Fender American Ultra Strat vs. Suhr Classic Pro - My thoughts.

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ความคิดเห็น • 772

  • @essa15555
    @essa15555 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Fender stratocaster standard neck pickup sound is incomparable. It's has that iconic sound for decades.

  • @tonepoet
    @tonepoet 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Your subtle humor is underappreciated. Your vibe when you're painting notes is unparalleled. Class act, Shawn, always great videos.

  • @zinmusic1410
    @zinmusic1410 4 ปีที่แล้ว +187

    Finally, a guitarist that doesn’t skip clean tones when reviewing a guitar! Jesus, so f-ing refreshing.

    • @Dankflamio
      @Dankflamio 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I know right! It’s so great to be able to actually hear the guitar instead of just pedals and amp

    • @oldgoattheantichrist3468
      @oldgoattheantichrist3468 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      The best reviews have all stages of gain included. These Fender Ultras in particular sound magnificent under high modern gain situations. Some of us are not blues dudes. The high gain portions of reviews are as valuable to me as clean and blues tones.

    • @zinmusic1410
      @zinmusic1410 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I understand that. I would just like to hear the guitar under a dry signal before any gain is added. The dry signal lets me know the foundation for which effects can be added. I am a Jazz Studies Major with all types of genre requirements, so it’s just nice to know how the guitar will react to multiple types of effects.

    • @TobyKBTY
      @TobyKBTY 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@oldgoattheantichrist3468 THIS. On the other end of the spectrum some of us want to see how certain versatile guitars handle high-gain situations but all we get are bluesy, E standard riffs and breakup tones.
      It'd be ideal to see how the instrument covers all bases, even with something like drop D chugging on a tight high-gain setting.

    • @gregorysmith5375
      @gregorysmith5375 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I hate when ppl do demo with a heavy metal tone 😡

  • @tool69tool69
    @tool69tool69 4 ปีที่แล้ว +106

    I was always a fender guy but once i tried a suhr everything changed. The craftsmanship is amazing. Suhr was created buy a fender master builder. So sold off my custom shop strats and have never looked back.

    • @jean-francoisremillard9513
      @jean-francoisremillard9513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Totally agree... same here... I just sold my Gibson Les Paul Standard and my Fender Eric Johnson Strat , to finance a Suhr...

    • @beefnacos6258
      @beefnacos6258 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah any actual player knows fender custom shops are absolutely overpriced

    • @feo130
      @feo130 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jean-francoisremillard9513 You shouldn't be "financing" things like these. Save your money man, you're really in no position to buy a $3k guitar...just letting you know the truth.

    • @facelessandnameless
      @facelessandnameless 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      @@feo130 Who are you to tell him what to do with his money? If he wants to finance a guitar that is his choice.

    • @keendeesjarlais3636
      @keendeesjarlais3636 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@facelessandnameless cuz you do? work at McDonalds?

  • @jamesbensonjazzguitar4824
    @jamesbensonjazzguitar4824 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the best reviews I have seen on YT. Thank you for including the clean tones.

  • @PaulMcCaffreyfmac
    @PaulMcCaffreyfmac 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's quite good fun how the zebra striped HB on the Fender makes it look like 3 single coils if you shut one eye and screw up the other.Most sound great. Your playing is the star of the show as always

  • @markborneman
    @markborneman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great stuff Shawn, really appreciate the open comparison, but also giving us a bit of your personal preferences as well.

  • @guts2112
    @guts2112 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Love how the Humbucker on the strat partially matches the pickguard. Keeps the iconic look of the sss style unless you pay close attention.

  • @smoovegittar
    @smoovegittar 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid - couldn't ask for a better comparison. Appreciate the clean tone and fair dryness.

  • @SPR-Pedals
    @SPR-Pedals 4 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    The "better" instrument is the one that makes you want to pick it up and play it. That's been my rule of thumb and why I've sold on several lovely guitars over the years. I've tried many, many Fenders (never got to a custom shop model) and while I've often liked the tones, they just weren't keepers. The noiseless pickups I found to be too sterile in the Elite series. So I took a punt on a used Suhr Classic Antqiue SSS, bought it over the internet without ever having picked one up. I've never looked back. And now I have a second HSS one.

    • @keoni927
      @keoni927 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I'm in the same boat as you Jonathan. I bought a Suhr Classic Antique HSS over the internet and it was the first one I had ever seen or touched. It's the best sounding guitar I've ever owned and I tell people it practically plays itself. It has Landau single coils in the neck and middle and the SSV hum bucker in the bridge. It has a HUGE (1" at first fret and 1" at twelfth fret C shape neck) with a rosewood board. The craftsmanship is spot on. I have yet to find a single flaw in this guitar. Highly recommended. But like Shawn says, there are lots of good guitars out there and they're all a little different. Just like we're all a little different..... ears, hands, etc.

