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Nick Johnston Shows Off His New Signature Guitar for Mastodon | AMS Interview

American Musical Supply

30,750 views

We got to catch up with one of our favorite guitar players, Nick Johnston at the Schecter HQ to talk all about Nick’s new Schecter guitars, his history as a teacher and performer, and of course, his new big new role in Mastodon!

Make sure to check out Nick Johnston’s NEW signature guitars at AMS:
Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HH Guitar: https://ter.li/AmericanMusical-Schect...
Schecter Nick Johnston USA Traditional HH Guitar: https://ter.li/AmericanMusical-Schect...

And go stream Nick Johnston’s music here:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3d5yB...

And check Nick Johnston out on tour with Mastodon here:
https://www.mastodonrocks.com/tour

And for all your gear needs head on over to AmericanMusical.com

#AmericanMusicalSupply #NickJohnston #Mastodon #Interview #Musician #Music #Guitar #Guitarist #Rock #HardRock #Prog #ProgressiveMetal #Metal #GrooveMetal #Schecter #SignatureGuitar #SchecterDiamondSeries #SchecterTraditional #AtomicMercury

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro
01:08 – New Signature Schecter for Mastodon
03:28 – The Importance of the Aesthetics of a Guitar
06:51 – Schecter Accommodates the Artists
12:17 – Nick Johnston’s Warmup Routine
16:08 – Using the Guitar as Therapy
17:10 – Taking a Break
18:52 – Overcoming Shortcomings
22:42 – Playing with Mastodon
24:59 – Constantly Creating
26:10 – Are You a Guitar Player or a Musician
28:27 – Playing at “Back to the Beginning”
30:36 – What is Nick Johnston Up To in 2026
34:18 – Outro

20 Comments

@ZeitgeistAuthor 1 month ago (edited)

I really like Nick. He's honest, and very relatable, and everything he said about his guitar journey sounds just like me. God bless him.

@jaseoutlaw 6 months ago

Great interview. So many things hit home. So down to earth and grounded. Good stuff to take in and enjoy

@PurgatoryDrifter 6 months ago (edited)

Beato should have this guy on.

@1982_Charvel 3 months ago

One of the best guitar players and someone who i was lucky enough to learn from when i was first starting the great Mr Steve Morse said IF you make sure you warm up properly every time you pickup up your guitar you will never damage anything or develop Tendonitis. He was correct because even after playing for over 40 years now i have never had hand issues.

@traci9972 3 weeks ago

Wow! I'm really blown away by Nick's humility. Also, kudos to him to being open and honest about having Type 1 - my daughter has it and it can be a challenge to manage. So excited to be seeing Mastodon in October!

@mihail.lyaskov 6 months ago

20:22 When Nick says "I didn't take any guitar lessons" and the host is like... ooook :D

@johnnyberardi9947 2 months ago

He's wearing a Steve's music store shirt....if you know you know.

@pstx2816 6 months ago

Awesome interview, he has such a great character

@liorauf 6 months ago

Nick is a Legend! 🤘

@misterkenova 6 months ago

Rad interview! That Hellwin in the back is sick too

@iwilrage 6 months ago

Shectors have my favorite necks

@MichaelCard-u2b 2 months ago

I remember a lot of great vids on Nick's youtube channel.Cool to see his signature Schecter tho 💥

@FreddyGaming 6 months ago

Bro is a legend and he is the humblest person I have even seen talking about his craft and work.

@GCKelloch 6 months ago

I had to get EB Mondo Slinky 10.5 - 52 sets for my 25.5" scale guitars tuned to D so they wouldn't feel too loose.

@TeacherInPanama 6 months ago

Anthrax - Mastodon in Toulouse, France, at the end of June for me. Can't wait...

@Tankerband 1 month ago

Funny hearing a dog bark in the background.

@CØFFĮN_ÐĘLĮVĘRY 6 months ago (edited)

I play bass and have always wanted a Schecter. It was between that and a Spector, last time I was in the market for a new guitar. If I hadn’t got such a killer deal on the USA Spector I would’ve gone with Stiletto studio 5.

@brendanscott8989 2 months ago

silverbursts are sexy and I love the hollow circle inlays.

@TheHowdiestDoody 6 months ago

I've a Sun Valley Super Shredder FR. The previous owner refinished it hot pink with automotive paint. The only thing I would change about it is I wish it were a hardtail. Floyds are cool especially the hot rod special, but I'd rather not if possible.