Testimonials for Suhr Products

Dear John and Ed,

I want to thank you for making the most perfect guitar I've ever played! This guitar redefines the quality standard. The FL single-coil pickups and the SSC System are just amazing too. Thanks for all your hard work to bring this guitar into reality. Just sheer perfection!

Kind Regards,

Jeff Thomason

Hi Ed,

I recieved my Antique Classic T 4 days ago. Just writing to tell you that I'm crazy about the guitar. Having never owned a T-style guitar, I was worried that I might not like it. But I can honestly say that I have NEVER played a guitar that sounds, plays, looks and feels this good! It's really that amazing! The sound is fat, but articulate. Lots of high-end detail, sparkling harmonics and tight, defined bass. SSC system is great. Countered heel is comfortable. Light aging means I won't have to worry if I ding my guitar. PU's are top notch. Especially the middle position (bridge and neck PU combined) is magic and punchy. I couldn't be happier!

Thank you to John, Ed and Steve and everyone at Suhr Guitars for making me this fine instrument! And thank you for the best customer service I've ever experienced. Now I'll get back to playing!

Sincerely,
Michael V.
Denmark

Mr. Suhr,

My name is Seth Wilder. After some consideration, and mounting frustration with the inconsistent product of the larger manufacturers I recently purchased one of the Pro Series guitars (apparently now known as the "S1" model) from Gryphon Stringed Instruments. This is just a note to let you know how impressed I am with this instrument. The fingerboard is one of the most comfortable that I have ever played (probably the first Plek’ed model that I have come across), and the addition of the Buzz Feiten system makes this possibly the most well-intoned instrument that I have yet owned. And the maple neck is almost precisely what I would prefer design-wise (although I occasionally opt for "V" necks, the neck on your Pro Series guitars is a comfortable, hefty-yet-fast design). I can see why people get addicted to the combination; having the frets in tune all over the neck is a truly beautiful thing.

I was so impressed with the acoustic tone and feel of this guitar that I purchased it without even plugging it into an amplifier at the store. The only other guitar I ever purchased that way was a PRS 24 Custom 10 Top in 1997. Your guitar is about half the price, and every bit the equal in terms of quality, feel, and tone. As a matter of fact, this Pro Series model would likely still be a value purchase at an increased price. Since the store where I purchased my Mercedes Blue model also had an Olympic White S1, I can also confirm that the quality is consistent from instrument to instrument.

Not surprisingly, once I plugged it into my little rig at home, the bell like tones were everything that I could have hoped they would be, and I was pleasantly surprised to also find that the bridge humbucker was so well balanced to the single coils. I expected it to be considerably louder (as was the case on an Ibanez with similar pick up configuration that I purchased years ago). Now I just need to raise the quality of my playing to the level of the instrument.

The Pro Series truly feels like a custom made, professional caliber instrument for a fraction of the price. And for amateur enthusiasts such as me who cannot afford a totally custom made Suhr guitar, this is a compelling introduction to the quality instruments you offer. Kudos to you and your staff of master builders.

Sincerely,

Seth W.

Hi,
My name is Christian Fast, professional guitarist from Stockholm, Sweden. My friend Sebastian Nylund is your dealer in Sweden and I've just purchased the V60LP's from him for my Fender Strat Relic -56 and I also put in a BPSSC System and I have three words for you guys - OH MY GOD!!!

Finally my search for great Strat pick ups is over and on top of that NO HUM!!

Thanks a million for great products.

Sincerely,

Christian

John, Steve, Ed & crew -
Just a quick thank you for the great job you all did on my new guitar. It's the third guitar you've built for me and even though they are all nice, this one is special. John, thanks for recommending i try the new 50's round back neck shape. It feels just right. And the SSC System is just amazing. I've sold a few of your Backplate systems just by demonstrating my guitar to other Strat players in my town.

My main guitar for the last 20 years has been that beat-up old '66 Strat that you guys worked on for me a few years ago. I've never been able to really get comfortable with any other guitar until this one.

The passion & dedication that you all have for your craft is evident in the instruments you create. Thanks for giving me an instrument that is truly inspirational to play.

