Nick Johnston Goes Full Metal: New Schecter Signature Honors Mastodon’s Silver Burst Legacy
Nick Johnston embraces his Mastodon era with the new Schecter Traditional HH in Atomic Mercury. Featuring Atombucker pickups and a Wenge neck, it's his most metal signature yet.
Canadian guitar virtuoso Nick Johnston has officially completed his transformation from fusion maestro to prog-metal powerhouse. With his first anniversary as a member of Mastodon approaching, Johnston and Schecter Guitar Research have unveiled the Nick Johnston Traditional HH in Atomic Mercury—a guitar that trades vintage aesthetics for high-octane performance.
Since stepping into the role previously held by Brent Hinds, Johnston has been a vital force in Mastodon’s live lineup. Now, his gear has evolved to match his surroundings. The new signature model isn't just a spec update; it’s a tribute to the band’s visual history, specifically the iconic "Silver Burst" finish synonymous with Mastodon's Bill Kelliher.
“The Silver Burst is a color synonymous with the band,” Johnston remarked. “We were talking one day about how cool it would be to continue that tradition. This will be my main guitar for the foreseeable future.”
A New Era of Specs: From Single-Coils to "Atombuckers"
For years, Johnston was known for the glass-like clarity of SSS and HSS configurations. The Traditional HH marks a radical departure, featuring the all-new Signature Atom-Bucker pickups. These high-output humbuckers are designed to handle the crushing riffs and complex harmonies required for the Mastodon catalog while maintaining the touch-sensitive dynamics for which Johnston is famous.
Wenge
The construction has also seen a "heavy" upgrade. The traditional roasted maple neck has been swapped for Wenge, a dense, dark wood known for its stability and snappy low-end response. For the first time, the 22-fret ebony fingerboard is capped with Jumbo Stainless Steel frets, ensuring effortless legato runs and lasting durability.
Premium Hardware for the Modern Player
Retailing at $1,299.00 (£1,299.00), the Atomic Mercury model is built for the rigors of the road. Key features include:
- Schecter Nouveau Hardtail Bridge: Providing maximum resonance and tuning stability for heavy alternate tunings.
- Graph Tech Nut & Locking Tuners: Ensuring smooth string travel and quick changes.
- Ergonomic Access: A truss rod adjustment wheel at the base of the neck allows for quick setups on tour.
“It's important, as a musician, to keep evolving,” Johnston says. “This guitar is the next step for me; it's the great unknown in a lot of ways.”
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
1. How is this different from previous Nick Johnston signatures?
Unlike the vintage-styled SSS or HSS models, the Traditional HH features dual humbuckers, a Wenge neck, and a "Silver Burst" inspired Atomic Mercury finish. It also utilizes a hardtail bridge instead of a tremolo.
2. What are the "Atom-Bucker" pickups?
These are Nick’s new signature humbuckers, designed for higher gain and clarity. They are tailored to provide the punch needed for metal while retaining the articulation of his signature fusion style.
3. Why did Nick Johnston switch to a Wenge neck?
Wenge offers a different tonal profile and feel compared to roasted maple. It provides a faster, more "natural" feel and adds a darker, more aggressive aesthetic to the guitar.
4. Is this guitar suitable for beginners?
While built for professionals, its "Traditional" S-style body shape and versatile electronics make it an excellent choice for any player looking for a premium, high-performance instrument.
Verdict
The Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HH in Atomic Mercury represents more than just a new gear release; it signifies the merging of two worlds. By blending his virtuoso roots with the crushing legacy of Mastodon, Johnston has created an instrument that is as visually striking as it is sonically formidable.
Perfect for fans of progressive metal or players seeking a modern "super-strat" that can handle anything, this new signature is a masterclass in evolution.
Price: $1,299.00/£1299.00
Available at Andertons - £1299 Available at Sweetwater - Custom Shop model $3649
More Information
#Schecter #Nick Johnston
- +High-output Atombucker humbuckers excel at metal tones
- +Wenge neck provides stability and snappy low-end response
- +Jumbo stainless steel frets enable effortless legato
- +Hardtail bridge ensures tuning stability for alternate tunings
- +Atomic Mercury finish honors Mastodon's visual legacy
- +Premium hardware for touring durability
What are the key differences between this signature and Johnston's previous models?
The Traditional HH moves from vintage SSS/HSS configurations to dual humbuckers, swaps roasted maple for a wenge neck, and replaces the tremolo with a hardtail bridge. The Atomic Mercury finish honors Mastodon's Silver Burst legacy.
What pickups does the Nick Johnston signature use?
The guitar features custom Signature Atom-Bucker humbuckers designed for high-output metal tones while maintaining touch-sensitive dynamics. They're engineered to handle crushing riffs and complex harmonies.
Why choose wenge over roasted maple for the neck?
Wenge provides better stability, a snappier low-end response, faster feel, and a darker aesthetic that aligns with modern metal. It also complements the new high-output pickup configuration.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?
While built for professionals, its traditional S-style body and versatile design make it accessible to intermediate and advanced players seeking a premium, high-performance instrument.
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