Trying to decide between multiscale and evertune

[Emile]

Hi all,

New to the forums. Background on me, I played metal in my teens but have spent the last 30 years playing classical and flamenco guitar. I'm now looking to get back into electric (mostly metal and some rock), and want to go with a 7 string for the extended range that it offers. I'm trying to understand whether a multiscale or evertune is a better option. I'd certainly want good playability and don't want to consider 7 strings that are >25.5" other than multiscale (25.5-27ish"). I'm not sure if the stretches would be tougher on the lower frets of the lower strings on a multiscale or whether the ergonomics makes up for them. Obviously, the tuning stability of the Evertune has it's own mertis, but I'm no stranger to tuning often coming from the classical background. My budget is around $1500ish with a hard shell case. Also note that I don't plan on tuning below A for the 7th string.

For multiscale, I'm considering the following options:

• Schecter C7 SLS Elite Multiscale
• Ormsby Hype GTR7

For an evertune bridge, I saw the Brian "Head" Welch model which looks promising:

• ESP/LTD SH7 Evertune

Thank you in advance for any comments, opinions, and insight. I'm also even potentially thinking about a Floyd, but let's just talk about these 2 fixed bridge styles.

-Emile

 

[TedEH]

IMO if you're new to 7s, and want to lower all potential barriers to learning, I wouldn't want to throw fanned frets into the mix just yet. I think the fan would be more of an impedance than a longer scale length would be. I went from a 25.5" to a 26.5" a while back for my main 7, and it doesn't really feel like much more of a stretch (I also switch frequently between guitar and bass, and it's easy IMO to get use to scale length changes). The longer scale definitely doesn't make an instrument less "playable". Any other differences that might be tied to the "feel" of the instrument could probably be negated with string gauge and a good setup. Personal preference would say avoid Floyds but that's just cause I hate the feel of those for some reason.

I think your budget could afford you lots of great options -> I'd take the opportunity to go do a lot of "window shopping". Go play a whole bunch of things, and pick the one you keep going back to.

 

[MSS]

Good advice. Additionally, I play in drop A on a 25.5 and it is fine with a 65 A string. If you don’t plan on going to a lower tuning, 25.5 works. Just a thought.

 

[budda]

I will add the ken susi 7 to your evertune list as well.

 

[skmanga]

multiscale if u wanna drop tune

if you hate tuning your guitar, or plan on recording a ton, maybe the evertune makes more sense.

 

[BananaDemocracy]

Definitely Evertune
7 strings don’t need the FF, and you’re adding more learning to your curve as so many people mentioned

Evertune sounds really cool too, so let us know ! Good luck

 

[777timesgod]

The washburn Solar has an evertune and will be cheaper than the Head guitar. Reviews should be in this forum somewhere for that model, it seems nice but I have not played it, just heard it live from bands.
Both types (multiscale and Evertune) are a step away from the ordinary so it is a good idea to play both before buying if possible. Alternatively, buy from someplace with a good return policy if you are not close to their shop.
The multiscale may or may not be a problem, perhaps you may even turn completely to them after playing.

 

[angl2k]

If you're not tuning below A I'd probably reconsider getting a standard 25.5". It's nice having a multiscale so you can put lighter gauges for the 7th string, but that's only 1 or 2 gauges down anyway. It's not THAT hard to adjust to a multiscale though.

Haven't played an Evertune but there are pros and cons; the biggest con I've read about is less sustain on the higher strings.

 

[Un1corn]

I recommend a multiscale guitar even you don't need to tune down.
Honestly,a multiscale guitar is not all about down tuning. Ergonomics and the tension is also advantages.
I have an Ormsby Hype GTR6.Although I'm down tuning it to G#,I found that the intonation and feeling are much better than my 25.5 regular guitar.(When I was tuning it to Drop D)
The frets are fanned,it suits your fingers perfectly and you even don't need to spend a lot of time getting with it.
Also,becuase of it's 27.5 scale length,it's easy to get a nice tension when you use relatively thin strings.The thinner you use,the sound is more clear and tight.
I don't use standard tunning though,I still recommend a multiscale guitar.I've tried my friend's Solar Evertune,I didn't find any big difference between a regular guitar and an Evertune guitar,but the price will raise a lot

 

[bracky]

Bending is easier on multi scale.

 

[Strobe]

Do you plan on changing tuning a lot? If so do not get evertune. Similar to a Floyd, it's higher effort. You have to use a hex key.

If not, evertune is amazing and it's fun to not have to tune up. Just pick it up and play. It works.

 

[Emile]

Hey guys. Thank you so much for all the replies! I don't really think that I'd have too much of a learning curve with a 7 string as I play a 13 string nylon guitar (individual strings) so taking on a multiscale may not be demanding (re first replier). I'm certainly not any closer to making a decision as I can definitely see the benefits of going with either (I'm forgoing any thoughts about a trem). I probably wouldn't be tuning a ton but would probably be dropping the 7th and 6th string periodically. The trouble is going to be finding a place somewhat nearby where I can try out both types of guitars as the GCs I've gone to don't have either. I'm in Rhode Island on the MA border.

