Suhr Pete Thorn Signature Custom HSS

A Thorn-Y Proposition

While on tour with The Classic Rock Show, legendary session man and longtime Suhr endorser Pete Thorn had an epiphany: he needed a guitar that would ROCK in all caps. Not that his previous signature models didn't rock--far from it--but he specifically needed a high-output, fuel-injected wooden steed that could "withstand hardcore whammy abuse." With the addition of the SSH Plus (John Suhr's all-time favorite high-output humbucker) and the FU-Tone bridge, the fine folks at Suhr made Pete's vision a reality, and it is glorious. Resplendent in its Graphite Metallic finish (it drew oohs and ahs from my coworkers when I opened the case), the Pete Thorn Signature Custom HSS is a high-performance vehicle purpose-built for rock mayhem.

For Pete's Sake!

First things first: the SSH Plus in the bridge position is meaner than ten miles in new shoes. It's practically impossible to play a power chord through a distorted amp without snarling a little--it's just nasty! It's uber-articulate, magnificently balanced, expansively open, robust yet clear, and positively rude. It's about as good as it gets for rhythm work, and it makes lead lines sizzle like bacon.

That tone complements the more classically-voiced single-coils beautifully. They have a lovely sparkling sweet tone that is bright and bell-like without ever sounding tinny or harsh, and they have a wonderful vocal quack and chirp. It's awesome to go from a gnarly modern humbucker to a sweet, almost David Gilmour-esque vintage tone with the flip of a switch!

Let's also not forget about the FU-Tone bridge, which helps the Pete Thorn Signature Custom HSS intonate precisely, maximizes stability even when abused, and boosts tone. It has a solid brass block and titanium screws and inserts, so it's built to withstand the zombie apocalypse. And, the D-Tuna helps you flip to dropped tunings on the fly.

A High-Performance Machine

The Pete Thorn Signature Custom HSS also plays like Crisco-coated butter, meeting the discerning and demanding taste of Pete Thorn. The soft V profile is uber-comfy, and the compound radiused fretboard allows for easy chording down low and effortless shredding up top--not to mention, it makes it easy to set it up for speed. The jumbo stainless steel frets help in that regard, too, as does the oil-finished neck, which feels righteously smooth. It all adds up to a guitar that feels faster than Usain Bolt chasing an ice cream truck!

Thorn on the Bayou

No, this guitar has no connection to the Mississippi River Delta--we just can't resist CCR-based puns, even if that one was a stretch. However, it's definitely not a stretch to say that the Pete Thorn Signature Custom HSS is one of the beastliest shred machines ever to grace our shelves! Undoubtedly, it will inspire you to plug in, crank up, and rock out!