Silver Sky vs Suhr Classic S vs Eric Johnson Strat: Which does "IT" the Best?

[@marcossastre1126]

I own Suhrs ,always looking another great guitar. I have played all 3 guitars . It the feel that always brings me back to Suhr.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

They are great!

[@awkipintee]

Hands down, the EJ. At least to my ears. Love the PRS and they do sound different and I’ve owned both. Regrettably, I sold the EJ and looking for another. The Suhr didn’t do it for me. Great video 👌

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Thanks for watching. I do love the EJ, with the rosewood versions weren’t so rare

[@blackanderson3321]

for my personal taste! Fender's sound is without a doubt the best I like the body it has in the timbre in addition to the brightness that these fenders have in their nature fender 🙌🏽

[@drothberg3]

The Suhr sounds best because it’s light blue.

[@robsthedon]

EJ gets my vote

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I think I’d like a slightly hotter bridge pickup in it, like the one in the PRS. But overall yeah it sounds great

[@kuyatune7391]

is the suhr classic s the antique one or just the regular?

[@MrAwesomeSaucesome]

Surprised i missed this video. I play an EJ and have been curious how it holds up against these

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Although I’d probably prefer the rosewood EJ, it holds up just fine :)

[@jeremynebraska]

I’ve never owned a Strat…until I picked up the EJ Strat. He’s one of the reasons I started playing guitar. Being as it’s my first Strat, that’s the one I’m going with. :)

[@wallyg3]

This is my favorite of your videos so far. Of course, the content, but also really great playing. Super nice man. I totally agree, they all do the thing, but the silver sky has more of it. And I think it's the true single coils. Position 4 4Lyf!

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Thanks! And “but the silver sky has more of it” sums it up perfectly!

[@billgreen3629]

For me that was a big win for the Fender. I expected it to be a distant third.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I didn’t expect to enjoy the hot noiseless so much, but they’re great!

[@peterrobbins7384]

3:53 EJ 4:27 Suhr 5:01 Silver Sky

[@TCMx3]

I used to own a Silver Sky, and that used to is actually related to why I thought it sounded the best here. The Silver Sky, at least the early ones (pickups have since changed), always sounded the best to me in shootouts and almost always sounded great recorded. And they don't sound bad at all in person. But when I compared it directly to my other strats, it just sounded like it already had all the studio magic on it. I ultimately moved on to a different strat for daily use & while I dont miss the Silver Sky, I wouldnt hesitate to play one again if the situation demanded it.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

What made you move on from it?

[@jbbourbon178]

The Silver Sky’s pot values and wiring take the super high end out of the equation. So your statement about it sounding like it already has the studio magic would be right on point.

[@SundayMorningGuitars]

The EJ are my fave in this video, but loved all 3. I have a 2020 Silversky in Orion green with rosewood. Beautiful and great sounds, but does 1 thing. I gravitate to my Strat more for sure.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@SundayMorningGuitars what kind of strat do you have?

[@SundayMorningGuitars]

@ I have an American standard. I put Lambertones “Unleaded” single coils, and it has a Shawbucker in the bridge.

[@angelperezmonarrez9892]

Congrats on 1k subs!

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Hey thanks!

[@mattsiddons733]

I’ve got a 2018 EJ strat and 2021 SS. As they are currently setup, the SS plays like butter, while the EJ has a little give. EJ has a bit more air, crispness and snap. SS is a bit more full, warm and maybe balanced? Never thought I’d be a buzzword guy, but here we are. Playability has me reaching for the SS come gig time.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

It’s something I never thought I would agree with but somehow a 7.25” radius is as or more playable than a 12” radius (a rare case though). Tbh I do love the EJ still

[@rezbaron]

Whick neck do you prefer of the three?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I think Silver Sky, EJ and then Suhr. A Silver Sky with a slightly flatter radius (like the SE) would be even better. The EJ rosewood model is even better than the maple IMO (non-sticky) and the Suhr is great (especially for shred), its just my least favorite neck

[@Erickchicas]

Suhr 1st place, Fender 2nd place, PRS 3rd place, they all sound very nice

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Nice! To me they’re all 1st for different scenarios/players 😊

[@AC-pu2eh]

What pick up is in the bridge of the silver sky?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

A Fralin Hot Split Blade

[@AC-pu2eh]

@@ElliottKleinguitar does that work pretty well for Rock? I’m trying to make mine work both for rock in the bridge and blues in the mid/neck. Did you have to change pots at all?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I did not have to change the pots at all. I think you’d have to to use the blues output though, so if I were you I’d do high output bridge, vintage middle and neck. I think it works great for rock honestly.

