This SUHR CLASSIC S is WONDERFUL - The Best Factory Made Guitars?

[@johnnathancordy]

Anyone encountered a bad Suhr? Or are they all this good?

[@briumphbimbles]

Not yet

[@justarthur1788]

Bad isn't the right word but I played one next to a few other guitars and it felt "stiff" to play on, kind of like what you said about the sire you played, as if I had to push harder for certain bends etc but that's it.

[@CrazyBiscuit]

Bro, I was tired of part casters, also a had couple of PRS core, and I bought the Suhr classic pro, and I fall in love. This is an amazing guitar.

[@Deep_Jimpact]

Suhr Jimmy Saville

[@tbluesboye]

I bought a Suhr strat #341 many years ago sight unseen based on his work for Mark Knopfler when he was Pensa-Suhr. Great guitar! Felt like an old friend from the day I first played it!

[@jamesdaviesguitar]

Nice one mate! Glad you’re liking it!.. please remember to give it back to me when done! Haha

[@cbsaulren]

Brave man entrusting it into such capable hands... it might not want to come back 😂

[@NickGranville]

Nice guitar man!

[@evanpease6732]

I own a Suhr Classic S. Best guitar I've ever played in terms of sound and playability. Regarding the weight. John and Kevin Suhr did a great interview with Peach recently where they talked about the weight issue in detail. They are very selective with the woods they choose. The extra weight is not from the wood. They are heavier because of the silent single coil system and the steel block they use for their trems. This gives the guitars more resonance and low end. John Suhr stated that guitars that are too light actually lose bass.

[@matrixmatico695]

If you use digital effects . I guess they sound like any 1000 dlls strat

[@mrnorbotron3308]

but lose bass is A GOOD THING on a Guitar

[@cbsaulren]

Every time I hear a Suhr I'm astounded by how good it sounds. I haven't figured out if it's the make of the guitars or just the guitarists using them get bonus confidence when playing them 😅

[@aidantod33]

Great guitars, just got mine. 7.2lbs! One of the main reasons I looked at it in the first place. 7lbs is my sweet spot…we do three hour rehearsals….

[@williamcampbell163]

I have 125 dollar Korean strat w/vintage Bill Lawrence lead humbucker that was given to me.Best playing and sounding strat l have ever had.😊

[@DrProgNerd]

I've owned a number of Suhrs. Yes they are pricey, but as soon as you play them, you feel and hear where that money went. I've had friends who initially scoffed at the price I paid for them ....but then played them and immediately fell in love. I only had one Suhr that I didn't bond with - but I got it used from a shop - so who knows what kind of savages were abusing it before it shipped 😅 As far as comparing to an Ibanez AZ - they're not even close. I have a Tom Quayle Ibanez (essentially an AZ) and a custom Suhr Standard. Next to the Suhr, the Ibanez feels and plays like a toy.

[@frankbreuer8849]

100% .. I love my Pete Thorn ... Listening when others play their Suhrs live its always outstanding

[@bluesyshredder9599]

Reviewing a guitar while babysitting is just lovely. Good job mate 😊

[@davidyelland908]

Having had an identical Suhr for several years I never gig without it. Unquestionably my number 1.

[@DavidMorisset]

Take it out on a gig. 😎

[@davidyelland908]

@@DavidMorisset ????

[@stratmagic6893]

I got an opportunity to play a Suhr a few years ago. I was really expecting something more but i was not that impressed. My K lines on the other hand are amazing.

[@garrysimmons111]

I love my Suhr Modern (HSH). It was one of the standard production models, so price was way less than a custom build. It weighs 7lbs 2oz, the lightest guitar I own. The Classic S seem to run heavier. I nearly bought one of those Classic S HSS guitars a few months ago but was smitten by a PRS Studio. The Strat Ultra was a contender as well.