    • @SPR-Pedals
      @SPR-Pedals 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@keoni927 congrats. After playing on and off for 25 plus years (although still very much an amateur) it's as close as finding "the one" as I've come. In the same way that I didn't bond with any Fender I couldn't do it with Gibson either, so I eventually got a couple of PRS and they largely cover that singlecut requirement (Tremonti and DGT).

    • @kennytseguitar8574
      @kennytseguitar8574 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Try Ultra,you'll know

    • @daleantoniuk3291
      @daleantoniuk3291 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree
      : )
      Did the same thing more or less

    • @algorithm007ify
      @algorithm007ify 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      KeNnY TsE Suhr Classic Antique over any fender ultra...any day. This is coming from someone who owns 2 American fenders.

  • @frantisca
    @frantisca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Shawn,
    Edit: since my last comment, I have built a Strat with an ML ML SSV+ config that took me quite a while to tweak (pu height, screwpoles, etc.) but once it’s been done, it’s the most satisfying, balanced, dynamic HSS I’ve played. Btw: the loaded pickguard is a Suhr, I’ve been assembling the rest of the parts from gathering bits and pieces on the net. The neck is a gorgeous flamed roasted maple that plays like Butah ;-) and the trem has a floating traditional 6 screw bridge with bent steel saddles that keeps in tune spot on ! Cheers

  • @BlueSkies32
    @BlueSkies32 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job Shawn, enjoy your playing too, thank you!

  • @DaleBoyle
    @DaleBoyle 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice Shawn! It's so key, IMO, to make the point that ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Well done!

  • @-b0j-
    @-b0j- 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    YES SHAWN! Been kinda hoping you’d do this sort of comparison ... thanks and interesting outcome.

  • @janofdelft
    @janofdelft 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I like the neck pickups equally well for what they are, the bridge humbuckers are tied for me in the bottom of the 9th inning, but oh, my, that position 2 on that Strat - delicious. I found myself bouncing back and forth between about 2:50 and 7:12 in the vid to A-B compare them. Fender wins in a photo finish.

  • @andredegiant3876
    @andredegiant3876 3 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I know it's silly, but having that Fender logo on that classic headstock shape is what makes me pick the Fender everytime in a race this close

    • @algorithm007ify
      @algorithm007ify 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      It's Stainless steel frets and quarter sawn wood for me, so I go Suhr.

    • @michelemanfredi5866
      @michelemanfredi5866 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@algorithm007ify what’s quarter sawn wood?

    • @mechmat12345
      @mechmat12345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@algorithm007ify New Ultra Luxe version has SS frets and still quite a bit cheaper than the Suhr.

    • @joejohnson8966
      @joejohnson8966 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      "We hear with our eyes" - Glen Fricker 2021.

    • @DustyMcFarland
      @DustyMcFarland 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Considering the guy who founded Suhr guitars was a master craftsman at fender customs for many years I'd probably go Suhr if cost wasn't a thing.

  • @ArtLogins
    @ArtLogins 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great playing... Fender in the neck position, or neck and middle sounded perfect for me...

  • @ChrisDeJuanMusic
    @ChrisDeJuanMusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great comparison reveiw, straight to the point with all the important things! Very tasteful playing too!!

  • @cosmonaut9942
    @cosmonaut9942 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great demo. I think that Fender is very responsive to players requests and needs. That strat sounds really great.

  • @lrmars
    @lrmars 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello...this is one of the best, if not THE best equipment review I have ever seen. Your musicianship is exemplary...you are a gifted man, indeed! Bravo!

  • @colinjansencjaxeman0707
    @colinjansencjaxeman0707 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great breakdown of both guitars Shawn. Totally agreed with you. you gave each guitars its great points. super video

  • @marcobellocco136
    @marcobellocco136 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Suhr is a beautiful guitar. It does not have a swich to split the bridge pickup, but the pickup is automatacally split in position 2, so that sound is very close to the position 2 on Strat.

  • @mottifeldman7100
    @mottifeldman7100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great Video. I love my Suhr, they’re just built like beasts, especially if you gig and fly a lot they’re just great.

  • @firststep7750
    @firststep7750 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was looking for just such a review! Excellent mate. Cheers.

  • @wilfredoolivenciaolivencia4724
    @wilfredoolivenciaolivencia4724 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The Suhr sounded very bright and thin as opposed to the Fender.
    However Mr. Shawn is an amazing player !
    Be blessed sir !

    • @algorithm007ify
      @algorithm007ify 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Blame the SSCII and 500K tone pots. I removed them on my Suhr, and it sounds so much better.

  • @stroopwafel6141
    @stroopwafel6141 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would install a BKP Crawler and Irish Tours in the Fender. I play that set for years on stage, in my Eggle made custom HSS strat. From SRV on the neck to thick rocktones at the bridge, and all in between. Nice review again Shawn!

  • @sthengr
    @sthengr 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your vids, playing and commentary, stellar!

