Thanks so much for this video. I recently got my dream guitar, a Strandberg Prog, but it’s not without some issues I wish I wouldn’t see in a premium-priced guitar (mostly with regards to tuning stability). Suhrs have always been a close 2nd place for me due to their unbelievable quality, but I’m also interested in Aristides despite not having played one. Mayones and Kiesel I have both played on separate occasions and they felt like a dream!
I have a Suhr and a Kiesel. Love them both. The Kiesel is less expensive because you buy direct rather than through a dealer. The Suhr ssh and ssv pickups are better than the Kiesel Lithium IMO. The Lithiums are too bright. Ordering some holdsworth pups to replace. Both are great guitars. Buying another Kiesel soon, love the headless fit.
Just found you. Amazing playing. Appreciate your take. Hope you're able to push videos more often and grow the channel. Also, you only made me double-check my phone a few times! 🤣 Maybe mute that next time. 😉 Cheers!
Ransom Baggins Thanks! Hahaha Yeah.... my alerts were on, on my iPad. Which usually is on mute. I was so focused and in a rush that I didn’t notice until I was editing. I kept checking my phone, too. I edited a few out. That was a first. Won’t happen again. Lol
I have had about 8 Carvin/Kiesels and only had one issue. A wire wasn't soldered. For most Kiesels, they have a 10 day no questions return policy. That only doesn't apply if you have certain mods. I've never played a Suhr, but I hear they are wonderful. A bit more expensive though, unless you go crazy with Kiesel options. I think the most expensive guitar they've made was around 11K, but it was a work of art.
I spent $2,500 on my custom Kiesel DCM7. I was attracted to Kiesel because of the custom shop options. I got a neck thru. All walnut with purpleheart top and skunk stripes. My fingerboard is zebrawood. Those wood options make the guitar for me. I feel like I’m playing antique musical furniture lol. It weighs a lot.
Thanks for the comment. I've been a professional musician for 26 of the 36 years I've been playing. I agree that practice is a foundational key component. I also have cheaper guitars that I've modified. They have done basically the same thing as the higher end guitars in their respective situations. However, it's very rare that any of them have actually been as good. The point of this video is comparing these particular guitars. Not how with practice you can accomplish the same thing on a cheaper Tele. As a matter of fact, a cheap standard squire tele doesn't have the capability with its types of pickups and number of frets to accomplish what these guitars can. That said, these 3 guitars don't really have the "Tele" thing either. Depends on the situation and style of music you're playing. Peace!
I had expensive guitars had to sell I can't afford anything but a piece of s*** so I don't even buy one I'm talking like a $50 one but I'll get me something new or newer and I'll be all right but they're just an overpriced pieces of wood they are man like you said a squire you strip it down a good pickup center upgrade the electronics and the nut and tuners for 100 or 200 bucks it will rock
Suhr are awesome but dang they do expensive! Couldn't imagine having that much money to spend. Great video My favorite I've ever played are the ernie ball music man guitars
Thanks for the video, I liked and subbed, I just joined the Suhr club by chance lol the order I would put these in would be Suhr, Kiesel (price wise) and then the Ibanez. I tried the Ibanez and just felt they weren't worth the asking price. I like do like Ibanez designs but feel they go the cheap route which doesn't match the price for me personally. I'm happy to be a Suhr owner now! Never planned or thought I'd have one. Lol I almost went for a custom Kiesel many times never pulled the trigger. I sold my Ibanez prestige rg because it wasn't so prestige to me.
I don’t own 2 of your 3 brands but I do own a Suhr. Along with Gibsons, American made Fenders, and PRS guitars. And I agree with you about the Suhr. It was the last electric guitar purchased and I’ve lost interest in acquiring anything else. It’s just that good. Anyway thanks
Really great info! You mentioned that the thick Kiesel neck is very similar to the Ibanez AZ neck. Could you share a little more detail? I found the Kiesel standard neck a bit thin but the Ibanez AZ too fat. I'm wondering if the Kiesel thick neck would be the right call.
Thanks. Perhaps what you may be feeling is the shoulder on the AZ due to it being an Oval C profile. This sometimes makes a neck feel thicker to me. The Kiesel is closer to a C with less of a shoulder. I really like the thicker Kiesel neck. Suhr Modern elliptical #3, and the AZ. The AZ did feel thicker due to what I mention above, but could also have been that particular guitar. Not all guitar necks exactly measure to the spec sheet, regardless of the CNC. There’s still hand sanding involved.
Can you please make a video comparing buying expensive guitars (suhr, kiesel, ibanez) vs building your guitars through separate parts, in terms of quality and playability?
For the price, I’m going with Kiesel. The Suhr is probably slightly more dialed in, but the Kiesel gives you so many options to customize your guitar and a much better price than Suhr.
I am a Suhr owner and have thought about getting one of the Ibanez but man that Pete Thorn model in the red. The fretwork on the Suhr is just hard to beat.
I've never owned a suhr guitar, but I've played several. My Carvin Bolt played every bit as good as any surh or charvel Goven model. I now prefer my Kiesel headless models. But Suhr absolutely makes great guitars.
I have a question that doesn't involve this video, but you seem to actually respond to comments, so; I'm getting a kiesel, and I've never played a Floyd rose, or their hipshot, and I'm wondering what you think is better, and why, and other than changing strings and tuning on a Floyd rose, what other problems might I run into, and what's their hipshot like for all that, as well?
In short, I'd go Hipshot. I like the feel a little better... more responsive, and it holds tune really well... easier to maintain if you're not familiar with tremolo's. I like the Hipshot better. Once you "properly setup" a Floyd, you'll rarely have to tune it. You can go crazy on them! If you're not going crazy with the Trem, go with the hipshot.