K Hart

Hey Suhr crew,
I have had this bass for quite a while now. Obviously I have taken it to all my gigs – local and abroad. It is so great to play such a well-made JB-style bass that still sounds like a passive J when the active preamp is not engaged. Great Instrument! I get compliments from non-bass players when I'm playing it! That says a lot. Thanks for the great bass. I'll call soon and say this in person. Hope you dug the Bass Player article!

Khari Simmons - Bassist for India Arie

Dear Ed,
I'm writing to inform that I received my Suhr Classic today. It is, by far, the most impressive Strat-style guitar that I have ever played or owned. I am stunned how great this guitar came out. I've owned a lot of different Strat-style guitars, including a '64 Sunburst, and my new Suhr equals the old Stratocaster and totally smokes all the others.

My digits are skating on stainless steel frets and hearing notes with a church bell clarity that I've never experienced before. Completely insane! It's also the first Strat-style guitar where I've really liked the middle pickup by itself. It's a very worthy tone. I love the super-smooth Gun Oil finish neck and the Brazilian Rosewood board is a real looker. Wow. Wow. Wow.

Thanks so much for all your help and to John and the Master Builder that assembled this amazing guitar. Also, I’d like to extend a grateful thanks to Dave at Dave's Guitar Shop. He's one of the easiest and most gracious dealers to do business with. A real sweetheart…

This has been one of the most rewarding purchases of my entire life.

Clear Skies!

J. Renda

I have never been as shocked or amazed by a guitar as I am by my new favorite guitar, Suhr #4722. This is truly the finest fretted instrument I have ever played. I was fortunate enough to know that I wanted a maple neck, and was already familiar with strats and what they do, but I am truly stunned by this instrument. As you know, it is usually either playability or sound, and you choose one. This guitar plays so much better than my 335 (my 335 is weird: it is really easy to play, inspires confidence, and sounds great), and I was hoping it would "come close" to the ease, musicality, and confidence-inspiring qualities of that guitar, but it far surpasses it!!!

I grabbed a note on the 16th fret earlier today, bent it up, and it just kept coming! I have never heard sustain like that on a Fender-styled guitar before! Certain phrases, or, approaches to positions (I play a lot of jazz stuff too) come out easier than they do on any other guitar I own. This has changed the way I even think about my collection: I used to think of my 70's Strat as my vibe-y-est instrument, but it was hard to play so I would end up playing my other guitars a lot more in the more involved situations, leaving my Strat for rock and pop stuff that needed to be real vibe-y sounding but simple in texture.

The "playability" factor of this guitar, combined with its sound, means I no longer have to make this distinction. The fact that I no longer have to make that distinction is truly liberating, and since you have always been playing the guitars you build, you may not be able to relate. However, this is a new experience for me, and I am very appreciative of the time, effort, and research that went into this instrument. I could go into specifics, but that would probably be boring since everybody is into different stuff. I just want you to know how amazed and grateful I am for an instrument that kicks this much ass. Are the basses as cool as the guitars?

Thanks again,

B. Kibbey

Inspired by Scott Henderson (who was my instructor at GIT in 1989), I bought a Suhr guitar and I'm so happy with it. I think this is a marriage for a lifetime. Thanks so much for your great work!! Best wishes.

Regards,

Martin
Germany

I really don’t know the point in this e-mail other than to just say Suhr guitars are absolutely amazing pieces of art. I do not own one but it is my dream to one day. I was just so moved when I actually saw one in person at a local music store and when I played it......well i almost...well anyway *lol* It was used and still out of my price range but maybe someday! Anyway I just thought I would write to tell you how much i admire your guitars and maybe next time i write it will be because i just purchased one of your masterpieces!

Take care,

Ed

Hi Ed,
Music-shop delivered my guitar this past Tuesday (I took it straight on stage). All I can say is: AMAZING! The feel, tone and looks of my guitar is just unbelievable. I want to thank John, you and the rest of team for making it. Please express my gratitude to John. I'm also really please the way Music-shop handle my order. Ron @ music shop was always nice and informative, a really nice guy to deal with.