[@indymusicinc]

Back in 2018 I visited the Mesa store in Hollywood and played a Suhr classic S. Easily the best guitar I've ever played, no question. The necks and frets feel perfect and they are very resonant guitars.

[@TheZenguitarguy]

Some Suhr's have the hum canceling back plate? That could be part of the weight? I've known John Suhr for almost 35 or 40 years now and he's a really excellent human being and a really good instrument maker because he cares a great deal about the players of the instrument. I also think that the instrument utilizes the buzz Feiten intonation system which is a cool part of how the instrument sounds and plays.

[@jimmygreen5872]

I bought a Suhr Pete Thorn model a little over a month ago & it’s honestly the best sounding guitar I’ve ever owned or played. Their customer service is unmatched as well. I’m a customer for life now & am already looking at picking another one up.

[@peteglase]

i just got one too.. the Pete thorn standard signature HSS. just an incredible instrument.

[@dudebag3289]

That intro was fiiiiiiiiiiiiire 🤘😍

[@strugglingguitarist]

I am on my third Suhr Classic, the latest being an Antique Classic, swamp ash body, flame maple neck and fretboard HSS, Thorn Bucker bridge pickup, I am spoiled by Suhr guitars, I don't even want another Fender Strat, I have a PRS DGT core model and Suhr is as good as that easily.

[@Shredhead28]

I really love your tone. Your choice of notes too. I always look forward to your videos. Keep 'em coming.

[@ChadMafakas]

Holy moses, I could listen to your playing all day. Just made my hair on the back o my neck stand up, Unreal. I went to reverb and bought a Suhr Classic HSS - lol

[@mmiller6873]

Bro, that is some sick playing in that intro. Just sweet bro. Well done on this video and totally dig that Suhr.

[@emmanuelibus]

I have a Suhr. Arguably the best made/feeling necks ever. They fixed a lot of issues Fender has with their guitars, even CS ones.

[@fabianorodas]

I bought a used one for a very good price, out of curiosity I went online on Suhr website and made an order to see how much it would cost today to make the same I got and it was close to 4k I got it for less than half, I can tell you it’s the best guitar I have ever played, it’s my go to for gigs and gets played more than my Strat and PRS

[@mikezipparo1497]

Great review I have the same exact guitar and had it for 3 years now. I Love it. I switched out the bridge humbucker for a thornbucker.

[@gabrielfiedler5550]

I was lucky to be able to vist the Suhr factory in California a few years ago. The impression that I got was that the people who work there are truly committed to making great guitars and they seem to be having a good time working there as well. The workplace is on a whole different level to factories that I've visited in China. I was very impressed by the integrity of the workers.There is commitment to quality and commraderie, and good vibes. So in the end when you purchase a guitar from Suhr, it;s a statement that you are supporting a company that is filled with integrity and commited to making products in the USA.

[@lesblack413]

and making lots of money from people who don't understand that the main componetry of all electric solid body guitars is the same. Sure, better pickups and hardware will make a difference but not two thousand dollars of difference. Stop being a brand snob and concentrate more on your playing and amp settings to achieve better results!!

[@Pantalooj]

I've been fortunate enough to own a custom order Classic S for around 20 years. HSS with the same pickups that are in the guitar in the video. It's an extremely reliable guitar. Neck does not move with the season ... can't say that about any other guitar that I own. Frets (jumbo SS) are flawlessly fitted and finished and look brand new still. The bridge is OK ... sounds fine, but a little bit clunky feeling when using the trem ... it stayed in tune, but just never felt quite as smooth and solid as the Fender 2 point (which i had in an American Deluxe and have in an American Ultra). I blocked the trem eventually. NOTE: the bridge I am talking about is no longer used by Suhr ... it's a Gotoh, but an old model, and seemingly the current model that they use is far, far superior. My Suhr is not light either, but not overweight either. Bottom line, I have no regrets, despite this being easily the most expensive guitat I have ever and will ever own ... it's literally a lifetime kind of guitar. Incidentally, I also have a Fender Ultra, which hangs with the Suhr. The Suhr has a medium C profile neck, where the Ultra has the modern D. I get along with both, but the Ultra is slimmer in depth and width ... neither are vintage ... surprised Jonathan that you liked the Suhr neck but had reservations about the Fender Ultra (Tele) neck.

