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Suhr Classi J Bass Review

B

brianh

Aug 19, 2005
809
94
42
NYC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Epifani Amplification
#1
Hi guys,

I just picked up a used Classic J 4 string by John Suhr. Not many people use or are familiar with Suhr's basses for some reason, so I wasn't totally sure about the bass before buying it.

Alder body, 3-tone burst nitro finish, rosewood board, 2 band active preamp, humphrey j pickups, buzz fieten tuning, etc.

The bass just kills in every way. It's not a "J Bass on steriods" thing, more like a handmade 60's jazz vintage bass with no problems and nothing missing. The used prices of these basses are very nice too.

Suhr's preamp is active but sounds truly transparent and has all the good qualities of being passive. And like all good preamps, this one sounds at home when it's flat. Lots of the classic tones are easy to find with a bit of EQ. Also, it's wired for master vol./blend which I like.

The neck is perfect and is probably the best J neck I've ever played. Totally comefortable. Also, the finish he uses on the back of the neck (satin?) really makes the bass conefortable. It feels like it's been played for 30 years.

Construction, fit and finish are perfect. The best vintage burst I've seen.

The tone is amazing and there is so much growl available. Lots of high end sizzle if you want it and the low end is deep and really organic. The bass resonates really well and really feels like it's in sync with itself (I can't think of a better way to describe it).

People are really sleeping on John Suhr's basses. This is the best 4 string jazz bass I've played with the exception of a 1991 Sadowsky with a downsized body (however all other Sadowsky's don't compare).

I think I'm going to use the bass next week on a comercial for an NBA game. They're doing a Sly Stone medley and I think it's going to really be perfect. I'll post some tracks when I can.
 
#5
Nice shot.....
You know best think on such not so known basses are resale price...errr in fact for us who buying from 2nd hand :D
Instead of full price you pay half or less and you know what you buy (which you never know when you order custom instrument from luthier-nobody cant say what will be result of your future bass)

Most humorous thing is that logo on Suhr looks really cheap (at least for me :D ) and comparation could proud expensive fender owner make some nervous and embarasment moments :D
 
#6
Suhr basses are top notch, period.

You're totally right on buying used basses. I bought a new F Bass several years ago and that will most likely be the last new one I buy. I just don't see myself spending that kind of money again on a new bass. With the exception of a few brands, used high end basses go for generally 30%-50% less in great condition. In addition you can almost always make your money back on a used bass, and sometimes make more.
 
#8
Dave Muscato said:
I've always wondered why Suhrs are not more popular... they are *great* instruments (John build very nice Strats & Teles, too).

Congrats. Let us know how that session works out.
Click to expand...

Suhr Guitars are great. I think that one reason that more bass players don't have them is that he is flooded with orders in the guitar world. I don't know if I've ever seen an advertisement in a bass magazine. He also took over building Custom Audio Electronic amps from Bob Bradshaw. One thing to note about his guitars and basses is that everything is made in house including finishing. I've played a few Suhr Basses, and they are top notch in every way.

That being said, I'm pretty set on my basses right now, so I don't have GAS for one, but if you are looking for a quality piece, Suhr is great. Also, his handwired pickups are awesome as well. They are articulate and punchy.
 
#11
allexcosta said:
Don't know about others but I've been well aware of Pensa/Suhr and now Pensa and Suhr basses for decades... They are as nice as they could possibly be. Many congrats.
Click to expand...

I agree! Just picked up an '04 Pensa 5 string (really funky sea foam sparkle) and it's an amazing bass. The sound is HUGE... great crisp and fat highs, and really warm round lows.

It seems on so many websites there are just a few bass makers that tend to get all the accolades, but there are a lot of great makers out there!
 
#12
Thanks for that review. I'm looking into buying a Suhr Jazz for sale locally. I like a pretty traditional sound, but hope that the preamp will provide a bit more versatility. I get the sense from your review that the preamp doesn't really alter the sound, but does it still enable some additional tonal variety? I have only tried out the local model in the store, and it's often hard to tell just what a bass has to offer until you gig it.
 
#13
I found a Trans Red Ash body/Maple neck beauty for $1200 and it's on it's way. I will have to post some pics after I get it. Been wanting one of these for a LONG time and this happens to be the color I hoped for. Will probably leave the bass passive but may change out the bridge, we'll see..
 
#14
What?????????! A suhr for $1200?

definately leave it passive, i wish mine was. if you decide to get rid of it, ill buy it from you...im looking for a passive one.

bh
 
#15
brianh said:
What?????????! A suhr for $1200?

definately leave it passive, i wish mine was. if you decide to get rid of it, ill buy it from you...im looking for a passive one.

bh
Click to expand...

I got it and it's a beauty! I'll post some pics later this week. Great Trans red finish on Ash with Birdseye maple fingerboard and it's set-up with the 2-knob concentric vol/tone layout. My bass doesn't have a string tree on the headstock which I thought was weird.. The neck is awesome on this bass though and I like it much better than the Nordy VJ4 I tried. The bass I got was MINT and after shipping $1270. I did see a Suhr for $850-$900.00 on bassgear.com a few weeks back and I believe that bass ended up at thelowend.net...and now probably NOT that price anymore. People are really sleeping on these basses for sure.
 
#16
matt11 said:
Thanks for that review. I'm looking into buying a Suhr Jazz for sale locally. I like a pretty traditional sound, but hope that the preamp will provide a bit more versatility. I get the sense from your review that the preamp doesn't really alter the sound, but does it still enable some additional tonal variety? I have only tried out the local model in the store, and it's often hard to tell just what a bass has to offer until you gig it.
Click to expand...

The Suhr preamp in my Bass has more range than any other I have tried and it is VERY pleasing, Usually the Bass is boost only +18db and the treble is +-18db. His J pickups kill as well, aparently the magnets are exactly the same as they were in 1960 from the same company. He also designed the Pensa preamp Fender preamps for the Marcus and Deluxe series and the Coppolo preamp.
 
#17
Dave Muscato said:
I've always wondered why Suhrs are not more popular... they are *great* instruments (John build very nice Strats & Teles, too).

Congrats. Let us know how that session works out.
Click to expand...


they are a well kept secret\
There were some killer Quilt top J's with 3 band EQ, rear routed basses at NAMM
Word is he is working on some modern basses this year and a 5 string:bassist:
 
#18
Husky said:
The Suhr preamp in my Bass has more range than any other I have tried and it is VERY pleasing, Usually the Bass is boost only +18db and the treble is +-18db. His J pickups kill as well, aparently the magnets are exactly the same as they were in 1960 from the same company. He also designed the Pensa preamp Fender preamps for the Marcus and Deluxe series and the Coppolo preamp.
Click to expand...

I have a Suhr Classic J from the first year of production (2003, I am the original owner) and it is awesome in every way. However, John Suhr most definitely did not design the Alleva-Coppolo preamp.
 

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