Universe vs Stephen Carpenter's

Gamba · 12-27-2007, 08:51 PM

So Dudes.
I`m thinking in grab a new 7 in the next few months. I would like some oppinions though
I was thinking about grab a Universe green/black or a Stephen Carpenter's esp.
I have played the universe before and it is awesome.I never playd Stephen Carpenter 's one, but it seems interesting.
So, can anyone tell me something about it?
thaks dudes

Zoltta · 12-27-2007, 09:03 PM

Wrong forum but anyway. I LOVE my ESP to death, wouldnt trade it for UV at any time. Extremely easy to play and sounds great, is all i can say

zimbloth · 12-27-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamba

So Dudes.
I`m thinking in grab a new 7 in the next few months. I would like some oppinions though
I was thinking about grab a Universe green/black or a Stephen Carpenter's esp.
I have played the universe before and it is awesome.I never playd Stephen Carpenter 's one, but it seems interesting.
So, can anyone tell me something about it?
thaks dudes

I've owned 4-5 UVs and 4 Carpenter models. For the UVs, I had the UV777BK, UV7PWH, and UV7BK. For the ESPs, I had the SC607B, the SRC7, and two SC607s (one maple one mahogany).

My opinion is that despite the bloated price tag on the UV, the SC models are much higher quality guitar. Both play absolutely fantastic and with the right pickups can sound great too, but the ESPs are built w/ higher quality components/construction and are just way more solid. The SC models are fairly flawless, the only problem with them is they don't have a neck pickup or a trem. If that's a problem for you, then I'd recommend the UV. Otherwise, I'd say about every other aspect of the guitar is a +1 in ESPs favor.

For the record, the current SC models come with an arch-top mahogany body, neck-thru maple construction, EMG 81-7 pickups, Schaller locking tuners, binding, a Tone Pros string-thru bridge, etc. One is a baritone (27") that has a reverse headstock and a slimmer neck, the other is a standard scale with an regular in-line headstock and a slightly rounder neck.

So, basically both are great guitars, but a Universe might be the worst bang for the buck in the history of guitars. They play great, look great, can sound great, but in my opinion from owning 4 of each, the ESP is a higher quality instrument at half the price.

Scarpie · 12-27-2007, 09:40 PM

YEAH!!!! what he said. my man zim has got great knowledge of axes. his word counts for alot man.

but personally i would favor the esp's as well, i've had two esp 7's and three universes. mahogany is the by far my all time favorite wood, and a 27" scale 7 is my dream come true. so for sound and stability, the stephen 7 has my vote

zimbloth · 12-27-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarpie

YEAH!!!! what he said. my man zim has got great knowledge of axes. his word counts for alot man.

but personally i would favor the esp's as well, i've had two esp 7's and three universes. mahogany is the by far my all time favorite wood, and a 27" scale 7 is my dream come true. so for sound and stability, the stephen 7 has my vote

Thanks for the kind words, actually my SC607B was 100% maple, and it was the best sounding one of the bunch, but yea the mahogany ones are really cool too

yevetz · 12-27-2007, 11:37 PM

I prefer Ibby

But have nothing bad to say about ESP

Apophis · 12-28-2007, 04:35 AM

ESP for sure

amonb · 12-28-2007, 04:43 AM

This is a really helpful thread cause both those guitars are ones I have considered purchasing (and still am). It is good to get some opinions head-to-head.

Cheers Gamba!

Cancer · 12-28-2007, 11:16 AM

The Ibby for me too, although its a preference issue. THe SC's are amazing though, save for the bridge and pickup placement.

stuh84 · 12-28-2007, 11:44 AM

I'm gonna agree with Zim here, I have never played a 7 string I hated so much as the Universes. Some people can make them work, but I'm not one of them. I preferred an LTD SC207, never mind the 607's :S

Chris · 12-28-2007, 11:48 AM

The pickup placement on the SC kills it for me. :\

JJ Rodriguez · 12-28-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

The pickup placement on the SC kills it for me. :\

Yeah, especially since they're EMG's. They're so ....ing close to the string you can not pick properly. I came to this conclusion after playing a 207 with passives...so you can imagine what the EMG's would be like.

Chris · 12-28-2007, 11:58 AM

I didn't have that problem on my Hellraiser, but I hated the 707 in the neck position.

The UV, on the other hand - man, I LOVE the blaze in the neck.

Shawn · 12-28-2007, 11:59 AM

Get a UV7BK. The best playing 7 ever.

Shawn · 12-28-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

The UV, on the other hand - man, I LOVE the blaze in the neck.

I do too however, for some reason, I really like the new7 neck a little better.

