What Makes a Guitar VERSATILE? Two different methods…
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‘Versatile’ is a term that gets banded around in the musical instrument industry perhaps a little too frequently. Often, we find ourselves playing our favourite guitars, loving the tones we’re able to coax out of them for our regular guitar playing needs. But, what happens when your band mates elect a new song for the set list, or you decide to venture in a new musical direction, with just one guitar at your disposal? You’re going to need an instrument that can truly go anywhere & catch all.
In our opinion, two of the guitars that best exemplify true versatility are the HSS-loaded Strat-style platform, utilised here by Suhr, and PRS’ groundbreaking hybrid in the form of their Custom 24/08. One builds on the classic Fender platform developed in the ‘50s, expanding its abilities by adding a humbucking pickup for smoother, raunchier distorted tones, while the other pedals back on the classic twin-humbucker setup, with very capable coil tapping options. Two different approaches, with similarly flexible results.
In today’s video, we set out to answer which one works best for your own personal tonal needs, as well as which can ultimately be crowned the true champ of versatility!
Let us know in the comments which one works for you - do you gravitate more to the Suhr or the PRS?
Be sure to leave a like on this video & make sure you’re subscribed to the Peach Guitars channel, so you don’t miss out on any content from us in the future. See you in the next one!
Jump to the clips!
0:00 - Introduction: What makes a versatile guitar?
1:29 - Suhr's Approach
2:02 - PRS' Approach
3:14 - Suhr Overview
4:26 - PRS Overview
7:26 - Suhr Clean Tones
8:57 - PRS Clean Tones
11:17 - Suhr Breakup Tones
13:04 - PRS Breakup Tones
15:38 - Suhr High Gain Tones
17:37 - PRS High Gain Tones
19:05 - Conclusion
Check them out here:
Suhr - bit.ly/2NYTmg5
PRS - bit.ly/3jg6hWM
Website: www.peachguitars.com
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Jack’s KZread channel: / jackgriffithsmusic
Jack’s Instagram: @jackgriffithsmusic
Пікірлер: 260
Jack could sell a Suhr to John Suhr himself!
@hayios0
3 жыл бұрын
Not a bad choice at all
@Nightjar726
10 ай бұрын
You mean to Leo fender. 😂
This vid - "Suhr or PRS?" Me - Yes Mad props to Jack to, awesome playing!
@christopher-miles
3 жыл бұрын
too*
The cool thing about playing is how different we all play. I started on a fender strat, became a GAS junkie, decided I need all of these other guitars, built a large collection, and now realize the Fender strat is all I need for my electric needs. I guess its no different than everyday life - you spend a lifetime acquiring things and then reach an age where you want to get rid of what you dont use.
@GraniteSoundtrack
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah me too. Well, I have a Warmoth Strat. But yeah full cir from strat to SG, to Ibanez to ES style to strat. Even with a single coil in the bridge it’s home.
@caiusmadison2996
3 жыл бұрын
A strat type is what I started on. I went through the grunge thing in the 90', got a bunch of guitars like Mustangs and Jaguars, and Jazzmasters, but I also had an American strat. Well, over the years, the strat is the only one that comes to every gig, the others just kind of rotate in depending on whats on the set.
@tracerx6324
3 жыл бұрын
And when you sold the most, you'll all miss them. 😁
@surfrby8876
2 жыл бұрын
Same here
@alexandrosbagkas
Жыл бұрын
So true...
Played Hss superstars for 25 years. Then I got a Prs dgt (that I love) and then got the 513 a week ago. Fantastic guitar with every option you’ll ever need. I like to just use one guitar live (did we ever play gigs?) and the 513 can do it all..
Your demo videos have the dual result of making me want whichever guitar you are promoting while simultaneously inspiring me to pick up one of my current guitars and re connecting with the joy of playing in the first place.Best review series on KZread!
Delicious presentation of both these beauties! Thanks Jack!