  • @markchristopher2373
    @markchristopher2373 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a Suhr Pro S2 which is one of their 'mass' production models. I also have a 1988 Fender American Standard Strat which I have had since new - I love it, it is my goto in any situation because I know exactly what it will do in the circumstances. The Suhr came into the fold recently. The Suhr has become a favourite instantly, and I think it may be due to what you imply - the Suhr has a neck that feels instantly 'right', not exactly the same as the old Standard Strat, but just 'right'.
    This to my mind tells me something about the way that Suhr guitars are designed and built. No bells and whistles, just a feeling that all components are specced for an instrument designed with the player in mind. The Strat has a rosewood fingerboard, the Suhr a maple fingerboard - I prefer rosewood by a mile, but that says something about how good this maple neck Suhr was. Of course the compound radius made a big difference on the Suhr compared to my Standard Strat - all those choking probs just disappeared, but the new Fender Ultra range has compound radius too. Nice to see and hear an honest review, many thanks.

  • @embreesmith7613
    @embreesmith7613 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    fantastic review, Tubbs !
    I have a Fender CS Strat, one of the first out long ago .. but I am just not a 25.5" Scale guy :)

  • @michaeleaster1815
    @michaeleaster1815 ปีที่แล้ว

    That Pedal Show sent me here! Fabulous playing... just heart-breakingly good

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind words!

  • @waichungleung3714
    @waichungleung3714 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice demo, and one of the very few that sounded out the difference right away. I say difference because better is personal preference.

  • @cesarurbani2294
    @cesarurbani2294 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    so nice to hear a guitar player that actually plays making this reviews. Great job, and nice playing!.

  • @GianfrancoTorrisiguitar
    @GianfrancoTorrisiguitar 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice playing and feel man, you make them both sound great!

  • @paulduke344
    @paulduke344 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great demo from a great player and class act. Thanks Shawn, you da man!! .

  • @MarkFromHawaii
    @MarkFromHawaii หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I recently picked up a Suhr Classic S Antique and am loving it. This video helped me in my choice. One of the reasons is the 3-screw bridge humbucker on Fenders vs 2-screw on most other S-style HSS guitars (in case I want to swap the bridge pup). Whatever the noiseless voodoo electronics Suhr has built into the Classic is astounding.

  • @AdamGotheridge
    @AdamGotheridge 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Really well done. Both guitars sounded great, though I kind of liked the more "barky" tone of the fender. I felt like the Suhr was a little more scooped sounded which I think is part of the rosewood board, but maybe the pickups had something to do with that too. In any case, first though was "how was this mic'd" because it sounds great. Then I read through and saw it was the rev20 into daw.... without looking that up, the rev has a di out? Regardless, that tone was fantastic with both guitars. And I think there is one lick in there which I never heard before which maybe I can get under my fingers. ;) Have a great day! :)

  • @daveholmesmusic7786
    @daveholmesmusic7786 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Mate - Dave from Aussie - you sure a wonderful musician - beautiful playing!! and very helpful comparison - Cheers

  • @formerlysaul4103
    @formerlysaul4103 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Shawn, I am always blessed by your reviews and your killer playing!!!

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thanks very much! I appreciate it.

  • @kennethschweighardt4920
    @kennethschweighardt4920 ปีที่แล้ว

    Damn Shawn.. I love your playing!!! Thank-you for the review

  • @ShamanicSavant
    @ShamanicSavant 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's really hard to take tone comparisons seriously when YT compresses the crap out of all audio. We're only hearing half the tones of either guitar. I've never played a Suhr but I just bought the Ultra strat SSS in Arctic white with a rosewood board and I really don't have a single complaint, except maybe the blast of car paint fumes when I open the case. It's my first strat (LP guy) and I'm alot more impressed with it than I thought I'd be. Build quality, playability, and tuning stability with a floating trem are all rock solid. I also really like the gen 5 noiseless pickups, clean, clear, and articulate w/o being thin. Thanks for the comparison, now I know what I'm not missing :)

  • @RichusRkr
    @RichusRkr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I've had several suhr s styles, defenitlely more bright and actually thinner, The Fender strat is it for me, I sold off my suhrs.

    • @MrJackal43
      @MrJackal43 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Dave April why would you have a copy of a Mustang sports car, or a copy of a Corvette? The Suhr is nothing but a COPY. A nice copy, but a copy nonetheless. I’m with ya.

    • @richmanfilms
      @richmanfilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree. I've been jonesing for a SUHR (modern or thorn), but I think I am more inclined to look for a good playing LP Custom because the sound is thicker all around ( I used to own one). All the SUHR's I hear do not seem to have a smooth and thick tone. The SUHRs are usually more thin and trebly compared to most guitars that I like.

  • @garypatrick2881
    @garypatrick2881 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video bro! Lots of folks wondering about this comparison.

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, Gary for watching! You do great work man!