[@louis2477]

I bought a classic S special run that they did in Paulownia and its the lightest and most resonant guitar Ive played, Its gotta be in the 6 pounds and really well balanced. Amazing guitar top quality

[@rogershermanmusic]

I have one of those as well - I was planning on having them build another for me, but John Suhr told me they aren't doing Paulownia anymore, unfortunately.

[@GuiitarBilly]

Someone in the comments of another of John’s videos mentioned that the Suhr silent single coil system adds a bit of weight? Edit (5 months later) -looking at a similar Suhr Classic and the seller [not JNC] posted this video as a product demo. Of course i watched it again. Very impressive guitars. I’d be right there ready to pull the trigger except I want a single coil tone option in the bridge. Many builders offer coil splitting for the humbucker but Suhr doesn’t seem to. Wonder why? They’d almost certainly do it as a special order, but I’m looking for a used one and I’ve literally never run across one that has it. I did read a comment from John Suhr saying they will provide their wiring schematic for splitting on request. This video also reignited my interest in the Suhr silent coil hum reduction system because JNC mentions he sits 6’ away from the computer to avoid hum when using single coils. I’d forgotten that bit…tho it explains why he stands up and goes to the DAW when done playing the daily music part of each video ..

[@SteveHubbardGuitar]

The extra weight is mostly from the coil inside the body (for the SSC system.)

[@EricJohnson-fh8zj]

I like a guitar with some weight to them myself. When they get too light, they start to feel and sound "cheap". Some lightweight electric guitars can have a unique tone and sound really great. And they sound good especially before they are plugged in, but they sometimes also have a tendency to have a hollow "plinkey" type sound. Electric guitars with a bit of weight to them tend to feel and sound better thru a amp to my ears. Acoustics are a different matter altogether when it comes to weight. Usually lightweight is a good thing. Not always tho lol.

[@EricJohnson-fh8zj]

@jamesemerson4102 Definitely man. I had a super lightweight HH Tele once that I bought solely based on the fact that it had a nice and loud resonant chime when I strummed it unplugged, and I could feel the body vibrating up thru the neck into my hands. But when I got it home and plugged it in, like you said, it just didn't have the balls lol. I swapped in a S.Duncan out of a donor guitar (Shechter) that needed serious fretwork and it improved it, but it still sounded plinky on the clean channel. And under higher gain it didn't have nearly the beefiness as the guitar it came out of. Since then I've started to notice that the whole electric tonewood debate seems like it has more to do with the weight than it does the type of wood. At least it feels that way to my ears. Because I have 3 alder and 2 mahogany guitars, and all the heavier ones sound better regardless of wood type. I have a basswood guitar that is heavier than my lightest Alder, and it sounds better than that one...even tho it cost far less. My 2 poplar guitars sound fantastic unplugged, but (for one of them least) that's about all it's good for lol.

[@MDCSYD]

Suhr SSC system & full sized steel trem block contribute to roughly 1/2lbs of the total guitar weight….according to John Suhr himself

[@ayersyip7400]

pretty happy with my main go-to choice for gigs，Suhr classic S！i use it a year and a half，stable，clean，powerful easy to play different kinds of music..looks cool 😂also got a fender customshop ，prefer playing it at home with real amps

[@lofijunky]

man that intro jam is incredible !

[@joemiller9856]

Now we’re talking John! I have 2 ! Mataus Asato black signature S Type and Cherry Satin Modern. 😎🎸❤️

[@pepeowen]

No such thing as a bad Suhr. Whatever your stance no one can deny these are top-notch guitars. It really doesn’t get any better.

