Suhr or Tom Anderson

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[@guitaristinseattle]

Love my Anderson. Earlier this year I visited his factory. Loved the tour, simply amazing.

[@lavendarguitar5517]

I have owned many amazing guitars and I have to say my Tom Anderson was the most flawless guitar I have ever put in my hands. True story. I didn't even think it was possible. Your description of the craftsmenship of a Tom Anderson is SPOT ON. AMAZING

[@duke_pgh3420]

I agree. I’ve owned custom shops, PRS private stock, suhr. Very high end guitars. The Anderson guitars really did blow me away. I just purchased my second today. They have become my favorite. Something really special about the necks on them

[@chakalaka3960]

I'm lucky to have a Suhr, Tom Anderson and a PRS. All amazing guitars. All are good enough to be your "forever" guitar.

[@paulmapp8306]

I HAD a Tom Anderson, Suhr and PRS. I dont have the Suhr any more - but still have the TA and PRS.

[@karlsalocks]

What do you like the best? My feeling is Anderson is slightly better (perfect setup. No buzz anywhere. Great pickups (although Suhr pickups are amazing). Great feel.). I have three Suhrs and one TA, but it's hard to say the TA isn't the best

[@chakalaka3960]

@karlsalocks the Tom plays the best but has a bit of bridge noise. It's also pre-SS frets. So I'd pick the Suhr if I had to only have one. The PRS just lacks something in my opinion. It's a Custom 22 with the 5 way switch.

[@AbcDino843]

@@karlsalocks I think the difference in quality between a Tom Anderson and a Suhr is so minute that maybe only Tom Anderson and John Suhr can tell the difference. But for real, it comes down to personal preference and the specs, there's no appreciable quality difference between the guitars. I too have had TA, Suhr and PRS, and I have only kept the PRS, because it appealed to me personally more than the others.

[@rhodriwilliams8111]

​@@AbcDino843 I have mixed feelings about the differences between Suhr and Tom Anderson guitars. I recently bought a Suhr, even though I usually avoid spending too much on guitars since I gig often, and they inevitably pick up dings and surface scratches as workhorses. But I decided to go for it, and while the Suhr is an exceptional guitar with a flawless setup, it has won me over for the price point and still the best guitar I've ever owned. The person I take my guitars to owns an incredible collection of 28 Tom Anderson guitars (yes, 28!) and won’t even consider selling any until he hits 30. However, the standout feature of a Tom Anderson is how it sounds unplugged. It’s like a bell-resonant, lively, and incredibly stable, I seem convinced that they are chambered or something. I’ve never heard anything quite like it. Anderson guitars also have unmatched build stability. Their wood is dried extensively, and after assembling the guitar, they let it rest in the factory for weeks to allow the wood to settle naturally before performing the final setup and checks. This process is why Anderson guitars typically arrive in perfect condition. In contrast, because Suhr produces more guitars (TA try to create 900 a year), they likely don’t have the luxury of this extended preparation time. Both brands make phenomenal instruments, but Tom Anderson guitars seem to have that extra touch of "mojo."

[@colinpadley1897]

My mum was like yours, didnt have much, I remember she bought me a bike, the shop let her pay in installments, this was London in the sixties, she was a truely a lively lady, and passed away at 59, a mothers love is special and the more important than any riches.

[@jonshea3936]

I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, as well as sharing your love for the guitar. We have similar life stories. I’m just now in the stage of life where I’m able to afford guitars like this and just bought my first Tom Anderson. It’s as you’ve described, and I thank God for the privilege to play it. God bless.

[@ShadowhandofDune]

I watched this when you 1st put it out, and as a lefty I had not had a chance to play a Tom Anderson. Now I own a Pro-Am I ordered after watching this and it's the best instrument I've ever played, better than my Suhrs, Kiesels, etc. The neck joint is ingenious.

[@shredx81]

I’ve had both. I think TA might even make the best guitars out there, but I find I prefer the feel and sound of Suhr guitars.

[@2good2betrue3]

It's great to see this comparison. I have a Suhr Modern Pro and it's the best guitar I have ever had.🔥 The neck is a mix of the Ibanez thin wizard neck and the Fender Custom Shop C shape neck. Great for chording and awesome for solos. The body shape is also fantastic, and it has a contoured cutaway for easier upper fret access. And it plays like butter with the 2 point trem. If I have to pick between my Gibson 1959 Les Paul, Fender Custom Shop Elite and Suhr Modern Pro. I will not think twice to pick the Suhr any day, anytime. BUT if I want to play for "mass appeal" and with the "imaginary elite club" of gear elitist friends.🤭 I'll pick up the "Fender" or the "Gibson" depending on the "logo" camp. I'll pick Fender/Gibson for that occasion and switch back to Suhr again at home for personal bedroom noodling.😂 And If I want to push some buttons, I'll jam with my Suhr on either camps.🤘SUBSCRIBED!💯

[@jeffmazzei8520]

I’m a Suhr player with ten under my belt ! Tom Anderson is on my list ! Suhr and Anderson are the Best !!