  • @jamesrobinson529
    @jamesrobinson529 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Definitely not as important as tone and feel, but I just find the Fender sexier. On a more important note, I actually liked the tone of the fender. I thought that I would like the tone of the Suhr over the Fender, initially.

  • @jean-francoisremillard9513
    @jean-francoisremillard9513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    In addition to what was mentioned here, I would always choose Suhr's stainless steel frets. When I tried a Suhr, years ago, t took me just a few seconds to realize SS frets made it really easy to bend strings and... they last forever.

  • @spartan8390
    @spartan8390 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have an Elite Strat with that EXACT set of Lollars you spoke of. It is amazing!

    • @spartan8390
      @spartan8390 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I am thinking about getting an Ultra as well, but would it be worth it since my Elite is set up like it is? I don't want to have the same pickups in two guitars, and I don't know what set I would run in the Ultra.

  • @TonyClarkGuitar
    @TonyClarkGuitar 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the video Shawn. I have a Suhr Classic Antique and a Kiesel and several Strats and I play the Suhr and Kiesel more than anything. My friends all jokingly tell me I play cheap Fender knock offs because a guy on Facebook once told me a Suhr is just an overpriced cheaply made Fender knock off. But now I have to reconsider Fender and will check out the American Ultra! That being said... I LOVE the Suhr SSV pickup and the bright characteristics of the Suhr. And I agree that those bridge saddles are a pain. I used to use Thomastik-Infeld strings and my Suhr would break the high E often.

  • @jackfrost9259
    @jackfrost9259 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Nice comparison! I owned a Suhr Classic Pro for 3 years, and thought it was great. Then I bought a second hand Fender 60th anniversary strat, just because I liked the 2-tone sunburst look. I tried to convince myself for the next 2 years that I preferred the much more expensive Suhr, but eventually I sold it and kept the Fender. I just preferred the neck shape and the fret size/shape on the Fender, and found myself always reaching for it when it came time to play. Pickups, bridges and tuners are easily changeable on both, but if you don't like the feel of the neck and the frets, then there's not much you can do other than replace the whole neck! I will say though that the satin finish on the back of the neck of the Suhr was the silkiest, smoothest satin finish I've felt on any guitar. I keep having to rub the Fender neck with a scotchbrite to get it to the same smoothness.

  • @themojo6291
    @themojo6291 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Shawn. You have a true feel for the guitar. Well done.

  • @Ralteolly
    @Ralteolly 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    The Nick Johnston schecter custom shop at the back 😍

    • @evinoc
      @evinoc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Id love a review of the Nick Johnston traditional HSS and custom shop to see how they stack up against these. The traditional seems like good bang for your buck.

    • @felixkhawlhring1367
      @felixkhawlhring1367 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I neih vang😁

    • @MaestroJericho
      @MaestroJericho 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A review would be amazing on the Nick Johnston, everyone whose played the US Schecter stuff all say they're all Suhr/Anderson levels.

    • @malcolmhardwick4258
      @malcolmhardwick4258 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just hanging there waiting to be played !!

  • @thedaver8
    @thedaver8 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll make sure to put this in my "Gratuitous Groin Shots" playlist. :-P Great video! Love the comparison!

  • @donharrold1375
    @donharrold1375 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an American deluxe from 2004 and a 2019 American professional Strat. The deluxe is obviously much older than the ultra model you have here, but honestly it oozes quality. Everything about the build is perfect - even 16 years later it’s still my most comfortable guitar. The noiseless pickups have their own character; still very much a Strat tone but fatter and maybe a tiny bit darker than the traditional fender sound. My American Professional has the V-Mod single coils and a shawbucker at the bridge. It feels a bit more basic than my deluxe; although it is very well built and flawless, somehow it just can’t quite match the softer quality feel of the deluxe. The V-Mod pickups on the Professional are just out of this world. Easily the best single coil sound I’ve ever heard. They’re bright, lively and articulate. Fender carefully blended different alnico magnets to create the sound and really hit the spot. A lot of people probably think that these are just average bland stock pickups but they really are a step up and are great sounding. The shawbucker is medium output but it sounds brilliant overdriven and is a great combination with the middle pickup. You still get some of that classic quack.

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! Thanks for watching and for chiming in!

  • @mr501mc
    @mr501mc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    28 people didn't like the groin comment!
    For the record I wasn't 1 of them! There is nothing to dislike about this video!

  • @matthewg.garcia9415
    @matthewg.garcia9415 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    They both sound great! But I think that has more to do with the player. I would be happy owning either one (the current Strat I own is a Mexican which is still pretty good). What I like about Suhr is the boutique aspect of a crafted guitar with good fit and finish. But the new Merica Ultra line seem pretty nice, I like that they added some more contour to the contour body. I wish we had a place to play and compare Suhr to Fender here where I live. The best thing about the Ultra it the new Texas Tea color!