I’ve got a little older carvin it still plays great 2013 model but needs work and Kiesel doesn’t do anything after it leaves the shop unless it’s under warranty , it’s got a Fishman powerbridge and all electronics are on a PCB board can’t find anybody to work on it . I’d planned a refret and tuner upgrade and general reconditioning of the guitar but no luck so far .
That's where Suhr and Tom Anderson are different. They'll work with you one those things. Have a friend who bought a 2nd hand Suhr Modern awith neck issues... they replace the neck.
@@tonlarj37 yea I’ve got a PRS custom I’ve had reconditioned that plays better now than it did when I bought it . The top brands are so expensive now , I paid 2100 for my custom with a 10 top not anymore lol
No problem. They're all great, but it means, "Attention to deal on the little things" Kiesel uses cheaper screws, wiring, and pots. The AZ fret work finnish wasn't as good as the Suhr.
Better quality woods, superlative fret work, incredible pickups.....I've played some new Ibanez JEM/RG and AZ' and neither one were on Suhr's level of craftsmanship....
Kiesel is hard to beat in terms of all the models and options they offer. Especially for the price. Their "higher-end" flagship models - K line/70th anniversary are still cheaper than most Suhrs of the comparable quality. My main guitars are Vader with trem and Aristides with a fixed bridge, deciding which one to play is a daily struggle :)
Hi, I’m looking to pick up a Vader or Zeus. My only worry is the neck shape. Could you advise what you’d compare your Vader’s neck too? It’d be great to get a rough idea what shop brought guitars they are similar too. Thanks!
@@dannyboyblue1111 from the guitars that I played I think schecter c-1 necks are closest in shape/thickness to Kiesel's regular thickness necks. maybe a little less tapered shape but very close. Kiesel also does thinner/thicker necks as an extra option - I've never played those.
Im really tempted to give Kiesel a try. But I have issues in choosing the pickups. I want a HSS setup with lower output PUs similar to the Suhr ML Single Coils / Asatobucker(Mates Asato Signature). However I cannot find any information on their Lithium or Beryllium Single Coil Pickups or how they sound. (Thats the two I can choose at the configurator) In the vids the Delos always sounds pretty fat almost like Humbuckers. Im afraid of loosing dynamics when playing funky, janky clean riffs thoug as they seem to be very compressed. Hard to tell..
Go Beryllium 9k for the Humbucker. They also have some new single coil pickups that are supposed to be voiced more like vintage style single coils. Called, "Mark's pickups" Just call Kiesel and they'll help. They also use 500K mini pots, so.... consider that. I had the Beryllium singles and have done several videos showcasing them. They're pretty good sounding, but it's not a true Strat single sound.
Also, they’re really good guitars, but I wouldn’t go crazy on specs. Get something you like that’s simple and basic. You’ll take less of a hit if you try to resell
@@tonlarj37 Great advice on the specs for resale. On the other hand, If you do want a Kiesel with a fancy finish or top, you can get a great deal for one used. I bought a used Kiesel for $1100 where the guy showed the spec sheet and it came out to $2100 and that was with black friday deals saving him some money.
Always a fan of RG prestige. Lucky to have a couple and couldn't imagine a better guitar in same price range. Not knocking other brands but they all cost 3 kidneys in my country. And after pandemic even MiJ RGs cost at least a kidney. I could barely afford an RG genesis now if I'm to buy new guitar.
A bit complicated. I changed the pickups which are attached to the pickguard. In order to do that I had to remove the pickguard. In order to remove the pickguard, I had to remove the neck, because the pickguard tightly sits under the fretboard. No shims
this is only the second vid i have watched of yours,and i dig it,but i wish you would play! with such amazing guitars,you must be a fucking killer player! the closest thing i have to those is two fender roadhouse strats,which arnt in that league but similar with the flat 12 inch radius.but that's irrelevant,I am a rock n roll funk strat guy.i will have to go to your page to see what style of music you play,it must be like prog-metal or jazz fusion or something,i bet its killer
Very nice video the only part i didn't like was the outro haha that hissing sound made me panic! Since i have meniere's disease that hissing sound is so loud
@@tonlarj37 what if starts buzzing on the first frets , I have a suhr modern too by the way :) when do you think it starts to be too straight ??? thanks stay safe mate
@@marcocelestino4308 Guitars can be a little fussy and unpredictable. Sometimes you have to find the sweet spot for how you want it to feel. Maybe give it a quarter turn to loosen... let it sit for a bit and see if that helps.
I own 4 Carvin/Kiesel guitars (a DC400 anniversary from the 90s, a HHX, a Bolt, and a Vader). 2 Ibanezes (steve vai and satriani signature models). I don't own a Suhr yet but I have 3 Tom Andersons which might be comparable. All lefties. Kiesel makes great guitars, especially the necks - they are flawless. The downsides of Kiesel for me are 1. the electronics. pots and switches are not high quality. 2. consistency - 2 of them were wired correctly while for some reason the other 2 were wired the other way around 3. pickups - not all of their models allow for a simple swap with pickups of your choice because the routing/sizing is different. 4. customer support is not good. My experience with guitars is that if you own multiple guitars (dont we all ? :)) it's wiser to save up and go for a smaller scale production company the likes of Tom Anderson or Suhr. More expensive but worth it. Whenever I contact Anderson guitars, it's usually the man himself who replies.
