MusicRadar Verdict
The SC leans towards a solidbody in terms of sounds and resonance, producing a different array of versatile tones.
Pros
- +
Stunning design; light weight; acoustic resonance; wide range of classic sounds.
Cons
- -
Less resonant and more solidbody sounding – purely a matter of taste.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
The SC is a fairly bulky guitar, weighing in at 3.2kg, but it's still much lighter than a modern Les Paul (typically 4-4.5kg).
The centre block, viewed through just its bass-side f-hole, looks a little chunkier too. The neck joint is contoured but, without any binding, it looks a little more conventional. It has more than adequate access and feels balanced on the strap.
Sounds
The SC has a solid and not overtly resonant acoustic sound that's got depth and character. There's a little more low-end than you might expect which, combined with a brighter voicing, creates a wider, slightly expanded sound.
Versatility and diversity are the keywords and a slightly lower set-up somehow enhances its more 'solidbody' status.
There's a bit of snap to the sound, you might need to roll off a little high-end either from the guitar or your amp, but then again that added edge enhances the clean modes that especially with FX sound lush and pristine - sort of like a more modern version perhaps of the DC, more ebony than rosewood if you like, more maple than mahogany.
“I played in 29 punk rock bands, but I loved Prince. 1999 became the soundtrack to my life”: How the Purple One’s classic album was life-changing for a Guns N’ Roses star
“Imagine not knowing Eric Johnson, Vai and Satriani and seeing this for the first time? It literally blows your mind”: Matteo Mancuso – 10 albums that changed my life
Play like Jimmy Page! Exclusive video lesson