[@lyricbread]

In regards to the weight, those locking tuners probably contribute a little bit. All those things begin to eventually add up.

[@jremi]

I own an SSS version of the Suhr Classic in white as well. I’ve never played a better guitar really and I tried many over the years. I currently own a Gibson Les Paul Standard and although I love it, it does not come close in terms of quality and attention to detail. The Suhr is in a class of its own. The additional weight may be due to the noiseless system which requires a separate piece of hardware (they are not just noiseless pickups)… The satin neck on mine is just perfect for me and I appreciate the thin polyurethane finish. I can’t stand nitro so I would not go for an antique model…

[@KapnKregg]

Would be good to hear your thoughts on this vs a Tom Anderson. I've got my eye on the Pete Thorn Suhr models.

[@adrianfarrugia9176]

Hi John. Thanks for the review. Is there any chance you could get your hands on an Xotic XSC-2 for a review? I'd be very curious to hear your view on this. Thanks

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I purchased a Suhr with Lollar Dirty Blonde's, and the (fabulous) Gotoh 510 Trem-system. I actually Sold my Vintage Fender Strat as the Suhr was so far superior in-every-way.

[@TCMx3]

I like em. Also the weight has a bit to do with the ssc system. If you custom order without it they get a good bit lighter

[@markslist1542]

Are those tones coming from a Helix Stomp?

[@nobodyimportant76467]

I have two Suhr’s and an Ibanez AZ 2204N. All are very good guitars. I like the Suhr’s just a smidge more but I think it’s more of me being so accustomed to the Suhr pickups so I smell a pickup swap coming for the Ibanez

[@lrac]

Got a suhr Classic s antique and love the neck on it. Really lovley guitar! 🎉

[@GuitarJawn]

All of John's products are great

[@jakeah1175]

Your lead sounds great on this suhr.. I’ve had a few and they have been a little heavy. Have had one with a sitar like b string despite being set up well otherwise, it also had an e that easily feel off the fretboard…but I did buy it used so who knows what the last guy did to it! I play an ultra strat now but modded with lollar blondes and no string tree

[@10sassafras]

I wonder if the weight is due to the extra coil hardware to cancel noise. When I’ve replaced pickups, wiring etc the higher quality parts were always heavier than Fender.

[@RyanMcQuen]

I am interested in trying a Suhr. I have tried a Tom Anderson but I prefer Music Man guitars over those, I wonder if Suhr would be my new favorite? One think that I like about Music Man is that most of them are around 7 pounds, which is amazing.

[@gibsguitars]

Mate, can you explain how you record loops but then you must be mixing/panning them as seperate tracks afterwards in post..

[@TigerPalmer]

I’d like to see a comparison of the Suhr Classic S vs Ibanez AZES

[@NedJeffery]

I have only ever heard good things about Suhr. Whenever I see someone playing one it sounds outstanding. Problem is they are about 3x more than I am willing to spend on a Guitar.

[@colt.thrower]

Deadly playing in the intro

[@m.d.4949]

Very good guitar and I have it for a nine years !

[@clives555]

great playing John! and a great track, will this be on patreon? Now of course I have to get one of these things.

[@solonasdeimezis1004]

Very good guitars. .....you should try a Tom Anderson. The best super strat, in my opinion.

[@dr_drungus3167]

For the money on the used market Tom Anderson is absolutely the way to go.

[@gregs8685]

I do like Suhr guitars (and own a couple)but you’re correct- most Suhrs are boat anchors at 8 lbs plus. You have to really look to find one at 7.75 or so lbs. For the price they should be lighter (and come with hard shell cases as standard). Otherwise they are great.

[@davidyelland908]

8lb plus makes a boat anchor? Try a 70s Strat

[@gregs8685]

@@davidyelland908I have and they re boat anchors too

[@dividedbytimestudios]

I like Suhr, never owned one though, have you considered trying a PRS McCarty?