  • @maddog3902
    @maddog3902 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The fender neck pickup tone KILLS

  • @JohnSmith-ty1gm
    @JohnSmith-ty1gm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hey Shawn -
    They both sound excellent in their own way...
    Now, how about testing a low priced Fender or Squier against the Suhr?

  • @Strelo
    @Strelo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been window shopping higher-end strats and I have to ask, how does the S1 switch sound with the HSS ultra? I'd like to get an SSS (at some point), so I'm curious how the HSS sounds with the S1 engaged. Is there any benefit to getting an SSS ultra? I'm having trouble finding any info online.

  • @jeshely
    @jeshely 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've seen dozens of reviews about the Ultra HSS but as usuall you really get the best tone out if it!

  • @bustanorms2028
    @bustanorms2028 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the fender ultra, want to change noiseless single coil,what you think is better one to make it sound like the clean of suhr

  • @southpaw335
    @southpaw335 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am yet to hear or play a set of noiseless pickups that do not lose that top end sparkle and i’ve had a few sets over the years. As good as they are getting these days, i always end up going back to traditional single coils - I would love that sculpted heel on my ‘89 strat though (note to self ‘go and do some work before you start thinking about ways to mod your strat again’)
    Loved that drive sound too - nice n crunchy - what was that ?

  • @paulsnyder7538
    @paulsnyder7538 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great, informative video and wonderful playing.

  • @LaminarSound
    @LaminarSound 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I actually prefer the sound of the Fender in this vid. They aren't night and day different and it's really hard for Tubbs to make any average to pro level guitar sound bad. lol something about the Fender just grabbed me.

    • @rcc3music
      @rcc3music 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree, the sound of the Fender wowed me.

    • @leonarddaneman810
      @leonarddaneman810 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@rcc3music Yeah . . . the Fender neck position killed the Suhr.

  • @steveburrows101
    @steveburrows101 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice comparison. Seemed to me that I preferred your playing on the Fender - you sounded fuller, more confident and authoritative as a player. I felt the Suhr tone sounded thinner by comparison in your hands.

  • @davidwoods358
    @davidwoods358 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice comparison. I wouldn't complain owning either. I want a Strat so bad! I just wish they could move that darn volume knob out of the way, down about a half an inch just might do it.

  • @BJ-fj6jw
    @BJ-fj6jw 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Btw, I've subscribed and saving this vid just for the amazing doodling bits for your demo. Good work.

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much!!

  • @frankscutari9516
    @frankscutari9516 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great playing Shawn!

  • @TheSebtrain
    @TheSebtrain 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. Lovely playing

  • @MrEwanc
    @MrEwanc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is very interesting for me, because I’m actually considering both guitars. I am erring towards the Fender Ultra Strat, but I have to admit on this showing, the Suhr sounds more Stratty!!!. The Fender Ultra still sounds great to me too. I have a Fender Jeff Beck so I’m familiar with noiseless pickups, which I really like as you can get a good all over strat tone, and with a little boost/gain a gritty, kind of overdriven tone, a bit P90ish, in the neck position. Two great guitars, and of course price is a strong factor... I have to say that much of what I learned on guitar has been on Fender Stratocasters, which are just so good to play and feel completely natural to me, but I have a Suhr Guthrie Govan which plays absolutely beautifully too.

    • @zachvargas122588
      @zachvargas122588 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Picked up a Cobra Blue 2020 HSS model in Mint condition on sale on Reverb for $1569 and it is amazing! I love it, never owned a Suhr tho so I don’t have a way to compare, but the neck feels super nice, sounds amazing even the S1 switch in the bottom 2 positions w some nice overdrive! I would say try and find one on sale or go play one at your local guitar store, if your sold on having a brighter sound go w the SSS ultra model

    • @MrEwanc
      @MrEwanc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@zachvargas122588 thanks man, I'll take that under advisement ✌🏽😎

  • @rumy6871
    @rumy6871 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    @Shawn Tubbs I was shopping recently for a strat and watched your video before hitting some stores. It proved to be very helpful. Like you suggested, I tried both and after a few go arounds preferred the Ultra. I discovered the Fender has a tone bypass, which allows it to sound brighter. I bought one with the rosewood fretboard.

  • @nickardasis4
    @nickardasis4 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    People might disagree but the video shows that pickups are the most important aspect, forget the woods. Both are fine instruments but the Suhr is a level above for me sonically. Much strat-ier sound, especially in 2nd/4th position and the bridge sounds fantastic. My American strat suffers from the same problem, the pickups are just mediocre despite the reviews. They are okay but they don't do anything well. They don't sound vintage, they don't sound modern, they don't take overdrives that well. They just have a "ballpark" strat tone that's not good enough for me. I'll definitely check out the Lollar's. Great video as always Shawn.

    • @Almost_Baked
      @Almost_Baked 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am also a big believer that the tone is mainly from the pickups.

