Beating Fender At Their OWN GAME! | Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS Review
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- Imagine making an iconic guitar and then another company doing it better than you! Well, that's exactly what's happening with the Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS...which totally isn't a Stratocaster by the way....
Schecter have taken the S-Type formula and ran with it so, in this review, we're going to take a look at all the modern features that put this traditional looking electric guitar miles ahead of Fender when it comes to making modern S-Type guitars.
Thanks for checking out the video my dudes. I appreciate you 🤘
Chapters:
0:00 Fender's Legal Fail!
0:44 It's Built Different
3:50 Playability
6:57 The Best Sounding Config
8:28 Demo Solo
9:16 Why It's Better Than Fender
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That guitar is exactly what I was looking for like 4 months ago, when I bought my fender strat that was previously modified with sperzel locking tuners, a Seymour Duncan mini jb in the bridge, and a coil split. I modified further with a gotoh bridge and graph tech nut and string tree… so, it’s actually identical to this guitar, but with a fender neck profile and 9,5 inch radius
As always great video man, I just love the way you deep dive into every instrument you try 💪🏻
Julian from Italy 🇮🇹
Thanks so much as always my dude!
This might have been perfect for you but there’s something special about modding a guitar exactly how you like it man. I’m sure your Strat is a beast!
Thanks again my dude! 🤘
Schecter always gives you a lot of guitar for your money and usually, the build quality on their guitars is top notch.
Metal guitarists have known this for years, that's why you see lots of gigging Metal players rocking Schecters.
But for some reason, most people tend to sleep on their more ''non-Metal'' models and they do make a lot of really cool, traditional style guitars. like Strat, Tele, Explorer, L/P & even Flying V variants. For example, the ''Custom Solo-II'', which is their modernized version of a Les Paul Custom is fantastic.
They also make some great semi-hollow models, perfect for Punk or Indie-Rock.
This is super true mate. I think it's nuts that they started out making Fender aftermarket parts and are now doing it better than Fender in all aspects 😂 Thanks dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I mean, Charvel was doing the same in the 80´s, now they´re owned by Fender. It´s pretty ironic if you think about it.
Yeah dude, it really is!
I recently purchased a Schecter Nick Johnston PT, the Telecaster style guitar, it's fantastic. Now I want one of these HSS Nick Johnston strats.
It’s funny man, I’m in the exact opposite situation to you. Really want a go on one of those PTs now 😂 Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
I just played a used one at my local shop, and it did feel amazing. Traded in my Charvel and have one of these on order. Great videos by the way, keep it up and thank you!
That’s awesome, congrats on the new axe dude! And thanks for the kind words mate, it means a lot to me. Cheers 🤘
I just traded my Charvel ProMod DK24 for one of these last week and I'm so happy I did. This thing smokes any Strat Fender makes and the quality is astonishing to be honest.
I've had my Schecter NJ trad for 3 years now and it's amazing, it's probs one of the best guitars I played. I came to the store looking for an ibanez rg or sa and walked out with this. This guitar fits in so many geners and playing styles, the neck is great and so comfy, the trem does the job really really well, tuners are nice and stable and the pickups are stupidly heavy at times. It's amazing and if you're thinking about buying it, buy it!
Yeah dude! Stoked you're still loving yours. They are awesome guitars! Thanks for checking out the video man, I appreciate it 🤘
Your videos are a breath of freah air for some reason. Schecter makes great guitars for sure. Been looking at a Schecter Tele im gonna probably snag.. Thanks for your honest reviews as usual
I always appreciate you checking them out massively dude! Thanks for being around 🙇🏻♂️ You absolutely should if you get a chance bro, I think you’ll love it 🤘
Great video, nice demo work!
Thank you mate, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! 🤘
i love schecter guitars, i owned the schecter c1 since the nu metal days, when papa roach used them in their last resort video. the guitar is still going strong
Yes man that’s so sick! Thanks for checking out the video as always my dude 🤘
i have the C1 platinum really nice.(made in south Korea)
The official Schecter website says the neck profile is their "thin C" which they put on most of their guitars.
That’s interesting. I do all my research for videos on the manufacturer websites so they must have changed it since I made the video! I’m glad about that though, calling it a thin C makes much more sense! Cheers mate 🤘
Man I’ve commented a lot tonight, I really hope I don’t come across weird.
Man that Shecter is gorgeous. Never ever considered something like this before. And the advice you gave for the neck joint is spot on! Such a killer dude!
