Paul explained in a recent video that he opted to have the factory that built the guitar on the back of the headstock on SE models so the workers can take pride in their creations.
@@motleyford Mine is wonderful on my PRS SE Custom 24-08. Everything about this guitar is freaking awesome. Haven't touched my Strats or Les Paul's since I got this thing a few weeks ago lol. It's just so awesome to play.
I bought my prs from Andertons almost three years ago now. It was a big change and almost a gamble for me, who had been playing telecaster and stratocaster exclusively until then. The guitar arrived setted, tuned, ready to play with a mixed scent of the fragrances of Danish Pete's talent and the Captain's French accent...I'll never forget...no never 🤩
Similar story for me, a life long Fender purist. I am still a devout disciple of the greatest innovator and revolutionary in the guitar world, Leo Fender. However, about 5 years ago I was given a semi hollow Prs Se , don't remember the model but it was Similar shape to Santanas signature, but semi hollow, as payment for a paint job. I fucked around with it and was like, really taken back and surprised by how good it felt, sounded and looked. I had played, ar thar point, for 15 years and exclusively Fenders, both tele and strat. But that first session with the PRS, plugged into my Deluxe Reverb...I was sold. I happen to be an obsessive studier of things I like, so I read about the company and whatnot. Come to learn that Paul Smith is a fuckin awesome guy, who believes in his product and puts in great amounts of research and experimentation to end up with great, reliable and beautiful products. Now, I am not sold on his amps...but that's just because the best amps were designed and created by Leo, 50+ years ago...so that's not even a real fault lol I now own a Silver Sky Se, which is easily the best strat copy on the market. Their single coils that are on them, the SS models, are really nice and well behaved. I'm excited to try out their newest strat like guitar, with another new pickup design.
After years of playing (and loving) the SE range, I finally took the plunge a couple of year ago and forked out for a full-fat Core Custom 24 (bought in person from Andertons of course, and got to chat to The Captain too which was awesome!). What can I say - it just MAKES me want to play it. It's got a mysterious quality that you can't put your finger on. Maybe that's the real difference between the Core range and the others? I don't know. All I know is that I seriously loved my various SE guitars, but the Core is absolutely magical to play.
PRS guitars, no matter which model version you get, are amazing playable guitars. Just feel so comfortable. I bought a used 30th Anniversary SE and replaced the frets with stainless steel frets and now its even better than before. Absolutely amazing guitars. I also have the recent release of SE Paul's guitar. Best guitar I have so far and I have quite a few.
I concur. I’ve got a 10th year anniversary #79 of 200 made. I bought as a fluke to sell. Paid 1500$ usd. That was 2 years ago and I still can’t put it down. Magical indeed. !!!!♥️♥️
I'd disagree.. but I've had the ability running sound, and a gold record winning studio for 26 years that has yielded me the ability to play just about every expensive amp and guitar made. The SE range is amazing after you replace the pick-ups. Definitely wouldn't buy a standard... I'd pee on it for show like we always do in my band
Owned 2 x core Custom 24s, had to sell both due to circumstances. I now only own an SE Custom 22, but I love it. It plays effortlessly and the new 85/15s pick ups sound really nice.
My opinions. PRS Cores are the best new guitars available, money no bar. PRS SEs are all the guitar you need. Whether you get a core or an SE, you can't go wrong. And of course, for something truly special, beyond the best, there is Private Stock. I transitioned from Gibsons to PRSs, mainly because they are just much more reliable,. Everything is perfectly designed, from the knobs to the trem to the electronics.
I'm very happy with my SE Custom 24. Same exact one as featured in this video actually. But I still want a Core. The carve, the finish, the tuners, and the flush cavity covers are all details that really make it stand out to me. It's a lot of money though and if I'm shopping 3000+ dollar guitars I'm gonna probably get really picky about my options.
I have a feeling you are going to get one. I have asked my wife to restrain me, since I've just got a se DGT, and a se custom 24 may arrive tomorrow or Friday. I do not need more, but they're just so pretty.
@matt79hz Haha same here man. Recently bought an SE Mccarty 594 (orange sunburst which looks and plays incredible) about 3 months ago. And just bought an SE Silver Sky in stone blue. Absolutely incredible guitars, I want the SE Pauls Guitar, and waiting for an SE NF53. Sorry for the paragraph, these guitars are just awesome and my wife has to restrain me as well.
I feel like Pete is gradually evolving into Daniel Johns from Silverchair, and I love it! the earrings look great, next step is a touch of eyeshadow. the confidence! its all positive vibes 👌👌
Don’t miss the SE Standard. My new 24-08 version is a remarkable value and a perfect complement to my vintage Core CU24. High quality build, great components, perfect setup and excellent playability. Very easy on the budget. Love PRS.
