Best
Overall Suhr
Guitar
-
Overall: The H-S-S Configuration Provides An Incredibly Versatile Range Of Tones
-
Best Feature: Built With Locking Tuners, Hum-Less Single Coil Pickups, And An Incredibly Stable Gotoh 510 Tremolo System
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Suhr Guitar for Beginners
Suhr Signature Spec
Standard Trans Red BEST FOR BOASTING CLASS AND VERSATILITY
-
Overall: With Locking Bridge Saddles Combined With
Locking Tuners For
Superior Tuning Stability -
Best Feature:
Have Versatile Electronics For
Many Tonal Sound Options -
TedScore™:
8.9/10
Best
Suhr Guitar
for Pros
Classic T BEST FOR VINTAGE LOOK WITH A
MODERN TWIST
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Overall: Built With Asato Pickups That Suit Modern Styles With A Twang
-
Best Feature: Features The SSCII System To Reduce Hum And Background Noise
-
TedScore™:
8.9/10
To grab the best deal on an expensive instrument, finding the right one amidst the many guitar brands and their varied price ranges might feel overwhelming. **Great guitars** come at all prices, from low to high, and choosing the perfect fit for both your needs and budget can be like searching for the right note in a tune. But fear not! **Knowing** a few tips and tricks helps a lot. For instance, did you know **certain brands** often release models with similar quality but at *significantly lower prices* during sale seasons? Now, that’s a smart move any guitar shop enthusiast would love. **Finding** a gem in a crowded market might be tricky but definitely worth it for anyone keen on strumming their way to harmony!
But if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a higher price tag that comes with a guitar with excellent quality and durability, the Suhr Guitars is a perfect choice whether you’re a professional guitar player or a beginner musician.
But why are Suhr guitars so expensive?
Suhr Guitars are hand-crafted electric guitars and basses made with every step of your musical journey in mind. They’re hand guitars built only to offer exceptional performance and unique sonic character, blending classic shapes with modern thinking and a highly practical mindset.
In this post, we’ll talk about all the reasons why a Suhr guitar will make the best out of your money’s worth, so make sure to keep reading!
Suhr Guitars and Its History
Suhr guitars are some of the finest instruments available today, boasting over 35 years in the guitar world innovation, production, and expertise.
John Suhr started his career in guitar building in the 1970s, working as a repairman at Rudy’s Guitar Shop in New York. After establishing himself as a skilled builder, he set out to design a tube amplifier that would suit his musical vision and soon after formed a company with Steve Smith in 1997.
The company quickly became one of the leading manufacturers of custom guitars and is now renowned for its traditional-looking designs and its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. They build guitars which have been used by countless superstars and are known for their perfect tone, making them the go-to choice for any serious musician.
Suhr Guitars: For Beginners or Professionals?
Suhr’s guitars and amps are designed to play and be accessible to players at any level, from beginners just getting started to seasoned professional guitar players. With a wide range of styles and features available, you can find something that suits your playing style.
What Makes Suhr Guitars So Expensive?
Suhr’s guitars are expensive because they’re built to a very high standard and with very high tolerances. They are handcrafted, custom-built instruments, made with premium materials and special attention to detail.
As a guitar enthusiast, I had the opportunity to play a Suhr guitar, and I was immediately struck by the impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The playability and tone were exceptional, and it was evident that each instrument was meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled playing experience.
Their instruments also undergo a strict quality control procedure during the manufacturing process to ensure the quality of even the smallest details of the parts of the instrument. Additionally, Suhr offers a wide range of custom options to get the exact guitar you want.
All of these add up to make Suhr guitars have a higher price tag than mass-produced guitars from other companies.
Manufactures in a US-Based Location
Suhr Guitar is an American company that manufactures electric guitars and basses, guitar amplifiers, and effect units exclusively in the United States. Suhr has a factory located in California, USA and they have been producing guitars since 1997. Suhr is able to maintain a level of quality control that’s simply not possible with overseas manufacturing.
Guitars are Made With High-Quality Materials
Suhr guitars are renowned for their superior build quality, attention to detail, and use of top-of-the-line materials. Everything from wood to electronics is of the highest quality.
You can expect basswood bodies, plain maple tops, maple necks with pau ferro fingerboards, and the finest-quality electric components praised by pro guitarists. All of these components come together to create a highly-performing work of art.
Having had the opportunity to play a Suhr guitar, I was thoroughly impressed by the instrument’s impeccable construction and the richness of its tone. The combination of premium materials and precision engineering resulted in a guitar that not only looked stunning but also delivered an outstanding playing experience.
Unique Boutique Manufacturing System
Suhr guitars are unique due to their boutique manufacturing system which combines premium materials, USA-based manufacturing, exceptional boutique concept, expensive PLEK technology and high demand to create a unique place in the market for themselves.
Their guitars feature custom appointments such as compound radius fingerboard, stainless steel frets, Suhr’s guitars locking tuners, and pickups.
Additionally, they are handcrafted to a meticulously high level by a team of experienced luthiers and guitar technicians.
The Use of High-Priced PLEK Technology
Suhr makes guitars using revolutionary Plek technology to ensure their highest quality. This technology scans the guitar’s neck shape while it’s strung up and tuned to pitch, recording the exact state of the strings and fingerboard. Plek will then scan the fingerboard and frets, evaluating string heights, positions and consistencies across the entire neck.
This provides a PLEK fret dress on every guitar they produce, ensuring excellent string action. Made in Germany, this technology ensures high-end guitar technology for all Suhr customers.
Customer Service and Free After-Sales Service
Suhr Guitar Company provides excellent customer service with free customer support for all their guitars. They’re committed to meeting customers’ needs and providing an incomparable shopping experience.
Suhr also provides a lifetime warranty for all their guitars. This warranty covers any damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, or unauthorized or improperly performed repairs.
Are Suhr Guitars Really Worth the Price?
Suhr guitars are top-quality instruments from one of the world’s best luthiers. They’re extremely hand-crafted, high-quality guitars with excellent feel and sound.
While the high price tag of Suhr guitars may be a deterrent for some, it’s important to consider that the exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and attention to detail justify the investment. The superior playability and tonal range offered by Suhr guitars make them a worthwhile choice for serious musicians who prioritize performance and quality in their instruments.
So, if you’re looking for a professional-grade instrument that’s versatile and flawlessly constructed, then Suhr guitars are surely worth the high price tag.
Our Top Picks of Suhr Guitar
John Suhr Signature Spec Standard
This is an excellent choice for musicians looking for a top-quality guitar that will last. It has a satin neck and nickel frets instead of stainless steel frets, making it ideal for being played by both beginners and experienced players. The quality of craftsmanship and materials used in the construction of this guitar make it stand out among its counterparts.
DESIGNED FOR: Guitarists of all playing levels
FEATURES: Have versatile electronics for many tonal sound options, allowing you to customize it to play almost anything
OTHER INFO: With Locking bridge saddles combined with locking tuners for superior tuning stability
Suhr John Suhr Signature Spec Standard Trans Red
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The body and neck are made from Korina for an amazing appearance and tonal range
- This guitar is built to look as good as it sounds
- Includes hard case
- Higher price range than other guitars
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Suhr Reb Beach Standard Signature
This guitar is designed in collaboration between Reb Beach of Whitesnake and John Suhr Guitars. This signature model features an all-solid Koa body and Pau Ferro neck, as well as a Floyd Rose tremolo system and stainless steel frets. The guitar produces a rich, complex tone with wonderful harmonics that jump off the instrument when strummed.
DESIGNED FOR: Advanced and pro guitar players
FEATURES: With an elegant wood selection of Hawaiian Koa with stunning grain patterns
OTHER INFO: Combined with a set of EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo setup to handle big riffs
Suhr Reb Beach Standard Signature
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Produces iconic strat sound with no hums
- Made with exceptional Suhr quality
- More expensive than other counterparts
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Suhr Dealer Select Classic T
The Suhr Dealer Select Suhr Classic T is a custom-made electric guitar that features a 60’s C vintage standard neck, Wilkinson compensated 3-saddle bridge and has been designed in collaboration with jazz and blues guitarist Scott Henderson.
It also comes equipped with the lethal Thornbucker/ML pickup combination, providing a spanky, powerful, and smooth tone all at once. With its unique design and superior craftsmanship, this instrument will inspire and delight any guitar player.
