Colton River
Colton River
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Modifying a PRS SE Custom 24 - Why you would, What you should do and how to do it!
Hey all! I bought a PRS SE Custom 24 with the specific idea of modding it to be my primary gigging guitar if gigs ever come back.
I thought it might be helpful to document the process and offer instruction and tips in case you're interested in modding your own PRS SE Cu24.
A lot of these tips are also applicable for other guitars if you're interested in similar mods.
A quick note: Lots of online guides suggest replacing the bridge in an SE. Not only have I had 0 issues with the bridge after a month (tuning stability and the trem have been great!) but it feels and operates at a high level. I don't think (as of right now) that it's a mandatory mod.
Time stamps and helpful links below!
Let me know if I can improve on anything and thank you for watching!
Time Stamps for those who want to see a specific part!
0:00 Intro Skit
1:20 The guitar and how was it out of the box?
2:29 Why buy a PRS SE over other options and why mod it?
4:27 What mods did I do, what mods do I suggest?
6:35 Cost comparison between modding and buying an S2/similar priced guitars
8:09 Part 2 start/ What do you need to do these mods?
9:12 Strap Locks mod
10:10 Locking tuners mod
11:48 Changing the pickups
16:34 Final thoughts
17:00 Sound Demo
Two guitar setup videos that are much better/ more comprehensive than I could do:
#Music is win:
ua-cam.com/video/SxmgZBzny1w/v-deo.html
This video is the best at balancing information with efficiency
#Riverton Guitars
ua-cam.com/video/Q6aAAtYC9a4/v-deo.html
This video is really good at going into detail on setting up a floating classic trem style guitar like the Cu24
The correct wiring diagram from Seymour Duncan for this project, but also completely applicable with other humbuckers with the same wiring style which most are these days.
www.seymourduncan.com/images/wiring-diagrams/2H_3B_1V_1TppSPL.jpg
Переглядів: 116 114

