For the past eight years, Nick Johnston’s name has appeared on more Schecter guitars than anyone else’s – an impressive feat, given how their list of signature endorsees includes Robert Smith, Synyster Gates and Robin Zander. But it goes even further than that; for a number of years, the Canadian guitarist’s Diamond Series Traditional was the best-selling for the industry as a whole. Ask Johnston why and he’ll tell you it was a mixture of good fortune and impeccable timing, likening the experience to catching a falling star.
“We filled a void in the market by pure chance,” he tells . “At the time, it felt like nobody in the instrumental world was playing technical guitar on an S-style instrument. “People quickly realized my guitar was cheaper than a Mexican and better made, coming in ice cream colors with , brass inlays and more.
“Somehow the most magical thing happened, and it became this industry-standard tool. I still don’t know how they make it at that price point. I’ve never seen an import and custom shop guitar so close in quality.
” On his latest solo album, , his red custom shop signature was fed into a mixture of Orange, Friedman, Mesa/Boogie and . Given his penchant for direct sounds, no pedals were involved, but since completing the recordings he’s finally found “the one.” “Recently I’ve been using a Brass Tacks boost/overdrive by Riveter Electric,” he says.
“They’re made by a guy out in Nashville. I don’t normally use ped.