DESIGNED FOR: Modern guitarist players
FEATURES: Built with Asato pickups that suit modern styles while still retaining the signature T twang
OTHER INFO: Features the SSCII System to reduce hum and background noise
Suhr Dealer Select Classic T Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has an all-in-one subtle yet extravagant look
- Designed to be touch-responsive for dynamic players
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Suhr Classic S 3
This suhr classic is a custom-made guitar based on classic models from the 50s and 60s. It features a 60’s C vintage standard neck profile, with Indian rosewood or maple fingerboard and V60LP single coils. Benefitting from 3 V60LP Standard model single coil pickups, this guitar provides iconic classic Fender Stratocaster tones with all the benefits of custom-made by fender custom shop guitars.
Compared to other Suhr models such as the Suhr John Suhr Signature Spec Standard Trans Red and Suhr Dealer Select Classic T, which are a close match, the Suhr Classic stands out for its specific vintage design based on classic models from the 50s and 60s.
The collaboration with Scott Henderson ensures a unique and updated take on the Classic S series, offering a versatile and lightweight instrument that delivers iconic Fender Stratocaster tones with the benefits of custom-made Fender Custom Shop guitars.
This distinct combination of vintage-inspired design and modern playability sets the Suhr Classic apart within the Suhr lineup.
DESIGNED FOR: All modern guitar players
FEATURES: Built with locking tuners, hum-less single coil pickups, and an incredibly stable Gotoh 510 Tremolo System
OTHER INFO: The H-S-S configuration provides an incredibly versatile range of tones
Suhr Classic S 3 Tone Sunburst HSS
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides a classic look with a modern edge
- Includes hard case upon purchase
- Higher price range guitar
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Suhr Classic Antique S
The Suhr Classic Antique S guitar features a classic design with solid body electric guitar construction and two humbucker pickups. This also has a vintage-style vibrato system and can be used for many different styles of music. It’s known for its great guitar tone and comfortable playability, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.
DESIGNED FOR: Guitarists of all playing levels
FEATURES: Designed with an SSCII Hum-Cancelling System for hum noise reduction
OTHER INFO: A combination of Suhr's own SSV Bridge humbucker and V63 Middle and Neck single coils for vintage tones with a modern twist
Suhr Classic Antique S
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers classic looks with classic sounds
- Made of top-drawer components and built with quality
- Pricier than other guitar brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Why Are Suhr Guitars So Expensive
Summary
Getting your own Suhr guitar can be one of the best investment decisions you’ll ever make, even if it comes with a hefty price tag.
I have had the opportunity to play a Suhr guitar, and I must say that the craftsmanship and playability were truly exceptional. The attention to detail and the feel of the instrument were remarkable, and it left a lasting impression on me.
Suhr guitars are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and attention to detail, making them highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors. The combination of top-notch components, hand-built nature, and limited production quantities contribute to their higher price point. Suhr guitars offer unparalleled quality and tone, justifying their premium cost.
They use premium materials, the latest technology machines, and a computerized system called the Plek System to ensure each fret is within a microscopic tolerance.
Moreover, many playing guitar feels that the price-to-performance ratio of this brand is worth it.
If you’ve decided to give this world-class brand a try, you’re on the right track! And with Suhr’s boutique custom shop concept, get ready for an incredible guitar shopping experience!
Oh wow, another article justifying the exorbitant prices of boutique guitars. Let’s be real, half the price is paying for the brand. Unless you’re playing on a professional level, a mid-range guitar does the job as well. But hey, to each their own. Nice job on the article though, Lewis Turner.
suhr guitars have always been my dream 😍 hope i can save up for one soon!
Interesting points on why Suhr Guitars are priced so high. However, I’d love to see a comparison of their value proposition against other high-end guitars in the same price range, for a more balanced view. Is there a significant difference in sound quality?
To add to Alex’s point, the value in Suhr Guitars not only comes from their build quality but also their customization options. Compared with other brands, Suhr offers unique specs that can cater to specific player needs, which often justifies the premium price.
hey, does the Suhr Reb Beach Standard come in different colors or just the one in the pic? big Reb fan here. Cheers.