Відео

What to do when you get tendinitis - A guide for guitarists
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
So you're a guitarist and you've got tendinitis (or Tendonitis). What can you still do? What can you do to help it heal? Need some tips for practicing or living daily life until it heals? That's why I made this video! (Disclaimer: I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE) This is a two part video with part one focusing on exercises you can do on the guitar with only one arm and part two...
Save Tonight But Even Sadder- A cover/Re-arrangement
Переглядів 1014 роки тому
When I first started making content for UA-cam I wrote a cover of Save Tonight. I decided I wanted to change the focus from one last night with a lover to one last night...ever. I also wanted to change up the arrangement. I really liked the chords I picked for it and the arrangement but my original was very poorly made in both video and audio production. I had a long weekend with the recent hol...
A Guide For Buying Gear
Переглядів 1214 роки тому
I wanted to get together a general guide for buying gear these days. It can be difficult to find something that works great for you with the insane amount of options and talking heads tellings you what to buy, so I wanted to give some guidance, especially for those new to buying gear or family/friends who want to buy gear for someone but have no idea where to start. Also I had a bad cold while ...
How to use the Helix LT (Basic setup and explanations)
Переглядів 28 тис.4 роки тому
Timestamps: :18 Intro Rambling 1:37 View Modes on the Helix LT 2:21 Footswtiching Modes 4:11 Snapshot mode and how to lock it 6:28 How to use with a DAW/FRFR/PA 7:52 How to use as a stompbox into front of amp 9:10 How to use the Helix in a 4 cable method explanation and diagrams (why it works that way and signal chain) 11:42 Using the Helix LT into the power section of your amp 13:34 Using the ...
Does Gear Matter? A Personal Story, A Different Perspective.
Переглядів 2144 роки тому
Everybody wonders if gear matters. In this video I explore that idea essay style, looking at the opinions of the general music community, my own experiences, and ultimately what I come up with. I feel like this provides a different perspective on the subject in this UA-cam landscape. I hope you enjoy watching!
A Glimpse of my EP- First Song (No vocals)
Переглядів 694 роки тому
I'm in the middle of writing/ recording my first EP. I wanted to make a quick video so folks can get an idea of what's on it. Thanks for watching!
Final 20 Minute Song Challenge: Metal
Переглядів 494 роки тому
I took a break from video editing, posting and creating over the holidays and then a little after with some health issues. With everything all sorted out, I wanted to post this last song challenge. I did write and record this a week after my last one, but didn't get around to editing the video until just now. I know the audio is a little bad and I apologize. I've practiced my audio and video ed...
20Minute Song Challenge 7: 12 Bar Blues
Переглядів 204 роки тому
So a Couple of things here: Thanks as always for watching! 1. The song is right after the intro gag and some explanation. The video is very out of focus in some areas and the color is all over the place. I just got a brand new DSLR camera and I didn't realize how to use it properly before filming 2. This has a very "Dad Rock" feel to it, I was running against the clock and dealing with a ton of...
A Trip To Sweetwater and A New Guitar
Переглядів 554 роки тому
Instead of doing a 20 min song challenge this week, I ended up having to take a trip to get a new guitar. I went to Sweetwater in Ft. Wayne, In and we had a great time and I got a great new guitar. I also put together a quick song using only my new guitar for the guitar parts. Thanks for Watching!
20 Minute Song Challenge Episode 6: Stuck In My Head
Переглядів 394 роки тому
20 Minute Song Challenge Ep6: Have you ever gotten a song or a piece of one stuck in your head? Today's theme was trying to use those little fishbones of song parts to make a 20 min song. Let me know what you think!
20MinSong challenge ep 5: Conversation
Переглядів 654 роки тому
In this version of the 20 min song challenge I explore the idea of instruments communicating with each other and having a conversation. This one was very tight on time but I'm cautiously optimistic about the result. I wanted the first guitar to "speak" to be timid but fairly good and I wanted the second guitar to be brash and overly-confident and while good, kind of basic. I feel like I hit tho...
Lyrics Song Game
Переглядів 604 роки тому
After a pretty disappointing 20 min song challenge, I decided to write something a little more refined. I didn't want to just write a basic song however, and decided to get my girlfriend involved and make a composition game out of it. Let me know what you think!
20Min Song Challenge ep4 (Things go VERY wrong)
Переглядів 244 роки тому
This is my 4th installment of the 20 min song challenge. I was far too tired to be writing/recording a song and shooting a video. There are mistakes from lighting, to song timing but the point of the challenge is not to display just the best but what I've actually created. I'm going to use this as a learning experience.
20MinSong3- Crescendo/De-Crescendo
Переглядів 645 років тому
Here in the 3rd Iteration of the 20 min Song Challenge, I explore writing a song with highs and lows of the different parts. This ended up being more of a mechanical than musical challenge due to circumstances I outlay in the video but still fun and made for an interesting outcome. Thanks for watching!
20 minute Song Challenge, 2nd Entry
Переглядів 545 років тому
20 minute Song Challenge, 2nd Entry
(Language warning) Covering History: Ep1: Save Tonight
Переглядів 435 років тому
(Language warning) Covering History: Ep1: Save Tonight
(Language warning) 20 Min Song Writing Challenge. First Attempt
Переглядів 355 років тому
(Language warning) 20 Min Song Writing Challenge. First Attempt

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @JeremyMast-e5p
    @JeremyMast-e5p 6 днів тому

    I like the video

  • @serge8397
    @serge8397 14 днів тому

    It's ridiculous. If your right hand hurts you then do this and this and this with you left hand. We know how to use our time. We don't know how to treat our injuries!

  • @DarlinGuitar
    @DarlinGuitar 25 днів тому

    Hey thanks man! Interesting that your last point is about sleeping. I think it's one of the most important. Before and after injury. I am willing to bet that 80% of the reason for my injury was in me sleeping on my arm and having my wrist and awkward positions!!! And the rest of it was just repetition and playing a lot of guitar. But there are people that do that my friend, and they never have these issues.

  • @Therightisrighttoday
    @Therightisrighttoday Місяць тому

    Keep in mind when you mod any Chinese or Indonesian guitar that you’ll NEVER make your money back. They will ALWAYS depreciate. Just save that money and buy AMERICAN, as it WILL appreciate.

  • @manuelparzhuber
    @manuelparzhuber Місяць тому

    why didn't you give her a Usa saddle?

  • @BAND-MAID-USA
    @BAND-MAID-USA 2 місяці тому

    Cracked me up when he said the J and JB pickups sound good in a mahogany body. 😂😂 😂 literally the most typical guitar player thing you could ever say. Sweet guitar and nice mods nonetheless. If you put the PRS Lamp Shade, knobs on it, it’ll look almost just like a core. And they’re killer looking. Also everyone, also put a dab of wood glue on the screw itself for strap locks. But just a dab. Literally a dot. One thing I don’t like about PRS SE is the damn backplate could EASILY be recessed, but they’re to cheap to set the machine to route it for 8 seconds. And “ heighth, “ isn’t a word. It’s constructive criticism here. It’s pointless to show the new pickup sound without A/B ing them with the stock pickups. Also, you’re either a new guitar player or don’t take it seriously because you’re outta tune and have no real guitar skills. Just because someone buys a guitar, doesn’t mean they’re a guitar player.

  • @Jimmysage3273
    @Jimmysage3273 2 місяці тому

    You guys say 2-3 hours in crazy I’m over here playing full albums and writing thrash for 10 hours when I can and 3 hours on slow days lol I’m fucked guys I’m withdrawing

  • @Srobinson102
    @Srobinson102 2 місяці тому

    Just started learning left hand muting for 16th note funk patterns and jacked my left arm up with tennis elbow. Deeply appreciate this video.

  • @vikingvapor5722
    @vikingvapor5722 2 місяці тому

    In my opinin it`s bullshit you done..... There are a heck of Guitars on the street, and there are all different. You only have to grab the right one.Secondary 65% of the issues are the sound,.... so straplocks, strings and tuners are wearparts,no way a reason to mention the changing.

  • @iamstan_rimp
    @iamstan_rimp 2 місяці тому

    Not worried about someone knocking over ya $700 guitar is a new kind of peace 😂 i just got one of these. Love it!

  • @nickhutchinson9068
    @nickhutchinson9068 4 місяці тому

    How do i connect the LT to my monitors. Do i need to run reaper or can i just just the Helix software?

  • @jerrycook3273
    @jerrycook3273 4 місяці тому

    Hi Brian thanks for the tip I bought a set of these I put them in my usa prs standard they sound great!! Pick your brain if I may I have a pes se dgt model the mids cut through in a live application but no low end do you think 🤔 they would improve the tone & warmth of that guitar I use a pedal platform in front of clean amps thanks any perspective would be welcome

  • @phunkyjunkee
    @phunkyjunkee 5 місяців тому

    I recommend the se locking tuners and also some schaller s locks…

  • @kevingross2221
    @kevingross2221 5 місяців тому

    Bone nut on my SE Custom 24 made a huge difference

  • @marievolkova3708
    @marievolkova3708 5 місяців тому

    duncan jb on the bridge position isn't right choice for this instrument... sound so aggressively and too much highs... vote for bare knuckles... but other side other mind... btw. nice guitar... PRS s great mark for long, long time... amazing instruments... I m flying like eagle across the bird signs on the fretboard...

  • @macauley70
    @macauley70 6 місяців тому

    Hi.. I'm in train without earpods. I can't see your video because you don't have subtitles... Also I 'm not native English, i' m Spanish and subtitles help me to understood what do you said. Is a suggestion, turn on subtitles

  • @luismiguelclemente3232
    @luismiguelclemente3232 6 місяців тому

    I wonder if you can explain how to integrate the helix with the Ox Box or perhaps the Boss Tube Amp Expander!?

  • @al6377
    @al6377 6 місяців тому

    Amazing intro to the video 😂, that is soooo much me!

  • @newsycpl
    @newsycpl 6 місяців тому

    Keep in mind, everyone is different and at various levels. I’m at an intermediate level and I’m almost positive that when I get better, my taste will change.

  • @shredding51
    @shredding51 7 місяців тому

    I really just want to use it to run through my monitors hooked to my computer. Can you just use your usb cable from the helix and use it as your interface into your daw to get sound to your monitors?

  • @blessedimmunity6910
    @blessedimmunity6910 7 місяців тому

    Hey friend good morning, I'm Gary, I have a PRS tremonti just bought but my high E is getting caught on the front pick up, any suggestion on a fix. Only problem

  • @pmarciano1717
    @pmarciano1717 7 місяців тому

    How do i lower my strings???

  • @rproctor83
    @rproctor83 9 місяців тому

    Tension buildup can occur all throughout the body, in the feet, hips, back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, eyes, mouth, etc. The key here is to find the path of least resistance, you want to exert as little energy and pressure as possible to achieve the result. In order to do that you have to analyze closely where the point of tension is building and reposition accordingly. There are best case scenarios for posture and technique when it comes to sustained long term playing, learn from the masters. Path of least resistance.

  • @CG92965
    @CG92965 9 місяців тому

    Love this video. Absolutely hate the SE Custom 24 pups. Tried all SE models and pups sound terrible on all of them. Muddy, underwater, or like they are being muffled under a pillow. So disappointing because my ‘88 Core custom 24 sounds beautiful. This is great video because it not only confirms there’s a way to make the SE sound as great as it looks and feels but shows how. Thanks so much. Interested to know if any other pup replacement recommendations.

