Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS Electric Guitar, Atomic Frost

Quick Product Summary

The Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS in Atomic Frost combines classic S-style versatility with the modern playability and thoughtful specification associated with Nick Johnston's signature range. Its alder body is paired with a roasted maple Vintage "C" neck and ebony fingerboard, creating a responsive instrument equally at home with clean rhythm work, expressive lead playing and more technically demanding styles.

An HSS pickup configuration combines Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston single coils in the neck and middle positions with a more powerful Diamond '78 humbucker at the bridge. A push-pull coil split adds further tonal flexibility, while Schecter locking tuners and a Diamond Vintage Tremolo make this a highly capable choice for rehearsals, recording and live performance.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Schecter
Model	Nick Johnston Traditional HSS
Model Number	1542
Finish	Atomic Frost
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Condition	New
Body	Alder
Neck	Roasted Maple
Fingerboard	Ebony
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Main Appeal	Classic versatility with modern Schecter playability
Best For	Rock, blues, fusion, pop, indie, progressive and session work

What’s Included?

• Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS Electric Guitar

• Atomic Frost finish

• Factory-fitted Ernie Ball .010–.046 strings

The compatible Schecter SGR Universal Guitar Hardcase is available separately and is not supplied as standard.

What Makes the Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS Special?

The Nick Johnston Traditional HSS takes a familiar double-cut electric guitar format and updates it with features aimed at today's player. The roasted maple Vintage "C" neck, ebony fingerboard, 14" radius and 22 X-Jumbo frets provide a smooth, comfortable playing surface, while the Graph Tech XL Black TUSQ nut and Schecter locking tuners add practical upgrades for regular playing and string changes. The understated Atomic Frost finish and distinctive brass circle inlays give the guitar an identity of its own without becoming overly elaborate.

Its electronics are a major part of the appeal. Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston single coils cover clear neck tones, expressive blues sounds and articulate in-between textures, while the Diamond '78 bridge humbucker provides additional body and output for overdrive and heavier rhythm playing. The bridge pickup can also be coil split via the push-pull tone control, giving the guitar an especially broad range of usable sounds.

Who Is It For?

The Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS is ideal for guitarists who appreciate the versatility of an S-style instrument but want a more contemporary specification.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Rock and blues guitarists

• Fusion and progressive players

• Pop and indie musicians

• Session and function guitarists

• Rhythm and lead players

• Musicians who regularly switch between clean and driven sounds

• Players who prefer an HSS pickup layout

• Guitarists who value locking tuners

• Intermediate, advanced and professional players

• Anyone looking for a versatile alternative to a traditional S-style guitar

Why Choose An HSS Electric Guitar?

An HSS pickup layout combines the clarity and dynamics of traditional single coils with the additional output and body of a bridge humbucker. This makes it particularly useful for guitarists who move between clean rhythm parts, blues, pop and funk-style sounds before switching into thicker rock and lead tones.

The Nick Johnston Traditional HSS increases that flexibility further through its coil-splittable bridge humbucker. Players can retain the full Diamond '78 humbucker when extra power is needed or split it for a brighter, leaner response, making this an excellent one-guitar solution for varied live sets and recording sessions.

Technical Specifications

General

• Model: Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS

• Model Number: 1542

• Finish: Atomic Frost

• Orientation: Right-Handed

• Hardware Colour: Chrome

Body

• Body Material: Alder

• Construction: Bolt-On

• Top Contour: Flat Top

• Bridge: Diamond Vintage Tremolo

Neck & Fingerboard

• Neck Material: Roasted Maple

• Fingerboard Material: Ebony

• Neck Profile: Vintage "C"

• Scale Length: 25.5" / 648mm

• Fingerboard Radius: 14" / 355mm

• Frets: 22 X-Jumbo

• Inlays: Brass Circles

• Nut: Graph Tech XL Black TUSQ

• Nut Width: 42mm / 1.653"

• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .787" / 20mm

• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .866" / 22mm

• Truss Rod: 2-Way Adjustable with Heel-Access Spoke Wheel

• Tuners: Schecter Locking

Electronics

• Pickup Configuration: HSS

• Bridge Pickup: Schecter Diamond '78 Humbucker

• Middle Pickup: Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston Single Coil

• Neck Pickup: Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston Single Coil

• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone with Push-Pull Coil Split

• Pickup Selector: 5-Way Switch

• Pickup Type: Passive

Hardware

• Bridge: Diamond Vintage Tremolo

• Tuners: Schecter Locking

• Hardware Finish: Chrome

• Control Knobs: Vintage Style

Factory Strings

• Strings: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky #2221

• Gauge: .010–.046

FAQs

What pickups are fitted to the Nick Johnston Traditional HSS?

The guitar uses two Schecter Diamond Nick Johnston single coils in the neck and middle positions alongside a Schecter Diamond '78 humbucker at the bridge.

Can the bridge humbucker be coil split?

Yes. The push-pull tone control splits the Diamond '78 bridge humbucker, adding a brighter and leaner tonal option.

What is the neck made from?

The guitar features a roasted maple neck with Schecter's Vintage "C" profile.

Does the Atomic Frost model have an ebony fingerboard?

Yes. Model 1542 in Atomic Frost features an ebony fingerboard with distinctive brass circle inlays.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 25.5-inch scale length, providing a familiar response with plenty of clarity and string definition.

How many frets does it have?

The Nick Johnston Traditional HSS features 22 X-Jumbo frets.

Does it have locking tuners?

Yes. Schecter locking tuners are fitted as standard, helping simplify string changes and providing secure string retention.

What tremolo does it use?

The guitar features a Schecter Diamond Vintage Tremolo, providing traditional-style pitch control while complementing the guitar's classic-inspired design.

Is it suitable for rock music?

Yes. The Diamond '78 bridge humbucker gives the guitar enough output and body for driven rock and hard-rock tones, while the single coils provide considerable versatility outside heavier styles.

Is it good for clean tones?

Absolutely. The Nick Johnston neck and middle single coils are especially well suited to articulate clean sounds, expressive blues tones and dynamic rhythm playing.

Is this a good guitar for gigging?

Yes. Its HSS electronics, coil split, locking tuners and broad tonal range make it particularly useful for live players who need one guitar to cover several styles.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The guitar uses a relatively flat 14-inch radius, offering a comfortable platform for bends and modern lead techniques while remaining practical for chord work.

Is the Atomic Frost model the 10th Anniversary version?

No. This is the standard Nick Johnston Traditional HSS. The 10th Anniversary series is a separate specification with features such as a wenge neck, stainless-steel frets, Schecter USA pickups and Nouveau hardware.

Does it come with a hard case?

No. The compatible Schecter SGR Universal Guitar Hardcase is available separately.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you choose Fair Deal Music, you're buying from an established independent UK music retailer with decades of experience helping musicians find the right instruments and equipment.

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after purchase

• Trusted independent UK music retailer established in 1987

• Large Birmingham showroom for customers who prefer to shop in person

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading your current guitar? Fair Deal Music accepts part exchanges, allowing you to put the value of your existing instrument towards the cost of your next purchase.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out how much you could save towards your new Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS.