Fender Custom Strat vs. Suhr Classic

[danastas]

I need a single coil strat soon. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on the build quality between what's coming out of the Fender custom shop these days (closet classics, relics, not masterbuilts or limiteds) versus a regular old Suhr Classic, or even a classic TS (which I'd love to have but too much $$$).

Which do you Suhr-Fender lovers and owners recommend?

[Joe_Steeler]

IMHO, the best buy on the Fender CS stable is the Custom Classic. NOS of course but it has a wonderful neck, solid construction, modern features and still a Strat in every sense of the word.
The Time Machines are a bit tired, that is why you are seeing so many souped up TMs (i.e. 9.5" or 12" radius, larger frets, cross matching of necks shapes etc.) then you are in the mid $2k range.

Having said that, a Suhr Classic is never a second choice in my book. He IS up there in quality and you get a few more options on those than on a Fender although they are priced just a tad more than a Fender CS Custom Classic.

Re-sale is better on a Fender.... for what is worth. Yet, (ahum) we sure be buying guitars to play the heck out of them and not collect, right!!

Can't go wrong with either. But I got to tell ya, recently I got my paws on a NOS FMT '56 TM with 9.5" radius & med jumbo frets and it is so funkin' sweet is not even funny.

[Coyote]

Well....... how much do won't to spend I would go with a nice Standard.
They don't cost as much as some of the higher Fenders but they are a
nice sounding guitar and they have great sounding pickups.

That's what I would go with it really depends on what kind of guitar you won't

[danastas]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the advice. It means I'll try out the custom. I was just wondering if the price (say 1.5k to 2k) is hyperinflated compared to a Suhr in the same price range.

[Chrisb]

I lean towards Suhr but thats more based on the finish. Both play really really well. I'd say just because of my preferences the Suhr is also a little more suited to me. Fenders play a little "slower" for me whatever reason. You can't go wrong with either IMO.

[El_Kabong]

I would get a Suhr, Pro series. You can order an extra pickguard and p-up if you want 3 singles instead of a humbucker at the bridge.

[Joe_Steeler]

I lean towards Suhr but thats more based on the finish. Both play really really well. I'd say just because of my preferences the Suhr is also a little more suited to me. Fenders play a little "slower" for me whatever reason. You can't go wrong with either IMO.

The SS frets on the Suhr are slick for sure. One of their best attributes.

[Metaled1020]

Fender Custom Shop all the way!

[thebisch]

Before you make your decision, play a few Eric Johnson Strats also...

[shredmonster]

Wow I am suprised- I thought people would be saying go with a Suhr hands down.

Another source you may want to check it the gearpage board
Lots of guys with those kinds of toys over there that can compare.

[nateb]

I have played 3 Suhr's... absolutely flawless. I would go that direction.

-Nate

[hippietim]

Suhrs are great. Fender CS guitars are great. Which one do you like better? But it.

[Firebird V]

Hmmm. Tough choice. Buy both if possible. LOL.

Every Suhr I have played were phoenominal. Most Fender CS's I have played were great too but the SS frets are so nice. Does Fender do SS frets on any CS models?

I have been gassing a CS Strat lately too so I would probably go with the Strat... Which model are you looking at? The EJ and YJM series guitars are really nice too. Make sure you try those out too. I love the scalloped necks though so maybe it is me but those are the nicest necks out of FMIC IMO.

[danastas]

I'm getting prices from dealers on the NOS and Rory G's that are decent (near the top of my range, which is going to be 1.5 to 2k). I'm looking at EBAY for the Fenders and it's amazing to see they only sell for $300 less used. I'd rather buy new at that point. One relic did go off at 1.5, which is the cheapest I've seen. I don't care if it's a relic one way or the other.

The Suhrs I would look to buy used because the price drop between new and used is very substantial. I do have my eye on the Suhr Classic TS at Matt's and I'm sure I'll ask him about it, but I know already it's out of my range.

Thanks everyone for thoroughly confusing me. Heh. The sense I'm getting is that, comparatively, the Fender CS aren't hyperinflated in price. In other words, the build quality is similar, and since Suhrs are also pricey, I should feel comfortable with either. I like playing Fender strats, though I've never played a custom strat. That's a big factor. I also had an Anderson drop top I sold recently, and it was a good guitar, but it just didn't feel as sturdy as my old Fender MIM. If I go with a Suhr, I'd hope that it would feel more like a Fender than an Anderson.

[speed monkey]

If I go with a Suhr, I'd hope that it would feel more like a Fender than an Anderson.

Having owned an example of all of the above, all I can say is if you want a Fender Strat, get a Fender Strat....

As insanely nice as the Suhr's and Anderson's are, they lack something that make a Strat a Strat..can't put my finger on it, but when it's in your hands and in your ears you know it.

These guys are right about the EJ's too - killer guitars with a flatter 12 radius board and can be had used for $900 - 1100. Every bit as nice as the Fender CS stuff. I may end grabbing a Custom Classic or Time Machine as well, get the board planned to a 12 or go from there....

Steve E