Suhr vs. Fender - Full Look & Listen

[@thetonekingofficial]

If you like the video, check out my Suhr vs. Gibson video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKUk2apj9Kqmqs

[@sublyme2157]

I have a Suhr standard and a modern, both are in their cases while my Fender player series telecaster ($574) gets all my attention. I absolutely love that guitar. Objectively the Suhrs are better guitars in every conceivable way; it's not even a comparison. But subjectively I like my Fender more. She sings and sustains beautifully, and fights for every note. She makes me want to play, and forces me to play better. Guitarists can be funny like that :)

[@adhaskym.a9536]

Totally agree with you.

[@soofitnsexy]

agreed....a suhr has that suhr thing goin on! but a fender is so classic and time less!!!

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

If you want a Strat sound, you buy a Strat. If you want a REALLY nice Strat type guitar, and you have $3K to burn, you buy a Suhr. John Suhr can make you that Strat type you want in a huge number of configurations if you want, or you can buy one off the shelf. That being said, Suhrs are next level instruments. You are getting a premium hand made guitar and it was built under the supervision of one of the giants of the industry. Can't say that about an off the shelf Strat at all.

[@scottman68]

4:49 "It's got a nice ash". Pretty sure that was deliberate!

[@blkjakk]

scottman68 Haha I thought the same thing. 😁😂

[@agdtec]

I liked the Suhr, But you said it depends what music your playing. But you have Buddy Holly and Buddy Guy to Yngwie and The Edge. David Gillmore to John Frusciante. Dave Murry. I don't think It matters what type of Music The guitar can do what the Guitarist wants to do. Some people think you need a particular Guitar to play well, but it is the guitarist That plays a Sears guitar and makes it sound great that tells me, brands do not make the guitarist.

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Tone King, Why did'n t you chose a SSS Surh model to match with Fenders? And, why didn't you choose an HSH Fender Elite to match the Surh Modern?

[@Theylieohio]

JJDPRO MEDIAPRODUCTION and I quote " it's what we had Available "

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

@@Theylieohio Aww!! Thanks :)

[@thetonekingofficial]

thank you :-)

[@Theylieohio]

JJDPRO MEDIAPRODUCTION he's always pretty fair , I'm sure if he had the exact pick up configuration he would've used them. But back to topic . I've never played a surh but I'd love to try one out. But then again it probably would kill me to know somethings out there that plays that good that I can't afford. I have a fender strat and my Prs SE plays way better but doesn't sound as good. Hmm

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

@@Theylieohio I love the Surh's.. I'm a Fender Man myself, but I'm saving for a Surh Modern( Bengal) .. Or Maybe the Harley Benton Fusion..Hummmmm :) :) :) Can you say "Roasted Maple" :)

[@Spidouz]

I know you walked home with the Suhr, but personally that would be the Blue Elite Strat. I’m a PRS fan and looked at the John Mayer Silver Sky, and then looked at Suhr, and then at Ibanez AZ, finally I just came to conclusion that if I wanted a strat, now I’d just look at Fender Strat... if it worked for 60+ years for so many people, Wöhst wouldn’t it work for me now?

[@thetonekingofficial]

You're not wrong at all. I think Suhr is for those who already own the staple instruments. It's a (really) nice to have, but doesn't replace (for example) a strat (im my humble opinion)

[@tonybowen455]

I played the cheaper version of the AZ and was really impressed. I'd have to play more of them to see, but I liked it more than some custom shop strats I've played. The only thing is at that price, I would want to play the more expensive AZ. I was close to buying it, though.

[@Spidouz]

Tony Bowen don’t get me wrong, I’d still love to get an AZ-224F-BIG... just like I’d love to get a Suhr if I had the money. And even if I’m really really not a fan of the 7”¼ I wouldn’t mind to have a Silver Sky. But just not as a “strat”... if I want a strat, I will get a strat ;) PS: btw I already have a nice MIJ Strat :)

[@Bobberhead007]

Instead find your sound like Mateus Asato....

[@slimpicks2570]

The Fender sound like a Fender, classic tones and always a fender. The Suhr sounds great but theres nothing separating its tone or capabilities to make it an original, you can get that from multiple other brands at a lower cost.