  • @spaghettimeatballswow
    @spaghettimeatballswow 9 місяців тому

    I agree with the stock prs pickups. They sound very flat.

  • @jimmathews8427
    @jimmathews8427 9 місяців тому

    I have this guitar, thought i didnt like the pickups .... simply rolled down the tone knob a bit and i love them.

  • @jayp.2313
    @jayp.2313 9 місяців тому

    No Plyers ! Use a socket

  • @yuri.del.signore
    @yuri.del.signore 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for the content, I’m actually experiencing it right now and I got very down because I can’t practise. But the thing to focus on theory and on the right hand, which are stuff that when the left work well I never do 😅 it is a good point. The only thing that could be wrong is when you explain stretching and which muscles do you stretch with the movement, it should be the opposite, so if you pull up you stretch the down part and compress the up. Anyway love the content!!

    • @Mitchell.Staley
      @Mitchell.Staley 10 місяців тому

      Be careful not to underestimate the left hand it needs a lot of stretching especially if you plan to tap or finger pick

  • @rainshadowband3161
    @rainshadowband3161 10 місяців тому

    Was about to facepalm somebody modifying a PRS Custom 24. Have a 1994 version, fully stock, and wouldn't change a thing about it, though I understand some people are not fans of the 5 way rotary pickup selector. Then I realized I had dyslexia and didn't read the "SE" part of the title of this video. Lol. My philosophy on modding guitars is that anything that cost you less than $1,500 is fair game. Starting around the $2,000 mark, I'm thinking "Why would you spend that much on a guitar you're gonna mod anyway?" Mid-priced guitars like in this video and budget guitars are great to mod anyway you like. Personally, I wouldn't trade my 1994 PRS Custom 24 for any amount of these mid-price or budget guitars, but that's mostly because of sentimental value. Great video btw. Looks like a versatile beast of a guitar :)

  • @artist0503
    @artist0503 11 місяців тому

    I just ordered a new PRS SE Custom 24 and a set of (PRS) locking tuners as well. I'll give the stock pickups a fair try first as I normally do before making a change. I'll most likely end up putting in a set of Seymour Duncan pickups in it. I'm thinking about which ones to go with but, first really want to hear how it sounds stock.

  • @theBoi-1983
    @theBoi-1983 11 місяців тому

    I got tired of researching and ended up deciding between Helix LT and Headrush prime. Can you help me? 😢

  • @ginoames
    @ginoames Рік тому

    I got my Helix LT yesterday. This is the perfect start up video. Bravo!

  • @vw9659
    @vw9659 Рік тому

    Stretching is not generally recommended by expert clinicians (clinician-researchers specializing in tendon overuse problems). It can make some tendon issues worse, by compressing a tendon against underlying bone. Similarly, there is little evidence that stretching prevents tendon problems in the first place. Your average doctor or physio may not be familiar with current evidence-based best practice for what is a difficult condition to treat (what they were taught in school has often changed in more recent years as better evidence has emerged).

  • @pedraw
    @pedraw Рік тому

    The S2 uses the same pickups and electronics as the SE line. I recently purchased a McCarty 594 SE and seriously entertained buying an McCarty S2. The S2 doesn't even have binding like the SE and they share the same hardware and pickups for 1000$ more.

  • @66andboni
    @66andboni Рік тому

    GREAT ADVISE!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I AM A 56 YR OLD MAN TRYING TO LEARN DRUMS AND RELEARN THE GUITAR (HAD NOT PLAYED SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER) AND, AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF 2 TO 3-HOUR DAILY SESSIONS, I BUSTED MY LEFT ELBOW. I HAVE BEEN VERY SLOWLY RECOVERING FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS NOW, AND YOUR GUIDANCE SURELY WILL HELP.

  • @jimihendrix4376
    @jimihendrix4376 Рік тому

    Skip the Drama 1:21

  • @ilovegsus
    @ilovegsus Рік тому

    Thanks...I really appreciate the timestamps stuff hehe.