I’ve had 10 Kiesel’s. Only 2 left. All good, all but a few had some small issue. Otherwise, great! I agree with all you said, though. I’ve had 2 Anderson’s and 5 Suhr’s. Kept them for a while and sold them. Felt them out… I dealt directly with Tom, too. Also have friends who’ve had favorable experiences with Suhr’s customer service. Those are top notch products and companies. I just need to find the right model and spec that suits me best. I also have the Ibanez PIA and JS2450. I enjoy playing those most.
@@tonlarj37 ok tnx for the reply Tony & for the link.., ill try to look if that is still available,, its that i just really love the color finishes & bindings of the PT ones...
Do the carbon fiber reinforcement make any difference with respect to neck movement when compared to the AZ and the Suhr? I have a few friends who have Vigiers and they swear that their necks don't move a nanometer. Loved the video btw ❤️
Thanks! The necks never moved on any of the 8 Kiesel's I've had. All the Suhr guitars I've had were excellent, too. The AZ was stable, but I didn't have it long. I'm still in contact with the guy I sold it to... he loves it and hasn't seem to have any issues.
@@leoarjuncrasto I don’t recall ever having to touch the truss rods on the Kiesel’s I’ve had. They were all setup to my liking. Some were actually in perfect tune when I got them. I’ve never experienced that in 37 hrs of playing. I know people who’ve tweaked their Kiesel’s, I just didn’t need to.
How are you getting along with the PT Suhr neck? Thinking about a custom and am on the fence about Even C Slim or Even C Medium. The Slim is a lot like Charvel.
Thanks for the comment. The Slim even C is not like any of the Charvel's I've owned. It's thicker than those. I love it, but would go Even Medium C if I were ordering a custom Suhr.
I just got an Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty and it is hands down the best guitar I've ever owned in the last 30yrs. I actually sold an Ibanez J Custom to the get the Majesty and don't regret it at all. Just an excellent guitar.
Under normal circumstances, yes. However, you’ll take the finish off the Ibanez. It’s light maple underneath. Makes me wonder if it’s really roasted. Humm
Yeah... Kiesel's warranty on their necks are a few years and are limited. Suhr is actually lifetime regardless if was used. They'll replace it if it's a defect in the wood. I'm not aware of anyone else doing that. I love both the brands, though.
I might have been referring to the whole guitar building process? However, I know that after the kiln drying process; Suhr, PRS, and Tom Anderson will let their necks sit and cure for a long time after kiln drying (well over a month) before continuing the build. Making sure everything is A+ with the neck. Which is why it takes longer to get a guitar from them. Kiesel and Ibanez don't do that. I've gotten 7 of my Kiesel Guitars between 6-12 weeks from order date. Kiesel does put the carbon fiber rods, though. Hope that makes more sense by what I was meaning. I should probably think these vids through and try and better communicating, instead of fly off the cuff. lol Thanks for the question
@@tonlarj37 don't the carvin fiber rods compensate for any movement tho? And they could just leave it in the kiln for longer no? And it just seems like the product of being a custom shop, not a retail production one.. not really a quality thing, but idk
@@GeneralAdmission_1 just from my experience and experimenting with all the guitars I’ve had with these brands. There’s a little bit higher quality with the Suhr’s than the Kiesel guitars. The dots and lines don’t always line up on the Kiesel guitars. They have been near perfect on the Suhr’s I’ve had. Maybe it’s just the luck of the draw? Still, i don’t think anyone could go wrong with either.
I owned an AZ Prestige Ice Blue Metallic and the Hyperion isn't my cup of tea, it's a honking muddy mid range mess. Got the EBMM Stingray and it feels and sounds so much better, eyeing on a Suhr one day.
the suhr is twice the price of the rest the ibanez you can get at a real good price all japanes axes are well made the kessal the necks are good but the pickups are grape so its the ibanez all day long.
Suhr is the best in other words. I have played a lot of guitars and Suhr just blow the others out of the water. Left-handed too. I don't think they get enough credit for their attention to us lefties....
My 2 cents: -Suhr makes amazing guitars but their prices are outrageous,specially here in Europe. 3,000 Euros for a guitar that´s essentially an upgraded "Fat Strat"?! GTFO Suhr and take Friedman with you,they´re also comically overpriced. I can literally build me a Suhr style guitar with Warmoth parts,for 1/3 of the money.(same hardware and specs and all) -Ibanez use to make high-end shred machines for a fair price,back in the day. Nowadays,if you want a quality Ibanez you have to pay almost Made in USA prices for Made in Japan Prestige models and their quality control isn´t very good,specially on the Made in Indonesia Premium and Iron Label series. -Kiesel, has the best "value for your money" and their guitars are usually extremely high-quality. Unfortunately,for us in Europe, we have to pay a crapload of import/VAT taxes when bringing them over.Other big issues,are their outdated af website and their strange policies. For example: if you want to send in aftermarket pickups of your choice, you have to pay an extra fee and you lose the 10-day money return option,WTF?! Or another thing,that don´t make sense: they discontinued various options for their older models,like the plain maple/solid finish option for the CT and also discontinued the Floyd for various models,where it was available. Also,their customer service needs something to desired of.
@@RicardoDiazHimself I´m always amused how in 2020,people still fall for all that marketing-BS from "boutique" guitar companies. That Pete Thorn Suhr here,is listed at 3,885 Euros (that´s roughly around 4,200 $) at Thomann. 4 grand for a simple,bolt-on Fat Strat,with no crazy figured top or exotic paintjob or crazy electronics like Piezo or DB-Boost or Sustainiac system. That´s beyond ridiculous and I don´t care if the guitar is made by John Suhr himself. I can literally build you a replica of this thing,with Warmoth parts for 1/3 of the money and you wont will feel any substantial difference in playablity,tone or reliability.