 

[diagrammatiks]

Hey guys. Thank you so much for all the replies! I don't really think that I'd have too much of a learning curve with a 7 string as I play a 13 string nylon guitar (individual strings) so taking on a multiscale may not be demanding (re first replier). I'm certainly not any closer to making a decision as I can definitely see the benefits of going with either (I'm forgoing any thoughts about a trem). I probably wouldn't be tuning a ton but would probably be dropping the 7th and 6th string periodically. The trouble is going to be finding a place somewhat nearby where I can try out both types of guitars as the GCs I've gone to don't have either. I'm in Rhode Island on the MA border.

See if axe palace has anything multiscale in stock.

Warwick tc and attleborough tc should be able to order any of the things they have on the website. It’s a no fault 14 day return so if you need to try something make liberal usage of gear rental policy. God knows I did.

 

[A-Branger]

multiscale is all about string tension (more tension for lower strings/or ability to drop a gauge.... and nice tension for bending on high strings... plus ergonomics)

evertune is all about keeping your guitar in perfect tune no matter what

simple

as "stay away from multiscale" theres nothing to worry about, the learning curve of it takes 5 minutes, and mostly because you prob arent used to play longer scale lenght guitars, so lower frets are bigger and the bridge is further away so you need to get used to palm mute on a different position.

I got my two multiscales on standard tuning B standard for 7 string and a E standard for a 6 string... got no problem with them,

 

[Bdtunn]

Took me 5 mins to get used to my strandberg 7. I found it more comfortable then my straight scale 7 (25.5). Both were in standard tuning. But that’s just my opinion

 

[stinkoman]

Somebody mentioned a Susi model. The older non silver Ken Susi models have evertunes. I've seen them on guitar center and Reverb for $5-600 range if you are patient. If you go with that, The SLS, Ormsby, Or SH-7 and order from guitar center used you have a 45 days to return to it if you don't like it.

I recently had a Hype GTR7. The fan took no time to adjust to. I was highly intimidated by the thought of it before getting it as lot of people seem to be but it was super easy to play and overall fantastic guitar. Having first hand experience I can understand and see all the benefits people mention in a multi-scale and how for the them its game changer on ergonomics and tone, But for me It wasn't and went back to playing standard scale ibanez 7.

 

[Emile]

Well folks. I had a chance to compare standard scale and multiscale 7 string guitars today. I actually found the multiscale to be very comfortable and easy to play. I found that I didn't have to work at getting the guitar at the right angle to have good left hand positioning and bars seemed to be easier for me, even the first fret (all easy with the guitar just resting on the right leg). I had no problems chording or playing in higher positions. This was on a 25.5" to 27" so the fan wasn't super aggressive. Haven't had the opportunity to try evertunes yet but I'm definitely liking the ergonomics of the multiscale. If I decide to go that route, I believe that it will be between the Ormsby Hype GTR 7 and the Schecter C7 SLS multiscale. Thank you again to everyone for your input.

 

[ixlramp]

Evertune has some disadvantages and is quite a specialist feature, it's not right for everyone, or even most. It seems you don't have a clear need for it but are just assuming it's a good thing, so i suggest avoiding it, you'll get much more guitar for your money and better tone.
Since you have so much experience, probably good technique and probably know how to properly setup guitars, you probably have less need for Evertune, as it is to some degree a symptom-fix for sloppiness, while not addressing the causes.
My opinion on Evertune is here http://sevenstring.org/threads/ever...ne-really-worth-it.334297/page-2#post-4969217

 

[crankyrayhanky]

multiscale is all about string tension (more tension for lower strings/or ability to drop a gauge.... and nice tension for bending on high strings... plus ergonomics)

evertune is all about keeping your guitar in perfect tune no matter what

simple

as "stay away from multiscale" theres nothing to worry about, the learning curve of it takes 5 minutes, and mostly because you prob arent used to play longer scale lenght guitars, so lower frets are bigger and the bridge is further away so you need to get used to palm mute on a different position.

I got my two multiscales on standard tuning B standard for 7 string and a E standard for a 6 string... got no problem with them,

+1

There is near to absolute zero learning curve on a FF
Did anyone ever hear someone say, "wow, man tough to get adjusted to this fanned fret, this might take a while"
the only adjustment is the low strings going from a traditional scale to longer (which is not fan related)

 

[trem licking]

multiscale is pointless unless you know you like the feel/ergonomics of it... especially for a 7 string. for your tuning you don't need anything longer than 25.5, but 26.5 or 27 isn't that much more of a stretch. do you change tunings often? if not... I'm positive you will have more fun with a floyd. floyds also stay VERY in tune for long periods of time.