It doesn't dude. it actually makes me very happy that you like my channel enough to get involved! Thank you 🤘
PS. You've probably got a lot of my replies coming now cause I'm just going through comments haha
This guitar is exactly what I’m looking for! I want an Ibanez fretboard feel with a start body, single coil and a humbucker. Thanks for the video 👍
I think this could get you that mate! You’re totally welcome, thank you for checking it out 🤘
I think another "sleeper" guitar from Schecter is theor MV6 model...I'll call it "strat inspired"...but is a 2 pickup design...I'm not too sure, but the bridge pickup is either a slanted humbucker, or 2 single coils pushed together...it can "quack" or "spank",...it can rock...I think it is a niche model for those who like strats, but really like to have the 24 frets...has a 5 way switch like a strat...gets the 5 position neck tone...does the humbucker bridge thing...has a roasted neck/ roasted maple fretboard on the sky blue and the black colored model...and on the purple one and the white one, has a Wenge neck with Ebony fretboard...I haven't played one yet, but there's one at a store near where I live, so probably going to check it out very soon...thanks for the video!
Yeah man they look super cool! Thanks for watching dude 🤘
Love my NJ Traditional. But I couldn't get along with the bridge. Don't know if I just got a dud, but it's tuning was never great. Replaced the trem with a vegatrem and now the guitar is just ridiculously good lol
Dude a vegatrem on one of these is an absolute pro move. I love that trem. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
I have an American Ultra HSS strat (the cobra blue one). It's exactly what it is, a high end Fender at a high end price point. I got it not because I am a good enough guitar player to warrant it (I am not), but because I could afford the credit to get it and I loved how it looked. It has all the features that I'd think you'd want from a modern guitar. And yet part of me wants to sell it to get an Indo made HSS Nick Johnton! What's that all about? Great review, dude!
Thank you my dude, I'm really glad you liked it! Mate, whatever your skill level, there's no reason you shouldn't buy the guitar you want. As long as it makes you want to play, that's all that matters. I love this NJ but I'm certain that your US strat is just as awesome at its own thing. Thanks again dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars It actually has a lot of the modern appointments you mention in your review which are a lot of the same features that are in the Player Plus range. But as you say, the Schecter is just in a different price range. I'd love to play one though. I live in Ireland so not many guitar shops and none stock it.
Yeah man, it literally is just the price. I do love Fender though, I'll always have a soft spot for a proper Strat but it's just that init. I hope you get a chance to give one a go. It feels very different to a Fender but in a good way! Thanks again man!
I have the orange version and my only criticism of the guitar is that I wish the inlays were white circles instead of brass circles because on the roasted maple neck, those brass circle inlays basically disappear in most lighting conditions.
That’s true! They look super cool but they do get a bit lost. I don’t mind a blank board so it doesn’t bother me too much personally but if you like a front inlay it would get annoying. Thanks for watching and pointing that out mate 🤘
This is definitely the only complaint about this guitar. When the lights go down your almost playing a blank fretboard, I recently put on fret dot stickers to see if I preferred and suddenly I love this guitar more. Time to invest in new inlays.
Also the bridge pick up needs up grading to a suhr SSH+
I personally prefer this to any custom I have previously owned.
It's a great guitar as is the SLS Elite, PT Pro and the Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic. Schecter is putting out some really great playing guitars.
I've got to agree dude. The one I really wanna try is the Aaron Marshall signature. That thing is so good! Cheers for watching mate, I appreciate it 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitarstry the tao 6
Great video, great guitar!
Thanks so much mate, I'm glad you enjoy both of them! 🤘
Hey, that does sound quite unique !! It's certainly has a brilliant tone, and I really dig the neck ( im quite fond of roasted maple necks !
I think your explanation on playability and the configuration are super helpful to people who are looking to buy a strat style guitar dude :)!
As always, my question is : how much does it weigh? I love the sound and the look of it, but I think I like pickups that are a bit more ... aggressive? Anyway nice one I didn’t expect this at all .
Nick Johnston is phenomenal! I love his remarkably human album and I did buy the sheet music but his solos are kinda terrifying 😂
Oh also I noticed some trolls and total jerks in the comments. I think that means you're doing something right mate so don't feed them 😂
😆 oh my gosh Yngwie Malmsteen looks hilarious. I really enjoy his playing on his early albums, but that photo is 😆 weird.
Also nicely done putting in the Andertons video and you mentioned the ibanez quest so extra points for that 👍! You're always adding to the editing with each video anyway hope you have an awesome day dude :)!
Thank you as always bro, I appreciate you!
Weight wise, it’s fairly average. Not the lightest guitar for sure but I’m not certain of the actual weight.