Yotam
Israel

First I just want to tell you the od 100 is the best amp I've ever heard, and I,ve heard just about all of them, congratulations on your efforts, you did it, where it seems everyone else just doesn't care or don't know how. I want a 2x12 combo, need your street price. Also do your amps work at low volume levels, you know just to practice, without peeling the paint off the walls? The reason I ask is I heard you might be making a 50w version? If so what would be the price for that combo? Hey, thanks again for designing not just an amp, but an instrument for expression. I think my G>A>S just went away.

Best Wishes,

M. Matthews

After an exhaustive search for a blonde Fender Custom Shop thinner-necked tele, I just opened the case of my Suhr guitar that I purchased over the internet. I can't tell you how delighted I am with my new instrument. One of the local guitar shops had a Suhr guitar in stock (not a T). I was immediately impressed with the quality, workmanship and playability. This was all that I needed to give up the 'Holy Grails', Fenders and Gibsons only. My new T, clearly exceeded my expectations in all aspects.

Thank you from a most satisfied customer

J. Orell

Ed,
I received the guitar and she's 10 times more beautiful in person as you’ve stated. I purchased this Suhr guitar never even having played one just based on reputation alone. I must say I am extremely impressed, she plays and sounds great. I own three PRS's, a Wayne strat and a Gibson Les Paul Custom. I like them all but the Wayne and the Gibson needed tweaking right out of the box. I absolutely love this guitar and my next one will definitely be another custom Suhr!

I just wanted to say thanks for your patience, kindness and communication. I will call you in the future when ready for my next purchase. (Maybe you can recommend a closer dealer).

Until then, thanks again

Sam

This is just a quick note to let you know I got the new Suhr Pro Series yesterday. The next time you talk to John Suhr tell him I said he screwed up royally! :)

There is *no* difference in the playability, sound quality or feel of this guitar to my other four (Suhrs).

The guitar sounds nice and full unplugged. I really like the neck shape (I have three other types) and I am surprised how much "flatter" the 10-14" radius is compared to the 9-12" on my others. Not bad, just different.

I used it at band practice last night and I really like the extra "girth" if you will from the non-chambered Alder combined with the DSH bridge pickup. And the neck pickup for blues/Hendrix type stuff is better than any of my guitars, again probably due to the fact that it's not chambered.

I thought I wouldn't like the common tone control but the "brights" of the neck and bridge pickup are right in line with each other so I can live with that. The volume balance between the two pickups is excellent as well. (I *still* don't know what that pickup in the middle is for :) We have a gig Saturday and I'm going to use it then.

BTW, the ocean turquoise metallic is almost exactly the color of an Eagle's jersey. You really suckered me in on that one :) In any event, I'm *very* happy with the guitar. Again if you speak to John, tell him that I think the guitar is the equal of my custom jobs. I'm no expert, but in my opinion a blind man couldn't tell the difference.

Thanks again,

Chuck

John,
I recently purchased one of your NAMM guitars ##5382 signed by you from The Guitar Hangar in CT. From tone and a playability stand point - AMAZING.I have a ton of high end guitars that I play and love. This guitar is warm, almost dark, but really sings. My hat is off to you, I wish more of your guitars were available in my area. If you would ever consider building a loaded 7-string Standard, I'd buy it in a heart beat. Lastly, on price I was very surprised and pleased. Cheers to a man and a company who use machines and technology to define their product without that sterile pipeline feel. I hope you're proud of the fact that now matter what the "Hand Built" guys say, progress for the better of the instrument is progress no matter how you cut the cake.

Best to you now and in the future,

S. Mack

Eddie,
life has been a blur in the last few days, but I wanted to give you my feedback. I LOVE this instrument! I was a bit scared when I first played it because there was some fret buzz, but I remember that the guitar had seen some cold conditions, so fortunately the wood "bounced back" after a day and the buzz is almost 95% gone. I'm sure the rest will go away in a few days without a need to adjust the relief.