  • @kanjinha
    @kanjinha Рік тому

    Hi Colton, just saw this video today. Thanks for showing up the whole process. I would like to ask, have you consider, or someone else, having P90s on the PRS? Due to the cavities size, we need to go for a P90s humbuckers size correct? i read people say they don't sound that well as the normal size, but would love to hear opinions. Cheers

  • @finaljesus
    @finaljesus Рік тому

    thank you for the video Colton your se custom sounds really good i’m goin to be doin some upgrades to mine pickups locking tuners from prs i want all black but they don’t have them in all black your pickup choice was and is exellent i really like the way they sound

  • @acoustical.ly_
    @acoustical.ly_ Рік тому

    Thank you for the tips.. Very helpful.

  • @creationinspired200
    @creationinspired200 Рік тому

    Very convenient the timing of this coming on right after a prs video and as im looking to upgrade my prs both american models and import models thank you sir!

  • @BAND-MAID-USA
    @BAND-MAID-USA Рік тому

    I have a new 2023 PRS McCarty 594 SE single cut and the pickups are absolutely phenomenal. Some of the best I’ve ever heard in any guitar. Also dual coil split on both tone knobs. Wonder what the difference is with those pups and the older ones are. The Silver Sky SE pups also sound amazing. I also don’t believe this guy is a gigging guitarist lol. Watch the end. Sounds like he’s been playing for a year. No offense honestly but, not sure ppl should take advice about guitar from someone who can barely play.

    • @BAND-MAID-USA
      @BAND-MAID-USA 2 місяці тому

      100% true. Dudes never played a gig in his life. The pups in your SE 594 are 85/15 SE Asian maxes. They’re ok but, if you put in the 85/15 American pups, you’ll see just how massive a difference there is. This guy isn’t a guitarist. He’s 1 of millions who thinks because he bought a guitar, he’s a guitarist. lol

  • @bobt7484
    @bobt7484 Рік тому

    That guitar is NOT an all mahogany body

    • @newsycpl
      @newsycpl 6 місяців тому

      Mahogany body and maple top.

  • @randyrandle399
    @randyrandle399 Рік тому

    You chose good SD pickups...but it is still an SE. Modifying a USA made S2 got me a better guitar with better resale. Gutted all the import parts.

  • @simonkormendy849
    @simonkormendy849 Рік тому

    I've got an old Cherry Red PRS SE Custom 24 (the one without the contouring on the front of the body) that I'm in the process of restoring back to full playability, I'm going to be installing two Gibson USA PAF (Silver Shield) Humbucking pickups I salvaged from my old Gibson USA Les Paul Studio guitar, hopefully they'll sound good in the PRS SE Custom 24, I recently bought a PRS truss rod cover, a set of two plastic ivory PRS pickup rings, and a complete PRS trem bridge on eBay since I needed them in order to complete the restoration, I also need to make a small 2mm thick piece of rosewood in order to install a new nut because the original nut-shelf was sanded to accept a Floyd Rose locking nut, I originally wanted to install a Floyd Rose trem on it but I ended up abandoning the install because of some issues.

  • @davidsoukup138
    @davidsoukup138 Рік тому

    I had a feeling he was a metal head. Got sold after he said he listens to Opeth.

  • @PNWGuitar
    @PNWGuitar Рік тому

    How do you control the overall output lvl for a live aetting scenario, such as sending the di out to foh and perhaps another our to an frfr for stage volume?

  • @Lovell93
    @Lovell93 Рік тому

    Not a fan of PRS? How!?!?! I just recently bought my first PRS SE(I'm a Strat/Tele/Ibanez RG guy) and ever since I purchased the 24-08, I haven't touched my other guitars, and they're MIA/MIJ!!! PRS is killing it with the SE. I can only imagine how amazing a core model is. Purchasing one soon. PRS is my new favorite!

    • @BAND-MAID-USA
      @BAND-MAID-USA 2 місяці тому

      If you put the American made PRS 85/15 pups in your guitar you’ll be in shock how much better they are than the 85/15 SE Asian made one you have in it. It’s insane how different the same model pup is when it’s the real ones from America. Do it and you’ll seriously be like, WTF?

    • @Lovell93
      @Lovell93 2 місяці тому

      @@BAND-MAID-USA I ended up purchasing a CE24 and then a core Custom 24-08 lol so I haven't even touched the SE in like 6 months!🤣I keep it in a case in case I need to take a guitar to a friend's house or a family thing.

  • @scotchgod8478
    @scotchgod8478 Рік тому

    Not sure if it's really worth the bother and I don't think PRS stock pickups could ever sound awful. At the end of the day it all comes down to your personal preferences.

  • @itsjohnnymillion
    @itsjohnnymillion Рік тому

    I have an LT on the way and this is the best video I've found on basic operations so far. Thanks!