Glad you reviewed these, I just got the se semi hollow custom 22 , my first prs guitar, I’m really impressed. Great neck, sustain, smooth playing, my first experience with the coil tap, I’ve played 57 yrs, not a pro but, I’m really digging the guitar. Well worth the money, mine says made indonesia core-tek. Thanks fellers Y’all great. It’s Santana yellow color.
The carve of the core is unspeakably gorgeous but I have an s2 and it plays like butter. SO smooth. The craftsmanship is a noticeable step up from the SE. I put some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups in and it may be my favorite guitar I’ve played.
S2 for me. My wife had an on-going joke to people about me being on the search for the "perfect guitar". Well, I purchased a McCarty 594 Thin Line S2 a few years ago and have dubbed it, 'Milagro' as the 'perfect' guitar (for me) has been found. Had a satin finish Custom 22 S2 and sold it. I've regretted that and will almost certainly buy another. S2s rock!
The S2 series may be somewhat misunderstood, but the differences within the S2 series even more so. The S2 Custom is what is played here; the S2 Standard line are actually the guitars I prefer. They have cool pick guards, solid color finishes, often come in satin finishes, semi hollow options occasionally, and while they are available with both inlay options, there are more S2 Standards with dots than any of the other series. The most massively underrated part of the S2 range: the Vela, Mira, and Starla. The S2 is home to three (now just one as the Mira and Starla were moved to SE) unique models. The Vela is my favorite PRS model, but only because I have yet to try a Mira!
@@JELIFISH19 I definitely agree with you there. IMO those three models were like triplet children that made the S2 series home to something really special.
I worked for a Mom and Pop shop in Lemoyne Pa for 6 years in the late 90's to mid 2000's. I was and am firstly a Gibson Les Paul guy. When I worked there we sold Gibson Fender and PRS. The PRS consistently blew away Gibson on fit and finish. BUT and thats a big BUT. The pickups at the time Dragon II's and HFS were also consistently bad sounding. I had a few that I really liked but they didnt compare tonally to my Les Pauls. Fast forward 2021. I picked up a CE 24 and it is FANTASTIC! They newer pickups are WAAAY better than before and although I dont generally like thin necks this one is fantastic. I have played gigs where I needed a humbucker and a Strat. I have to say the coil tapping in this the first that really sounds like a single coil. I played the gigs with one guitar and it checked all the boxes. PS LOVE your videos! been following for a few years now and if I can ever travel to England you are on my list!
Just bought an SE 24-08 in transpqrent blue. What an incredible feeling and sounding guitar, and really for the price it is a total bargain. Both single coil and humbucker modes sound great.
Just picked up a Vela S2 in satin nitro. In terms of quality, playability and sound it easily sits next to my custom suhr modern. And it's a quarter of the cost
I have the same guitar. I sold guitars for 18 years so I’ve played tons of amazing guitars, and the Vela holds its own with nearly every single one of them.
The pickups were nothing to write home about but the quality of the guitar is stellar. Once you change the electronics, it's up there with guitars that cost much more.
@@JELIFISH19 I think the pickups are pretty great actually, but ultimately I needed just a bit more guts out of the bridge pickup but I didn’t want to stray too far from the original vibe and tone so I put a TV Jones Power’Tron in mine.
Thanks, guys! Great video! I live about 40 minutes away from the PRS factory in Maryland and own a few of their guitars from their earlier facility in Annapolis. Keep up the good work!
@dizzy7454 I ordered mine online from a nationally well-known guitar store. It was used, but it was in mint condition. There wasn't a scratch on it. I went to tune it, and the strings were rubbing on the frets. Just laying right down on top. I've never seen that before, and I've had a lot of guitars. I don't know if the previous owner didn't know what to do with it or what, but I'm wondering if he never even played it for that reason. I figured the store should have tested it out before sending it to me. I was pretty disappointed in the store to be honest. They couldn't even test it to see if it worked. It wasn't even poorly playable. Anyway, last night, I finally had time to adjust the truss rod and saddle, and it seems like new again. I was just surprised at the playable condition I got it in, considering it looked like it just left the plant.
@@dw1784 I was going to ask if you played with the truss rod. Mine came a little low and I had buzzing on the 3rd but with 5-10 minutes of adjustments it plays great. Glad to know you got it sorted out!
I have the new Core > Special > Semi-Hollow body... 3 pickups, each configurable individually, and with a 5 way switch allowing for 12 combinations of tone.. it blow my mind and made me sell 3 guitars to buy it as it literally replaced all 3...
I have a Core "McCarty" (original version made in 1997.. which I have given to my oldest son recently) and an SE Paul's guitar (I also have an SE 277 baritone that I love!). Playing wise....I found myself grabbing the SE models much more often. I have a feeling about wanting to limit the wear & tear on my U.S. made "nicer" guitars. Honestly, the newer imports ...especially the PRS SE guitars ... are so nice, I don't feel that I am missing out on anything by playing them over the U.S. versions. I do Love my PRS guitars. Great look at the Custom 24's!
@@midnightcruiser7762 I haven't had the pleasure of trying a Suhr. I like the way the PRS guitars feel and sound. (I traded for my PRS McCarty on a pretty great deal) I've tried to LOVE a Fender Strat and never found one that I bonded with. I DID find a wonderful G&L Legacy that I've owned since around 1998. Love that guitar a LOT! I don't think that I bond well with the rounder fretboard radius on the more vintage style Fender Strats. Yeah, I do care what my guitars look like, but if they don't feel or sound good to me they don't stay with me. (I do record a lot of Music.... I don't play LIVE much for the past 10 years. And I don't "toss" any of my guitars anywhere. Just FYI)
Morning gents! Amazing playing as usual. Those guests are gorgeous! I still have my first PRS. An old square edge SE. Still feels and plays beautifully. But those are making me feel the need to stay doing for a new one. Hope all is well and awesome for you both. Thanks for the killer videos🎸
I have a 1987 PRS Custom 24 I bought from Paul himself back in 1988. All the guitars sound good. Is it the amp, the person playing or the production? Where are they made? Mine have the rotary switch
I have core series and s2 series guitars and I have to tell that while core series are like custom made boutique guitars the S2 guitars resonate better than core series aciustically and are louder. I think the S2 satin series are an incredible bargain for the price. Although fret wire is different than the core line the fretwork is impecable just like a core line, perfect.
The PRS S2 Standard Satin has one of the nicest/warmest tones I've heard in any of the PRS line of guitars. Currently $1449. Maybe the best value PRS you can buy right now.
I've had two SEs some time ago (first year production Standard 22 and a 2008 Mark Tremonti - both Korean made) and they were just great for the price. They were amazingly built in terms of craftsmanship, and had great components (tuners, pickups and electronics, bridge...) that felt like high quality. Have tried some other SEs as well and have no complaints whatsoever. But some days ago, I picked up a 2008 Starla Core, US made. A bit of an odd PRS but it's the BEST guitar I've had (I've owned quite a few Gibsons, american Fenders, Ibanez Prestige...). It's just perfectly built, the woods are lightweight, extremely resonant and it just sings... Plus those Starla USA Treble/Bass are truly amazing, they even have the BEST coil split I've ever tried on humbuckers. Nothing wrong on the SEs, but you can't compare them in any way shape or form. These guys at PRS do know how to built guitars, and their attention to detail is just spot on.
Im in the US, Gallatin,Tennessee which is 30 min away from downtown Nashville. My Soul is telling me I should own a Gibson.... I was wanting a Gibson LP standard for my 40th birthday, seven years ago. I went down the Gibson, PRS, Heritage rabbit hole for a few months. I wanted quality! Without costing me half a months salary. I knew about ESP. I have an LTD MH series and tbe quality is outstanding for the money I spent. Sooooo, I went to Sam Ash, ordered the LTD EC 1000 Deluxe. LP style in a Honey Burst style color, SD 59, JB.. This Guitar is Flawless! And its made in Korea! Well, here I am again... What do I do? I WANT A USA MADE GUITAR DAMN IT! My main thing is Quality, Value! Maybe S2.... ? Im still torn! Just a quick note... Anderson's, That pedal show are my go to youtube channels for Guitar info. As well as a good time watching you guys play. Thank you!
Awesome video guys I’ve just purchased a 24-08 se custom Eliza-verde .. it is just a beautifully built guitar for the price. I just love it. The only thing i am going to change is to put locking tuners on it. Thanks for the show
I’ve always played Gibson and Fender for 30 years. 5 years ago I purchased a core Custom 22...amazing guitar, I’ve since purchased a Pauls Guitar. The quality is so good, which it should be for the price. I’m hooked on PRS now !
I got an S2 singlecut standard satin Best guitar I've ever played And I've had my paws on Gibson/Fender Customshops, loads of eastern factory guitars, lots of US/Mexico made factory guitars Very few come close to it in feel and sound, even with the stock eastern pickups. I am thinking of getting a pair of Pete Torn Surh pickups or a pair of Monteys or Lollars, just because cool gear and stuff, But whenever I pick the guitar up and play it, I lose those thoughts instantly
I have a S2 Vela replace the pick ups with TV Jones CTS pots German push pull switch it will rip up the floorboards … quite different from my core 22 solid one piece, big leaf, mahogany 20th anniversary replace the pick ups with a similar hand wound 58,50 … This thing is a surgical instrument. … I don’t know how people can say PRS guitars have no soul I think it has less to do with the instrument and more to do with the player….. love your videos, as always keep up the great work….