[@benjaminbarnett3696]

Suhr definitely has its on thing going on. True Fender chime rests with the Fenders - surprise! PRS is just about there - but, this is shallow perhaps, i can’t stand the headstock for the Silver Sky. I own a 2016 EJ rosewood Strat.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Those rosewood models are awesome!

[@bend1499]

The problem with the Fender is you'll have to dig through a dozen to find one that doesn't have mass production issues or buzz on the neck.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Either that or just expect a trip to the luthier before you play it

[@bend1499]

@@ElliottKleinguitar or in my case a trip to my local fender warranty place for a new neck LOL

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

😂😂

[@riffraff1350]

Tone comparisons are best done without backing tracks unless specifically comparing how they cut through a mix, imo.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I would normally agree but that’s why I played every pickup position

[@Josh_The_Cat]

Great comparison, what amp or plug-in are you using?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Thanks! I was using my Fractal FM3. If you happen to have one I have plenty of videos giving away free presets :)

[@johnfling5702]

Fender EJ for the win 🎉

[@sulgrave_]

What’s that song you played at the end to compare each?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

No song, just a progression. C - G/B - Aminor7 - C7/G - F - Fmin - C

[@Joshuaalan21]

I’ve been on the same search for the best “strat-iest” sounding guitar. Really went down the rabbit trail awhile back. My journey and this video I think the PRS SS sounds the most Strat-y which is what I want Great video. The Suhr just sounds so strong and robust etc.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@Joshuaalan21 its certainly a great guitar! Hope you get to enjoy one soon!

[@Joshuaalan21]

@@ElliottKleinguitar Thank you! I actually ended up picking one up awhile back. It’s been my main guitar for years now. No regrets. I’ve been thinking of picking up a Suhr lately and I’m just not sure if it’s worth it for me since I already have the SS.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@Joshuaalan21 A Suhr is definitely another animal for sure. I may suggest a Nash (10" radius) that comes with Lollars as it may be a closer aesthetic to the SS. A Suhr would be a great choice but certainly more of a modern vibe

[@DavidOHara-t4b]

Tricky! All 3 sound good. The ej has " that" sound , but the others aren't a mile off it . I'm not a suhr fan as any I've tried have left me thinking there's nowt here I can't get with a strat , and for less cash ! The PRS ? Yeah, it sounds good, but ....I prefer the suhr cos it does have that slightly meatier tone .And I like to rock too ! Mibbee I'm a convert .

[@akeem463]

Owning a Rosewood Eric Johnson, I often ask myself, if moving to a Silver Sky or a Suhr is worth the additional invest of about €500 and really an upgrade 🤔 Difficult 😄

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I think so, but there’s always the SE Silver Sky if you don’t want to spend as much!

[@akeem463]

Solution: I sold the Eric Johnson and bought a Fender AO 60s Strat in Shell Pink and am happier than ever 😄

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Congrats!

[@benjipathfinder7962]

And you got a new subscriber🤘

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

thank you!

[@mehAudio]

It’s super easy to wire the Suhr so it runs as humbucker at the bridge position and as single coil in the in-between. As long as the humbucker has 4 wires, that is.

[@Ibanezmusic1]

How would you compare the neck shapes? I have a suhr with a classic medium c on it and tbh it’s a little bigger than I like.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Id say the prs is definitely deeper but also thinner, which makes it one of my favorite necks ever

[@DanMmusic]

Omg he played the minor 4

[@benjipathfinder7962]

They’re all good cos of the guy who play it so well🥰

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

appreciate you!

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I preferred the Suhr but the silver sky was nice also. They were all great.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

They definitely each bring their own flavor for sure

[@timrussellguitar1516]

I really like the EJ best then the Suhr

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

it's a great guitar for sure!

[@BeroOgden]

Overall thought the fender was best, but for some things I could see that silver sky being light years ahead.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

It certainly does a very specific thing!

[@koolbreeze8698]

I have had several of the EJ Strats and returned more than Half of them because the Truss Rods would not Adjust trhe necks

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

how weird, that's unfortunate!

[@maraviyoso8473]

The Suhr is Strat-like The PRS is very Strat-like The Fender IS Strat

[@leoarjuncrasto]

I feel the Fender has the sound with little less bottom end somehow its not ice picky. The Suhr had just a very very very tiny bit more chime. The silversky had more highs Overall I liked the Fender Stratocaster more, just sounded bettee imho❤️

[@CheddarKungPao]

"Rock is the reason" that could be a tattoo. I think they all sounded great. I have an SSS '64 strat custom shop and an HSS friedman vintage S. The SSS strat has more of the top end chime in all positions but they are both great.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

And I’m sure that Friedman screams in the bridge position!

