Suhr Guitars

John Suhr's 35-year journey in luthiery began in New Jersey, driven by a quest for the perfect tone. His early days as a bar band musician led him to craft his own instruments.

In the 1980s, Suhr worked alongside Rudy Pensa at Rudy's Music Stop in NYC, where the renowned "Pensa-Suhr" guitars were born. Notable clients included Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and Peter Frampton. These handmade guitars showcased Suhr's dedication to exceptional tone and craftsmanship.

Suhr's expertise expanded into tube amp design, collaborating with Robert Bradshaw on the CAA 3+ and 3+SE tube preamps and CAA OD100 amp.

In 1997, Suhr realized his dream by establishing his own boutique guitar workshop, focusing on custom, high-end instruments. As Senior Master Builder at the Fender Custom Shop, Suhr honed his skills, catering to discerning clients like Michael Landau and Scott Henderson.

Today, Suhr Guitars represents the pinnacle of boutique guitar craftsmanship, with John and his son Kevin pushing the boundaries of innovation. Their commitment to quality, attention to detail, and passion for tone drives the creation of exceptional, handmade guitars and basses.

Suhr's diverse range of models showcases his versatility as a luthier: The Classic S,  Classic T, Alt-T, Modern, and Standard models offer players a variety of tonal options, from vintage-inspired warmth to modern articulation.