Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

June 9, 2026

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Technical profile of the Schecter

  • Nick Johnston Signature Model
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard (Diospyros melanoxylon )
  • Neck profile: Thin C
  • Fretboard radius: 355 mm
  • Scale length: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut
  • 22 X-Jumbo frets
  • Pickups: Schecter Diamond ’78 humbucker (bridge) and Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston single coils (middle and neck)
  • 1 x Volume control
  • 1 x Tone control with push / pull function
  • 5-Way switch
  • Schecter locking machine heads
  • Chrome hardware
  • Diamond vintage tremolo
  • Strings: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky # 2221 .010 – .046
  • Colour: Atomic Snow

Images

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS Review: Build quality & Tone

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS is an exceptional guitar that delivers remarkable quality at an affordable price. The roasted neck not only enhances its stability against weather changes but also offers a comfortable playability, particularly suited for fast playing in higher registers.

The 14-inch radius fretboard further enhances this playability, making it a joy to navigate. The locking tuners are reliable and ensure excellent tuning stability, while the two-point tremolo system works effectively when properly set up.

However, there are some minor drawbacks. The tremolo arm tends to loosen quickly, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the fret finishes may require some attention, as they are not impeccably smooth. The visibility of the fret markers, particularly on dark stages, is a concern and might necessitate a modification for better visibility.

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The humbucker pickup offers a fat, warm tone with good low frequencies, although it may not suit everyone’s taste. The coil-splitting feature is effective for achieving a brighter single-coil sound, but those seeking a classic single-coil tone might find it lacking. The other pickups provide a decent output and can handle a variety of musical styles, including heavier genres.

In terms of build quality, the guitar feels robust, with a pleasing finish. The overall construction is commendable, although the quality of the potentiometers could be improved. The sound clarity is excellent, especially in single-coil mode, and the bridge pickup stands out with its powerful output and well-controlled mids and lows.

Overall, the Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS AS presents a fantastic option for players looking for a high-quality guitar at a mid-range price. With a few upgrades and adjustments, it can closely rival more expensive models in terms of performance and playability. Highly recommended for those seeking a versatile and stylish instrument.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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