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

I listened before I watched and to my ears its a toss up between the suhr and the fender. The PRS sounds fine but it doesnt have the same top end.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Did anything change after you watched?

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

@@ElliottKleinguitar Well, no except that I am a sucker for 2 tone 50s strats so that EJ looks real fine. Have you seen the new version of his virginia strat? That thing looks amazing the way the sassafras grains show through.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95 I sure have! Havent been able to try it though. Honestly I wish there was a semi-hollow virginia rosewood version

[@diystompbox]

IMO you cannot compare noiseless pickups to great single coils. The EJ Strat has a killer tone with the original singles.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

The original EJ pickups are great, although I still enjoy the hot noiseless pickups in it now

[@firebass]

Suhr and the Silver sky are based on the fender strat. Next round please

[@donmunson4802]

I'm going with the Fender. Had you left the pickups alone, the choice would have been much clearer.

[@davidp158]

Of these guitars, the Fender sounds good, the PRS sounded thin with strange string balance and the Shur has a piano-like quality that I very much like. Although the Shur deviates most from the traditional 5 Strat tones, it just appeals to me most.

[@musiccreation1198]

Michael Tuttle Classic S guitar ;).

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

Well I think the Eric Johnson is truer to the Strat sound but I am partial to PRS

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

sure, basically the OG and then different flavors

[@m4ssi86]

I prefer the fender, but You should try the Music man cutlass, for me it’s the best non fender strat

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I've played a handful, very nice necks! I'm not the biggest fan of their pickups (or at least the ones I've played)

[@m4ssi86]

@@ElliottKleinguitar because the silent circuit, I don’t like too but the quality of the guitar is amazing! But if you want a real fender tone, only fender sounds like a Fender

[@DannyZaidman]

The reason should always be to rock

[@predigr]

They sound different. All three sound good. Fender sounds fender, SS sounds SS and Suhr has a very nice sound. That is why you need to buy all of them.

[@ArielCardona]

The Suhr Classic S and the PRS Silver Sky WANT to be Strats; the Fender IS THE Strat. And yes, Suhr and PRS are great. . . but only a Fender can "outstrat" a Fender.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

That’s a way to see it, also that Suhr and PRS are moving the strat forward while Fender nails the vintage vibe

[@ArielCardona]

@@ElliottKleinguitar mmm, I don't it's a case of moving forward or backwards (Fender has many other Stratocaster models which would fit what you're implying). After all, the Silver Sky is an attempt by PRS and John Mayer to replicate John's favorite Strat (I think it's a 63 or 64). Suhr's most famous Strat-style guitar is an HSS and Fender had already made tons of HSS Strats and even HH Strats. I see them as interpretations of the tried and true formula. Of course they have their own fans and, in the case of the (John) Suhr, who BTW, worked for Fender before making his own guitars, has established well with fusion guitarists. However, at the end of the day, Fender, for good or bad, is still the king of Strats.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

PRS recreated Johns favorite sure but if they were trying to actually replicate it they wouldn’t have made the body smaller, the standard PRS cutaway, 22 frets, 3x3 headstock, the compressed feeling of the pickups, the selector switch, the color choices etc. Suhr did work at Fender but obviously left to do his own take on it

[@ArielCardona]

@@ElliottKleinguitar well, PRS wouldn't actually copy the same model. The horns are different and the neck is way different than that from Fender's traditional neck.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Right, which is their own spin, which could be seen as a move forward the same way Van Halen’s Frankenstrat moved the ball forward and Jackson/Kramer/Charvel took that ball and ran then Ibanez etc. Saying the PRS and Suhr just “want to be strats while Fender is the only one” is like saying Eddies Frankenstrat just wanted to be a strat or Jacksons Soloist just wanted to be a strat. All different fun sounds for different kinds of players, some moving things in a new direction while others doing the same great thing

[@WALTERTLHB]

Okay you got me if I had the money I would pick all three.. BUT BACK TO YOU YES YOU.. You have an ear attracting sound about yourself. Each guitar images the beauty inside you. I am tossed between the Joe bonamassa strat replacement pickups, and the Eric Johnson pickups. I played a suhr guitar WHEN I WAS IN CANADA. it wasn't STRAT style but Good golly Miss Molly it I get extremely cloaked with low self-esteem when I'm in a music store. But that guitar literally took away all of my low self-esteem and shyness and guided my fingers that's what it was like. I have not played a PRS silver sky yet. I own a fender strat American standard. I actually modded a Vega trem on it and gotech locking tuners. And a 10-way selector switch haha. Between the bonamassa and the Eric Johnson's have you listened to bonamassa's replacements ❓ I'm leaning towards the EJ's. And I'll put my American standard pickups in my Mexican or Korean strat . . Sorry for the short book but I appreciate your feedback. Sincerely your new subscriber Walter the left-handed bloke.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Hey thank you for the nice words, very much appreciated. I haven’t checked out Bonamassas pickups but the pickups in my EJ aren’t stock, they are the Fender Hot Noiseless aka what Jeff Beck uses. I’d certainly give the Silver Sky a shot but if you had such a wonderful time with the Suhr I’d say go for it! Happy guitar-ing!

