Is the SCHECTER NICK JOHNSTON really worth it ONE YEAR LATER?

[@mickenilsson]

Staggered tuning pegs is the absolute opposite what you said. They get lower and lower the further from the nut they get ☺️

[@andydavid9]

Hey Mikael, thanks for correcting that! I got it round the wrong way 😂😅 I’ll pin this, so it helps other people.

[@mickenilsson]

@@andydavid9 I know that making videos make you actually say the opposite what you mean sometimes. It's a hassle ❤️😊 Making videos isn't as easy as people think! Nice work regardless ✌️

[@andydavid9]

@@mickenilsson haha thanks dude! Sometimes it can take me 5 minutes to say 1 sentence correctly when filming 😅 thanks man

[@groovecartell]

That Timmons style tone is very nice 👌🏼

[@tenebroruncr4374]

I've had it in pink since April and it seems to me that compared to Fender Strats at the same price or more it still wins. The materials used and the construction are very good. The fretboard is the best I've ever played and the trucks sound like NJ. I only changed the tree of strings for one Grap Tech that is the same as the nut and it looks nice. good guitar

[@Jostin_Mendoza]

How’s it doing now? Just want to know because I’m planning on getting the same guitar and I just wanted to see if it had the same problem as him

[@eddaymusic]

I have had this exact guitar for the last 18 months. I have been very happy with it and would highly recommend it to others, but have had some small issues. 1. My volume pot went bad early and I had to have it replaced. 2. My guitar tech added more shielding to greatly reduce the static noise that I was getting if my fingers brushed the single coil pickups’ mounting screws. 3. My whammy bar keeps jiggling just a little bit, even after I tighten the hex screw all the way. I haven’t figured out how to fix that yet.

[@andydavid9]

Volume pots are clearly schecters weakness 😂

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Love my Nick Johnston Schecter SSS I just got. Every bit the build quality of my Fender player, probably even better, although tonally, i might prefer the Fender by a hair. Schecter is building quality mid range guitars that can totally compete with the expensive builds.

[@guitarheart94]

For me it's a no brainer. This is the best s-style guitar available at the price point. Materials, hardware, stock electronics are OK (not great, but OK), it just blows Fender's modern offerings out of the water. You get an absolutely beautiful guitar, with ebony fretboard, great feeling neck, beautifully worked frets and just really great bones for about the cost of a MIM Fender. The professional setup requirement is just a given in todays age, so I don't think that's a ding for these instruments. Schecter really knows what they're doing here and I'm here for it.

[@jaysmoreymusic]

I have the se guitar and love it. The pinging at the nut is a miscut nut, not the tuning pegs. You want the strings to get pulled down against the nut via the tuning peg angle (hence the string tree, which I replaced with a Graph Tech). I swapped pickups for Duncan Texas Antiquities and a Lollar Imperial bucker. Sounds amazing. Also upgraded pots and 5-way at the same time. If I could change anything, I'd do 2 things: (1) change the swimming pool route under the pickguard to route for the pickups, and (2) cut the nut slot depth to a standard depth. It is weird how shallow it is. SS frets would be nice, but hard at this price point. Overall, killer instrument for the price.

[@andydavid9]

Haha “swimming pool routing” 😂 so true man! It does feel weird how hollow it is under the pickguard

[@babylon_bob]

Oddly I'm now looking at this guitar as my first s-style guitar after getting the PT fastback last year and utter love the thing, for the price I think schecter do amazing guitars.

[@andydavid9]

Yeah dude! I love my PT fastback too! Great guitar

[@scottbronder]

I've got this in Atomic White and love it. However, I also replaced all the pickups. The stock bucker was a bit meh so I swapped it out with a Suhr Thornbucker and put Suh V60LP's in for the singles. It's funny u mentioned crackling cause I noticed that as well with the stock pots. When I replaced the PUPs I put much better pots in and that magically went away and never thought much about it since you just brought it up. However, my glass is always 1/2 empty and have a lot of experience techi'ng guitars so I never expect much from a company at this price point and actually would never accept someone else's setup as I want my own and just do it, regardless of the guitar.

[@LukeKo79]

I am thinking of getting this guitar! The first modification I make when I get new guitar is to replace the potentiometers and the switch and also fit a treble bleed. Indonesian and Korean guitar manufacturers try to save money on it. It happened to all my Champans.

[@tammanaq]

You can raise your string tree a bit to get rid of the noise from the string sticking in the nut. It will relieve some tension and still do the job.