[@thetonekingofficial]

I think the Suhr is for the person playing it ... it's a fine instrument. But you're right, tone wise - you can probably accomplish the same in something more affordable.

[@tonybowen455]

The Suhr sounds incredible to me. In a different league than cheaper guitars. It's more LP SG esque. The Fender sounded good, but not as good. There's always a custom shop for a more fair comparison.

[@tonybowen455]

I just got to the blue fender strat, my fav!

[@einarabelc5]

No player gives a crap because they judge it by how it feels. Quality does change the way you play. Period.

[@slimpicks2570]

JoseitoEdlVodao I’m a player and suhrs are nice but not that nice, I would rather have a custom shop Fender Stratocaster than a suhr, witch by the way this suhr witch is designed after Fender Stratocasters is lacking its unique tones. The tones and sound of it can be achieved by any less expensive super Strat witch by the way is what this guitar is, all the components of a super Strat put into a Stratocaster. It may look like a Fender Stratocaster but it has no soul and that is what a real player wants, especially when paying $5000 and up for it, soul. period.

[@lance134679]

I think that two grand should be enough to get a high quality SSS type guitar, and Fender has done it. As great as Suhr guitars are, I'd probably just spend the extra money on some other gear. I'd also consider a G&L or other company that has similar quality and price.

[@Eventual420]

Holy cow, I just found the Push/Pull on my Suhr. Never knew that was there! Much abliged TTK!

[@thetonekingofficial]

haha, you're welcome :-)

[@bobboitt3126]

That red Suhr is a strat for a Les Paul guy! I loved it. If I want a Strat sound Im going for the Fender.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Bingo. I thought exactly the same

[@humiut2041]

Seeing the comments, it is understandable because the bands at the big rock festivals are almost all armed with Fender, in basses it is almost 100% even though there are so many options these days, there must be a reason.

[@BenCoombs]

I enjoyed this video, not exact comparisons on these guitars but hey I took this as a four guitar review!! Thanks as always for sharing!!

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks buddy. Yeah - 4 guitar review, certainly made for a good conversation, of nothing else. lol. Thanks Ben. Always great to have you on here!

[@bhefer]

Pete Thorn model was the first Suhr I really noticed and made me realize what great work he puts out. Though Pete could make a 🥔 sound rad.

[@Pb-ij4ip]

Brandon Hefer for me it was the Ian Thornley signature model. First time I EVER wanted an artist model!

[@trushack]

Mark Knopfler played Pensa Suhr Guitars in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. I think Suhr today makes a model very close in spec to the ones MK was playing back then.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Do you remember seeing the Pensa Suhr at Carter's? I think that guitar was about 20k. Crazy!

[@1961jscofield]

Just one opinion, but seems like such a lost opportunity. By instantly doing the usual power chords over a bucket of gain, all the subtle tonal differences between these 2 brands gets lost.

[@RuggedYuppie]

Agreed completely, and I feel like that is a common theme with this guy’s videos. He didn’t even know what guitars he’s demo’ing for the video before shooting and obviously didn’t have a game plan before sitting in front of the camera. This video is incoherent.

[@jorgea3507]

Have owned several strats and currently have an Elite, Tobacco Cherry burst, rosewood neck. I wasnt happy with the quality of a top line guitar. Loose knobs, the plate cover for cord input is not fitted correctly, etc. As for playing, I didnt feel the tones, it felt absent imo. I have a custom john mayer alder bodied strat that i prefer to the Elite. Now as a Pete Thorn fan, I looked into the Suhrs and honestly didnt have much info on them, other than youtube stuff. I took the plunge an bought the classic pro. The quality of this guitar screams at you, it is obvious this is not a large production and great care is taken to make these guitars. The steel frets are a great addition. Though it took me a bit to get used to the neck radius, I now play the Suhr 90% of the time at shows. Its a beast of a guitar with tones, almost challenging me (in a good way) to attack an play. A good point raised was style of music, as I perform in a cover band which plays a LARGE variety of music, from Motown to GnR. The Suhr wins for me. Www.flytebandtampa.com

[@ricardodiaz4381]

As for this I think the stratocaster was cutting more Pronounce sounds and went through as you compared to tones with the other guitars

[@calebhendrix4664]

I tried upgrading and getting a “better” strat, but I just keep going back to my MIM standard. I just love those hot fat sounding pickups. But having something like a Suhr couldn’t hurt anything.