Thank you man, I keep trying to make it just a little bit better every time. Also, Malmsteen is a weird dude! I was looking for an old picture of him reclining in leopard print trousers but I couldn’t find it 🤣
I'm a Fender fan boi. You can see me in my pic with my pro 2 dark night strat, which sadly had to go for financial reasons when covid hit. I was left using my vintage v6 strat until my financial situation stabilised again. Currently saving for another strat and got £800 so far. Was going to buy another pro 2 Fender but i can't justify the price tags anymore when you look at what some companies give you bang for buck. Sire, Schecter etc. I got a shot of my pals player series strat and hated the neck, the fretboard edges feels really sharp in the hand and had some fret sprout. I've got a Harley Benton strat that I bought out of curiosity a few years ago and the neck feels better on that. Fenders prices are crazy, £800+ for a player plus Mexican guitar. My pal has a American standard that cost him £900 brand new many moons a go. The prices are getting mental from the big brands, we've got Epiphone guitars costing over £1000 now 😮. I tried my pals Sire s7 and I just couldn't get my head around what you were getting for the £500 price tag. I was blown away by the Sire and especially the neck, felt like I was holding my pro 2 again. I am honestly thinking about jumping ship from Fender. For the price of a Pro 2 I could buy a Sire and be left with £1100 for a good valve amp or a decent valve amp and some good pedals. My heart says Fender but my head is saying time to jump ship🤔🤔🤔🤔
I'm with you on that mate and I'm a Fender fan too. It's just not a viable option for most players and if the brand name wasn't so huge they'd be getting beat left right and centre by everyone else. Thanks for watching dude! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars if guitar world had started today with all the brands you have today. Lets be honest, Fender would be very low down in the pecking order and Gibson wouldn't last long.
You're 100% right man, absolutely!
would there be a lot of hum if I were to put high gain on?
The middle and neck pickups are a little noisier than the bridge but nothing I was bothered about. I tend to run a noise gate all the time anyway so the singles being a bit noisy wasn't a deal breaker. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
The first "Strat" that I'm actually interested in and there's an Orange coloured one too. Schecter also has a Japan division that is lesser known outside of Japan, the models that they make are more "grown up" looking and they don't make any of the modern metal looking models. The California Classic is the only MIJ Schecter that is currently available globally, if I'm not mistaken.
I doubt Fender USA would modernise the Strat, since they cater towards older folks (this is from my perspective and I could be wrong). Fender Japan on the other hand, might do that, though with the language barrier, I do have some doubts that they're checking the English speaking community for feedback, since they already have such a big and thriving local music scenes. (Japan being the place that has the first Flagship Fender store, that was recently open for business)
Since Charvel is under FMIC and they can just do the modern stuffs over yonder, plus there's already So-Cal models with Fender headstock that are available on Charvel's lineup, which is the closest "modern Strat" one could get that is under Fender.
All that aside, I'm considering one of these, if I ever need an Eb guitar, to learn and play Nick Johnston's tunes.
Yeah man, I nearly got the orange one, it’s killer! And I didn’t know about Schecter Japan, that’s super cool!
I doubt it too man but I’d like to see it. The Japan flagship store is awesome too. Thanks for checking out the video as always bro 🤘
Hey man, nice video! I modded mine with a Gotoh 510TS-FE1 Trem and it got more alife with that…maybe you want to try it!
Awesome! Thanks for the suggestion dude and for checking out the video, I appreciate it 🤘
Im looking at getting the Music Man Sterling Cutlass in firemist silver. However, this model in black looks the business! I may rethink my choice or maybe get both. Its hard to choose when no local music shops carry either brand...sucks. Thanks for sharing your opinion on this guitar!
Thank you mate, I hope the video helped and you find the right axe for you! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars my pleasure, Il probably just get both as I like both guitars. Thank you for the video!
More guitars are always better! 😁 cheers my dude!
@JackTaylorGuitars you're right about more guitars being better, but to a point. Have a gr8 weekend!
For sure dude. I hope you've had an awesome weekend too 👊
Any chance you’d compare this against the Japanese made Fender Aerodyne Special strat? They are direct market competitors imo. Thanks!
I'd love too mate but I'd have to buy it. I doubt Fender will be looking to get on the channel at all any time soon 😂 Thanks for watching dude! 🤘
Humbucker in bridge is great, good nut and locking tuners and so long as the neck is strat like it's above fender.