@@greekfreak1980 no, really. It is very cool that you are not aware that you do not know what you don't know. And I'm not knocking on warmoth. They build good quality parts. But there is just no comparison to any of the brands listed, much less with the one the reviewer concluded. Cheers!
I agree with most of what you say, but I feel a Made in Japan guitar is the same or better quality than a Made in America guitar assuming the company is supplying the Japanese manufacturer with high quality parts. Japanese made ESP and Ibanez are as good as any made in America guitar.
Warmoth is not that good anymore. Sharp unleveled frets poorly cut nuts. They are not as good as my Squier’s. The ones I built up in the late 90’s early 2000’s were excellent but the last two were pretty weak.
I had two Suhr guitars and both had QC issues. One of them was awful - REALLY rough fingerboard and various other issues. I've seen a ton of Squiers that are WAY better made.
Interesting. Suhr's are not my favorite guitars. The one in this video was beyond exceptional. I have a friend who had a truss rod issue with his Suhr, they replaced the neck for a far superior one at no extra charge. The said, I've had 5 Suhr's and played probably 20+ more. Not one had any issues. I've also been playing almost 40 years and have never seen a squire that didn't have issues. Squire is mostly cheap crap and would need significant mods to get up to par. I've probably upgraded 20+ over the years. Suhr's are ridiculously over priced. Even the lower end models. I'll have to call you on your squire claim. Anyone who is a true guitarist knows better.
Do you ever consider that your wiewers really want to see what you are showing to the camera !!!??? Try to see your video with that in mind.(angle to camera , holding object still etc. ) Your videowork seems very amateur-like with these flaws. I try very hard to take a close look at what you are showing and babbling away about, but not --------------------------! Sorry for negative /bad tempered comment but----------------------- I used to love el-guitars and sound, but now im sick an cant play satisfyingly any more. Have Gibsons an Fenders but my favourites so far is Prs and Custom Shop Fenders ( some of them ) Have not played on a Suhr or Kiesel., but Les Pauls and Music Man. Had a Gretch Chet Atkins (pink) and the Quality of the neck is / was unbeatable. Soo even an stable.
I tried all these guitars for 50 years and own a 1993 Heritage 535 (Gibson 335 style) guitar that no one can beat, INCLUDING Suhr, Kiesel, and tons more! I can get Fender, Gibson, Jazz tones, Country tones, Rock, natural distortion sounds, as well and better than these expensive guitars! Many of you play with lots of distortion to the point the sound could easily be a crap guitar, until you play it of course but the tons of distortion today isn`t cool, clean and natural distortion is what guitars should be made to sound but MANY expensive guitars don`t have a great clean sound and the pickups do much of the work, not worth the money, FACT!!!
Absolutely love my Suhr custom modern. Best guitar I have!
Thanks so much for this video. I recently got my dream guitar, a Strandberg Prog, but it’s not without some issues I wish I wouldn’t see in a premium-priced guitar (mostly with regards to tuning stability).
Suhrs have always been a close 2nd place for me due to their unbelievable quality, but I’m also interested in Aristides despite not having played one. Mayones and Kiesel I have both played on separate occasions and they felt like a dream!
Great vid! The Suhr modern HH Aldrich’s are beast mode in guitar heaven-thx again!
I have a Suhr and a Kiesel. Love them both. The Kiesel is less expensive because you buy direct rather than through a dealer. The Suhr ssh and ssv pickups are better than the Kiesel Lithium IMO. The Lithiums are too bright. Ordering some holdsworth pups to replace. Both are great guitars. Buying another Kiesel soon, love the headless fit.
Just found you. Amazing playing. Appreciate your take. Hope you're able to push videos more often and grow the channel. Also, you only made me double-check my phone a few times! 🤣 Maybe mute that next time. 😉 Cheers!
Ransom Baggins Thanks! Hahaha Yeah.... my alerts were on, on my iPad. Which usually is on mute. I was so focused and in a rush that I didn’t notice until I was editing. I kept checking my phone, too. I edited a few out. That was a first. Won’t happen again. Lol
I have had about 8 Carvin/Kiesels and only had one issue. A wire wasn't soldered. For most Kiesels, they have a 10 day no questions return policy. That only doesn't apply if you have certain mods. I've never played a Suhr, but I hear they are wonderful. A bit more expensive though, unless you go crazy with Kiesel options. I think the most expensive guitar they've made was around 11K, but it was a work of art.
I’ve had 8 Kiesel guitars, too. They’ve all been really nice!
I spent $2,500 on my custom Kiesel DCM7. I was attracted to Kiesel because of the custom shop options. I got a neck thru. All walnut with purpleheart top and skunk stripes. My fingerboard is zebrawood. Those wood options make the guitar for me. I feel like I’m playing antique musical furniture lol. It weighs a lot.
Great vid Tony
Great video! Found this very helpful
Thanks
I bought fancy guitars like prs and carvin. Now all I play is a Squier tele. A little practice makes more of a difference than any pricey guitar.
Thanks for the comment.
I've been a professional musician for 26 of the 36 years I've been playing. I agree that practice is a foundational key component. I also have cheaper guitars that I've modified. They have done basically the same thing as the higher end guitars in their respective situations. However, it's very rare that any of them have actually been as good.
The point of this video is comparing these particular guitars. Not how with practice you can accomplish the same thing on a cheaper Tele. As a matter of fact, a cheap standard squire tele doesn't have the capability with its types of pickups and number of frets to accomplish what these guitars can. That said, these 3 guitars don't really have the "Tele" thing either. Depends on the situation and style of music you're playing. Peace!