[@vriendelijkegroet]

The three best guitar brands, from that area: Suhr, Tom Anderson and James Tyler. They are build very very nice. If you like nice necks, the JT is amazing.

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

You don't have to spend 5 grand to have a nice neck. I have $500 strats with necks that are amazing also have a silver sky SE which has a neck that feels as good as any TA

[@eglide73]

I could NOT live with the Tyler headstock design!! The ugliest headstock EVER!

[@themetalghost]

Getting my first Suhr very soon, custom shop modern, TA is drop top is definitely on my list someday.

[@CHAINDRIVENOFFICIAL]

I have one of each both are amazing. I had a great experience with both customer service wise as well.

[@RByrne]

Ive had one of each, and my preference was the Suhr modern T. I do have to say, I prefer MusicMan to both brands.

[@algorithm007ify]

Musicman have better neck/fretwork in my opinion. The SS frets are rounded better and polished more.

[@Sellarmusic]

Thanks for sharing Barry. Nothing better than good stories about guitar purchases for us guitar lovers!

[@ashleyjackson8538]

I imagine these are amazing for studio . So many tones and nuances .

[@thesoundpurist]

John is a great friend of Tom and he has high regard if his craftmanship.

[@LanewoodStudios]

I bought a TA in 1992 when I was studying at Musicians Institute. It is still my main guitar to this day 😁. I also bought a used Scott Henderson model from Suhr in 2017. A great guitar as well.

[@sixstringsforlife]

Ha! I attended GIT the same year and also bought a TA (similar specs to Ross Bolton RIP)

[@LanewoodStudios]

@@sixstringsforlife ha, we may have been in some of the same classes 😎😁

[@karlsalocks]

You ever go to Scott's open counseling? I'd be too intimidated hahaha

[@LanewoodStudios]

@ yes was in there many times to listen. Didn’t dare to play though 😉. And I wasn’t the only one.

[@valmodin1641]

I have Suhr Standard HSH Floyd for long time. But dreaming to get Tom Anderson ArcAngel HSH Floyd. Full Mahogany guitar, maple top, 24 frets, 24.75 scale. All this is best for me.

[@zerothree332]

Dear Sir, thank you for sharing this video I enjoyed it. Take care & God Bless.

[@mruncletheredge]

Moms are the best.... Mine is just about to turn 85 and all I can hope for is to have another decade with her before the inevitable goodbye.... Nice guitars too...

[@SoulSingerJTait]

Ayyyyye!! Barry’s back again! Working overtime, he’s coming with the videos quick!

[@BarryJohns]

I’ve modified when I make time to record videos, which is now between 5:30am to 7:30am, so get used to the baggy eyes😁

[@joshbarnes6759]

Tom Anderson for sure. Suhrs are nice, but TAs just play so much nicer.

[@mattelder4269]

My Tom Anderson Angel Koa is hands down the best guitar I have ever played. Went to the music store for a Suhr and left with Tom Anderson.

[@williamcampbell163]

My 125 dollar 90's Korean strat w/vintage Bill Lawrence lead humbucker pickup.Plays and sounds fantastic.😊

[@pharmerdavid1432]

My Shijie guitars are better than Fender T and S types, more like Suhr/Anderson quality at a fraction of the price. Shijie has the best necks I've ever played, beautiful quarter sawn Canadian maple, roasted, wonderful full C carve, thin urethane finish that almost feels like bare wood. Under $1,000 for "classics".

[@bacabaca9983]

Another stupid poor guy commenting

[@agustinmarioquiroga3776]

Agree 💯 Been playing for quite sometime. Never owned a high end guitar until recently. Tried the higher end models from the normal brands. They were ok. Went ahead and got a custom SUHR. Mind blowing. 🤯. TOT me it was Well worth what I paid for. Thanks for the vid.

[@frankrizzo7781]

You experienced good customer and that is pretty rare these days.

[@silvo305]

I got my TA from a guitar center in Nashville also!

[@enaugle1]

Thank you, beautiful guitars for sure!!!