I totally agree mate! Thanks for watching 🤘
I ordered one of these in Febuary and sent it back right away......apparently gear4music had the guitar in a warehouse, where it must have been damp and it was not checked! It should have never left the factory anyways, as the completely corroded strings were the least issue....in the meantime i have 3 Jet strats modded with pots, rollerstringtrees and locking tuners for about the same money as the Schechter....😳🎸🤘🎸
Ah that sucks dude, you’d expect the store to look after their stuff better! Glad you found a solution though. Cheers for watching the video mate 🤘
How do the Schecter pickups size up? Do they need to be swapped?
Thanks for watching dude! Nah man, I really like these pickups. They've got a really unique sound, I think they're great 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Excellent. Thanks for replying. Appreciate your channel.
@@Baci302 Any time dude! Happy to help where I can. And that’s really cool of you to say mate, thank you! 👊
Dude said mediocre player then started going hard at the end lol, love the vids man
Bro, I’m absolutely a one trick pony. There are so many holes on my playing 😅 Thank you dude, it means a lot you liked it! 🤘
I hope you can review a tagima ntms
That's a pretty cool guitar! I've never seen one before and it doesn't look like I can get a hold of one easily over here but I'd love to give one a go 🤘
Nice guitar and sound,Need to change a little bit accessories then it becomes like other Expensive guitar 🤟
Thanks bro! Yeah, with a little tune up these things are amazing! Cheers for checking it out 🤘
Hello how much does it guitar weight?
I have no idea mate, sorry! Thanks for watching 🤘
The 14" Radius is not for me from my experience. Oh well...
That's a real shame bro! Thanks for watching all the same 🤘
aw dude, there is no need for a graphtec string tree, roller stringtrees exist and are around a quarter of the price. Their nuts are the nuts, but the string trees? Maybe for brand name and aesthetic only.
Thanks for checking out the video mate, I appreciate it! I actually really like the graphtech trees, don’t really like how they look, but they’re cheap enough and have done a solid job on a lot of guitars I’ve owned. Just a shame I messed the hole up 😂 Thanks again dude! 🤘
I actually love seeing heavy old scool metal plates like that on the heel. I know the other way is more comfortable but it's also more boring...i love seeing the big plate on my RG, the standard fender one is boring though, it should be a work of art like that schecter or Ibanez one
They look cool man, I cannot deny that. I guess I'm the other side of the coin were I could trade that for some better access but it's all preference isn't it! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
Would prefer the neck joint from the svss
Looks like a...Jet, Eart, Harley Benton, and a dozen other identical guitars...
Cos they are all made in the Cor-Tek factory.
This is very true, lot of guitars made a Cor-Tek. Although I don’t believe Harley Benton are, I’ve been struggling to find where they’re made actually. I also suppose you’re limited to what you can do with a traditional Strat! Thanks for checking out the video dude, I appreciate it 🤘
I think this guitar looks beautiful and sounds amazing. Im desperate for a HSS strat but i dont listen to Nick Johnson so i feel like i cant really get this guitar 😂😭
I totally get you, it can be weird playing someone's signature that you're not a fan of. That said, I think this is understated enough for people who don't listen to Nick to still get away with? I dunno dude, I'd definitely say give it a try if you can and see if it wins you over! Cheers mate 🤘
That is a silly reason
The neck in mine cracked for no reason
Dude that sucks! I’m proper sorry to hear it. Did you speak to Schecter about it?
A lot of guitars beat fender. Sterling s type smokes mim strats also
Would loooove to try a Sterling…Cutlass is it? They look sick! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
I was the guy that assumed Schecter was the brand for Avenged Sevenfold fans or those that wanted weird fret markers. I held that opinion until January of this year. Fast forward to today - I have an atomic green Nick Johnston HSS and the Aaron Marshall AM-6. And they’re my main guitars. They’re incredible and worth every shred of accolade they receive. The Nick Johnston came from Peach Guitars (set up perfectly) and the Aaron Marshall came straight from the factory, also set up perfectly. So now I’m a Schecter guy. Who knew?!
Totally, it’s really easy to get that impression from them! Stoked you’ve found two great models you love dude. I really want the Aaron Marshall sig in a big way, I love intervals! Thanks for checking out the video bro 🤘
Nice guitar, too bad copies cannot call themselves perfection, like the Strat, but keep up the good work. In the end all will pay homage to the Fender Stratocaster😊
Thanks for checking out the video mate, I appreciate it! Hey, we like what we like right? But in my opinion Fender have been resting on their laurels for too long. They need other brands to push them into the 21st century I reckon. On another note, no guitar with that trash neck heel can be called perfection 😉 Seriously though, cheers mate 🤘
Pound for pound,Schecter make some of the best guitars out there.
They are making some great stuff! Cheers for checking out the video dude 🤘
@JackTaylorGuitars You do some damn fine vids. You from Australia?