[@sandoncrowder7839]

It's hard to say what it is, but Suhr have maybe the best necks I've ever played. And it seems like every one is just as excellent.

[@MickyWalnuts]

Million dollar question though, would you take a Suhr over a K-Line?

[@Whizzinby777]

I’ve only ran across two Suhr’s in the wild and while both seemed very well made, neither necessarily felt like they could justify the price. That’s not to say they are overpriced as they obviously have a market, but generally speaking once you eclipse that $2,000 range you’re buying things like the name on a headstock or build methods that don’t actually translate to the playing experience itself. (But that some people appreciate) The S type market is so saturated with good options.

[@neal_laugman]

Pete (Thorn) really makes his signature model - with the same S+S+HB config - gets a really great sound from it. I wish I had the $$ for Suhr stuff but maybe if I hurry up and die then reincarnate into money I can have some this gear 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnwardle9667]

I put all my eggs into a Suhr Modern Terra. It's a great quality all rounder. It doesn't really have any wesk points. And for thst money, it really shouldn't. Wanted to spec my own out, but rhe quote was over £5k. Had to go off the shelf. No complaints about though.

[@johnbeddoe782]

hey @johnathancordy what mic are you using on the cab? great sounds as usual

[@johnnathancordy]

I think I'm using a preset called Suhr Lead here on Helix Native - I'll break down the preset shortly?

[@johnbeddoe782]

@@johnnathancordy ha perhaps a misunderstanding! I meant the name of the microphone you used to mic the cabinet- ive seen it in your vids a few times- seen at around 2:11 with your gorgeous child :)

[@DonMegaphone]

Your adorable son is like "Yep, 2 point trem...hmm...looks like the neck is off from my angle. How is the intonation?"

[@61jojo61]

My Suhr Clàssic Antique SSH, is my best guitar.

[@guitarmove]

SSC noise canceling system, humbucker pickup and locking tuners will ad some weight...

[@playmoreguitar5393]

Suhr and Tom Andersons. Nothing like them... Dont think it gets any better than those.

[@breakingbrad2129]

If your only complaint is about the guitar being heavy, it's a great guitar. It's really not that big of a deal.

[@KevinSmithdc]

I have a Suhr Classic S. It's a really nice guitar. But I prefer my Tom Anderson's more.

[@Geoffgeff]

Absolutely love my Suhr Modern Pro. If you can get your hands on one you should check out Iconic, also out of California and they are doing some amazing stuff

[@lesblack413]

I guess you have to say that to justify your outlay of money on the Suhr model!!

[@dachilla8366]

Hey Mr Cordy! Do you sometimes delete Videos? I had seen a video with a killer tone, I think it even was named "...probably the best tone...". I wanted to rebiuld it because I did not find it on the Drive und had to delay that because of gigs coming up. if I remember well it was named Thiggy - something. Just to be sure if I had dreamt it... THX

[@jorgesilva6454]

Unfortunately not for my league, as the Musicman guitars (that you should also review). Cheers!

[@eariel45]

Absolute monster

[@fredepstein]

Suhr is very good. But your blue K-Line sounds better with those Lollar pickups.

[@aryencas]

I am wishing to have one since some years.

[@BlugubriousMusic]

She's magnificent.... and the guitar is alright!

[@markslist1542]

That is amazing.

[@arnieg65]

The SSV is the humbucker only, the single coils are something else....

[@keithmulcahy3417]

Awesome guitar but crazy money really for a Strat, are they that much better than a Fender ?