I had expensive guitars had to sell I can't afford anything but a piece of s*** so I don't even buy one I'm talking like a $50 one but I'll get me something new or newer and I'll be all right but they're just an overpriced pieces of wood they are man like you said a squire you strip it down a good pickup center upgrade the electronics and the nut and tuners for 100 or 200 bucks it will rock
Suhr are awesome but dang they do expensive! Couldn't imagine having that much money to spend.
Great video
My favorite I've ever played are the ernie ball music man guitars
Thanks for the video, I liked and subbed, I just joined the Suhr club by chance lol the order I would put these in would be Suhr, Kiesel (price wise) and then the Ibanez. I tried the Ibanez and just felt they weren't worth the asking price. I like do like Ibanez designs but feel they go the cheap route which doesn't match the price for me personally. I'm happy to be a Suhr owner now! Never planned or thought I'd have one. Lol I almost went for a custom Kiesel many times never pulled the trigger. I sold my Ibanez prestige rg because it wasn't so prestige to me.
You’re welcome and Thanks!
I don’t own 2 of your 3 brands but I do own a Suhr. Along with Gibsons, American made Fenders, and PRS guitars. And I agree with you about the Suhr. It was the last electric guitar purchased and I’ve lost interest in acquiring anything else. It’s just that good. Anyway thanks
Really great info! You mentioned that the thick Kiesel neck is very similar to the Ibanez AZ neck. Could you share a little more detail? I found the Kiesel standard neck a bit thin but the Ibanez AZ too fat. I'm wondering if the Kiesel thick neck would be the right call.
Thanks. Perhaps what you may be feeling is the shoulder on the AZ due to it being an Oval C profile. This sometimes makes a neck feel thicker to me. The Kiesel is closer to a C with less of a shoulder. I really like the thicker Kiesel neck. Suhr Modern elliptical #3, and the AZ. The AZ did feel thicker due to what I mention above, but could also have been that particular guitar. Not all guitar necks exactly measure to the spec sheet, regardless of the CNC. There’s still hand sanding involved.
Can you please make a video comparing buying expensive guitars (suhr, kiesel, ibanez) vs building your guitars through separate parts, in terms of quality and playability?
Im currently owning az and love the roasted maple neck and fretboard feels,how does it compares to suhr?
Nice stuff man, have you ever played an Aristides? They look really cool
Thanks! I actually haven’t. Would be cool if I could get my hands on one to try.
I'd love to see your opinions on an EBMM Sabre compared to this group.
For the price, I’m going with Kiesel. The Suhr is probably slightly more dialed in, but the Kiesel gives you so many options to customize your guitar and a much better price than Suhr.
I am a Suhr owner and have thought about getting one of the Ibanez but man that Pete Thorn model in the red. The fretwork on the Suhr is just hard to beat.
After a lot of time with them, I like the Suhr way better.
Tony Larremore Music thanks for the video and this comment - I'm just doubting between Suhr modern satin and Ibanez TQM (I want the wood finish 🙂).
@Αντίνοος If they would only do a thicker neck profile.
Αντίνοος it’s the Even Slim C but measures a little thicker than the spec sheet. .820 - .910
My Suhr feels more like a Les Paul neck than a strat neck.
I've never owned a suhr guitar, but I've played several. My Carvin Bolt played every bit as good as any surh or charvel Goven model. I now prefer my Kiesel headless models. But Suhr absolutely makes great guitars.
I have a question that doesn't involve this video, but you seem to actually respond to comments, so; I'm getting a kiesel, and I've never played a Floyd rose, or their hipshot, and I'm wondering what you think is better, and why, and other than changing strings and tuning on a Floyd rose, what other problems might I run into, and what's their hipshot like for all that, as well?
In short, I'd go Hipshot. I like the feel a little better... more responsive, and it holds tune really well... easier to maintain if you're not familiar with tremolo's. I like the Hipshot better.
Once you "properly setup" a Floyd, you'll rarely have to tune it. You can go crazy on them! If you're not going crazy with the Trem, go with the hipshot.
I’ve got a little older carvin it still plays great 2013 model but needs work and Kiesel doesn’t do anything after it leaves the shop unless it’s under warranty , it’s got a Fishman powerbridge and all electronics are on a PCB board can’t find anybody to work on it . I’d planned a refret and tuner upgrade and general reconditioning of the guitar but no luck so far .
That's where Suhr and Tom Anderson are different. They'll work with you one those things. Have a friend who bought a 2nd hand Suhr Modern awith neck issues... they replace the neck.
@@tonlarj37 yea I’ve got a PRS custom I’ve had reconditioned that plays better now than it did when I bought it . The top brands are so expensive now , I paid 2100 for my custom with a 10 top not anymore lol
Just wondering, ‘suhr’s are put together more meticulously’ what does that mean specifically relative to the other instruments? Thansk!
No problem. They're all great, but it means, "Attention to deal on the little things" Kiesel uses cheaper screws, wiring, and pots. The AZ fret work finnish wasn't as good as the Suhr.
Better quality woods, superlative fret work, incredible pickups.....I've played some new Ibanez JEM/RG and AZ' and neither one were on Suhr's level of craftsmanship....
Kiesel Delos is Beautiful guitar!
Kiesel/Carvin Rules..
Kiesel is hard to beat in terms of all the models and options they offer. Especially for the price. Their "higher-end" flagship models - K line/70th anniversary are still cheaper than most Suhrs of the comparable quality. My main guitars are Vader with trem and Aristides with a fixed bridge, deciding which one to play is a daily struggle :)
Kiesel's are fantastic!! And, definitely best bang for buck! I've own 8 of them and the DC600x was my favorite of the bunch.