Should've thrown a CE in there too. I know its technically not a Custom 24 but the specs are close enough to be a reasonable alternative that sits nicely between the S2 and Core ranges.
I’m with you Tom. I think the CE is the perfect compromise. Nearly core in build, the top pickups, but closer to an S2 in price. I have one on order right now.
@@kolchak357 You're going to absolutely love it. I bought my CE in 2017 when they brought them back and it's still absolutely my #1. It's the perfect balance between core and S2. I wish they'd build one of their singlecuts as a CE.
Love my s2 standard satin and I got it for less than the SE retails for, brand new. Picked it up for $850 a couple years ago on a sale. Since then , PRS raised the price.
The Core guitars are genuinely special instruments. I bought one almost 5 years ago and I've never had a guitar that looks and sounds as nice as it does. Having said that, it was really expensive for me. I think there was a time where Paul wanted to protect the Core line from the SE and S2 line by making them slightly less appealing to look at. He has softened on that a great deal and I think that benefits anyone who ever wanted a PRS guitar. Unless you absolutely must have the violin carve top, you're not missing out anymore by getting an S2 or SE. They play really well, have the right amount of bells and whistles, and are really starting to look the part.
I own a custom 22 and used to own a ce 24. The ce had some damage I couldn't afford to get repaired at the time, but I actually liked that one better than the custom 22.
I have a CE24 semi-hollow, and used to have a core Custom 24. I like the CE better, by quite a bit. I kinda feel like they're PRS's secret guitar. Relatively speaking of course.
I played an older Harley Benton CST24 (when they used Wilkenson and Mahagony) along and it also sounds very much alike. The body shape is taken from the Core model and beside the great looks it feels really good and is my most ergonomic guitar I had so far for the way I hold my guitars. Not all is well though, I'm in the camp "sounds uninspired" which basically means Harley Benton copied it a bit to well. But I'm warming up to it step by step. I bought mine very cheap and initially planned to sell it again. It also makes a great case for copies not running into copyright issues - I really warmed up to PRS and now basically save up to a Swamp Ash Special.
You guys need more PRS guitars on those racks against the walls. There are 6 PRS guitars in my collection, the SE series I prefer the Korean made over the Indonesian - the Quality is a little better and the neck carves are specked different. The body & neck wood joints seem to be uniform on the SE line, which gives them a nice balanced appeal. After I bought my first SE I sold my GLP. The S2 series are fantastic - Solid wood bodies, they seem to have more resonance to them then the SE series, which for me just ads to the experience. The trem system is awesome, the hard tail is awesome, the wrap around awesome (I like the newer wrap around). My Core Model is an NF3 Korina body which I feel lucky to have - Top Shelf Mojo!! Hard to describe, you just have to play a Core.
Yo chaps! Nice guitars in this one! You should do blind fold vids the other way around. With blindfolded Lee listening to Pete playing different guitars and amps pedals etc… see if he can hear the difference. Just a thought!
I don't think you will find many people who will agree that Lee Anderton is as good a player as Pete - but hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion
I have a PRS SE 2021 model. I did 3 modifications which doubled it's cost and now it sounds equivalent to PRS Core series! 1. Bare Knuckle Polymaths 2. Graph Tech Nut 3. Bare Knuckle Pots, Capacitors, switch
That's all I'm missing from my se custom 24. It's maple and other wood ? With a beautiful fugured maple veneer top, maple neck and fingerboard. It's only got 2 pots, one volume and one tone/split. Thanks
I got my first PRS this year. It's a 2008 Korean made Paul Allender ( non EMG) model. HH, no coil taps. It's an absolutely AMAZING guitar! Purple burst, with BATS in flight in the fretboard!
I have a S2 and a core. The differences are what you might find for most other mid level and high end guitars, playability and tone. A core guitar is easily playable, like butter. The S2 is a little more of a struggle, very easy to play if you never compare it to the core, but noticeably more of a challenge if you do a straight comparison. The second is tone, the core is a killer tone, you clearly hear every note in a chord. The S2 the tone is less clear but still great. All of these things are noticeable at home or when playing with friends. Playing in a club or a loud jam the tone difference is hardly noticeable. I like my S2. It is a quality tool that does the job. There are differences that contribute to the playability and tone, the tuners, the nut, the saddles and trem, but the appearance differences are icing.