[@WALTERTLHB]

@@ElliottKleinguitar hey I really appreciate your response very heartwarming. As for the Suhr guitar $2,000 was a bit out of my range ,maybe if I played with your band and we went on tour I would do that 😀. It took me 30 years to get a strat. And now I have a squire and an American . I take the parts from the standard and put them on the squire. You're right about those pickups on the EJ strat they're the ones I'm going to get. They really touch me. If I can play a sky in a left-handed version I'll go for the experience. Thanks a bunch once again I'll keep you updated and I'll send you photos. Can you give me a taste of some of the stuff you've recorded. I'm not good at that yet. I'd appreciate it from you. Thanks again. Stay healthy take care of your family and loved ones. Sincerely Walter the left-handed bloke.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

ahh I'm not sure they make a left handed silver sky unfortunately, didn't even realize that, sorry. here's some links to a few things I've recorded, also putting out a song this coming monday. all the best! open.spotify.com/artist/6JYq9hAU7KpfPcWmr18n8Q?si=32Xel7aIT_utCUiYDyJVug open.spotify.com/artist/3OY0QuNeFkqHMp7RKLZp2l?si=HiAHPwegSvyXlKuxL2QVqw open.spotify.com/artist/7xE9PLaTUlm5h76Z0h6kfx?si=zMcOrB-eS_KmxB0ufTULjg

[@joerusso8950]

I like the Eric Johnson stratocaster sound the most, it sounds the most like the stratocaster But the Silver Sky is nice, Mayer didn't want to mimic a stratocaster he wanted a strat like guitar with his taste on tones I didn't like the Suhr tones

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Well, he wanted a strat that was like his favorite strat. I do love the sound of the EJ too. What didn’t you like about the Suhr?

[@stephenfeldman8104]

@@ElliottKleinguitar I like the sound of all three. Most importantly, I like your playing. It's interesting that folks who commented that the EJ sounded most authentic are not factoring in that your EJ has noiseless pickups in place of the original single coils.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@stephenfeldman8104 I do too, and thanks! Also yes it's a bit interesting, yet not unexpected

[@frankbreuer8849]

Listening with my eyes closed: liked the SUHR best - I leave it to others to decide which is more "S" (not a priority question for me)

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

What did you like the best about it?

[@jdl2180]

The suhr sounds most like a strat, even though I sold mine because it didn't sound enough like a strat.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Which year Suhr did you have? And what’s your rig?

[@NGS2410]

1. Fender 2. Suhr 3. PRS PRS are great guitars but I really think that can not win any sound battle, but they can win in quality and everything else, that is strange! 😂😂😂😂

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I hear that sometimes with their humbucker guitar, but not the Silver Sky so far

[@jeremynorwood2287]

I like the SS better. It’s not a brittle sounding & has more body. All 3 sound great though

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Yeah those pickups are certainly very unique

[@AngSingha]

James Tyler 😊

[@13berza]

Tom Anderson ...:o)

[@LuisHernandez-dy1rq]

The PRS sounds closer to the Fender The Suhr sounds warmer

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

It certainly has more low end!

[@hepone]

I have an Eric Johnson and love it... will never sell. I am looking to get an HSS Suhr though... Silver Sky has a lot of interesting features but I don't like the PRS Headstock.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

The new Pete Thorn signature may be up your alley!

[@jimo4106]

The EJ has the most vintage "Strat'" tones. The Suhr sounded better and more modern on lead lines and bends. The PRS was good, but easily 3rd place in my opinion.

[@secilymusic]

Excuse me, Suhr, please stop playing with your Johnson. Also--I liked the gold one best!