    • @TeleCaster66
      @TeleCaster66 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well said about the pickups in modern Fenders, terrible compared to the "used" guitars I started with played in the late 70's and 80's. They were of course Fender and Gibson's from the 60's and 70's and the pickups were much better than what they've used for the last few decades. Go with a hand wound pickup, I use Don Mare but their are other great choices obviously.

    • @dschreck7480
      @dschreck7480 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I felt the same about my American Professional strat pickups...put a set of Lollar dirty blondes in and it sounds incredible now

    • @AlisonGirelli
      @AlisonGirelli 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      To me it's a combination of pickups and amp. A good pickup with a shitty amp doesn't work well while a good amp can improve the sound of a mediocre pickup. The problem is that it's easier to change a pickup rather than changing a cone, valve of an amp or an amp itself. Said that I prefer the 2 suhr single coils while I would choose the fender humbucker for a fuller sound in this case.

  • @wt42ds
    @wt42ds 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the demo Shawn and killer playing!! Wish I had a shop close by to demo the Lollar pickups. The sound samples on Lollar’s website as well as TH-cam demo’s are helpful but it’s hard to pull the trigger on them with out actually playing the pick ups in person. I’m literally on the fence about getting the lollar blondes for N/M and low wind imperials for the bridge.
    I have the same Fender Ultra HSS that you demoed and I personally love the guitar. I wasn’t thinking about the different tones that pickups like lollar and others could produce when compared to the noiseless pups when I purchased the ultra a year ago. The argument could also be made that 90% of the way a really good player sounds is due to technique and not gear.

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Lollar's will sound more open and expressive than the Fender noiseless pickups. I've got a bit of a bias toward Lollars though as they've been a favorite of mine for years. ;) Thanks for watching!

  • @Rockyblaze0
    @Rockyblaze0 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Both guitars sound great and your playing is awesome. Was the tone and volume set the same on both guitars.

  • @lockedowng
    @lockedowng 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I almost went for the elite hss (last gen before ultra but after deluxe) and played an ebmm cutlass hss and had to go with that. I'd love to see the suhr and cutlass go head to head.

    • @obicross
      @obicross ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Played some suhr classics before i bought my modern. It was hard to play for me. Something in it felt stiff to play. Then i played ebmm, and anderson. Wow, just wow. Easy to play neck, slinky, great tone, even with dead strings on ebmm (go figure)

  • @carlmoretonmusic
    @carlmoretonmusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Shawn, just wanted to say thank you for doing your videos. Super professional, informative and great playing ;-) I'll also add, I watched this video again yesterday and it inspired me to go online and actually buy myself a Shur Classic S Limited. I also have USA Fender Deluxe Strats from 2000 era which I love, but always fancied Shur after playing a friends. So, If 'Mr Shur' is watching, it's because of this video I went and bought one of your guitars. :-)

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks so much for watching my channel!!

    • @carlmoretonmusic
      @carlmoretonmusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ShawnTubbs People will always watch quality Shawn. Keep up the good work, much appreciated by us all.

  • @songnaru
    @songnaru 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I ask the way you record guitar? cause both sounds so amazing.

  • @luckyrocks1
    @luckyrocks1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been playing, buying, and selling guitars for some forty years now. I've owned and played Gibsons, Epiphones, Fenders, Squires, Music Mans, G&L's, Collings, Eastmans, you name it. And yet, I had never played a Suhr guitar until I just purchased a Suhr, Pete Thorn Signature model. I was blown away with the perfection of this instrument. On par with Collings for fit, finish and set-up, only with stainless steel frets that are perfect. I immediately sold my Fender American Elite Stratocaster with the noiseless S-S-S configuration. I have plenty of other Strat style guitars that will be posted on Reverb soon. I have medium sized hands and bonded right away with the Suhr C-Slim Neck shape, the 10 to 14 compound fingerboard radius with those beautiful, stainless steel Jumbo Frets! The Thornbuckers sound amazing and can move between Humbucker bliss to Fenderish Single coil tones. After all these years I finally found my keeper guitar! I don't know why it took me so long???

  • @frantisca
    @frantisca 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Shawn. Obviously, you are using the Suhr for years and feel more in your comfort zone for the tweaks. Sounds indeed more trebly/airy but still with a lot of presence. Reminds devinitely more of a Strat... than the American Strat itself :) I personnally feel more at ease with a fat neck. But soundwise: yes, the Suhr does it for sure (no pun intended). I find that by choosing compromises (tap, noiseless pickups, bells whistles and what have you) you apparently have a more versatile guitar, but in exchange, you loose some of the vibe. If I had to choose: Suhr with a fat neck ! My ideal rig: a single pickup guitar, a cable and a (good) amp. There you go ! ;-)

  • @KirillIlyasov
    @KirillIlyasov 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I own Suhr Modern, they are great guitars, but between those two that you have showed use here my clear preference is Fender - more "body" in sound, and neck position sounds fatter (which I like, some may not). Considering 1000 USD price difference I would buy Fender.