Fantastic playing as always. Blows my mind every time
@blacklavatv
3 жыл бұрын
He is very understated. Top guitarist ✊🏿
For many years I shrugged off "PRS-mania". Then, I thought - why not give them a try - which led to experimenting and dabbling with a few SE's over the years, my 'ho-hum' experiences with those SEs became 'further proof' of my claims - I sold them and moved on. But the praise kept on and on and on from many of those I admired. Not being in the budget for a core model, I was at a local shop one day a few years ago and picked up an S2...the 'PRS thing' started to click. I bought it. Then I sold it only to buy another model and then I bought a Vela semi-hollow. Now, I am angling to get a CE24. The fit, finish, the rolled edges, the lack of fret sprouting, the playability, stay-in-tuneness, intonation, all always - always - always SPOT ON with every model I've played or owned above the SEs. My small collection of 'others' is being over-taken solely by PRS guitars. This once avid denier, is now a believer.
@bmark7951
3 жыл бұрын
Stop being a cheap ass and by multiple lower budget guitars and just get a used core over the ce.. I have a se,ce, and 2 cores.. the cores are the best so stop playing around!
@bluesrock4696
3 жыл бұрын
The core PRS guitars are just so good. I have a DGT and a 594 Semihollow. I can’t recommend the core models enough.
@gavinleyfield3195
3 жыл бұрын
It’s true, I have fenders and Gibson’s and they’re lovely, but sometimes you just want something that plays flawlessly and stays in tune for days. I wanted an HH guitar with a set neck (I don’t have a les paul currently) but I wanted a guitar that didn’t suggest a style. S2 Thinline was a good move
@gavinleyfield3195
Жыл бұрын
@@bradysmith5133 build wise yes, very close. but electrically no. The pickups and wiring are ok, certainly not bad, but I swapped them out in the end.
@bradysmith5133
Жыл бұрын
@@gavinleyfield3195 cool thanks. I am less worried about the electronics as the build quality and wood. Likely to change
Man this Suhr sounds gorgeous 😶 !!! I have a PRS and could definitely recognize the tones I am familiar with 😊 but this Suhr really blew mit mind... I loved the clean and breakup tones.
Very thorough and considerate review - and great playing. My 2 favorite guitar brands.
I LOVE this vid, the concept, your explanations, your knowledge, and awesome playing. More vids and contenders for "the most versatile guitar" games! Thank you as always!
Epic upload Jack! My hats' off to you, my good-man. I really liked the White Straty, HSS, style guitar....very lovely instrument, indeed....
I would like Jack to play the constant soundtrack to my day...
PRS for me again!.. Never really been keen on PRS until Jack's playing and selling technique grabbed my attention!☺
Monster playing, both sound fantastic, thx Jack, Gwiz here.
Gorgeous guitars, superlative playing!
Awesome demo and playing as always!! I think they are both equally gorgeous and versatile guitars, and each has its own take on classic tones. I cant split them. So let's just face it....we totally NEED BOTH!! ;-)
Awesome video...Its the NEVER ENDING Saga of loving both... STrat single coil sounds and the set neck mahogany humbucker sounds. .
Brilliant video. I had PRS SE 35th anniversary custom 24 which I regret selling to this day. The most versatile guitar I had 😩
Awesome video, very informative
Jack, you are one hell of a player and you make that PRS sing.
Outstanding video!!! I’m a PRS guy, BUT THAT SUHR WAS AMAZING!!!!
That Suhr really does the "Eddie" toanz with the bolt neck and high gain. Very good cleans as well. The PRS has a slight tonal color difference. Love them both. Bag em both imho.
Amazing player 👏.. great content 👍
Excellent demonstration. I play both, PRS's and Suhr guitars. One can't go wrong with either. Perhaps do a demo of the Suhr Modern Pro with a PRS 24. I truly enjoyed hearing you play and discerning subtle nuance. Kudos!
PRS Custom 24 is a nice guitar, but I bought a used PRS CE24 and a Silver sky for about 3300.00 total. I get all of the tones and playability that both of these guitars have. The custom 24 is about 3800.00 new. They're great guitars but I think you can find options that are less expensive but still give you the versatility.
Content on this channel recently has been epic
Lovely demo Jack !!! Hope they are paying you well !! ;)
Great playing
Another superb demo from Jack. If you want the typical Strat tones in single coil, the Suhr with ML pickups will do the trick. The PRS, although the enhanced number of selections, is more PRS-signature like: very clean, pristine tones that some might call sterile (that you can compensate with the tone pot and EQ on the amp). Personally, I prefer the DGT in that respect. Both great guitars, my preference going to the Suhr configuration.