SE vs S2 vs Core is like comparing a steak at a good chain like a Texas Roadhouse to a local fine dining steakhouse to a Peter Luger's dry aged 135yr old secret family recipe steak in Brooklyn. The more mass produced SE hits the spot and in terms of quality stands above a lot of the import competition (although this gap has narrowed since the SE 1st appeared 20+ years ago), the S2 is effortless to play and very close to what you get in the core line, the core is just perfectly balanced and hits every mark where the recipe has been meticulously designed so each component blends with/works in harmony to create an exceptional experience. All are good, all will get the job done, and tbh in a live setting only you and other musicians will hear the subtle nuances. You also have to consider if you prefer bringing a $3000+ core model or an $800 SE to a dive bar gig night after night. The choice is subjective and personal, but the core is objectively better. How much better or if it's worth it monetarily is completely up to the player. I've owned SEs that blew away all my other imports and have gigged an S2 for 9yrs. In my guitar journey I'm ready to step up to a core and I'd like a CE24 and a Silver Sky. Why? Because for me, PRS are overall the most dialed in, exceptional quality, and fun for me to play. I will always play my strats, teles, and Les Pauls, but for me PRS blows all the mainstream non boutique builders out of the water. Never played a PRS that was a dog, but have played a TON of Fenders and Gibsons that were awful. Also, the PRS guitars I've owned over the years have required the least maintenance/setups/adjustments with Gibson being the next less needy, and the Fenders have been the most in need of tinkering with changes in season/humidity/etc.
I have an S2 and I love it. I am having a little difficulty with the tone control not working properly, so Sweetwater sent me a new tone pot configuration. I just have to get to my tech guys to get it installed because it is a 9 pin arrangement and will require a professional at soldiering. Nevertheless, I love it. It was a nice compromise for the SE vs. the core. Now, I want a hollowbody ll piezo. I wish PRS would make a S series of said hollowbody ll Piezo. I want so badly to buy the core hollowbody, but it is just so expensive. I've watched UA-cam comparisons and I lean toward the core; however if anyone out there has experience with the PRS Hollowbody Piezo SE model, please let me know and try to convince me that it is a perfectly great guitar despite my desire to break the bank and buy a core model. Thank you all. I loved this video. You played my exact S2.... same whale blue finish too. BTW, I noticed on Sweetwater that the the whale blue does not seem to be available anymore. Please, I welcome any commentary or "convincing" about the SE hollowbody vs the Core hollowbody.
Can’t believe they didn’t throw a CE in here.....must not have had one in the shop. CE is by far my favorite, I like the body carve better and I have a satin body and neck.
I'm in love with my S2 594 Thinline! in Vintage Cherry. It's way better than an SG. NO neck dive, beautiful neck, coil splits, better bridge, and tailpiece. My opinion...
Would be great to see an Anderson's McCarty shootout. From core to the various s2 models. I own a S2 McCarty thinline which is magical. The thin body is amazing. I agree that the S2 line is being slept on.
I also have the s2 mccarty thinline and could not agree more! I was a bit worried before buying it would’t be a big upgrade to my SE custom 24 roasted maple(With upgrades) but darn, it was. You just feel the quality straight of the bat and even with stock pu’s it sounds amazing! 🤟🏻
@@jonaslundh8496 I think the simplicity of the carve and the fact that there is no maple top allows it to resonate more. I also have a 1997 ce22. Amazing but heavy and not nearly as resonant as the $2 McCarty thinline. I got the white one. You?
I've just bought 2 SE's ! a luna white silver sky, and Paul's guitar with a blue maple veneer! that has the fattest neck I think I have ever played, I have de-glossed the back of the neck and changed the black tulip buttons for cream tulip button locking Grovers! the pickup rings and switch tip will be changed too as well as the black speed knobs for gold Gibson style! the silver sky I will change the tuners for the Tulip locking Grovers just because of the tremendous and the look! they are awesome and play great! but a Yamaha desert burst on order, got a pacifica hardtail with a P90 at the neck and splittable humbucker, and a breedlove in koa! yes I have went a bit nuts! but I don't care! an Eastman 59 with the antique varnish will be mine too!
I concur with this video. I have a Core Artist P22, S2 SC 250 Semi Hollow, and an SE 245. The S2 gets the most play out of the three. Something about it just feels right.
I have 2 SE's (Custom 24 and HBII P) and an S2 594 Thinline. All different body carve and neck shape/sizes. For me, between the Custom and the S2, each one has its own flavor and strengths. The S2 seems to be a bit more dynamic and accurate (?) in articulation and tonality. The Custom is my more down and dirty machine for heavier type of play: metal, harder rock and crunchier leads with high gain. But there is also the 22 vs 24 fret and scale length differences that play into that. The two different neck patterns don't affect me at all, even in a quick change of instruments. I was surprised that the Core and S2 models fooled him...thought the two different body carves and necks would have been more obvious to a much higher skilled player than myself.😉 Obviously my Hollowbody is a completely different animal and wouldn't figure into this kind of comparison at all.
