Fender vs. Suhr: Which one do you prefer?

This video goes out by request to compare my Texas Roadhouse Strat and my Suhr Classic Pro series S style guitar. Let me know which one you guys prefer in the comments below. Should I pop new pickups in the Strat?

[@shelbyguitarmusic]

Definitely Team Suhr.

[@thigarciaable]

Awesome, man! Exactly what I was searching for 😁.. thanks for sharing

[@markhopkinsmusic]

My pleasure, thanks for checking it out!

[@essa15555]

I bought it Fender American professional II left handed after watching your performance

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Nice! Those are great instruments

[@algorithm007ify]

Suhr wins. As much as I love fender, a Suhr is just a better built and more versatile guitar...

[@sibike1]

Very nice comparison, thank you for this, may I know what you think about the balance of the Suhr compared to the fender? Which one has "better" balance when wearing the guitar with a strap? I'm just curious because the Fender Strat is famous for its great balance (which is perfect for me) while wearing it, but with a smaller headstock from the Suhr, the balance might change. I just wanna know how much difference (if there's any) do you feel about their balance. Thank You.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks so much for stopping in and saying hi! The balance on the Suhr always felt the same to me. I never had an issue with that at all. It was very comfortable around my neck - light, balanced and quite the kick arse guitar!

[@matt_ess153]

Mark your playing is really good. I am heading to my Strat now to attempt those bluesy sweeps you got going on. I think my choice is the Fender/ Two Rock combo.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks so much! I totally injured my hand last night while cooking so I had to play through the pain haha

[@matt_ess153]

@@markhopkinsmusic well that didn't seem to slow you down too much. Oh.. we're you running the gladio into the fuzz?

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@matt_ess153 I was not, but the video I did two weeks ago does exactly that... it’s huge!

[@RealEstateChris56]

Cool video! I love both my Nash S-57 and 1998 Fender American Standard Strat but the nod goes to Nash for overall tone, feel and mojo that just can't be explained. I am in the market for a HSS Strat and am leaning towards Suhr. I really hope I can find an awesome used one in my price range. Great playing Thanks for the video!

[@markhopkinsmusic]

They are really good guitars, hope you find a great one!!

[@frankswildyear]

I still regret selling my Nash S 57

[@relevantinformation6655]

I have around 20 guitars I’ve collected since the 70s. (Read: old guy). Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, a couple of Suhr’s and a mix of others. The Suhr quality is second to none. Very versatile with Thornbuckers (T-style) and I have one Modern Suhr- HSH. The only other pickups I really like that are Gibson P-90s which I just love. Rock on :)

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Oh man! I bet that collection breathes fire - sounds awesome man!

[@relevantinformation6655]

@@markhopkinsmusic - old guy with lots of toys :)

[@LysanderLH]

How well does the Suhr quack in the bridge-middle and neck-middle positions.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

I'd say it did have a nice quack in those positions! But I sold two of my Suhrs and bought a Custom Shop Strat after this video and that guitar is a monster!

[@stratomaniac3988]

Suhr for sure

[@HollowRick]

I've been subbed for awhile keep up the great content dude 👍

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks brother!

[@drewbybee4074]

I think I prefer the Fender. That bridge pickup just sounded awesome to me.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

me too man! now I am thinking about a Custom Shop Strat hahaha

[@algorithm007ify]

@@markhopkinsmusic an Ultra Luxe with SS frets (like the Suhr) would be interesting.

[@preeteshpatel3962]

Suhr. Great video.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks!

[@GTRJohnny66]

I have owned several of both, and for me it's Fender. Suhr's are more consistent, but those I have owned and tried are always high 80% match in working for me, but never 100%. Fender's are normally 70%, but can be 100% due to the variations possible. My two CS Strats sound better than any other Fender's or Suhr's to me, and I have tried many. I might find a Suhr that beats them, but it hasn't happened yet. YMMV.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Same way I felt too. Thanks for watching

[@cedricschmidt6923]

The sound is very good Mark , when you say the two rock into pro tools it s via uad ox top box or a mic ? Thanks man :-)

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Just the TR mic'd up running into Pro Tools- No Ox yet.... but I have one on order as I type this.

[@cedricschmidt6923]

@@markhopkinsmusic yeah !! Cool :-) and what is your mic ? Ahah

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@cedricschmidt6923 it’s a Samson Condenser. Not sure the model. I’ve had it for like 20 years

[@drkuehne]

the Strat is brighter because of the TBX tone control when the tone is all the way up. its a kind of "treble-boost".