My next guitar will be the PRS Custom 24!
I’m rocking a DGT as my number 1 right now and I concur...the tapped PRS’s are unreal in their versatility. I kind of wished the DGT had that 35th switching...the switches look super convenient.
@rz0svp
2 жыл бұрын
Love my DGT! One of the best guitars I've ever played, but the pull knob to split the coils is not practical when playing live. I wish there was as push knob or mini toggle switch.
@Rob-qr2kn
Жыл бұрын
They are VERY convenient. I have a PRS CE-24 and a CU-2408 which has the same switching as the PRS in the video. I wish the CE had same type of switching.
Both excellent sounding guitars, very tough to choose between the two. I'm leaning towards the PRS, just sounded better to me overall.🎸🎸🎸😁
My two favorite guitars are a standard strat and prs custom 24. I like all the Swiss army knife gear
I have quite a few guitars as I started buying in the 70s, including both PRS and Suhr’s . I have 2 Suhr’s I gravitate to, a CustomT and the modern. Occasionally I’ll pull out an old Tele because of the soap bar. Custom PRS and Suhr’s - you are not going to go wrong with either. It’s an investment , but you’ll find yourself gravitating to them. If this is your first guitar, or in your first 10 guitars, I’d hold off - just so when you do buy one, you can appreciate how good these are compared to your other guitars 🎸 enjoy !!
I love both guitar's and have several. I would've thought the Suhr Modern would've been a better comparison with PRS. Love your engagement and playing. Thank you.
The most versatile set up, would be a Superstrat guitar with a H-S-H configuration, that also has a coil split mode for the humbuckers.Basically, Kikio Loureiro´s Ibanez sig. model. Or you get a Superstrat with a H-S-Mini Humbucker (Twin-Rails) set up and add a coil-split for the bridge humbucker. The Twin-Rails is basically like a singlecoil, minus the hum and with more output for high gain leads.
Both sound fantastic!! The Suhr edged out the PRS by a gnats eyelash! Great playing.
Church player here, rocking a similar Suhr as my number one. I have Tele, a Jazzmaster, a Collings ES style, and a Duesenberg...but the Suhr does it all -- great cleans and killer punch plus a familiar layout. And wow does it stay in tune! I'd still like a PRS, but the Classic S is my forever friend. YMMV.
I have both and I love them
Smokin’! After watching I think I can tell which guitar was his favorite during this demo. Great playing and a great common sense method of deciding which is best for you. Riddle: What’s better than a great guitar?....Two great guitars 👍🏼! Sorry, that seems to be the yank way here in the USA! Lol! Probably everywhere. I was amp shopping and had not considered Dr. Z in quite some time....will be trying a Maz 18 soon, thanks again, nicely done. Cheers, Joe
Great sound on both guitars I would take both of them
Every guitarist should own guitars with 2 humbuckers,2 P 90s, 3 single coils, single single humbucker , 2 humbuckers single coil.Last three Filterton .Guys show your wife's if she has any questions get back with me and I'll do everything I can. Hope this helps.
Excellent choices. For me, my do it all #2 is a G&L Fullerton Deluxe Legacy HSS which is very similar to that Suhr.
PRS do make great looking guitars. For me though the Custom 22 and the Paul's guitar just look slightly better proportioned than the custom 24. Only small differences, that make a big difference.
Jack makes some of the best demos on KZread IMHO. Shows off the full range of a guitars capabilities without defaulting to pentatonic noodling or inane chatter the whole time. I gig an hss strat as my main guitar live, but the amazing splits on PRS guitars make them so versatile! A CE24 is next on my list and even though I swore I'd never pay $2000 for a strat, this video got me thinking about buying a Suhr. PS it should be noted that the Dr Z Maz18 makes just about any guitar sound good. A $400 Squier would sound phenomenal with Jack playing it through that amp lol
@PeachGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the insight Ted!
First of all, you play really nicely! Both guitars sound excellent! I kinda prefer the PRS. I own a pile of guitars. And my favorite is my PRS CE24. There’s just something about those guitars to my ear.