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Heyyyo! I believe Morgan named the gold one Gilbert

[@morganyoung5146]

I stand by this name choice

[@SF_Curious]

Fender hands down best Stratocaster sound

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

but is it the best strat style sound

[@sublyme2157]

With my eyes closed it was: 1. Fender 2. Silver Sky 3. Suhr I really thought the Suhr was going to dominate, so I was surprised. I'd be happy to own any of them, they all sound fantastic, but Fender still owns the strat sound :)

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

It definitely does “that thing”

[@BossHossStudios]

The fact that you changed the pup on the silver sky says everything I need to know on that guitar. Should not have been in the video if it was not stock

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I also changed the pickups on the EJ. Not sure trying out different pickups says literally everything you need to know…also pretty sure there’s enough stock Fender vs PRS videos out there

[@aquatichighs]

PRs just lacks mojo sounds like a guitar in a commercial pop song.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Commercial pop song from which era?

[@aquatichighs]

@@ElliottKleinguitar modern. It also sounds like a church band guitar. The guitar you would find in the music room of a prep school.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Modern commercial pop makes sense since John Mayer uses his on his albums

[@jamesnelson1443]

Silver sky

[@EddieDuarte-cp2qw]

The Eric Johnson sounds better by far. Richer sound and overtones

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Which is interesting as ceramic pickups often have a bad reputation

[@EddieDuarte-cp2qw]

@ElliottKleinguitar Maybe the building quality is compensating it somehow. Every guitar I've owner with quartersawn maple sounded solid as

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@EddieDuarte-cp2qw Maybe, or maybe the ceramic pickups hate is unfounded. Have you happened to try out a Jeff Beck strat?

[@EddieDuarte-cp2qw]

@@ElliottKleinguitar Yes, I also had a set of hot noiseless in one of my strats. They were okay 👍

[@harlequin75]

Hate slow dancing in a burning room LOL

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

I like the song but I’m good on the 7 billion videos of people covering it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BigDancin]

I stopped watching as soon as you said the EJ has swapped pickups. Once you swap the pups, it's a different guitar, period, so the title is misleading. I was interested in the comparison because I have two EJ strats, but with the original pups. All I know is that it is as strat-like as you can get - and noisy as hell to go along with that.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Well, maybe just listen instead

[@BigDancin]

@@ElliottKleinguitar Yeah, my point is, when I saw the title, I thought, "oh good, I can see how my some of these strat alternatives compare with my EJ strats. But that purpose evaporated when I learned yours is a modded EJ strat (pups nonetheless). If you put "modded EJ Strat" in the title, it would have been accurate and at least I wouldn't have been duped in. That's my only gripe.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@BigDancin I would hardly call it "duped in" as I mention the modding in the video. Because you have EJ strats you could even extend the comparison and see how the EJ strats you have compare with some hot noiseless ones, as well as the PRS and Suhr.

[@pragmatismusa5878]

The EJ sounds best. I’ve heard plenty of Suhrs, and I don’t get the appeal.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

More of a modern sound versus a classic sound is usually the draw, as well as upgrades in design

[@waltervenicio]

EJ

[@jaredbrady5566]

But the doves!?!?

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

???

[@jaredbrady5566]

@@ElliottKleinguitar the doves put the Silver Sky over.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Ahhhh yeah I getcha, absolutely

[@johnfling5702]

EJ❤

[@stratplayer96]

Fender EJ all day long.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Whatcha like about it the most?

[@algorithm007ify]

Suhr wins here.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

What did you prefer about the Suhr?

[@soofitnsexy]

GREAT GUITAR I HAD IT...NO STRAT TONES UNFORTUNATELY

[@diystompbox]

@@soofitnsexy So many versions of the Suhr, but you are right that the Suhr has it's own sound. I love mine. But my EJ has "the' Strat tone. (to me)

[@dixonrooster5954]

EJ pick ups are dark by nature.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

But these aren’t those

[@dixonrooster5954]

@@ElliottKleinguitar wasn't talking about your strat in particular. I was just putting that out there for folks who have their own EJ and are wondering.

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

@@dixonrooster5954 thanks for letting them know! the regular model or the Virginia strat? I think the Virginia would be a bit darker but I'm not sure

[@dixonrooster5954]

@@ElliottKleinguitar regular EJ strat have dark pickups. I'm not sure about Virginia, I'd wager that Virginia has brighter neck and middle but dark with the hs2

[@CachitoMora-j7c]

Fender

[@venom3936]

Suhr all day

[@nickfarrow4788]

EJ Hands down

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Because it does “the thing”?

[@nickfarrow4788]

@@ElliottKleinguitar because i love the neck shape, the radius, the vintage and the modern feel mixed together and because i love EJ😂❤️ but they are 3 fantastic instruments. P.s. i'm going to buy an RW EJ Strat soon

[@ElliottKleinguitar]

Ah Ive always wanted a RW model, they’re so rare nowadays!

[@humiut2041]

Fender