Schecter Stargazer vs. Stilletto Elite

[Iritan]

I've decided, despite my bank account's wishes, to get a new bass. I once had a Schecter Custom that I loved and to this day has been the favorite bass I've had thus far. A while ago it broke and I've been going through basses like no tomorrow since.

I figure since I loved my schecter so much then, that I should go back to the company I loved for such a long time. The two in their line that I narrowed down to are the Stiletto elite (nicer brother of the custom) and the Stargazer (somewhat tacky but great sounding ric rip).

I've finally decided to go with the stargazer, however and here's why:

• The elite has the same electronics as my custom, which I felt was the most lacking part.
• The elite that is offered in my local shop is a five string, and I intend to buy a four string. Although the five feels awesome, I feel a little uncomfortable buying without trying the four string version.
• The Stargazer's pickup config is pretty much exactly what I want. I love the MM pickup sound and the option of the Jazz is a plus, I've had too many dual humbucker basses and this will be a fun and welcome change.
• The Stargazer, although some scowl at it, is more aesthetically appealing to me.
• The elite and the Stargazer are almost equally comfortable to play, both are more comfortable than my current bass.

Although I've chosen already, I'd like to know what you guys think, who knows maybe someone will make a point that will sway my decision. Here are the specs to help you out

Elite:
Construction: Neck-Thru w/Ultra Access
Body: Mahogany with figured maple wings
Neck: Multi-Laminate maple and walnut
Scale: 34"
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24 Jumbo
Inlays: Dots w/diamond at 12 fret
Binding: Crème (neck/headstock)
Pickups: EMG-35HZ
Electronics: Master volume, master blend, EMG Active 2-band EQ (with selectable frequencies)
Bridge: Schecter Custom String Thru-Body
Tuners: Schecter
Hardware: Black chrome

Stargazer:
Construction: 5 Bolt-On
Body: Ash (Figured Maple top on CG)
Neck: Maple
Scale: 34”
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24 Jumbo
Inlays: MOP Block
Binding: White
Pickups: EMG ‘MMHZ’ and ‘SJHZ’
Electronics: Master Vol (Pull for Humbucking) /Master Blend/ EMG Active 2-band EQ
Bridge: Schecter Custom String-Thru Body (or ‘top-load’)
Tuners: Schecter
Hardware: Chrome

[Iritan]

Why do you hate me?

[stflbn]

Not sure, but there's been some speculation if the MMHZ is really a MM wide humbucker pickup, or just essentially a typical EMGhZ soapbar in a MM shell.

Previously they were putting Duncan Designed pickups in their J/MM configurations, then switched to the current EMG configs.

[Iritan]

Yeah, it didn't quite sound as MMey as I'd like but I like the fact I can add that size pickup as a replacement, which would require routing in the elite.

[Iritan]

The polls are tied neck and neck at 3 to 3, as the lack of interest continues! The crowd roars with excitement as the wait for the next vote three days from now!

[danomite64]

If it were me, I'd have gone for the Stargazer too.

[bdplaid]

what did you get? I have a stiletto studio and it's killer. however, I'm also getting a stargazer for the pickup config.

[Tyler Jones]

Is it just me or does the stargazer look more like a ric than any other bass I've ever seen?

[Iritan]

I got the stargazer and am very happy with my descision, its awesome. The EMG -hzs are a bit lacking and I eventually hope to upgrade, but they're getting the job done well enough for now.

[bdplaid]

I changed out everything in my Stiletto, especially switching to a bartolini soapbar that is a P-bass split coil internally, and it was definitely the way to go. Schecter electronics looked like junk to me. although the Stargazer that I played in store sounded pretty good.