I think this video should be revisited. Namely S2 got option of real USA pickups and bridges are USA versions on some guitars. BTW there is one big difference between them. Especially important one is that from one neck blank in USA they make one neck of the Core model but make two necks of S2. They cut it in half then diagonally at the headstock angle and turn that part and get headstock from it. Core models have one peace necks. WMI made one peace necks on SE models. Cort makes the Mahogany necks out of the 3 peace’s and they are laminated length wise. Some maple necks are still one peace while some can have dove tail as well. Tops on the Core and S2 are two peace’s and backs are one peace. Woodworkers would say cut the wide board in 3 peace’s and glue it inverting the direction of the middle peace and wood will be more stable and will not twist over time. Sure that is true, especially for doors and tables. 3 peace necks will be stronger and resist twisting but do not transmit vibrations as good as one peace necks period. They do not ring. Watch video where Paul holds neck blank with two fingers hanging down and nocks on it. It rings like a bell. I have different ranges of PRS. From the SE to Wood Library. No Private stock for me 😢 I am not going to by SE anymore. Despite that I am tempted to try some models I do not want or can spend a lot of money on. Models I would try normally if SE construction stayed one peace neck. On all of my SE guitars upgrades cost as much as guitars the, self. Tuners are changed with original PRS locking tuners or original Kluson tuners. All harness is changed and guitars got boutique pickups. Knobs and switch tips are changed with pots and switches and output jacks. So practically only the wood stayed original. Another difference between series is electronics and cables. In the Core series everything is perfect. Paul even knows capacity per inch of the cables they use. In the SE you get Alpha pots and no name jack and switches and crap high capacitance cables. Pickups have improved but S line pickups are far away from the USA made once. You get awesome value with the SE still though. SE tops are covered with veneer but the actual maple cap is made from 3 peace’s. Mahogany back’s are 3 peace’s at least. This makes difference and savings regarding to the wood. Plus, yeah wood sourcing is different as well.
I have a nice Burl top SE Santana 22, it plays great, and I switched the pickups with hot Dimarzio's, and put a graphite nut on it. It has one chip on the edge, otherwise it's in mint condition. I never play it anymore, even though it sounds massive. Too bad you aren't in the area.
My two favourite guitars are a SE CU24 Floyd rose and a Fender American Vintage '65 Strat. The strat has that vintage Hendrix kind of sound while the SE does modern with a decent impression of single coils with the push/pull knob. I got the SE because I didn't like the edge of the horn on my Ibanez RG but wanted something similar spec'd with 24 frets. My only complaint with the SE was the push pull tone is a tiny alpha pot that doesn't have the best tolerances and feels a bit cheap and wobbly. The Volume is full size and feel great. I play the SE more because it is so versatile. Love these guitars :)
I feel so much respect for PRS, his creator and I acknowledge how beautiful and well put together this guitars are. Once, I walked into a store with the sole purpose of buying one, and walked out with a Gibson LP lol .. I cant seem to connect with them.. to me, their are not a rock guitar, they are not a strat, but in the middle. I dont find songs or melodies in them..
Haha I loved it. He played the S2 and thought that was the most expensive guitar. It just happens I own an S2 and always felt I got a Core quality guitar since I bought it. Phil McKnight says he prefers the S2’s as well and he knows guitars and has owned both.
I ve been trying to figure which one i likes the feel of ,and I have to say the core ,than the s 2 ,than se . But few people found the se felt better when it was built in Korea . So I m going to sage up for the core . After I pay off the guitar I just purchased. 👍 👌 show . These are very helpful, ty .
Great video but would have liked to seen a CE-24 in the mix for a tone comparison. Is there a need to have both a CE-24 and a Custom or maybe get a single cut instead?
And does BINDING have a function in guitar construction, or was it always added exclusively for ornamentation? Just wondering if maybe there was a historic reason for using a separate 'binding' material to 'attach' the maple top to the mahogany body, or if it was always added to 'improve' the appearance? Or was it meant to 'mimic' the appearance of acoustic guitars, which I assume REQUIRE some sort of 'binding' around the edges of the top to attach it to the guitar's sides?
The binding even on acoustics was to hide the exposed end grain around the edge of the top/side joint, and then provide some plasticky bump resistance against knocks. It's all cosmetic. Same with Les Pauls etc, it hides a potentially messy joint. It's ironic that "cheaper" LP Tributes without binding look better to me.
If the decision was only due to the sound, I would buy the SE. However, the Core violin carve, the feel of the guitar just feels higher end and its more enjoyable for me to play it. My friend bought an S2 Custom 24 and it does not stay in tune as well as the Core 24. Different block, turning pegs and nut make the difference there. For me the Core is worth it, especially when there is no interest for 24 months at Guitar Center and other places on line.
I have a Lefty LTD Custom 22 PRS and I love it, but I still think PRS’s naming conventions aren’t particularly clear in defining the differences between the price points.