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Good to know! I had no clue. It kinda made me fall in love with the guitar again!

[@FlorinCirciu]

Hi there man, I'm very curious about the neck, what's the difference between AM Pro II and the Suhr in terms of neck playing, what neck is more comfortable and faster? Thanks!

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@FlorinCirciu I sold the Suhrs I had a few years back but I can say that you won’t find a nicer feeling neck than the Suhr stuff. I think that’s gonna be a fast instrument because of the modern radius etc… awesome guitars! The only reason I sold them was to buy my CS Strat which was a bucketlist instrument.

[@huuss]

So first of all amazing playing wonderfull music.....🎹🎹🎸🎸 want to ask Does Suhr has slimmer neck than Fender ? for your opinion ?

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks so much! Yes, it definitely has a more modern radius and feel. It's a killer guitar!

[@huuss]

@@markhopkinsmusic thanks for answer sir fantastic channel by the way .... very inspiring playing of yours following almost everything🎸🎸🎸🎸🙌

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@huuss that means a lot to me - thanks!

[@diegoriveira3579]

I think both guitars don’t sound as strats usually do. Too much mid range?

[@PJCobi]

I have a Fender Strat that I love, and got it used under $600. I’m sure Suhrs are nice, but it’s more money than I’d want to pay.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

I was surprised how much I missed my Strat to be completely honest

[@BrianODonohue]

Hey Mark, New subscriber here. Found you through Mike P. Any advice for a guitar/series for a guy just starting out? Dependability and desire to grow with an instrument are my goals. I appreciate your advice.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Heck yes, thanks! Ok so it all depends on budget, but I will say that the PRS SE stuff is amazing value for the money. Also, a Mexican made Strat or Tele is fantastic and as you grow as a player you can swap pickups and pots to really upgrade the instrument. Find me on IG and DM me if you wanna have a longer conversation about it, but I hope that gives you a jumping off point

[@BrianODonohue]

Just continued the conversation over there. Thanks!

[@jordandangelo180]

Yes...I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. I’m going to give this one a few listens/viewings because I am very curious if I wind up buying a Suhr, will it will wind up being too close in sound and feel to my Fenders. I still can’t believe you’re playing 13’s in standard! Crazy man. I played them for a couple of years years when I played jazz in school now I play 8’s after hearing about some really great players from the 1970’s using them and I’ve been really impressed with the NYXL 8’s. I think the Suhr reacted better to the pedals. It seemed to have more get up and go if that makes sense. Definitely some more sustain and it seemed like the Suhr was easier for you to move around on. Would you say the Suhr has a superior set up playability wise and more feel and tone than the Fender? The Suhr’s always seem a little more ergonomically correct to me, as far as body and neck profile, maybe almost like a Fender custom shop compared to a American standard or professional. If you had to name one reason you play the Suhr more than the Strat on this channel, what would it be? Thanks Mark. Great content as usual.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

This one was for you buddy!

[@jordandangelo180]

@@markhopkinsmusic Thank you man. I really appreciate that. Super cool of you. That’s why I love this channel. I think a lot of people will tune in for this one.

[@briansilengo3907]

Great video, dude! The Suhr may be more versatile ultimately, but the Fender is a strat with a capital S!

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Crazy right!?

[@Mr.D34]

Suhr is making great guitar, high class as always. Fender doesn't disappoint either, they're legends and brands like Suhr couldn't probably exist without them. The thing i don't usually dig with Suhr is they look like Fender copies, not with all models of course but mostly. They need to distinguish themselves lookswise much more. They both sound amazing and you're lucky to own both 🙂 btw the way you sang "californiaaaa" i sensed a The O.C. fan, am i right? 🙂

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks for watching! Not a fan of the OC, but I have a habit of singing random stuff all the time haha

[@aaronpix3966]

In my opinion, owning both. The Suhr is only a copy in shape/style. It is a major upgrade in every sense of the word. The Telecaster(Broadcaster) was the first electric guitar... So essentially every electric guitar is a copycat. The Suhr take the tele to the next level. I own an Tele Elite, but the tone and playability of the Suhr is next to none.

[@kikomarty4337]

If you are looking for that Strat quack, the Fender does it better. The Suhr is a bit more middle of the road but it's definitely no les paul paf style either. Depends what you want, the Strats a keeper though.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Agreed! This is making me think I might need to sell my Suhrs and look into a Fender CS Strat. Thanks for stopping in to say hi!