[@mikeaustin4138]

I've never played either an Anderson or a Suhr guitar. I've seen many, many KZbin demos of both. I don't like the Suhr pickups. To me, the Anderson pickups sound better. I swapped out the stock pickups on my Strandberg for Anderson's HF1 and HF2 pickups and couldn't be happier.

[@MrElectricN8]

For modern style playing definitely get the Suhr, Tom Anderson or James Tyler.

[@tdunster2011]

The best guitar I own is a Schecter Custom Shop Sunset II with H-S-H pickup configuration. I'd like another one in H-S-S but unfortunately there's nowhere in Australia selling Schecter Custom Shop or Masterworks guitars anymore. As an alternative we do have a few dealers selling Suhr guitars. Hopefully they are similar quality to my Schecter.

[@maverick4064]

Suhr outstanding

[@techguyMD]

Those are both very nice guitars. I'm usually looking for something unusual for a different tone... a strat copy or a strat or even a squire with single coils... a Telecaster with the lipstick.. a gibson or similar with humbuckers or P-90's.. or an HSS strat copy.. And finally my favorite guitars Rickenbacker. I owned a 1976 320.. white and black (tuxedo) VERY rare.. which I never sold it.. sold it to buy a 1980 Ric 360 12 string mapleglow. The owner of Dirt Cheap music in Kennesaw (Howie Hannick... I'll never forget him... played with Atlanta Rhythm Section in the 70's) called me one day "I have your guitar... it just showed up. I'll hold it for you. I know you want it" and I DID... I think I paid like $800 for it back in the late 80's. Held on to it for YEARS and sold it because I just didn't play it much. I should have NEVER sold it! I'll buy another one day. I ordered a Yamaha Revstar II standard with P-90's and have a cheapo strat copy and a Guild 12 string acoustic to hold me over.

[@algorithm007ify]

Recent EBMM guitars are also great. I found them to have better neck/fretwork than both Suhr and TA, when comparing them in the shop. The EBMM's fret ends and SS fret polish was the best. I would prefer Suhr for superstrat style guitars, however. TA has a bit better fretwork than Suhr but the TA's Korean made tremolo is inferior to Suhr's new two post tremolo bridge. Musicman also has a great tremolo. Suhrs can be a little heavy with the SSCII system.

[@vancedean9699]

I currently have a Suhr Modern and I’ve ordered a Tom Anderson Angel. I’m excited, but delivery is still 7-8 months away. I’ve owned several high end guitars including a Knaggs SSC, Luxxtone El Machete, PRS and several high end Ibanez prestige and Jem models. All great guitars but different. I like the thin, wide necks. Mahogany bodies and Floyd’s.

[@lcb4716]

i like suhr and i like tom anderson better. i have a lot of guitars and tom anderson is by far the best craftsmanship. it's funny for me to see luxxtone as a high end guitar mentioned here. mainly because jerry is just a mile from me, and i have known him since he was doing tech work at guitar centers. i have played a lot of his guitars at his shop, and they are very good. i always swing by if i need some parts, like knobs, capacitors, switches, pots, etc, i just dig through his drawers and he always has what i need.

[@MrBloobug]

How did the Anderson Angel turn out?

[@vancedean9699]

@@MrBloobug it’s the best I’ve had so far

[@freda9498]

I had a Suhr Modern with Guthrie specs, and sold it for a TA Angel. Never looked back. The Angel plays like a dream.

[@BarryJohns]

Funny I sold the Angel and bought the Suhr.

[@208414]

I also have guitars from both companies. The build quality from either brand is essentially beyond reproach. They both have very good reputations for top tier customer support should you find an issue. I think it ultimately comes down to player preference as to which brand builds guitars to fit their musical needs. Suhr design is focused on perfecting the classics whereas Anderson guitars are less reverential to the designs of the 50's and 60's and are consequently more unique. Visually, Suhr guitars are more generally pleasing to me, but the Andersons are better ergonomically (better fret access, more contoured lines). Suhr pickups again reflect the goal of perfecting the classic designs. Anderson pickups span the whole range from vintage style to totally unique proprietary designs. I like both brands, but my TAG Angel is my favorite guitar full stop.

[@armandodiaz3485]

Nice guitars! I too own a TA(HDT) which is my favorite by far! Looking to add a Bobcat in the near future.

[@jeffmorgan766]

I just got a bobcat yesterday and after an amazing garage jam session with my buddy, I have to say it’s one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned. I don’t like Les Pauls much, but the bobcat is really not that similar (better ergonomics, lighter, prettier). I also have 2 Suhr guitars that I adore, but the bobcat may be my number 1 now.

[@insideoutNOTW]

What color is that Tom Anderson?