I have to tell you, I have been playing only my 54' Strat re-issue for the last year - a wonderful guitar, I am sure you have played these masterbuilts at some point-. It has been a year since my last Suhr, and I had almost forgotten what a joy it is to play John's guitars. The specs are spot on for me: I love the regular nickel frets, big neck (prefer the Big V overall), the flat fingerboard, and that unbelievable thick, gritty sound. It is so easy to play it.

I am blown away by those quiet pickups (SSC System). I have to confess I almost did not buy the guitar, because I do not like stacked coil pickups. I'm glad you convinced me to try it out. But this is it! I can not believe my ears - that sweet single coil responsiveness and clarity without the 60Hz hum! I also like that no-cap-no-resistor thing on the bridge and especially on the middle-bridge position. The res-cap on the volume pot does change the sound a bit. Overall, I am very, very happy with this guitar! It has been a while since I picked up an instrument like this that is the ultimate eye candy and feels so good to play. By the way, I still have the Aiken 18-W Invader head you sold me a couple of years ago, it is my main and only amp. Still sounds killer. I haven't bought another amp since I got it. Thank you my friend!

Regards,

Cesar

Steve and Ed,
Thanks so much for the great pickups. The only problem I have with the V60lp pickups with the installed BPSSC is that I don't want to put that guitar down. It sounds unbelievable and QUIET, too. I never thought that would happen. Thanks again.

Best Regards,

Chris

I received Classic #3414, Candy Apple Red, from Indoor Storm this week. This guitar is awesome. You can tell a master's touch went into this guitar. I was convinced I wanted an Eric Johnson Strat from all the hype, but an extra $600 for a "Strat for Life" was well worth it. I have a bad habit of moving instruments when something catches my eye and you can rest assured this one is staying home with me!

This is not a high gain guitar, and anyone looking for this out of #3414 will be disappointed. It is, however, the first guitar I've owned that the volume knob actually does what I want it to, and it does indeed "Out Strat A Strat"! This is a keeper. You can always dirty up the sound, but the clean, bright sounds out of this guitar bone stock has caused me the reevaluate my inventory. This is a good thing. ONE CLASSIC DOES IT ALL! Thanks for caring enough to make me smile.

P Grohs

I can't believe how amazing the SSC system works! From the posts and past experience with my Suhr guitars, I expected the best - but when you hear it yourself, especially A/B'd with the switch in/out, WOW!

The guitar also sounds incredible with the new pickups anyway. As far as I'm concerned, that is the PERFECT Strat-style axe. Like I've said before, I love the V60s, and they are an awesome fit with the alder/maple guitar. The SSC is just icing on the cake, but oh, what glorious icing.

Thanks guys!

Gordie

Hi. It's been 5 weeks since I bought my Classic. I said in my original feedback that it is the finest electric guitar I've ever owned. I just cannot put this instrument down -- my wife has started to complain; my kids don't see enough of me. What voodoo are you putting into these guitars?! Seriously, you are producing something very special I just had to let you know I am one very happy chappy.

D. Robertson

John-
I have played for 40 years. I was the only boy on the playground at school crowded with the girls listening to a small transistor radio covering the Beatles landing in NY for the first time. Many bands/war stories along the way, but always just a bit dissatisfied with the instrument of the day.

This past weekend, I bought a Suhr that was 2 months old (CAR Standard, Maple neck, mint) after piecing together Strats from Fender and a bizarre array of exotic parts makers for years. I am mystified as to how you get all the parts working together so perfectly that it makes a monumental difference. I just want to play (and I am convinced play better than ever) all day long. What a true difference, an amazing upgrade.

Until you experience a Suhr, I suppose you will continue to go through the fruitless exercise of combing eBay, buying parts, putting it together and wondering why you spent so much time and money and got your hopes up for yet another not-just-right guitar. Suhr is perfect. Last brand I will choose, but not the last guitar. Thanks so much for your commitment to doing it right.

G. Castle

I just accepted delivery on Suhr Classic #4863. I am extremely impressed. Since there aren't any dealers near me and only played one with the big V neck, I took a chance and ordered what I wanted. Wow! Now I know what all the hype is about. I could go on and on, but you've probably already heard it before.