    • @rcc3music
      @rcc3music 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      FACTS

    • @shred9080
      @shred9080 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I own both and I am selling the fender. They sound horrible and the quality is not good for what they ask. This guy isn’t giving a honest review because he doesn’t want to piss off fender.

    • @algorithm007ify
      @algorithm007ify 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Suhr PLEK is sometimes rushed..leaving boxy frets with slightly sharp fret ends. Wish they would pay more attention there.

  • @MichaelWilson-ri9pn
    @MichaelWilson-ri9pn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Suhr guitars are amazing. And Greg Kinnear is a fantastic player!! Two thumbs up!

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Haha, thanks for watching!

  • @jakollee
    @jakollee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great comparison video, the Suhr definitely sounds a little nicer to my ears, although both sound great in your hands. When you were demonstrating the middle pickup on the Fender, you played an amazing lick at 3:04 to 3:07 that really caught my attention! Any chance you could do one of your "playing outside" lessons and break down that lick?! (I'm not even suhr what key it's in!)

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm not at all suhr of the key myself!! Thanks for watching!

  • @TimGuitarcouk
    @TimGuitarcouk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A really sensible, well judged and measured assessment. Congrats on a very professional and helpful video.

  • @derekallan6166
    @derekallan6166 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Suhr sounds a little more focused and snappy in all pickup positions. The middle pickup sounds really good, particularly for a country or chicken picking style.

  • @xchump
    @xchump 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have the same pickups in my Classic Antique. SSV + ML Standards. Honestly...best pickups I've ever had in any guitar.

  • @musicmann1967
    @musicmann1967 4 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    To me the Strat sounded fine until you played the Suhr. Then the openness of the Suhr you mentioned became very apparent. I'm no fan of the noiseless pups. I never played a Suhr, but they sound great, and I do prefer C shaped necks too. My guess is that Fender is aiming at gigging musicians that do anything from churches to weddings and such. Less worries about single coil noise, sounds good, solidly made, and can take a beating pretty well. I personally prefer the Suhr though.

    • @jbandy10
      @jbandy10 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The Suhr is noiseless.

    • @musicmann1967
      @musicmann1967 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jbandy10 I should have said I'm not a fan of FENDER Noiseless pups. At least not the ones I've heard. If the Suhr pups are noiseless, they're doing it right.

    • @jbandy10
      @jbandy10 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@musicmann1967 the pickups themselves aren't noiseless. Suhr has a noiseless system installed in their single coil guitars that kills the hum. It's unique to Suhr. Only a few other builders use something like it.

    • @musicmann1967
      @musicmann1967 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jbandy10 I've heard the system that Ilitch makes, which seems interesting. I think it's passive and doesn't require a battery. Thanks for the info! Ya learn something new every day!

    • @keolacam
      @keolacam 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like the sound of the Suhr single coils, really sweet

  • @yusdiy
    @yusdiy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dear Mr. Tubbs,
    Both no doubt are great guitars in their own right. Tone wise I do not dare to comment. The Fender Ultra Strat tries as much as it to retain its core identity, while the Suhr Classic Pro (identical to 'S' except for hardware,electronics and frets?) able to implement features towards practical usage. However the innovation fell short at the pickguard to neck pocket area.
    I recently help a friend reinstall a stock treble bleed back into his Suhr Classic S. I saw the neck bolt screws were botch a bit prior but think nothing of it. I finally figured out I had to dis-assemble the neck to take the pickguard out just to get to the electronics.
    So in short, when you want to swap pickup(s), must take out the neck. Changed your mind about the pickups? Must take out the neck. Need to change the pots? Must Take out the neck. Want to put mojo tone cap? Must take out the neck. If a pickup slip-off the height screws? Yes, Must take out the neck too!
    While the Ultra Strat neck and body able to maintain good coupling for years without any unnecessary neck dis-assembly, I hope who ever that took out your Classic Pro/S for the forth time knows what his doing. Sure a worn hole can be re-patch and re drill professionally but is it prematurely necessary after spending a couple of thousand? I hope Suhr will correct this issue.
    I think service friendly factor should be included into a gear review because eventually each of us will have to deal with it one day. As a consumer, I would be piss if a flaw were to originated from the manufacturer themselves which can be month,years or decades later.
    Thank you for a great content and keep up the good work.
    Sincerely
    YGT

  • @FabrizioPeretti
    @FabrizioPeretti 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you man, great video as always..........
    ....On guitars i can't afford. I' m just here because you play like a beast all the time.

  • @renatonyc
    @renatonyc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have had both, among several other strats, and although Fender did step up with the Ultra, the stainless Plekd frets on the Suhr are absolutely better (no, there’s no discernible tone difference and they’ll last forever). I personally think that once you go 10-14” radius you lose a certain “stratness”... it makes me play differently. My Suhr had the ML pickups (instead on V63) which I regard as one of the best strat pups, clear and sparkly (especially when playing loud and high gain). Ultimately I decided to sell both and get two strats from an independent luthier. All good now! Love the video! 🙌🏼

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Awesome! Go with what works for sure.