Hi, I’m looking to pick up a Vader or Zeus. My only worry is the neck shape. Could you advise what you’d compare your Vader’s neck too? It’d be great to get a rough idea what shop brought guitars they are similar too. Thanks!
@@dannyboyblue1111 from the guitars that I played I think schecter c-1 necks are closest in shape/thickness to Kiesel's regular thickness necks. maybe a little less tapered shape but very close. Kiesel also does thinner/thicker necks as an extra option - I've never played those.
@@shredaholic9179 thanks for that! I’ll check out the schecter and then place my order 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Im really tempted to give Kiesel a try. But I have issues in choosing the pickups. I want a HSS setup with lower output PUs similar to the Suhr ML Single Coils / Asatobucker(Mates Asato Signature). However I cannot find any information on their Lithium or Beryllium Single Coil Pickups or how they sound.
(Thats the two I can choose at the configurator)
In the vids the Delos always sounds pretty fat almost like Humbuckers. Im afraid of loosing dynamics when playing funky, janky clean riffs thoug as they seem to be very compressed. Hard to tell..
Go Beryllium 9k for the Humbucker. They also have some new single coil pickups that are supposed to be voiced more like vintage style single coils. Called, "Mark's pickups" Just call Kiesel and they'll help. They also use 500K mini pots, so.... consider that. I had the Beryllium singles and have done several videos showcasing them. They're pretty good sounding, but it's not a true Strat single sound.
Also, they’re really good guitars, but I wouldn’t go crazy on specs. Get something you like that’s simple and basic. You’ll take less of a hit if you try to resell
@@tonlarj37 Great advice on the specs for resale. On the other hand, If you do want a Kiesel with a fancy finish or top, you can get a great deal for one used.
I bought a used Kiesel for $1100 where the guy showed the spec sheet and it came out to $2100 and that was with black friday deals saving him some money.
If you still haven't jumped into the water, Kiesel also makes "Mark's Singles" pickups that are fantastic
Always a fan of RG prestige. Lucky to have a couple and couldn't imagine a better guitar in same price range.
Not knocking other brands but they all cost 3 kidneys in my country. And after pandemic even MiJ RGs cost at least a kidney. I could barely afford an RG genesis now if I'm to buy new guitar.
Yeah, it seems to be getting that way everywhere. These guitars have all gone up in price. Kiesel is the better deal for quality at the moment.
You know they'll ask questions if you walk in with 3 kidneys, right?
Thank you for the comparison. Why did you take off the neck on Kiesel, put some shims?
A bit complicated. I changed the pickups which are attached to the pickguard. In order to do that I had to remove the pickguard. In order to remove the pickguard, I had to remove the neck, because the pickguard tightly sits under the fretboard. No shims
@@tonlarj37 Clear, thank you.
this is only the second vid i have watched of yours,and i dig it,but i wish you would play! with such amazing guitars,you must be a fucking killer player! the closest thing i have to those is two fender roadhouse strats,which arnt in that league but similar with the flat 12 inch radius.but that's irrelevant,I am a rock n roll funk strat guy.i will have to go to your page to see what style of music you play,it must be like prog-metal or jazz fusion or something,i bet its killer
Thanks. Yeah... problem is I like it all. I have a lot of videos playing a variety of styles. Thanks for checking it out! 🤘✌️
Very nice video the only part i didn't like was the outro haha that hissing sound made me panic! Since i have meniere's disease that hissing sound is so loud
Haha. Thanks! My wife says the same thing.
I’ll try to buy a shur next if I can get to pay it monthly
How do you check neck relief? Just got an az and the neck is straight as an arrow not sure if I have to adjust the rod
If it’s straight, why are you wanting to adjust it? I usually eye and feel it. I wouldn’t touch it if it’s straight.
@@tonlarj37 what if starts buzzing on the first frets , I have a suhr modern too by the way :) when do you think it starts to be too straight ??? thanks stay safe mate
@@marcocelestino4308 Guitars can be a little fussy and unpredictable. Sometimes you have to find the sweet spot for how you want it to feel. Maybe give it a quarter turn to loosen... let it sit for a bit and see if that helps.
I own 4 Carvin/Kiesel guitars (a DC400 anniversary from the 90s, a HHX, a Bolt, and a Vader). 2 Ibanezes (steve vai and satriani signature models). I don't own a Suhr yet but I have 3 Tom Andersons which might be comparable. All lefties. Kiesel makes great guitars, especially the necks - they are flawless. The downsides of Kiesel for me are 1. the electronics. pots and switches are not high quality. 2. consistency - 2 of them were wired correctly while for some reason the other 2 were wired the other way around 3. pickups - not all of their models allow for a simple swap with pickups of your choice because the routing/sizing is different. 4. customer support is not good.
My experience with guitars is that if you own multiple guitars (dont we all ? :)) it's wiser to save up and go for a smaller scale production company the likes of Tom Anderson or Suhr. More expensive but worth it. Whenever I contact Anderson guitars, it's usually the man himself who replies.
I’ve had 10 Kiesel’s. Only 2 left. All good, all but a few had some small issue. Otherwise, great! I agree with all you said, though. I’ve had 2 Anderson’s and 5 Suhr’s. Kept them for a while and sold them. Felt them out… I dealt directly with Tom, too. Also have friends who’ve had favorable experiences with Suhr’s customer service. Those are top notch products and companies. I just need to find the right model and spec that suits me best. I also have the Ibanez PIA and JS2450. I enjoy playing those most.
hi, is there a 24 fret version of that suhr pete thorn model?
Keyboard Mac I actually used to have a Suhr Modern 24fret with same specs. But, The PT once comes with22 frets.