[@Annunaki_0517]

Great video. Enjoyed hearing about your journey with this guitar, getting it just the way you wanted it to play and sound. That’s worth a +1 sub. Let’s see the guitars your Dad built.

[@gobodega5226]

Nice after one year review. Thanks Andy 👍👌

[@BrokenStrings231]

Had it for a bit more than a year now. Is it worth it? Fuck yes! Still the best guitar I ever played besides one Ibanez rg. I still love the way it sounds and had no problems whatsoever.

[@stuntdouble777]

I have the silver atomic silver model and I had the same problem with the volume pot.

[@trevorbelmont4633]

What would be the best machine head tuners to replace the stock ones? And is it worth to upgrade the stock bridge? Maybe one of those Vega-trem or Super-Vee

[@arthurgonzalez7705]

Hi I just got one same color as yours….but I’m having the same issue with the electronics and tuning stability….what do you recommend? Thank you Art

[@andydavid9]

@@arthurgonzalez7705 my best advice would be to take it to a guitar tech and get a proper set up. I’d also change the nut to something with more natural lubrication.

[@groshretro]

Tks Andy! What is your view on the original pups vs the after market dimarzios which you installed?

[@andydavid9]

I love the true believer in the neck and I think it’s a nice upgrade! But if I’m honest, I don’t love the AT in the bridge as much as I thought I would. I feel like the original bridge pup would have been fine to stay in. I’ve still got it so I might switch back one day

[@paulya1269]

Purchased the exact same model. Agreed that a pro setup is required to get this guitar playing optimally. I also have pot crackling (not severe), and a lot of pick guard static when using the single coils, especially during the winter. I run a bounce dryer sheet over it before use as a temporary fix, but will have to have the pick guard properly shielded during next set up as well as addressing the pot issue. Slightly annoying items for a guitar at this price point , but a great sounding and playing guitar nonetheless.

[@andydavid9]

Totally agree man, it’s annoying as it’s so close to the 1k price point. So many people have the same issue with the volume pots - not just on the NJ, but on other schecters too. I feel like it’s an issue that wouldn’t make the guitar that much more expensive. But yeah, other than that - a great guitar!

[@JC_Walker]

Just ordered one no store around had them in stock. Love your channel buddy cheers

[@andydavid9]

Thanks man! I hope you like it!

[@openwingchun]

Really cool guitar. Atomic Coral my fav. P. S. Cool video colors. It's video effect?

[@andydavid9]

Thanks dude! Yes, I shoot my videos in a flat picture profile and then colour grade them

[@RyanMcQuen]

I have the same color and love it (after a pro setup). Did you do any adjustments to the tremolo arm? Mine feels a bit loose, and I am wondering if those Fender tremolo arm springs would help.

[@andydavid9]

Hey man, I actually don’t notice much of a difference between my fender and Schecter in regards to stiffness in the bridge. Both are set up with the ability to go up a minor 3rd

[@AgapeSignal]

so did he change the pick up or did he change it back..?

[@admcpTV]

I need the tabs to the lick you are playin in the beginngin PLEASE. Its sick!

[@steved9723]

Hi Andy, thanks for the review. I am left handed and cannot go right out and try one. I was curious about the stock pickups, what was your opinion of them? Were they lacking or were you just looking for another sound.

[@andydavid9]

Hey Steve, honestly I thought they were fine. I really enjoyed the tone from them. I only changed the neck because I really like Scott Lepage’s tone from polyphia and he uses a true velvet in the neck. I think I only changed the bridge because I was feeling frisky 😂 I actually prefer the stock bridge pup to my AT1.

[@SiddharthKarunakaran]

Hey man, I have decided to pull the trigger on one of these in SSS. But I can't decide on the color. Does buying a pink guitar make others think that you are gay? Because I don't want to convey that. It's a shoot-out between the atomic green and coral for me. The sonic blue is way too hue light. Not enough saturation there. I'm sure I'll have a good time no matter what color I choose. These seem like very good guitars. I hope I can nail those 2 whole step bends on the 14th fret with one of these. Something I couldn't do with my les paul copy. Also, how did you fix the clinking sounds that come when you don't have staggered tuners and what do you plan to do about it?

[@andydavid9]

Haha no man, I don’t think anyone will think you’re gay 😂 Mateus Asato has made pink guitars very popular and I think that’s why a lot of companies are now doing them. In regards to the clinking sound, I haven’t actually done anything. Like I said, it’s not all the time and it hasn’t done it for a while… could be because I’m playing it a lot more now. The solution would be to buy staggered tuning pegs and replace the ones currently on the guitar. I will do this if the sound comes back and doesn’t go.