I trade a taylor 414 to a 20 years old core PRS, the most beat up one you can ever face, it has a lot of use in it, there is a TEA word out of its case, pretty sure it have some history in it, I absolutelly love it, its the best instrument you could ever have, its a 24 custom top 10, just a beauty
I normally don't like the "s" pickups even over youtube, but there's something about that s2. I liked it over the core. Also I might even like the se the best, but it sounded so close to the s2. Would love to play them blindfolded. Pete's choices are the most pure imo. Rob gets more right, but I feel like he's better at noticing subtle quirks instead of what one sounds better.
Paul explained in a recent video that he opted to have the factory that built the guitar on the back of the headstock on SE models so the workers can take pride in their creations.
Now if only they’d start using better pup switches….
@@motleyford Hey there, I'm thinking about buying the Silver Sky SE. Could you elaborate on the switches? I heard that they can die pretty fast.
@@motleyford Mine is wonderful on my PRS SE Custom 24-08. Everything about this guitar is freaking awesome. Haven't touched my Strats or Les Paul's since I got this thing a few weeks ago lol. It's just so awesome to play.
I like the owl inlay at the 24th fret.
It’s quite simple, is you’re going to buy and SE the. Go for a Korean made model. Miles ahead
I bought my prs from Andertons almost three years ago now. It was a big change and almost a gamble for me, who had been playing telecaster and stratocaster exclusively until then. The guitar arrived setted, tuned, ready to play with a mixed scent of the fragrances of Danish Pete's talent and the Captain's French accent...I'll never forget...no never 🤩
Similar story for me, a life long Fender purist. I am still a devout disciple of the greatest innovator and revolutionary in the guitar world, Leo Fender. However, about 5 years ago I was given a semi hollow Prs Se , don't remember the model but it was Similar shape to Santanas signature, but semi hollow, as payment for a paint job. I fucked around with it and was like, really taken back and surprised by how good it felt, sounded and looked. I had played, ar thar point, for 15 years and exclusively Fenders, both tele and strat. But that first session with the PRS, plugged into my Deluxe Reverb...I was sold. I happen to be an obsessive studier of things I like, so I read about the company and whatnot. Come to learn that Paul Smith is a fuckin awesome guy, who believes in his product and puts in great amounts of research and experimentation to end up with great, reliable and beautiful products. Now, I am not sold on his amps...but that's just because the best amps were designed and created by Leo, 50+ years ago...so that's not even a real fault lol
I now own a Silver Sky Se, which is easily the best strat copy on the market. Their single coils that are on them, the SS models, are really nice and well behaved. I'm excited to try out their newest strat like guitar, with another new pickup design.
After years of playing (and loving) the SE range, I finally took the plunge a couple of year ago and forked out for a full-fat Core Custom 24 (bought in person from Andertons of course, and got to chat to The Captain too which was awesome!). What can I say - it just MAKES me want to play it. It's got a mysterious quality that you can't put your finger on. Maybe that's the real difference between the Core range and the others? I don't know. All I know is that I seriously loved my various SE guitars, but the Core is absolutely magical to play.
PRS guitars, no matter which model version you get, are amazing playable guitars. Just feel so comfortable. I bought a used 30th Anniversary SE and replaced the frets with stainless steel frets and now its even better than before. Absolutely amazing guitars. I also have the recent release of SE Paul's guitar. Best guitar I have so far and I have quite a few.
The Apostle Peter was crucified upside down. The inverted cross is not offence to Christians haha. Its a Roman torture device, even upside down.
I concur. I’ve got a 10th year anniversary #79 of 200 made. I bought as a fluke to sell. Paid 1500$ usd. That was 2 years ago and I still can’t put it down. Magical indeed. !!!!♥️♥️
I'd disagree.. but I've had the ability running sound, and a gold record winning studio for 26 years that has yielded me the ability to play just about every expensive amp and guitar made. The SE range is amazing after you replace the pick-ups. Definitely wouldn't buy a standard... I'd pee on it for show like we always do in my band
@@BloodBoughtMinistries What in the heck are you talking about????
I’ve had my Pauls Guitar SE for a few years and it’s still my favorite to play over my Gibsons and Fenders. So versatile
Owned 2 x core Custom 24s, had to sell both due to circumstances. I now only own an SE Custom 22, but I love it. It plays effortlessly and the new 85/15s pick ups sound really nice.
My opinions. PRS Cores are the best new guitars available, money no bar. PRS SEs are all the guitar you need. Whether you get a core or an SE, you can't go wrong. And of course, for something truly special, beyond the best, there is Private Stock. I transitioned from Gibsons to PRSs, mainly because they are just much more reliable,. Everything is perfectly designed, from the knobs to the trem to the electronics.
I'm very happy with my SE Custom 24. Same exact one as featured in this video actually. But I still want a Core. The carve, the finish, the tuners, and the flush cavity covers are all details that really make it stand out to me. It's a lot of money though and if I'm shopping 3000+ dollar guitars I'm gonna probably get really picky about my options.
you are not the only one bro... 🤣
@@MattRamsey-p7v Definitely not. I completely understand and am guilty !