Keyboard Mac th-cam.com/video/I-5k19ZNO-g/w-d-xo.html
@@tonlarj37 ok tnx for the reply Tony & for the link.., ill try to look if that is still available,, its that i just really love the color finishes & bindings of the PT ones...
Do the carbon fiber reinforcement make any difference with respect to neck movement when compared to the AZ and the Suhr? I have a few friends who have Vigiers and they swear that their necks don't move a nanometer. Loved the video btw ❤️
Thanks! The necks never moved on any of the 8 Kiesel's I've had. All the Suhr guitars I've had were excellent, too. The AZ was stable, but I didn't have it long. I'm still in contact with the guy I sold it to... he loves it and hasn't seem to have any issues.
@@tonlarj37 you mean to say the Kiesel has never needed a truss adjustment? Just wow
@@leoarjuncrasto I don’t recall ever having to touch the truss rods on the Kiesel’s I’ve had. They were all setup to my liking. Some were actually in perfect tune when I got them. I’ve never experienced that in 37 hrs of playing. I know people who’ve tweaked their Kiesel’s, I just didn’t need to.
@@tonlarj37 thanks for your response ❤️ appreciate it
How are you getting along with the PT Suhr neck? Thinking about a custom and am on the fence about Even C Slim or Even C Medium. The Slim is a lot like Charvel.
Thanks for the comment. The Slim even C is not like any of the Charvel's I've owned. It's thicker than those. I love it, but would go Even Medium C if I were ordering a custom Suhr.
I emailed Suhr earlier today to ask how much it would cost to replace a neck.
@@richardgarcia406 That's not going to be cheap
Might be cheaper than getting a new guitar! That is why I’m asking.
@@richardgarcia406 let me know what they say when you find out
What do you think about kiesel thin neck profile
It’s nice and comfortable. Not as thin as a wizard. Close to a Charvel but a C profile
Is that the AZ that just went out...
BAM Mözzi yes
I just got an Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty and it is hands down the best guitar I've ever owned in the last 30yrs. I actually sold an Ibanez J Custom to the get the Majesty and don't regret it at all. Just an excellent guitar.
I got the 20th anniversary jp6 by musicman and it's incredible.
What about Tom Anderson vs James Tyler?
I did an Anderson vs Suhr. JT's are great, too.
15 seconds with sandpaper and bingo rolled edges😊
Under normal circumstances, yes. However, you’ll take the finish off the Ibanez. It’s light maple underneath. Makes me wonder if it’s really roasted. Humm
Hi r u sire the suhr is higher end put together ?? Im looking for a nother solid body guitar aimilar 2 those styles?
Is it higher end than keisel??
@@paginini Depends on the model. I'd maybe go Kiesel. They've updated their electronics since I did this video.
@@tonlarj37 thanks
Limited lifetime warranties are not your lifetime the time frame is regulated by the manufacturer
Yeah... Kiesel's warranty on their necks are a few years and are limited. Suhr is actually lifetime regardless if was used. They'll replace it if it's a defect in the wood. I'm not aware of anyone else doing that. I love both the brands, though.
Kiesel for life.
Which Suhr model is this ?
Pete Thorn
O no way... I have that shirt too... haha
It’s a great shirt! I have 2
@@tonlarj37 nice haha. N thanks for the review. Been looking at kiesel aries
I'm curious what you mean when you say the neck "is put together more meticulously" doesn't really make sense to me
I might have been referring to the whole guitar building process? However, I know that after the kiln drying process; Suhr, PRS, and Tom Anderson will let their necks sit and cure for a long time after kiln drying (well over a month) before continuing the build. Making sure everything is A+ with the neck. Which is why it takes longer to get a guitar from them. Kiesel and Ibanez don't do that. I've gotten 7 of my Kiesel Guitars between 6-12 weeks from order date. Kiesel does put the carbon fiber rods, though.
Hope that makes more sense by what I was meaning. I should probably think these vids through and try and better communicating, instead of fly off the cuff. lol
Thanks for the question
@@tonlarj37 don't the carvin fiber rods compensate for any movement tho? And they could just leave it in the kiln for longer no? And it just seems like the product of being a custom shop, not a retail production one.. not really a quality thing, but idk
@@GeneralAdmission_1 just from my experience and experimenting with all the guitars I’ve had with these brands. There’s a little bit higher quality with the Suhr’s than the Kiesel guitars. The dots and lines don’t always line up on the Kiesel guitars. They have been near perfect on the Suhr’s I’ve had. Maybe it’s just the luck of the draw? Still, i don’t think anyone could go wrong with either.
@@tonlarj37 After Kiesel does their initial kiln dry, they do a second kiln after the neck is CNC'd.
@@tonlarj37 The dot issue was solved after they moved to their current location. Its not hand-done any longer.
Once you become an exclusive headless player the choice becomes obvious.
Have you played a jem or pia ? Can you compare it to the suhr?
I have played both Jen and Pia. They’re nice, but the necks are super thin. I like the Suhr modern better if it has the wider neck.
@@tonlarj37 beside the neck, what else makes the suhr better? Construction , bridge, ect?
@@thefam9179 the Suhr seems better all round quality
@@tonlarj37 I was going to get the modern but after hearing that the upper frets are uncomfortable to play I think I will pass
@@thefam9179 yes. The lower horn is closer to body, but I’d go Suhr over all
Today it seems like if you but a guitar that’s made in Japan or America, you can count on it being top quality with little to no issues
Try xotic guitars too
Sir, please set your phone to silent before shooting. Thank you.
Hahaha yeah, it was right by the camera. Learned my lesson. That was a couple years ago, though.