[@kristianf8840]

Hello, john gby , im kris, i would like to knownid you can help me to get a good worship tone i have the charvel dk 24 pro the same as you the blue one but in pink color Im strugling to get a hybrid preset with nice clean toens and with more gain drives for leds etc (i like to use snapshots and stomp too so i can modify some of the snapshot with more ambience etc and in stomp mode move or deativate if necesary) Can you help me making a preset from scratch or u have any that rexomend from all your packs? I was looking onyour videos i could not find any :( ( i forgot to mention i have a pod go )

[@tylergorham7301]

I owned a Suhr Classic Pro HSS for a few years and absolutely loved it! (Only moved on because a 'dream guitar' popped up.) I believe I saw an interview with John Suhr where he said their guitars run a touch heavier than expected because of the SSCII (silent single coil) system and maybe even a more dense trem block?

[@RegWar-x6x]

The best guitar is the one that inspires you to play.

[@joemiller9856]

Can I say semi mass produced? You can get standard models but you also have custom builds based on their standard body types.

[@eddiejr540]

I haven’t reached $3000 level guitar yet…maybe one day!!

[@curiositydivine]

I sold my Suhr classic pro because it was too heavy. After 30 minutes of playing I’d get a horrendous ache in the middle of my back. Their Paulownia models are much lighter but come at a cost!! Big bucks.

[@richardelson3261]

Too heavy for that spend. But lovely guitars. I love their Tele with Thornbuckers.

[@charlesycoker]

Both of my classics are right at 7.5 lbs

[@johngee4306]

I bought one online but had to return it, as it was just so heavy and the neck was too fat and deep for my taste. With the weight I wouldn’t have managed it all night gigging. Don’t buy this expecting it to be a Strat. It isn’t. It’s got its own thing going on and sounds like its own guitar. If you want a pure Strat sound buy a fender with fat 50s pick ups or if you have the cash go fender custom shop

[@CJRSTV]

For $3k they better be wonderful, getting up to custom shop guitar price ranges for a factory guitar... Could have a G&L or American Strat for $1.5k less...

[@m4ssi86]

They are good, but I don’t like the way how they refine the frets, they are not rolled as much as fender cs, music man or gibson. And I don’t like the shape of the body back on the joint of the neck. I don’t know…they are for sure a great guitars but are not for me. Now, after pandemic they cost around 3900€ in italy….😢

[@tonykennedy8483]

This just looks like my one. Mine's a Peach Dealer Select with a roasted maple neck and has a Thornbucker in the bridge. My tech is a guy who's been building Macafferi Jazz guitars since the early 70's and generally doesn't like high end electrics. I took mine along and he said he's never been so impressed with the quality of it. I adore mine. It's such a thoroughbred and you could use it for so much stuff. I do agree they're a little clinical and not quite the mojo of a Fender. But such a workhorse. I really fancy a Suhr Thornley Roughneck Strat too Btw, have you hear Ian Thornley, really think you should check out his playing as he's such a killer player kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4msYX1-e7ytpaM

[@sadman11able]

Tho admire Suhr, think my MM Luke 3 is superior to any I have tried

[@11secretherbsandspices49]

I've had a couple Classic S's, one was a production model and one was custom ordered. Both played and stayed in tune wonderfully, however the electronics in both failed pretty quickly and IMO didn't sound great. I actually threw in Lollar Dirty Blondes that I saw on your K-Line n the custom one with an Illitch system and it sounds great now. Also the production and custom model were of the same quality, which was very good (sans electronics). edit: they were heavier than most strats, but being strats it wasn't that big of a deal.

[@brendanpmaclean]

I had one but my Luke 2 blew it out of the water.

[@robertpaten]

Someone lend this man an Iconic solana so he can review that.

[@keithb5612]

Dump your Suhr and get a Fret King and G&L for a demo/review 😉

[@mogitatetate]

3:45 よく観察している。

[@MrKbeaumont]

At $3599 USD Street it had better be consistent!

[@pronumeral1446]

Baby adjusting your intonation there for you

[@BobGuido]

Suhr guitars are great, though they don't have the Fender character. They have their own sound.

[@ToneDeth.]

I think the better question is are there any bad guitar players that use suhr guitars. Never seen one.