[@kikomarty4337]

@@markhopkinsmusic No worries, I think this is common with Suhr vs Fender. With Suhr, you get amazing build quality (I think better than Fender) but they never seem to manage to out quack a strat. I love the 60, 62 custom shop models. I'm thinking it must be largely due to the custom shop 60s pickups, which are very hard to find used and also very expensive. I guess if you did get a custom strat your quest will finally be over.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@kikomarty4337 I think you might be right and that's what scares me hahaha

[@emmanuelibus]

I was in the market for a Tele. I played anything I could, including Fender Custom Shops. The Suhr just felt better for me. I think it may be true that Suhr addresses Fender's shortcomings. Now I'm in the market for a strat. Probably going to end up with a Classic S with an hss configuration. But I'd still want a custom shop in the future.

[@joshua0226]

Fender are more vibey for me. all are good but different strokes for different folks. I like building partscasters ;-)

[@joshua0226]

P.s I usually don’t vibe with noiseless pickups . Takes away a little air.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

I just gotta get these 13s off... geesh, these things will be the death of me haha

[@joshua0226]

@@markhopkinsmusic I had 13s for a bit. I couldn’t do it, it excels with rolled off tone for jazz playing but I think it kills a little bit of the feeling of the strings and the high end too. I think I found 11s with medium action in Eb for me to be perf!!! You should try some pure nickels and different gauges/brands it’s a good way to Mess with tone n feel for cheap.

[@gibsguitars]

Between the Fender and the Suhr I choose the two rock every time. It’s just so good.

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Hahaha - well said and agreed!

[@benjamingalanatienza292]

It´s don´t have leared the guitar. He has sound the guitar but he has know how they it feel and sound that its the important. God job senior jopins

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks

[@enricodirocco7975]

Strat kills the suhr 🤘🤘🤘

[@markhopkinsmusic]

That's how I ended up with a new Strat hahaha - thanks for watching Enrico!

[@marshallderrick793]

Honestly, it’s not even a comparison. I have flagship fender models and they don’t compare to the Suhr. The Suhr is a much better build and better sound quality.

[@emmanuelpuons7927]

the suhr is a perfect strat with no mojo cold and flawless, nothing bad to say, fantastic pick ups by the way, a big fender custom shop with modern frets and radius, ( and a beautiful headstock:)still have all the the mojo and will keep it s value in 30 years...

[@markhopkinsmusic]

I’m feeling like a custom shop Strat might be game changing for me to be honest. This was a fun test!

[@emmanuelpuons7927]

@@markhopkinsmusic great playing anyway! i'm sure if you try a postmodern CS you'll keep all the updated features of the Suhr with the real straty MoJo! just got a Big Head CS with jumbo frets and Fat 60s PU, i just can't put it down!

[@markhopkinsmusic]

@@emmanuelpuons7927 I think I gotta do some looking. Did you order it straight thru Fender?

[@emmanuelpuons7927]

@@markhopkinsmusic no, the CS have severals neck shape, like the old one, it's better to try, you can have a big fac 65 C wich is far from Suhr, or a oval 60 close to a thin Suhr or even a compound radius like the POSTMODERN CS one's, i took a journeyman relic it looks so naturaly old ;)), i don't like all the unreals heavy relics! watch out also for the frets, 6105 or 6100, to be home :)

[@Spaceace2001]

Did you go for stainless steel frets?

[@aerocolor8987]

Fender 💯

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Thanks for watching!!

[@maverick4064]

Fender with no doubt

[@markhopkinsmusic]

🤘phew, cuz i sold that Suhr haha Thanks for watching!! I agree, hence why I sold the Suhr and got a killer CS Strat.

[@TheBhannah]

that looks like the 96 strat

[@markhopkinsmusic]

It’s a great guitar, I need to put some love into it so I can get it back to playability

[@cornerstonegear]

I'm Fender team... 😁

[@markhopkinsmusic]

Haha I know you are :-)

[@jeffmazzei8520]

The Suhr destroys the fender in every way ! By the way there is more to life than SRV licks .

[@RPSartre01]

One has 13, the other has 11s. And no comparison of playability. What a waste of a review. Would be nice to know which guitar would be better for lower string action.

[@frankhillbrecht1349]

For me Suhr, without any doubt