Ding ding
I owned an AZ Prestige Ice Blue Metallic and the Hyperion isn't my cup of tea, it's a honking muddy mid range mess. Got the EBMM Stingray and it feels and sounds so much better, eyeing on a Suhr one day.
You got a bass instead? Glad it’s working out for you :p
Kiesel is awesome
Watch Max Ostro play a squire into spark desktop! Gear debate over! 😂
😂😂😂
Warranty is spelt as such here
the suhr is twice the price of the rest the ibanez you can get at a real good price all japanes axes are well made the kessal the necks are good but the pickups are grape so its the ibanez all day long.
Suhr is the best in other words. I have played a lot of guitars and Suhr just blow the others out of the water. Left-handed too. I don't think they get enough credit for their attention to us lefties....
Kiesel all day!!
My 2 cents:
-Suhr makes amazing guitars but their prices are outrageous,specially here in Europe.
3,000 Euros for a guitar that´s essentially an upgraded "Fat Strat"?! GTFO Suhr and take Friedman with you,they´re also comically overpriced. I can literally build me a Suhr style guitar with Warmoth parts,for 1/3 of the money.(same hardware and specs and all)
-Ibanez use to make high-end shred machines for a fair price,back in the day.
Nowadays,if you want a quality Ibanez you have to pay almost Made in USA prices for Made in Japan Prestige models and their quality control isn´t very good,specially on the Made in Indonesia Premium and Iron Label series.
-Kiesel, has the best "value for your money" and their guitars are usually extremely high-quality. Unfortunately,for us in Europe, we have to pay a crapload of import/VAT taxes when bringing them over.Other big issues,are their outdated af website and their strange policies. For example: if you want to send in aftermarket pickups of your choice, you have to pay an extra fee and you lose the 10-day money return option,WTF?! Or another thing,that don´t make sense: they discontinued various options for their older models,like the plain maple/solid finish option for the CT and also discontinued the Floyd for various models,where it was available. Also,their customer service needs something to desired of.
If you think that you can build a warmoth parts guitar with the same quality than any of those, well... More power to ya!
@@RicardoDiazHimself I´m always amused how in 2020,people still fall for all that marketing-BS from "boutique" guitar companies.
That Pete Thorn Suhr here,is listed at 3,885 Euros (that´s roughly around 4,200 $) at Thomann. 4 grand for a simple,bolt-on Fat Strat,with no crazy figured top or exotic paintjob or crazy electronics like Piezo or DB-Boost or Sustainiac system.
That´s beyond ridiculous and I don´t care if the guitar is made by John Suhr himself.
I can literally build you a replica of this thing,with Warmoth parts for 1/3 of the money and you wont will feel any substantial difference in playablity,tone or reliability.
@@greekfreak1980 no, really. It is very cool that you are not aware that you do not know what you don't know.
And I'm not knocking on warmoth. They build good quality parts. But there is just no comparison to any of the brands listed, much less with the one the reviewer concluded.
Cheers!
I agree with most of what you say, but I feel a Made in Japan guitar is the same or better quality than a Made in America guitar assuming the company is supplying the Japanese manufacturer with high quality parts. Japanese made ESP and Ibanez are as good as any made in America guitar.
Warmoth is not that good anymore. Sharp unleveled frets poorly cut nuts. They are not as good as my Squier’s. The ones I built up in the late 90’s early 2000’s were excellent but the last two were pretty weak.
Shouldve probably muted phone before the video
haha yeah.... was too late and don't have time to do it again.
Your voice is tumbling
Suhr's are 5 grand. Thats ridiculous.
Depends on which one you get. Everything has gone up recently. I got mine last year for 3k
Tom anderson are better imsho
They use a junk ass pleck machine
I had two Suhr guitars and both had QC issues. One of them was awful - REALLY rough fingerboard and various other issues. I've seen a ton of Squiers that are WAY better made.
Interesting. Suhr's are not my favorite guitars. The one in this video was beyond exceptional. I have a friend who had a truss rod issue with his Suhr, they replaced the neck for a far superior one at no extra charge. The said, I've had 5 Suhr's and played probably 20+ more. Not one had any issues. I've also been playing almost 40 years and have never seen a squire that didn't have issues. Squire is mostly cheap crap and would need significant mods to get up to par. I've probably upgraded 20+ over the years. Suhr's are ridiculously over priced. Even the lower end models.
I'll have to call you on your squire claim. Anyone who is a true guitarist knows better.
Do you ever consider that your wiewers really want to see what you are showing to the camera !!!??? Try to see your video with that in mind.(angle to camera , holding object still etc. ) Your videowork seems very amateur-like with these flaws. I try very hard to take a close look at what you are showing and babbling away about, but not --------------------------! Sorry for negative /bad tempered comment but----------------------- I used to love el-guitars and sound, but now im sick an cant play satisfyingly any more. Have Gibsons an Fenders but my favourites so far is Prs and Custom Shop Fenders ( some of them ) Have not played on a Suhr or Kiesel., but Les Pauls and Music Man. Had a Gretch Chet Atkins (pink) and the Quality of the neck is / was unbeatable. Soo even an stable.
Suhr wins.
I tried all these guitars for 50 years and own a 1993 Heritage 535 (Gibson 335 style) guitar that no one can beat, INCLUDING Suhr, Kiesel, and tons more! I can get Fender, Gibson, Jazz tones, Country tones, Rock, natural distortion sounds, as well and better than these expensive guitars! Many of you play with lots of distortion to the point the sound could easily be a crap guitar, until you play it of course but the tons of distortion today isn`t cool, clean and natural distortion is what guitars should be made to sound but MANY expensive guitars don`t have a great clean sound and the pickups do much of the work, not worth the money, FACT!!!