
DanTravis62
Moderator
I've literally never seen a california classic tempest before
sandman
Well-known member
That thing looks nice!
phillybhatesme
Well-known member
Thanks for the info. It's been kind of a mystery. I'll reach out to Schecter.
napalmdeath
Well-known member
No mystery, it's a USA Custom Shop Tempest. The only import Tempests would be Korean, unless they've shifted some to Indonesia and mass produced.
Their Japanese guitars are primarily your Super Strat varieties.
Their Japanese guitars are primarily your Super Strat varieties.
RaceU4her
Well-known member
never saw one of these, thats awesome.
311boogieman
Well-known member
His guitar says "California Classic" right on the neck plate?
But yes, the USA Custom Shop versions are made in Van Nuys, CA.
Al Chapo
Well-known member
Read that plate again, lol. California Classic is a model of guitar.His guitar says "California Classic" right on the neck plate?
But yes, the USA Custom Shop versions are made in Van Nuys, CA.
phillybhatesme
Well-known member
His guitar says "California Classic" right on the neck plate?
But yes, the USA Custom Shop versions are made in Van Nuys, CA.
Neck plate reads, "Schecter. The original california custom"
napalmdeath
Well-known member
I think they only recently started using "California Classic" again, which are Fujigen. That's been in the last 3 years or so, and again, fancy Super Strats.His guitar says "California Classic" right on the neck plate?
But yes, the USA Custom Shop versions are made in Van Nuys, CA.
They used California Classic for their high end USA guitars over 20 years ago, which includes this Tempest. Look at the price tag - $1695 was alot of money in '98, and if it were Japanese it wouldn't have been less. Korean, MUCH less. Process of elimination and common sense.
311boogieman
Well-known member
I stand corrected. Now I'm confused 
Devin
Well-known member
If that was the price then it surely (hopefully) is a US model
Either way it looks fucking rad
Either way it looks fucking rad
cardinal
Well-known member
It's a USA model
Zado
Well-known member
California classic series is a recent thing, only PT and Superstrats atm.
That one above is likely an old USA CS one-off Tempest, they made similar looking import Tempest models as well.
https://www.schecterguitars.com/catalogs/files/2001_Catalog.pdf
It's likely a great guitar.
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