Great videos, watching your channel for a while now. Can you do the same video but a lower spec guitars compared please? Also what do you think about the new Ibanez AZ?
Jack should do a hi gain instrumental album! Loved the playing, especially on the Custom 24.
Are we not going to talk about that insanely awesome high gain performance on that PRS? Blew my brain right out!
@garygamble1963
3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree. I'm a Strat guy and loved the Suhr bridge humbucker on high gain, but the PRS high gain tone really surprised me. It blew me away me too!
@greekfreak1980
3 жыл бұрын
It´s funny that many people associate the PRS Cu with blues or "Dad-Rock", when 20 years ago it was extremely popular among alt-rock, prog and metal players. The guys from Opeth use PRS for decades, same with the guys from Alter Bridge, Mark Holcomb from Periphery, the guitarplayer from Linkin Park (sorry can recall his name) and many pop-punk players. A PRS Cu 24, plugged into a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, was essentially the tone of the late 90´s-early 00´s.
Stellar I’ll take one of each!
The strat. Always. It is lighter and more comfortable to play. Besides, you got those in between sounds that you cannot get from any other model.
The only thing I have ever heard, in my entire life, ever, sound like a single coil in the neck, strangely enough, was a single coil in the neck. I love me some humbuckers in the neck, some glorious tones to be had . Never hear a single coil in the neck sound like a humbucker. had lot few suhr's and a few PRS's really nice guitars. But for me they are very very different guitars
Exactly my two weapons of choice. Love em both :) for the cover guys both are excellent choices. Despite its flashier looks, however, I need to say that the PRS seems a bit more „stable“ to me. That is, the neck doesn’t move unless you want it to, intonation stays spot on, nothing gets in the way of the right hand... however, some fragility is predisposed by a strat‘s construction and the Suhr reduces it to a minimum. Just my 2 cents :)
I have the SE version of that PRS, but I also have the PRS S2 Studio, which is HSS. So I guess my response to "which approach works best for you" was "yes" 😆
Great video. The playing is always outstanding! Jack is my favourite demo guy on KZread. I think I’d take the suhr out of the 2 on show. Although prs guitars are stunningly built, every one of them I’ve played has always left me feeling cold. I find them a bit sterile. But on the plus side for the prs. They have their own shape and style. Where the suhr is too much like a fender. If I was buying any guitar other than a fender or Gibson. My preference is Patrick James Eggle guitars.
Both are phenomenal guitars. I have both and they are killer.
@jaysonjohnson556
2 жыл бұрын
me too
@keoni927
Жыл бұрын
I have both as well and yes they are killer. Depends on what mood I'm in that day as to which one I play.
Great video. In passing - if we all had just one guitar that did everything we wouldn't buy so many guitars, and we LOVE buying guitars. Also, sometimes more is less. I love my PRS Custom 24, deliberately avoiding the 35th anniversary edition, and it is too versatile. I don't think I use all 5 switch positions, and I am not sure I have ever played anything in the middle position. Adding two switches would be too much for an old guy like me. There are tone and volume knobs to play with too.
Mine is a PRS S2 Custom 24. No fancy switches for pickups, just a 3 way switch and a push pull coil split. Totals 6 alternatives to start from. Used in very good condition my version/year are going for about $1,100 on Reverb (sold listings only). There are 35th editions of the S2 Custom 24 available for a little more, but this one does the job. I'm not afraid to take it out and use it for that. Lots of value for the money.
Personally i preferred all the tones from the HSS “Strat”. Just sounded more “rounded” to me where the PRS sounded a bit thin by comparison. No doubting the PRS is a great guitar too though.
@smkh2890
3 жыл бұрын
Listening to these guitars through a computer and at best a home hi-fi, is nothing like hearing the guitars in person through dedicated amps. Just saying...