Thank you Mr. Suhr for such a great piece of art! And please continue delivering such high quality instruments.

Regards,

J. Prosser

John,
It's been a long time since I picked up an electric guitar that felt just right. The neck is nigh on perfect, the guitar sounds sweet and resonant before it's even plugged in. I tried everything else out there and nothing came close. I really wanted to find fault with the Suhr -- because nothing this good should exist. Like my Collings OM2H, this guitar demands I play it. I hope that one day my technique matches it...oh, and it sounds even better plugged in to an amp! You are doing some great work and it's a pleasure to play that work.

David

John,
I had been meaning to tell you-I purchased a pair of DSV pickups from Acme Guitar Works and they are by far the best double coil pickups I have ever used. They are in a Strat and the bridge, while having plenty of output, is also kinda twangy. Excellent! I have been meaning to order one of your guitars, but have just bought not one, but two concert classicals, so it will have to wait till next year.

Thanks again for a great product,

Eric

I just wanted to drop you guys a line, I bought a Suhr J-bass from One Flight Up Guitars in New Haven about 4 months ago, and man, it is UNBELIEVABLE how good it sounds on everything. I'm in an acoustic pop-quartet/working cover band called Patrick Willis Band (www.patrickwillis.com), as well as doing traditional jazz gigs, and the only bass I bring now is my Suhr. The tone is unbelievable, it cuts through everything, and the low end is always there. I've recorded with it, I've played it on stadium style gigs, in bars, and in ballrooms, and everywhere I go people always ask what I'm playing.

I love this bass. When i started playing, I had an idea in my head of what I wanted my bass to sound like, and when i first played the Suhr it was like a dream come true. It's the tone I've always wanted.

Thanks for making an incredible instrument,

M. Weingarth

I just played the first gig with new Suhr Classic #4861. This is the first SSC system that I've heard of that featured a humbucker in the bridge. Absolutely quiet and absolutely toneful! ... only "problem" is that i own a bunch of expensive pedals that didn't get used much tonight because the sound and response of this guitar is just so much fun on it's own!

Thanks to John and company for making such a wonderful instrument, and kudos to Noel at Tone Merchants for all his help in fielding questions and ordering this little mojo machine!

I think what I enjoyed most about our first nite out together was the sense of inspiration and confidence it instilled in me.... certainly found myself wandering farther and farther from my cliche standby 'licks' and spent more and more time letting the music just take me to new places! Way fun!

B. Corkill

You guys are 100% fabulous. I'm forever telling everyone I meet about what a great customer experience the whole Suhr staff provides. You totally ruin us for ever buying another brand.

Thanks,

Steve

Hi John,
I have just recently purchased one of your fully loaded carved top (MK spec, serial number 3931) guitars from one of your dealers, "Sounds Great Music " in Manchester UK, and I just wanted to say how pleased I am with the guitar, everything about it, especially the craftsmanship, is perfect and I can imagine how much effort has gone into building a guitar of this quality. Now I am keen to check out more of your guitars as it seems to make my others seem very poor in comparison, I did check out one of your Telecaster-style guitars and was blown away with that, too.

In my opinion your have moved on from the standard Fender/Gibson that you see everywhere. I very much doubt I’ll be buying another after playing one of yours. The guitar I’ve bought seems a very versatile guitar, however, I think I will look into your Strat-type guitar as I’m looking for something along the lines of Mark Knopfler’s Candy Apple Schecter, so I am hoping you may be able to build me one at a later date ....If you haven’t guessed by now, I play in a dire straits tribute in the UK! Anyway many thanks for the guitar – it’s much appreciated.

Regards,

Alan

John,
I am writing you today to commend you on these superb pickups. I got the V60LP set and my Strat went from ice picky bright to solid and punchy. Just what I wanted. Your pickups still have plenty of twang on the low strings but now my treble strings are solid and punchy instead of thin and bright. Positions 2 and 4 are plenty quacky and more solid. I love playing my Strat again.

Thank you for making such a great product.

Mike