[@BarryJohns]

It’s purple-ish

[@insideoutNOTW]

@BarryJohns Awesome, so if I want to order that color, just say purplish. Is that what the specifications sheet says?

[@myx0mop]

I have quite a few good guitars. But, the Suhr is pretty much the only one I keep playing. You just can't appreciate the comfort of playing the Suhr until you hold it in your hands. There's nothing like it. Absolutely fenomenal in every way.

[@rendyandrian7149]

Barry, I wish you can explain what little matter that make both guitar special in term of craftsmanship. At least, mere mortal, like me, who can't try these guitars let alone buy it, can understand its quality.

[@willmcgowan9971]

would like to see the plek printout on a Suhr and Anderson

[@algorithm007ify]

Suhr don't use PLEK anymore... Causes more issues, especially when some vendors apply the plek after crowning frets.

[@voodoochili12]

Can't go wrong with either

[@DrPark-qw6ky]

I have suhr mahogany deluxe. The original spec plate is actually in mahogany as well, and your flame maple plate is even more special well deserved for your guitar. Yours is special in every way 😊

[@KunchangLeeMusic]

Suhr 🥇

[@JayGoreGuitar]

Are the Suhr & Anderson the exact same headstock?

[@marvsowell684]

You spicing up your tracks with some Texas Pete? LOL I love that too!

[@BarryJohns]

My favorite!

[@bensherwood777]

How about playing a couple of riffs so we can hear them?

[@IgorRaykin-h4p]

I cross-shopped a Suhr with an Anderson, and to me it wasn't close -- I went with Anderson. Suhr makes a very, very nice guitar, but the Anderson Angel with a koa top I got is a special guitar. It's just on a different level.

[@BarryJohns]

We are all different, I did not like my first Suhr (modern) or my TA Anderson, but the two I have are neck and neck for quality and playability. Of course to ally they are different but they should be.

[@IgorRaykin-h4p]

@@BarryJohns Yup, there are so many great guitar options out there now. Suhr guitars are terrific; I just instantly bonded with the TA. It was the first guitar I played that I enjoyed more than my Parker Fly guitars.

[@charlesycoker]

yep, at this level of guitar you know you are getting quality.. and some you gel with and some you don't. I have 3 Suhrs, a PRS I have had forever and getting a Tom Anderson in a few days. Couldn't afford one in my 20s but I can now. I have had some amazing guitars that I just didn't click with and moved on. My take is that if have that much money in a guitar I have to LOVE it. If not, off it goes.

[@alexnismachin]

Tom Anderson makes the best guitars in the world! There is nothing equal even a Suhr in my opinion.

[@lcb4716]

i agree. they also only make custom orders. suhr makes guitars on spec. the neck attachment makes the difference.

[@JayGoreGuitar]

No James Tyler?

[@npinero1]

Very cool, thanks for sharing you story. Insane guitars.

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks!

[@MrElectricN8]

Does anyone has an idea why super strats from Suhr and TA sustains more compared to Fender?

[@LucasHaneman]

Super tight and well fitting neck joint IMHO

[@hoknevets]

If you could compare tones & sounds, that'll b great 🤓 Used to b a fan of Tyler but you gotta check out Sadowsky😜😉 Then we could hav a tone feast🔥🔥🔥

[@surfrby8876]

They are both amazing , but that Suhr is magnificent 😜and of course you won’t be selling them , they’ll be going to your son , I’m looking at a TA Drop Top at my local high end shop, I can’t get it out of my head , I’m hoping they’ll take a smidge $$ off for me since it’s been sitting 😜, to be continued ……

[@Jchans1]

Tom anderson guitars only having 2 screws on the back has always bugged me for some reason

[@BarryJohns]

They have been in the wild for decades with no issues

[@BrentIraEnman]

Barry Knaggs should be on your radar for next boutique Guitar!

[@antreb15]

I too have had both maker's guitars. The only guitars I have that match them are a 'Nick Huber, Orca 59. And a Michael Spalt. I refuse to pay the exorbitant prices for a Fender or Gibson although they make great custom shop instruments. I have yet to own a PRS but that is on my list.

[@janrennesund6285]

Would have been nice to hear some sounds, not only talking

[@godbyone]

John suhr is great. . I bet he only sleeps a hour a nite. He answers all kinds. Question on gear .

[@park171]

How about Don Grosh guitars..

[@BarryJohns]

I have to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever received a comment within 17 seconds of posting a video. That’s sad I don’t have any experience with those guitars.