JJ Rodriguez · 12-28-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I didn't have that problem on my Hellraiser, but I hated the 707 in the neck position.

The UV, on the other hand - man, I LOVE the blaze in the neck.

I'm talking about the middle position, not the fact they were EMG's

I actually like EMG's, but generally only put them in a cheaper guitar to spice it up, in a higher end guitar I get passives.

Chris · 12-28-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Rodriguez

I'm talking about the middle position, not the fact they were EMG's

I actually like EMG's, but generally only put them in a cheaper guitar to spice it up, in a higher end guitar I get passives.

Yeah I know.

I'm a believer that middle = single coil, neck = passive. If there is no middle, right on. If the middle is an active and there is NO neck at all.. wtf?

Variant · 12-28-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

The pickup placement on the SC kills it for me. :\

I agree with Chris here, I fail to understand why (despite it being a singnature model) the flagship ESP seven continues to use a pickup configuration that pretty much no one else in the world besides Stef likes... or why there are five different models, yet none with a trem.

A passive pup option couldn't hurt either.

Personally, the 27" scale is a big plus, but I could pass on the mahogony, and ESP's neck profiles don't make my hands happy. They're not bad, I just prefer the thinner necks of the Ibanez and Jackson relm. My suggestion: Track down a 1077XL: Real trem, more flexible sound, 27" as well, Prestige build quality, simply the best production seven out there... better than the UV IMHO.

Shawn · 12-28-2007, 12:06 PM

Maybe this'll help you~

Variant · 12-28-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

I do too however, for some reason, I really like the new7 neck a little better.

New7's are great in any other configuration besides neck/humbucking... which, unfortunately, is where most players do 90% their playing.

7 Dying Trees · 12-28-2007, 12:24 PM

Ok, the carpenters aren't my thing at all, and I am heavily biased to Universes, as well, I own 2 at the moment, and have owned another 3 (or so, I think). Basically the old universes are where it's at. Awesome necks on them, and they just to me sound great.

So, I'd vote for the universe, unless you're going to be tuning lower than A, in which case go extended scale or die

The 1077xl is a superb guitar as well, one pickup change to some decent ones, and bam, there you go, just massive sounds and playability in spades.

7 Dying Trees · 12-28-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

I do too however, for some reason, I really like the new7 neck a little better.

Dunno, the new 7 in the neck was fun for a while, but I still prefer the blaze neck over it.

MrJack · 12-28-2007, 02:29 PM

I prefer my SC207 over the UV777P I got to test in terms of feel. Only way the SC207 could be better is if it was neck-thru like the SC607, SC607B, SC7 and had better pickups.

Jongpil Yun · 12-28-2007, 03:29 PM

I'd take a maple SC607B over a Universe any day. Even with the EMGs, which is practically a dealbreaker in almost any guitar for me. I'd also route the neck for it to be HHS. I <3 HHS & HS.

Apex1rg7x · 12-28-2007, 04:09 PM

I agree to some extent that the sc607b is a good guitar, i dont agree that its better than a Universe. I just sold a mahogany 607B because i hated the feel compared to my Ibby's. This whole thread comes down to everyones personal opinion so i recommend that the guy who started the thread be able to compare them side by side. I honestly wouldnt trade my '97 UV for anything. I agree that the newer UV's aren't all that but the old school ones kick ass. You gotta play them and get a good feel for them to make this decision because they're 2 totally different guitars. Just my

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12-27-2007, 08:51 PM	#1
Gamba Elite Troop Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Florianópolis, Sant. Catarina, Brasil Posts: 530 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Universe vs Stephen Carpenter's So Dudes. I`m thinking in grab a new 7 in the next few months. I would like some oppinions though I was thinking about grab a Universe green/black or a Stephen Carpenter's esp. I have played the universe before and it is awesome.I never playd Stephen Carpenter 's one, but it seems interesting. So, can anyone tell me something about it? thaks dudes Man is just a pupil, pain is his teacher.

