Suhr Pete Thorn Custom HSS Graphite
The Suhr Pete Thorn Custom HSS Graphite pairs a high-output bridge humbucker with two single-coil pickups and a locking tremolo system built for aggressive use. Its premium features are compelling, though the three-way switch limits pickup combinations and the listed price is high.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Suhr Pete Thorn Custom HSS Graphite review
The Suhr Pete Thorn Custom HSS Graphite is a U.S.-made signature guitar based on the Suhr Classic S, with an HSS pickup layout and an FU Tone Floyd tremolo fitted with a D-Tuna. Its listed specifications point to a guitar designed to cover single-coil and humbucker sounds while accommodating frequent tremolo use. The available information is technical only. No customer reviews or independent playing tests were provided, so performance claims here are limited to the stated design and components.
The instrument has an alder body finished in Graphite Metallic, a bolt-on roasted maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. It has 22 stainless steel jumbo frets and a compound fingerboard radius that transitions from 10 to 14 inches. Suhr lists the neck profile as a 60s Soft V, with a thickness of 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the 12th. These measurements describe a neck that becomes thicker toward the body, while the changing radius specifies a flatter curve higher up the fretboard. Whether that combination suits a particular player depends on personal preference.
Pickups and controls
The HSS configuration pairs a Suhr SSH+ bridge humbucker with V63 single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. The SSH+ is identified as the pickup intended for rich lead tones and high-gain use. The two V63 pickups provide the single-coil positions in the layout, giving the guitar a different pickup type at the bridge from the middle and neck. The supplied specifications do not include output measurements, switching diagrams, or detailed tonal comparisons, so they do not support more specific claims about sound.
Controls consist of one volume control, one tone control, and a three-way switch. That is a relatively straightforward switching arrangement on paper. The specifications do not describe additional coil-splitting options or alternate pickup combinations, so those should not be assumed. A black pickguard and chrome hardware complete the stated appearance and hardware details.
Floyd tremolo and tuning features
The FU Tone Floyd tremolo is paired with a locking nut and Suhr locking tuners. Its D-Tuna is specified for switching to Drop D, while the manufacturer's description highlights tuning stability during extensive tremolo use. Those features define the guitar's intended setup: the bridge can be used for pitch changes, and the D-Tuna provides a way to change the low string to Drop D without a conventional retuning process. The supplied information does not explain setup requirements or whether the D-Tuna can be adjusted without additional tools.
A Floyd-style system has practical implications. The locking nut and bridge are part of a coordinated setup, and changes to string gauge or tuning may require adjustment. Buyers considering frequent tuning changes beyond the stated Drop D function should check whether this bridge arrangement fits their routine. No setup guide or maintenance details were included with the product information.
Dimensions, finish, and included items
- Scale length: 648 mm, or 25.5 inches.
- Nut width: 42.8 mm.
- Fingerboard: Ebony, with clay dot inlays.
- Frets: 22 stainless steel jumbo frets.
- Finish: Graphite Metallic.
- Case: Included. A separate gig bag is not listed.
The long scale length is a familiar specification for this style of guitar, and the listed nut width gives a useful reference for comparing neck dimensions. No body weight, neck width at the heel, or total instrument dimensions are provided. Those omissions matter to anyone choosing a guitar based on weight or exact fit in a case, so the published details cannot answer those questions.
Who the specification may suit
This model is worth considering for players seeking an HSS layout, a locking tremolo system, and a signature instrument associated with Pete Thorn. Its combination of a bridge humbucker and two single coils offers two pickup types within one guitar, while the D-Tuna specifically addresses switching the low string to Drop D. The roasted maple neck, ebony fingerboard, compound radius, and stainless steel frets are further defining construction choices, not proof of a particular playing feel or sound.
The listed price is 5,333, with no currency specified in the supplied data. The model has been available since November 2024, carries item number 597132, and includes a case. Overall, the specifications describe a feature-rich Suhr Classic S variant focused on HSS pickup coverage and a Floyd tremolo setup. Buyers should confirm current pricing, availability, and any setup details with the seller before ordering.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Suhr SSH+ bridge humbucker and V63 neck and middle single-coil pickups cover high-gain lead sounds and cleaner single-coil tones.
- The FU-Tone Floyd Rose-style tremolo includes a D-Tuna for quick Drop D changes and is specified for strong tuning stability during heavy tremolo use.
- Roasted maple neck, ebony fingerboard, 22 stainless-steel jumbo frets, and a compound 10- to 14-inch radius provide a premium specification.
- Suhr locking tuners, a locking nut, and an included case add practical features.
What bugged me
- The Floyd Rose-style tremolo and locking nut may make tuning changes and alternate tunings less convenient than on a fixed-bridge guitar.
- The three-way pickup switch offers fewer switching combinations than many HSS guitars.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking high-gain lead tones, single-coil options, and a locking tremolo with quick Drop D access. Also suited to buyers who value stainless-steel jumbo frets and premium hardware.Look elsewhere if
Less suited to players who frequently change tunings beyond Drop D or prefer a fixed bridge. Consider other HSS guitars if a five-way pickup selector is important.Suggested level: Professional
Specifications
- Color
- Graphite Metallic
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Roasted Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HSS
- Tremolo
- FU Tone Floyd
- Incl. bag
- No
- Including case
- Yes
- Artist
- Pete Thorn
- Model
- Suhr Classic S
- Style
- ST-Style
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What pickup configuration does this guitar use?
It has a Suhr SSH+ bridge humbucker and Suhr V63 single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.
Can the D-Tuna switch the guitar to Drop D?
Yes. The FU-Tone tremolo includes a D-Tuna for switching to Drop D.
Does it have a locking tremolo system?
Yes. It has a FU-Tone Floyd Rose-style tremolo and a locking nut. Suhr locking tuners are also specified.
What comes with the guitar?
A case is included. A gig bag is not.
How many pickup switching options are listed?
The guitar has a three-way switch, so it offers fewer switching combinations than HSS models with five-way selectors.
The last word from the bench
This signature model is specified for players who want powerful lead tones, single-coil options, and a tremolo that can handle extensive use. Stainless-steel jumbo frets, a compound-radius ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, and an included case round out its high-end specification. The D-Tuna adds convenient access to Drop D, while the locking system can make other tuning changes less straightforward. At a listed price of 5333, its appeal depends on whether these specific features match your needs.
Hanging next to it
Suhr Pete Thorn Custom HSS Graphite
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.