[@normt6226]

You don't look like a Metalhead to me...Why would you try to gel with a Tom Anderson Angel or Surh Modern ?...Seems that you bought the more classic versions of these two companies and it was the great move to do...

[@watchtheskies]

You broke two fingers! Every musicians nightmare 😕

[@BarryJohns]

At my oldest son’s wedding to boot. Didn’t realize they were broke until weeks later. It’s getting better but will take time.

[@dmd5060]

A slight cut on my left hand sends me depressesion-vile😅

[@pacific-midwest]

What color is that Tom Anderson?

[@BarryJohns]

Purple/maroon with underlying black. It’s very 3d in person.

[@lexbro]

T Anderson pickups always sounded off to me

[@killerfascistmodaftermath4475]

今はトムアンだけ残ってるけど、 サーも7本買って良いギターだった❗ ただしプロシリは👎

[@Cool-yv9vw]

Tom anderson all the way

[@JackTheSkunk]

There's no question that both companies build super high quality guitars. If someone gifted me one I would be most grateful......BUT...please remember that all the great music ever made was recorded with off the rack guitars and bone stock amps.

[@BenBreard]

this was maybe true for a few years, but hasn't been the case for the last 40+ years. I'd argue Van Halen and Brian May alone prove your statement wrong. :)

[@streetrockusa]

Fender custom shop makes some amazing guitars too, if you can find a used strat by all means check it out.

[@KurtMasteller]

Tylers? They are also amazing!

[@karlsalocks]

They sure are. I own Suhrs and Andersons. It's splitting hairs between the two. Both incredibly well made. If I have to give a millimeter edge it would probably go to Anderson. But honestly it depends on what side of the bed I wake up on. That said, I have played a Tyler once, and I don't know what to say, other than I didn't think it was possible for a guitar to feel even more solid than Suhrs and Andersons, but I'll be damned. That Tyler blew me away in every sense. Jaw was on the floor. But holy crap are they expensive. But, to take a small step back, these are all incredibly top notch builders.

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Cajun Magenta.

[@jamus1217]

An arm or a leg**

[@BarryJohns]

Go ahead, just do both😜

[@39love31]

Subscribed :)

[@stan188]

TS 4eva

[@Adam-wz7pv]

meh.... TA or Suhr vs. Fender Custom shop can largely be a wash. Excellent builders.... but they aren't significantly better than many builders these days.... probably thanks to them raising the bar. I remember I had a TA Classic S - my first TA... and there was this speck on the volume knob... like some remnant of the molded plastic (this is called 'splay' in injection molding) and it ruined the guitar... because it was the only imperfection... lol... but other than that... the guitar was just impossible to bond with because it had no character - a common complaint for both these builders.

[@gregs8685]

Great video on 2 gorgeous guitars! I’ve never had the opportunity to try an Anderson but I’ve tried a few Suhrs and never gelled with the examples I tried. The issues were the weight (all were 8 lbs plus), slim neck profile, flat finger board radius and stainless frets (do not like the feel). Most use polyurethane paint which I also avoid. I have a Grosh NOS Retro and an Xotic XSC-2 (both HSS S-types) and would suggest anyone looking for a high end strat to check out these two as well. They are both super light, have beefy necks, 10” radius, nickel silver frets and are finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. Neither have figured maple tops.

[@josippongrac3040]

Great video, thanks

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

Definitely Fender because they are sooooooo much more beautiful!!! Specially the headstock. These have horribly looking headstocks !!

[@M4D4F4K4.]

Overpriced BS

[@edwardlee6516]

way to much money can buy same thing 500 to 700 hundred even used for 300 and put a earvanna pat. nut on them so they go into tune any guitar without this nut who use a unwrapped g is out of tune no matter what they claim

[@BarryJohns]

I wish that were true, ,but I'm sorry, it's not even close. I have a few sub 1k guitars, that are amazing for the price, but once you experience a truly crafted instrument, there is nothing like it. Bottom line, you can make amazing music on inexpensive gear, no doubt about it, I spent most of my life with that type of gear, but I'm wise enough to appreciate the difference and blessed to be able to afford them at this stage of my life. All the best.....

[@combatOracle1]

It's priorities. If you are young, don’t screw around complaining about how much these cost. Get another part time job and save your ass off and buy one because you won't regret it if you're a serious young guitar player.

[@kostasmarinakis1459]

They just had a great setup and good bridges

[@rawiczrawa3561]

there is no such thing as standard Anderson guitar neck. ALL Andersons are custom order - all of them.

[@user-fb2jb3gz1d]

I've owned both...........just build your own strat style with warmoth parts. Both are overpriced fenders