The PRS sounds warm a velvety
they are both very similar regarding versatility and yet completely different in terms of tone signature. I love the Suhr for its refinement of the classic S style guitar with its playability (necks are like butter to me), and the tone is more subdued on the top end (the pups are useable at all volume levels which I can't with any fender)... its Stratty but with added fullness. Then there is the PRS that has this bigger sound from those hum buckers that really speaks to me (EQ'd better than a LES PAUL IMO) as they are clear and yet not overdone with any particular frequency, there is a special vibe with these that sets them apart from anyone else... I wish people would stop saying they are in between a Gibson and a Fender... they are not in between the big two... they are 1 of the big 3... for others to say we sit between a Gibson and a PRS or between a PRS and a Fender... add the versatility to these and they are great... however I own a Suhr Ian Thornley S Roughneck and I am super happy with that, however I could easily own both and be very happy.
PRS all the way I’ll pick a PRS over any other guitar company
@MisterTee
3 жыл бұрын
They are adorable little guitars
Suhr SSH is my versatile, they are different conceps, both Guitars are fantástic.
For me nothing beats a good tele with a low output humbucker in the neck and vintage style single coil at the bridge.
Great video! Excellent playing as always Jack! I’m a PRS guy and I agree the darker meatier tones suit that Custom 24 well. The single coil splits are not bad either. Can’t go wrong with either one! 🤘🏼
I want a Suhr Hombre amp in a big big way. It will be mine. $1699
What a player..man..! Great video and guitars!
The Soldano sitting there through the high gain tones demo...
@nicholastotoro7721
3 жыл бұрын
LOL!!! First thing I was thinking looking at it was "That poor SLO must feel so lonely right now."
@anmolatwal
3 жыл бұрын
Amen!!
@darrenc8776
3 жыл бұрын
There's a lot of KZread guitarists have them sat in the background at the moment
@PeachGuitars
3 жыл бұрын
Very true, both guitars would have sounded fantastic through the Soldano, but I wanted to make this a bit more ‘real-world’ by using the clean amp with pedals approach 🙂 - Jack
@PeachGuitars
3 жыл бұрын
We have used the Soldano a few times before... :) The Return of a Legend! A Closer Look at... Soldano SLO-100 - kzread.info/dash/bejne/pKGaq7J-fMedYMo.html An Introduction To...The BRAND NEW Soldano SLO-30! - kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5NnlpigedG_oqg.html Steve Lukather: A Tale of Two Tones - kzread.info/dash/bejne/lmR_2pWBl6-nYqw.html Eric Clapton: A Tale Of Two Tones - kzread.info/dash/bejne/nmynxs6DetC2ZLQ.html
Great a/b video. Good chops in your playing. I like the open chord rhythm work. The Dr. Z is a good choice for amp in this comparison.
2 of the best made guitars made anywhere in the world.. I would go for custom 22 over 24, as I prefer the feel of the 22 over the 24
My forever guitar is my Pacifica. It has a humbucker in the bridge and P90 in the neck. When I roll the volume back on the P90 it starts to sound like a Strat. I want one with a tremolo and two P90’s. Doesn’t sound versatile but P90’s cover a lot of sounds from humbucker to Fender single coils. The two guitars you picked are the industry gold standard.
I have a good tele and it does everything. Spooky how right Leo got it first time...😯
Best guitarist on KZread 🤩
Suhr by miles. Both in versatility and overall sound quality.
Hss all day for me. Suhr and Xotic are great for this. I’m not a fan of coil splitting, as would just rather have the right tool for the right job.
I have to soy that surh was more versatali and more opened to difirents sounds to me but i'm in love to that custom 24 😍
I guess Jack is happy where he is, because he could play ANY venue, anytime.
Both guitars are awesome, but i love the start sound. Suhr for me.
I'm on team PRS. I put PAF style pickups in mine and I can go from hard rock down to spanky cleans easily. The treble bleed in the volume rolls down to a bright and clear tone really nicely too.
@bluesrock4696
3 жыл бұрын
Good on ya! It continues to amuse me how many people I come across that say “PRS really builds a great guitar, but I just don’t care for the sound/pickups.” They then wax eloquent about how they put this boutique set of pickups in their Les Paul to get it where they want it.
@jaricklosey4607
3 жыл бұрын
@@bluesrock4696 I did both actually! I have Friedman Classic PAF's in my PRS which are a little hotter and more aggressive, and Wolfetone Dr Vintage PAF's in my Les Paul, which are more low output vintage. Also Suhr SSV's in my Charvel for a modern take. I love those vintage style humbuckers for versatility!