    • @renatonyc
      @renatonyc 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Shawn Tubbs - my new favorite neck radius is a compound 7.25” to 9.5” with a medium C profile. Comfy thumb-over Hendrix chords with the choking when bending on upper frets. Best if both worlds! If you care, check out the Californian brand Iconic Guitars.

    • @louiscyfer6944
      @louiscyfer6944 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ShawnTubbs have you played some tom andersons. i ended up with that over the suhr.

    • @louiscyfer6944
      @louiscyfer6944 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@renatonyc i don't really like plekked frets. they are better than a bad guitar tech, but a great tech will finish frets better than plek. the plek doesn't really have the guitar in the playing position. i don't really care if it is stainless frets or jescar evo gold.

    • @renatonyc
      @renatonyc 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@louiscyfer6944 funny to read my comment now, after two years. I couldn’t really deal with the 10”-14” radius on the Suhr, didn’t feel like a strat to me. After searching, buying and returning several Custom Shop strats I found Iconic Guitars (made in San Diego) and never looked back. Best guitars I’ve ever played. Not plek’d 😂 just extremely well-made and dripping mojo.

  • @richardweidner1625
    @richardweidner1625 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    great vid, thanks. wondering if you've come across any MIJ Fenders and your thoughts. I have a blonde tele and a 96 jag and I really like them.
    in Ochanomizu in Japan there is a street with music stores on both sides of the street for about two blocks. lotsa fun

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      MIJ Fenders are hit and miss for me but I've certainly played some good ones. I'd love to go to Japan one of these days.

  • @guitarz
    @guitarz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    gotta get my hands on that ultra Strat.... and yes your effortless playing makes me realize... yeah Tubbs is goooood.

  • @antonytroughton2611
    @antonytroughton2611 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Could Fender be making a decent guitar again? Sounds and looks great

  • @benjipathfinder7962
    @benjipathfinder7962 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the way you keep down the Suhr guitar with so much care💚

  • @hoangnguyennguyen1032
    @hoangnguyennguyen1032 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I really want to own a fender. The only thing that kept me from getting one is they don’t have stainless steel frets. Have those on my Music Man Majesty. It’s 201 now, so believe unless a guitar is specifically designed no replicate a vintage instrument, there should be stainless steel frets on a guitar more than $1000. The durability and feel are just amazing. Some may notice added high ends but they can always dial them out with the EQ in mere seconds if they don’t want that.

    • @sarahrogerson1218
      @sarahrogerson1218 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The new fender lux ultra has the ss frets and full heal carving. A great guitar

  • @brownsfan7753
    @brownsfan7753 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice comparison!! Thanks for this!

  • @335gc
    @335gc 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great playing and an informative video

  • @ericwong1972
    @ericwong1972 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love my suhr. I do think it’s a precision instrument compared to the fender. Only thing I don’t like is the weight

  • @massimos6863
    @massimos6863 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome playing and great Demo

  • @kaskas55
    @kaskas55 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Both sounds nice, but I like the Suhr because of the Rosewood board.

    • @ShamanicSavant
      @ShamanicSavant 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You can get the Ultra with a rosewood board. I got the SSS in Arctic white with a rosewood board, but I'm not sure about the HSS version :)

  • @jboughtin7522
    @jboughtin7522 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    If some one came walking up to me with one in each hand and "hey man, pick one its yours" I would go with the Fender.

    • @kevdean9967
      @kevdean9967 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely!!!

    • @richmanfilms
      @richmanfilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, I would choose the two Fenders one in each hand than the Suhr in one hand.

  • @dreamscuba
    @dreamscuba 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review. Lovely tones from both guitars. I like that these Suhr pickups are not noiseless, very open sounding. Both are above my budget. I am toying with the idea of the American professional II (closet to my budget). I'm more of an SSS guy as I have other guitars with humbuckers in them.

  • @paso193
    @paso193 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hmmm......Based on this very nicely played (and fair) demo of both guitars......I'd have to take the Strat over the Suhr at first blush. I think the fleshier neck on the Strat helps in giving a more 'rounded' overall timbre on all settings. Also, it just sounded more ample than the upper end, airy output of the Suhr. And, like Tubbs said, if that is the sound you're chasing, the Suhr fills the bill. For me, though, I need more meat on the bone and with the addition of the S1 switch, it’s kinda hard to make a true comparison of these two fine guitars.

  • @ThiagoVieiraguitarra
    @ThiagoVieiraguitarra 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good. The two sounds are incredible. Your way of playing spice in the sound. Which pedal did you use to demonstrate the overdrive?

    • @ShawnTubbs
      @ShawnTubbs  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching! I used a Rockett Pedals Majestic for the overdrive.

    • @ThiagoVieiraguitarra
      @ThiagoVieiraguitarra 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Shawn Tubbs thanks man. I’m a fan