That’s awesome of you to say dude! Thank you, it means a lot to me 🙇🏻♂️ I’m not mate, I’m from the UK! Not quite as nice weather as Aus but I don’t mind having less spiders 😂
@JackTaylorGuitars Haha. I'd love to visit there some day. Keep the harley benton vids coming. 🤙
Thank you bro! I've been having a look at the next HB I'll be reviewing but I can't quite decide just yet. We'll see haha
It's actually a Cort. They are built by Cort in their factory in Indonesia
Be a boring world if we went round calling every brand by their manufacturer though bro! I’m just playing, I appreciate you checking out the video. Cheers dude 🤘
Cort manufactures a ton of different brands. They are great guitars.
Including PRS SE guitars which are also great instruments
In that case, the Ibanez Prestige is a Fender JP... As they are built in the same factory 🤷 They aren't the same, are they!?
A lot of lower end fenders are also manufactured by cort
My Schecter omen solo 6, deluxe 6 and a Yamaha Pacifica are tons better than my us made strat, even though all 3 total cost is less than the us strat. The s style Pacifica's 13.75" fretboard radius is ofcourse lower and faster than even my js1000's 9.5". The mij RG 421 though wins for fastest here at home.
That’s sick dude! You really can get some fantastic guitars for way less than US fender prices. Stoked for you bro and thanks for checking out the video 🤘
a personally own this guitar 🎸 and it absolutely puts Fender to shame,locking tuners roasted maple neck and a 2 point trem and the fact that it’s offered in a left handed version is why i bought it over a Fender player strat,Fender doesn’t even offer a HSS in a lefty,schecter and kiesel both offers multiple models in left handed even LTD offers more lefty options than Fender
Fender don’t offer a HSS lefty?! That’s poor! You’d think one of the biggest brands in the world would look after you right! I’m glad you’re a fan of the NJ dude. Thanks for checking out the video 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars you’re welcome and just to be fair Squire did offer an HSS in a left-handed version but it had nowhere near the features that the schecter does and it had only 21 frets which i hated,sorry but i got to have at least 22-24 for my style of playing,also Squier used to offered an HH in left-handed but they discontinued it for some reason I was gonna buy it but I went with the higher end Schecter nick Johnston model instead, check out Kiesel guitars i just got a Thanos They are awesome already considering getting another one.
Ah right, that’s not too bad then but yeah, still lacking some features! Bro, don’t tempt me with Kiesels. I can’t start buying those too 😂 Thanks again mate!
@@JackTaylorGuitars yeah sorry i suggested kiesel lol their awesome guitars 🎸 i just got mine a 3 months ago and i already want to buy another one cause of the playability and quality of the build,if you want to see it the guitar picture in my thumbnail is it
It looks like a beauty mate!
This is one of the best Strats on the planet and the fretwork is 10 times better than Fender. The neck is just amazing.
I'm with you man, these things are sick! Though I've got a hankering to try out a Fender and put them head to head. Maybe I will! Cheers my dude 🤘
Yeah bro I would love to see that so please do it! Lol@@JackTaylorGuitars
I’ll see what I can do! Cheers mate 🙏
harley benton fusion III , your welcome.
Nah, I’ve got to respectfully disagree. This and my Fusion 3 couldn’t feel more different. Two completely different playing experiences dude! Thanks for checking out the video though, I appreciate it 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars have you tried the harley benton Amarok-6? totally sick.
I haven’t yet my dude but it is absolutely on the list to check out!
I just can't think of anything more tired than a Strat-style guitar..
That is totally fair dude, they’ve been done to death at this point. But if you like them then this one nails it! Thanks for checking out the video man 🤘
I have an American Strat.. have had it for 33 years now and still play it regularly.. never felt the need to replace it or buy another of the same because it's that damn good. Still not buying a Schecter.. ever.
That’s cool man, I’m happy for you!
weird dude
If the headstock doesn't say fender its not a Authentic Stratocaster same with a Les Paul and Sg it the headstock doesn't say Gibson or Epiphone it's not a real Les Paul or Sg its that simple and bottom line
😂😂😂😂🙄
this one gives them a run for their money lmao
I mean, you’re technically completely right dude but sometimes authentic doesn’t always equal the best playing experience if we’re being totally honest? Appreciate you checking out the video though dude, thank you 🤘
No one said it was a fender stratocaster 😂
Its on a strat body. Nobody calls the mk5 supra a toyota. They call it a bmw.
Cort makes great guitars. Fender's (greedy business model) dead.
I’m gonna have to grab a Cort this year mate! Thanks for watching 🤘