[@SiddharthKarunakaran]

@@andydavid9 Andy, how low can the action go? I like my guitars with extremely low action.

[@andydavid9]

@@SiddharthKarunakaran I don’t think that is a question that can be answered man. You’ll find every guitar will react slightly different to a set up. It’s got a very flat fretboard and mine came with low action straight out of the box. You’re best bet is to try one, or buy one online and return it if you don’t like it.

[@andydavid9]

@Philthy Casual 😂

[@dkijc]

True men embrace pink. I love pink starbursts. 🤣👍🏻

[@eddaymusic]

Hi Andy, I love your playing. 👍 I have had some good luck getting nice sounds with my Nick Johnston HSS thru my 6V6 Deluxe style tube amp, and Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive, J Rockett The Dude OD, and JHS AT+ OD pedals. Can you please share what you were playing thru to help get those beautiful tones at the end of your video? Also, I am saving up for a laptop, audio interface, DAW, and some plugins. Any recommendations on those fronts? Thanks man

[@andydavid9]

Hey dude, thanks! Nice board! I’ve moved away from amps as I never have great luck with valves - so the sounds from this video were all presets I created using the Boss gx100 (which I’m in the process of doing a video for) In regard to some plugins, theres plenty of great ones out there. From what I’ve tried, the easiest ones to use and install and actually sound the best are the Neural DSP ones. I have the plini and have done a few videos on it. They’ve just released a new one based on the Tone King imperial and it feels and sounds better than any tone I’ve got from a real amp 😂

[@eddaymusic]

@@andydavid9 Cool! Thanks for the reply/info. You have a great ear for tones and a nice touch on the guitar. I am happy to know that the gx100 and various plugins are both fine ways to go these days. I love the idea of tools which can be closely integrated with a computer setup while also being plenty musical. :) Keep at it and take care!

[@jacksonknight6884]

does the fretboard feel like playing on rosewood, and is there any fret sprout?

[@andydavid9]

It’s an ebony fretboard so it’s slightly smoother! No, the frets are pretty good

[@IsaacLausell]

Nice review, what is the guitar you have on the right side behind you?

[@andydavid9]

It’s a Schecter PT fastback man. Another really nice guitar

[@catoi6324]

I think Indonesian Schecter's have a notorious problem with volume pots, especially if it's push/pull

[@РодионЩербаков-ч5в]

What do you think is better: schecter nick johnston or cort g300 pro?

[@andydavid9]

Hey dude! I’ve never played any Cort guitars. My advice would be to try both, if you’re able to. I can say that I’m really impressed with the playability with the Schecter. It’s one of my cheaper guitars, but also the one I use the most.

[@WatchSniper]

is the nick johnstons neck slimmer than the neck of an ibanez az?

[@andydavid9]

I don’t know as I’ve never had the chance to play an AZ! Hopefully someone else has the answer

[@sT0RMY823]

Yo I’m searching for a guitar to the 2k€ range. Any advice or recommendations? I saw a lots of guitar and yet I think this one here is the best I could get for the price new. I was also looking around to get something used but I’m not liking any of those which are available used in my state. Ty in advance if you or someone would tell his opinion and take his time to write something thanks PS: sorry for my englisch it’s not my mother tongue 😛

[@andydavid9]

This is definately a killer guitar man! My best advice for you would be to try out a few guitars in a guitar shop. This is a great guitar under 1K, but 2K is a lot of money - so I’d be looking at something made in America. Maybe an American strat

[@sT0RMY823]

​@@andydavid9 Thanks i appreciate your advice! I was also looking for used ibanez and fenders but they didnt justified their price compared to this one to be honest.

[@sT0RMY823]

@@andydavid9 Do you tthink that an american fender strat from around 2007 would be better then this schecter ?

[@andydavid9]

@@sT0RMY823 hard to say man! There’s probably loads of shit strats from that year, and loads of great ones! If it were me, out of your options - I’d go for a newer guitar so I’d settle with the Schecter

[@sT0RMY823]

@@andydavid9 Thanks for your answers man!

[@virgilgray]

I have an NJ in Atomic snow.i bought in 2021, and I have to say I will never play a Gibson or Fender again.

[@disparato]

Hi Andy, it's me Aydin. I love your videos!

[@andydavid9]

Haha thanks dude! 🙌🏼

[@ayewhaddupdoe]

Schecter and their volume pots, I swear to god. Every one I've owned I've had to replace.

