SCHECTER1155-U vs SCHECTER1189 — Compare

Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th Anniversary guitar in Atomic Saffron Open Box vs Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

The Nick Johnston Traditional HSS excels at studio versatility and clean-to-moderate tones with its coil-split design, while the Damien Platinum-6 FR S is purpose-built for metal and aggressive high-gain playing with active EMG pickups and Floyd Rose stability. Choose the Johnston for rock, progressive, and session work; choose the Damien for metal and extended-range performance.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th Anniversary guitar in Atomic Saffron Open Box

$1,143.00
View Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th Anniversary guitar in Atomic Saffron Open Box

Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

$1,149.00
View Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

Specs side by side

Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th Anniversary guitar in Atomic Saffron Open BoxSchecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black
Price$1,143.00$1,149.00
BrandSchecterSchecter
SeriesSchecter Nick JohnstonSchecter Damien
BodySingle CutawaySingle Cutaway
Body Type—Solid
Scale25.5" Scale25.5" Scale
Strings66
Frets22 Frets24 Frets
FretboardEbonyRosewood
NeckWengeMaple
Neck ConstructionBolt-OnSet-Neck
Pickup ConfigurationHSSHH
BridgeTremoloFloyd Rose Licensed
Year2024Unknown
ConditionUsedNew

Why choose Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS 10th Anniversary guitar in Atomic Saffron Open Box

  • ✓ Coil-split humbucker and USA Subatomic single coils deliver bright, glassy textures and versatile mid-range tone
  • ✓ Push-pull master tone control enables seamless tonal shaping without changing instruments
  • ✓ Ebony fretboard with 14" radius and progressive neck thickness accommodate both lead and rhythm playing
  • ✓ Optimized for studio sessions, touring, and live performance across rock and progressive genres

Why choose Schecter Damien Platinum-6 FR S guitar in Satin Black

  • ✓ EMG 81/85 Sustainiac pickup combination with 3-way switching provides articulate, high-output aggression ideal for metal
  • ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge ensures tuning stability during aggressive playing and extended bends
  • ✓ Ultra Access set-neck construction and 24 X-Jumbo frets support rapid upper-fret navigation
  • ✓ Thin 'C' profile neck reduces fatigue during extended high-gain sessions
Bottom line: Pick the Nick Johnston Traditional HSS if you need tonal flexibility for clean to moderate rock and progressive work in studio or live settings. Pick the Damien Platinum-6 FR S if you play metal, hard rock, or high-gain music where tuning stability and articulate sustain are non-negotiable.

Frequently asked questions

Which guitar is better for metal?

The Damien Platinum-6 FR S is engineered specifically for metal with high-output EMG pickups, a Floyd Rose Special bridge for tuning stability, and aggressive tone character. The Nick Johnston Traditional is not recommended for metal and is optimized for rock and progressive styles.

Can either guitar handle both clean and high-gain tones?

The Nick Johnston Traditional HSS excels at clean and moderate-gain tones with its coil-split design and bright single-coil clarity. The Damien Platinum-6 FR S is voiced for high-gain aggression; while playable at lower volumes, its EMG pickups and character are optimized for metal and hard rock applications.

What's the main electronics difference?

The Nick Johnston uses passive USA Subatomic single coils with a split humbucker and push-pull tone control for tonal shaping. The Damien Platinum-6 FR S uses active EMG 81/85 Sustainiac pickups with dedicated 2-way and 3-way Sustainiac mode switching for harmonic enhancement and sustain control.

Which neck is easier to play fast on?

Both share a 25.5" scale and 14" fretboard radius, but the Damien Platinum-6 FR S features 24 X-Jumbo frets and Ultra Access set-neck construction optimized for rapid upper-fret access. The Nick Johnston's progressive neck thickness accommodates varied hand sizes and grip styles across extended playing.

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