12-27-2007, 11:37 PM	#6
yevetz I am a COCK!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ukraine, Kyiv Posts: 8,399 Thanked: 271 Feedback Score: 10 reviews	I prefer Ibby But have nothing bad to say about ESP Sorry for my english

12-28-2007, 11:16 AM	#9
Cancer Cancer:The Crucifuct Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 3,122 Thanked: 20 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	The Ibby for me too, although its a preference issue. THe SC's are amazing though, save for the bridge and pickup placement. Cancer's Facebook Machines Of Living Death Facebook

12-28-2007, 11:48 AM	#11
Chris metalguitarist.org Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston, Mass Posts: 16,696 Thanked: 571 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	The pickup placement on the SC kills it for me. :\ Amp: 6505+ / Recto 4x12s Rack: Axe-Fx II / HD1221s

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12-27-2007, 09:03 PM	#2
Zoltta Guns N Guitars Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Guidoville Posts: 1,024 Thanked: 45 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Wrong forum but anyway. I LOVE my ESP to death, wouldnt trade it for UV at any time. Extremely easy to play and sounds great, is all i can say

12-27-2007, 09:40 PM	#4
Scarpie SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth's cornhole Posts: 929 Thanked: 12 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	YEAH!!!! what he said. my man zim has got great knowledge of axes. his word counts for alot man. but personally i would favor the esp's as well, i've had two esp 7's and three universes. mahogany is the by far my all time favorite wood, and a 27" scale 7 is my dream come true. so for sound and stability, the stephen 7 has my vote

12-28-2007, 04:35 AM	#7
Apophis Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 18,281 Thanked: 71 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	ESP for sure

12-28-2007, 04:43 AM	#8
amonb Just One More... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 2,540 Thanked: 17 $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $amonb is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 0 reviews	This is a really helpful thread cause both those guitars are ones I have considered purchasing (and still am). It is good to get some opinions head-to-head. Cheers Gamba!

12-28-2007, 11:44 AM	#10
stuh84 The Viking himself Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sheffield, UK Posts: 3,717 Thanked: 37 $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $stuh84 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I'm gonna agree with Zim here, I have never played a 7 string I hated so much as the Universes. Some people can make them work, but I'm not one of them. I preferred an LTD SC207, never mind the 607's :S

12-28-2007, 11:58 AM	#13
Chris metalguitarist.org Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston, Mass Posts: 16,696 Thanked: 571 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	I didn't have that problem on my Hellraiser, but I hated the 707 in the neck position. The UV, on the other hand - man, I LOVE the blaze in the neck. Amp: 6505+ / Recto 4x12s Rack: Axe-Fx II / HD1221s

12-28-2007, 11:59 AM	#14
Shawn Ibanez 7s Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 24,506 Thanked: 146 Feedback Score: 15 reviews	Get a UV7BK. The best playing 7 ever. My Guitar Videos

12-28-2007, 12:06 PM	#19
Shawn Ibanez 7s Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 24,506 Thanked: 146 Feedback Score: 15 reviews	Maybe this'll help you~ My Guitar Videos

12-28-2007, 12:24 PM	#21
7 Dying Trees Sarcy English Twat Join Date: May 2004 Location: 7th Ethereal Plane of interstellar hell, Innit Bruv, Safe, London, UK Posts: 8,869 Thanked: 139 Feedback Score: 41 reviews	Ok, the carpenters aren't my thing at all, and I am heavily biased to Universes, as well, I own 2 at the moment, and have owned another 3 (or so, I think). Basically the old universes are where it's at. Awesome necks on them, and they just to me sound great. So, I'd vote for the universe, unless you're going to be tuning lower than A, in which case go extended scale or die The 1077xl is a superb guitar as well, one pickup change to some decent ones, and bam, there you go, just massive sounds and playability in spades. The Chaos has come: www.chaosanct.com

12-28-2007, 02:29 PM	#23
MrJack Paha Arkkitehti Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 358 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I prefer my SC207 over the UV777P I got to test in terms of feel. Only way the SC207 could be better is if it was neck-thru like the SC607, SC607B, SC7 and had better pickups.

12-28-2007, 03:29 PM	#24
Jongpil Yun SS Contributor Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,338 Thanked: 28 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'd take a maple SC607B over a Universe any day. Even with the EMGs, which is practically a dealbreaker in almost any guitar for me. I'd also route the neck for it to be HHS. I <3 HHS & HS. Whether it's laughable or irrational, this is the path that ALL great men walk! If there's a wall in our way, we'll destroy it! If there's no road, we'll pave it with our own hands! The magma in our hearts is blazing like flames! Who the hell do you think we are?

12-28-2007, 04:09 PM	#25
Apex1rg7x Agent of Chaos Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 1,461 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 12 reviews	I agree to some extent that the sc607b is a good guitar, i dont agree that its better than a Universe. I just sold a mahogany 607B because i hated the feel compared to my Ibby's. This whole thread comes down to everyones personal opinion so i recommend that the guy who started the thread be able to compare them side by side. I honestly wouldnt trade my '97 UV for anything. I agree that the newer UV's aren't all that but the old school ones kick ass. You gotta play them and get a good feel for them to make this decision because they're 2 totally different guitars. Just my

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