[@thetonekingofficial]

haha, yeah, couldn't hurt having a Suhr. lol

[@jneveils]

The Fender Strat definitely sounded better on the "Bluesy" riff, the Suhr definitely rocked.

[@thetonekingofficial]

agreed ... the fender did sound great. And the Suhr did rock. Nothing sucked here. lol

[@OldManJeremy]

Visually, the Suhr's just aren't doing it for me, but I think that's a matter of preference.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Jeremy C. I think they picked the ugliest suhrs possible, they’re usually gorgeous

[@RPSartre01]

The elite is a good modern fender strat, but it’s heavy. Personally I like the vintage-type feel Stratocaster

[@rasss556]

I bought my Suhr from there few weeks ago..Pete was amazing!

[@greatvanzini]

Oh I do want a Suhr because Pete plays one! Not even my style but he gets such great tones.

[@gunsandguitars6678]

love my Fender love how my Gibson sounds if I could afford it I would go with suhr guitars my Fender feels very fast but sound is everything to me ☆

[@DRocks77]

Hey tone king you ever thought of never picking up a guitar again and doing a knitting show .. THE KNIT KING ...

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

I literally leave my suhrs on a stand all year round while not playing them, the roasted necks are where it’s at, the bloody things wont go out of tune, the necks don’t move, keeps perfect intonation, never have to adjust the necks on these things. Try that with a fender.. I love fenders too, especially my 1991 fender Jeff Beck artist series in midnight purple, that Strat is the only one I have after owning at least 50 strays, that says something... cool video! Cheers

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Where's Reb Beach when you need him?! No offence - I just know he'd love to demonstrate the difference for "Suhr"!

[@thetonekingofficial]

Well, Jake E Lee was invited, but he didn't make it, so I had to play instead. Bummer :-(

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Jake's awesome, but that's ok because so are you! I always appreciate your humility.

[@SleezyLobster]

Can someone link me to the intro song?

[@zaz4667]

I like all the guitars you presented today. You guys sound awesome.

[@Claimjumper55]

Great video TTK! If I had to choose one or the other I'd take a Suhr every time. Thankfully I don't have to make that choice and I have 2 Suhr guitars (Pete Thorn sig and Modern Satin) along with 2 Fenders ('91 USA Strat and 2016 American Standard Tele). I'd bet that almost every Suhr owner has a Strat and/or Tele but a very small percentage of Strat/Tele owners have a Suhr.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks Darrell. Sounds like you're all set :-).

[@GuitarHack66]

I love this series of videos TK. Great job. Cheers

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thank you!

[@johnadams6569]

Which Bogner amplifier were you using?

[@ricardodiaz4381]

As for me it’s always a fender Stratocaster just pick up a Eric Clapton model or a the edge model or a Eric Johnson model I’ve tried out the Tom Anderson and shur and I end up always go back to the Strat because the other guitars even some of the low end of the Tom Anderson and shur at the Mesa boogie store in Hollywood and looks at the prices but it’s all depends on the needs of the musicians but as for me I always got back to my stratocaster 🧐🤨😎

[@Pb-ij4ip]

Hmmm... There may be an in between sort of philosophy to buying something for yourself. I would guess new players may be inclined to buy something because somebody they admire plays it. As an experienced player (not necessarily skilled, just...experienced) I bought a particular guitar...and the only reason I tried it was because an artist I admire played one. In the end I bought it because I loved the sound and the way it felt in my hands. But still...I wouldn’t have tried it had it not been for that artist. And as far as Suhr goes, the only reason I know about them and want to try one is because Ian Thornley plays their stuff. If I buy something from Suhr I will definitely have to like it (especially for the price!), but without Thornley, Suhr would be nothing to me...except maybe unknown.

