Mastodon Guitarist Nick Johnston Unveils Heavier Signature Guitar

The updated Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HH model features dual humbuckers and a Mastodon-inspired Silver Burst finish.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Mastodon guitarist Nick Johnston has unveiled a new, heavier version of his Schecter signature guitar called the Nick Johnston Traditional HH. The updated model features a shift away from his usual Strat-style designs, swapping traditional pickup setups for dual humbuckers powered by Johnston's new Signature Atom-Bucker models. The guitar also includes a Wenge neck, 22 jumbo stainless steel frets, and modern metal ring inlays, as well as a Mastodon-inspired Silver Burst finish.

Why it matters

The revamped signature model reflects Johnston's evolving musical direction since joining Mastodon, moving away from his previous vintage-inspired designs to embrace a heavier, more contemporary aesthetic that aligns with the prog-metal band's sound and image.

The details

The Nick Johnston Traditional HH features an Alder body, Wenge neck, and Ebony fingerboard, along with Schecter-branded locking tuners, a GraphTech nut, and a Schecter Nouveau Hardtail bridge. The guitar is available now for $1,299.

  • Johnston joined Mastodon in March 2025, replacing original guitarist Brent Hinds.
  • The Nick Johnston Traditional HH is being unveiled ahead of Johnston's one-year anniversary with Mastodon.

The players

Nick Johnston

Canadian guitarist who recently joined the progressive metal band Mastodon.

Brent Hinds

Original guitarist for Mastodon, who departed the band prior to Johnston's arrival.

Ben Eller

Guitarist who briefly filled in for Mastodon after Hinds' departure, before Johnston joined the band.

Bill Kelliher

Guitarist for Mastodon, known for his signature ESP LTD model in a similar Silver Burst finish.

Schecter

Guitar manufacturer that produces Johnston's signature model.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first instrument that I'd be playing heavier music on, and I wanted something that reflects this new era of my career and who I'm playing with now.”

— Nick Johnston, Guitarist (geargods.net)

“The Silver Burst is a color synonymous with the band. We were talking one day about how cool it would be to continue that tradition. This will be my main guitar for the foreseeable future.”

— Nick Johnston, Guitarist (geargods.net)

“It's important, as a musician, to keep evolving. This guitar is the next step for me; it's the great unknown in a lot of ways, and there's a reason this guitar has stood the test of time for over a decade.”

— Nick Johnston, Guitarist (geargods.net)

What’s next

The new Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HH model is available now for $1,299.

The takeaway

Nick Johnston's updated signature guitar reflects his evolving musical direction since joining the progressive metal band Mastodon, moving away from his previous vintage-inspired designs to embrace a heavier, more contemporary aesthetic that aligns with the band's sound and image.