[@jayteesgear]

Great vid Andy! How heavy is yours? Ive been STOKED w a few Schecters and have been really interested in this but most Schecters ive picked up are heavier than Les Pauls. Thoughts?

[@andydavid9]

Thanks dude! It’s not as heavy as my fender and about the same weight as my chambered Les Paul. I know what you mean, my Schecter fastback is my heaviest guitar. I actually really like a weighty guitar as it feels more solid! 👌🏼

[@jayteesgear]

@@andydavid9 I used to as well! But now in my 40’s it can be a bit much. Definitely orderin one soon. 💯

[@jayteesgear]

I actually bought a Harley Benton ST to try out, cool woods but WOW BAD FRETWORK!!! I wont buy another

[@andydavid9]

@@jayteesgear yeah man, I don’t really play my Harley Benton either. I feel like it’s a really good beginner guitar

[@andydavid9]

@@jayteesgear but my dad has one, and it’s such a lovely guitar to play.

[@javigarciaguitar195]

Hey man! REALLY nice video, love your playing 👌 Did you notice the muffled sound when turning down the volume? I've watched your playing carefully and I think that it doesn't sound muddy when you do it, but I have the pink one (same specs) and when I roll off the volume knob... it's awful D: Or did you installed a treble bleed circuit? Thank you!

[@andydavid9]

Thanks man! Can you time stamp when you hear the noise? Technically you shouldn’t hear a crackle as I had a new volume pot installed. The volume pot that comes stock in most import schecters are very bad. I’ve seen a lot of comments about people having the same issue. Take it to a guitar tech and get a new volume pot - they’re really cheap.

[@javigarciaguitar195]

@@andydavid9 No! It's not any noise. I've read your comments about the pot -for now I don't have any- but the issue is the sound of the pickups when rolling down the volume. It becomes muffled. I'm sure you've heard about treble bleed circuits which take part in avoiding this low pass filter effect when turning the volume down, but I can't hear in your guitar what I hear in mine, since yours seems to mantain the tone when lowering the volume while mine doesn't.. at least not like I want to.. Or maybe now it doesn't happen since you've changed the pickups and the pot? Idk..

[@andydavid9]

@@javigarciaguitar195 ahhh sorry man! Gotcha! Yeah must be due to the pick-up and pot change 🎸 They’re great guitars but the electronics are shoddy on import Schecters. I hope you get yours sorted man

[@javigarciaguitar195]

@@andydavid9 I hate to say it but I loved the sound of the single coils and then the humbucker... I started playing at position 5 and my expectations were too high arriving at position 1 hahah Did you modded it in some other way? I was thinking on a Vega trem bridge (made here in Spain btw!). And did you changed to the other tuners? Staggered I think? Sorry for the massive questionaire, I'm having mixed feelings with this guitar 😂

[@andydavid9]

@@javigarciaguitar195 no worries bro! I didn’t put new tuners on in the end because the cost of new pickups and a quality set up has taken the guitar to over 1k. I will change them later if they really need it. A really good setup made this guitar a lot better and nicer to play! Good luck with the bridge change if you go ahead with it 👌🏼

[@mynamesjondowell]

My volume pot is crackling on my nj too! Lol they're lucky its such a phenomenal guitar otherwise

[@andydavid9]

Ahh! It’s safe to say the pots are rubbish. Something like that confuses me though… a good pot is still very inexpensive. They should just put a good pot in and it’ll most likely make the guitar about £4 more expensive

[@Stratisfied22]

Fender doesn't make em this good. This guitar smokes.

[@frankjost866]

I ordered one Friday, was triple guessing myself all weekend..then I saw this👍

[@andydavid9]

It’s a really nice guitar man! I hope you enjoy it 🙌🏼

[@jayteesgear]

Almost did as well but HAD to own my first Victory product so maybe next paycheck haha. Hope ya enjoy it Frank 🙌🏻🌅

[@eddaymusic]

Hi Frank, It is a great guitar. I hope you will like yours! I am leaving my stock Atomic Frost HSS as-is, because I like many of the tones I can get out of it. I am very tempted, however, to buy a second Nick Johnston HSS: the black body with maple fretboard version. If I do that, then I will invest more money to modify it by adding a VegaTrem (easy drop-in on this model guitar), different pickups, Graph Tech string tree, an easier push-pull knob, an upgraded volume pot, and maybe some better tuners.

[@derekdammers553]

I don't agree with you, the strings should absolutely recede from the finger board as they pass across the nut.