[@divgtrslingr]

Suhr hands down. sorry I still have a strat but 2 Suhrs and the fender has been in the case for 3 years

[@BPToneReview]

🤦🏼‍♂️I really don’t want to say anything because I’ll come off as an asshole. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@toddflowers8052]

Nice review TK, I'm more of a Tele guy so could you do Suhr T style vs Fender Tele next please ? Thanks buddy !

[@AxelShelleyMusic]

I'd love to get myself a Suhr Modern pro, doubt i could ever afford one though

[@jacksprat3009]

Don't understand using distortion or any pedal when comparing guitars.

[@ShamanicSavant]

Ditto. I wanna hear the guitar, not the effects. The sound comparison here is all but worthless :)

[@Acujeremy]

Yeah they should have put tons of flanger and delay too.

[@slickcross]

I love Chucks. Been going there for years. I've tried all the Surhs and I still go back to Fender guitars. I have a Fender Delux strat 2009 Custom Shop and its amazing. Suhr as this "fake" feel do them. They dont feel hi end to me. If you are in the market for a S-style guitar, just get a Fender Custom shop.

[@davidmbas]

love the honesty, I just wish the sound quality to us was a bit better. maybe we are spoiled by the quality of other channels. No disrespect in way to you my man. Im still watching your vids

[@blkjakk]

Great video! Was interesting to see and here the difference. The only Suhr That I have ever picked up left a lot to be desired it felt like the neck hadn’t been sanded all the way and I wasn’t impressed. It was brand new in case anyone was wondering.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thx Blkjakk!

[@blkjakk]

The Tone King Rock on, TTK!!

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Played several Suhr‘s and never felt what your talking about. They are always super smooth with impeccable fretwork. Next level. I love fenders also have three now. The frets on fenders aren’t the greatest if you play a lot. Stainless is way better. Wish fender would use stainless.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Love strats hate the frets. That’s why I bought my Suhr.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Hey Tone King thanx now i have G.A.S. for 2 more expensive guitars lol but good video. You should get that 1st Suhr u played.

[@1Mrsensitive]

Fender for me

[@droliver]

I love Fender's, but Suhr takes everything great about a Tele/Strat/Jazzmaster and just makes them a little better. They're also not much more expensive (~$275-300) then the Strat or Tele Elite models for the Suhr classic designs.

[@52TeleGuy]

Prefer the strat, and ive played fender for almost 19 years, and not because an artist played one.

[@jcostilla1983]

The best and greatest guitar was already made by Leo Fender....I don’t like suhr headstock but that’s just me

[@jucaguitar]

Fender!!

[@elitecombatfitnesscentral6170]

The dislike is a Grunge fan.....

[@manaman545]

Good show

[@rubentrevino6288]

Fender all day everday

[@ShamanicSavant]

Seriously? There's so much distortion the sound comparison is worthless.

[@ericwang604]

The dude keep saying high quality high quality... Dude it is just a fender looking guitar man..period. And just can't stand the The head of that that fender looking guitar, I don't think I care about the name. It's just a fender looking guitar.

[@dominickortega8489]

eric it’s cause it’s simply a more high quality guitar compared to fenders. If you’ve only played fenders you wouldn’t know the craftsmanship in terms of build quality, feel, playability and sound of suhr guitars. It surpasses any fender I’ve owned. Like the “dude” said if you want a fender because of it’s brand name, “purist” reasons, or because your favorite guitar players played them, go on ahead. That doesn’t change the fact that these “fender looking guitars” for the most part are significantly more well built than typical fenders.

[@Evo2Raid]

More like an LTD. Esp

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Nice ash lol

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Lol this video proves literally nothing the suhr says and fender sss sound so much alike it's crazy the sss suhr is the only guitar that does sound like a fender and sometimes better in some ways and the suhr sss has the twang because of the bridge there alot like fenders you so know the twang comes from the way the bridge is made and of course mixed with sss but I do like your videos this just wasnt a good side by side comparison

[@jdl2180]

Suhr is not a real competitor to fender are gibson.

[@fredzungri5835]

This demo was bad... pointless... not even close to apples to apples... not to mention didn’t show any tonal variations... 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@dalstar925]

Fred Zungri bad is an understatement lol. They were like “hey this guitar is the same color so we should demo these since they look sort of the same” 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@pixodius]

@@dalstar925 that wasn't the point of the video?