@bluesrock4696
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! What model of PRS did you put the Friedman’s in? I have a set of 57 Classics in my 594 Semihollow, but I keep eyeing Throbak’s SLE-101’s.
@jaricklosey4607
3 жыл бұрын
@@bluesrock4696 CE-24, a newer one. Awesome guitar. These pickups have much better balance. Everything sounds great in them though.
That Suhr sounded amazing. I have a PRS custom 24 but I do GAS a Suhr 😛
@Justinlmd
Жыл бұрын
Get one! PRS custom 24 was my main guitar for 13 years before I got a Suhr HSS Antique last year. I wouldn’t say it replaced it, but I absolutely love it and have to split my time equally between them
Hey I think I did okay.!! I have an xotic hss, and a McCarty! I can stop shopping now right???? 🎉
Wow, this almost exactly my thought process too. My main is a PRS Piezo 22 modded with push/pull coil splits. Piezo adds acoustic sounds on top of that. Same colour as the video too! The only sound I miss is Strat position 4, so I'm looking into getting a Strat.
The PRS looks spectacular and sounds very good - but, sorry, i can't live without that "u"-sounding tone of a neck SingleCoil PU (7:26). For me the Suhr has more "character".
Love the look of PRS but I feel the strat has more clarity and dynamic range
The PRS 513.. simple - does everything
PRS all day ever day, ta very much. Thanks for the video, Jack cool riffs.
@algorithm007ify
3 жыл бұрын
Suhr kills PRS..
PRS for high gain, Suhr for the rest. Great playing, btw :)
Picking up on the comment below - I added a push/pull tone pot to my 513, so I can also get neck and bridge (or all pickups together) tones in addition to the rest. This makes it a 519 and a true 'Swiss army knife' of a guitar. The only thing I'd like to improve is to introduce noiseless single coil pickups but as they are proprietary, it's impossible to achieve. Never been a fan of Suhr guitars as (as far as I'm aware) the nut width is limited to 1 5/8" (ditto Tom Anderson guitars). Too narrow for me.
Both are great, prs for me
For me the difference in preference between high gain and low gain, both come down to attack. I thought I might prefer the attack of the suhr for cleans and the prs for gain, and I was right. Maybe it's my bias going in, but I just think stratty attack is good for sweet cleans, and biting attack of a set neck, mahogany body is better for high gain. I could just be talking shite, idk.*edit: oh look, you just said exactly the same thing at the end.
A question if I may Jack....what is your honest opinion of the pickups tonewise & output in the prs?
Agree on the HSS strat and the PRS tremolo model as the 2 most versatile designs. Personally I would pick a Fender or Grosh over Suhr. For the PRS I would take a McCarty (or a DGT if you must have a tremolo) over a Custom 22/24; they sound and play much better.
@dennisapplegate7553
3 жыл бұрын
Odd I find a good Shur far above the Fender in all iterations.
What a player! Both beautiful guitars ...want Both..need to sell a kidney first lol
Of course I would prefer an HH with coil splits if the splits were up to scratch - and by that I mean equal to single coils , not "kinda stratty" tone. Being that technology isn't there yet, HSS is king. And that's exactly what I've just bought : a Charvel DK24 HSS. I thought, if the middle coil gets in the way, can just lower it, but you can't move it n this particular model. And that brings to mind something you don't see enough of : and that's just an H/S Strat. So you lose a funny sound that's never gonna be your main tone anyway... But you gain all that real estate, clear thru the strum zone! One good tone is all you need! And and two, is enough for every contingency! Add the middle where it's a bit of both and you're spoilt for options!
Wow!!!!!! Both are fantastic!!! S clarity! PRS fat! I want both!
I love the idea of an HSS guitar, but I'm kinda worried about how it would affect the sound of position 2
This young man "knows" how to properly play a guitar.... class!
I think I prefer the Suhr for every situation except high gain. But honestly I could use both guitars 100% of the time. Its all preference man.
The Suhr has a voice that says "I'm here and I'm the shit." The PRS clean tones don't have that presence. But it's humbuckers do.