I have a feeling you are going to get one.
I have asked my wife to restrain me, since I've just got a se DGT, and a se custom 24 may arrive tomorrow or Friday.
I do not need more, but they're just so pretty.
@matt79hz Haha same here man. Recently bought an SE Mccarty 594 (orange sunburst which looks and plays incredible) about 3 months ago. And just bought an SE Silver Sky in stone blue. Absolutely incredible guitars, I want the SE Pauls Guitar, and waiting for an SE NF53. Sorry for the paragraph, these guitars are just awesome and my wife has to restrain me as well.
I feel like Pete is gradually evolving into Daniel Johns from Silverchair, and I love it! the earrings look great, next step is a touch of eyeshadow. the confidence! its all positive vibes 👌👌
Don’t miss the SE Standard. My new 24-08 version is a remarkable value and a perfect complement to my vintage Core CU24. High quality build, great components, perfect setup and excellent playability. Very easy on the budget. Love PRS.
Oh yes. And given a choice I'd gun for the SE standard 24-08 or Paul's guitar but the former's hard to find. Only left the custom 24-08
Glad you reviewed these, I just got the se semi hollow custom 22 , my first prs guitar, I’m really impressed. Great neck, sustain, smooth playing, my first experience with the coil tap, I’ve played 57 yrs, not a pro but, I’m really digging the guitar. Well worth the money, mine says made indonesia core-tek. Thanks fellers Y’all great. It’s Santana yellow color.
The discussion about strings is interesting as the SE does come with 9s and the S2 and Core come with 10s.
The carve of the core is unspeakably gorgeous but I have an s2 and it plays like butter. SO smooth. The craftsmanship is a noticeable step up from the SE. I put some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups in and it may be my favorite guitar I’ve played.
S2 for me. My wife had an on-going joke to people about me being on the search for the "perfect guitar". Well, I purchased a McCarty 594 Thin Line S2 a few years ago and have dubbed it, 'Milagro' as the 'perfect' guitar (for me) has been found. Had a satin finish Custom 22 S2 and sold it. I've regretted that and will almost certainly buy another. S2s rock!
Same, have a frost metallic blue thinline 594. I added montys paf humbuckers and its ridiculously good
@@ROMAN_JON_ROMAN would you sell me your old pups?
McCarty 594 S2 Thin Line Standard is the best value SG you can buy. It is PRS nod to SG that most people do not see directly.
Hey Cap! I'd love to see some more about the CE line. Thanks for all your work!
winners only in this one!! Stunningly great sounding and looking instruments on all levels.
And great playing btw
The S2 series may be somewhat misunderstood, but the differences within the S2 series even more so. The S2 Custom is what is played here; the S2 Standard line are actually the guitars I prefer. They have cool pick guards, solid color finishes, often come in satin finishes, semi hollow options occasionally, and while they are available with both inlay options, there are more S2 Standards with dots than any of the other series. The most massively underrated part of the S2 range: the Vela, Mira, and Starla. The S2 is home to three (now just one as the Mira and Starla were moved to SE) unique models. The Vela is my favorite PRS model, but only because I have yet to try a Mira!
Mira’s are great but they can’t beat the Vela imho. Such an underrated guitar.
@@Plexi417 agreed!
I have a Vela but I wish they still made the Starla in the the S2 line. A S2 Starla Satin would be my next guitar.
@@JELIFISH19 I definitely agree with you there. IMO those three models were like triplet children that made the S2 series home to something really special.
Mira.s are damn good. And I'm a Gibson guy
I worked for a Mom and Pop shop in Lemoyne Pa for 6 years in the late 90's to mid 2000's. I was and am firstly a Gibson Les Paul guy. When I worked there we sold Gibson Fender and PRS. The PRS consistently blew away Gibson on fit and finish. BUT and thats a big BUT. The pickups at the time Dragon II's and HFS were also consistently bad sounding. I had a few that I really liked but they didnt compare tonally to my Les Pauls. Fast forward 2021. I picked up a CE 24 and it is FANTASTIC! They newer pickups are WAAAY better than before and although I dont generally like thin necks this one is fantastic. I have played gigs where I needed a humbucker and a Strat. I have to say the coil tapping in this the first that really sounds like a single coil. I played the gigs with one guitar and it checked all the boxes. PS LOVE your videos! been following for a few years now and if I can ever travel to England you are on my list!
Just bought an SE 24-08 in transpqrent blue. What an incredible feeling and sounding guitar, and really for the price it is a total bargain. Both single coil and humbucker modes sound great.
You are so right- I got the same one and absolutely love it!
Just picked up a Vela S2 in satin nitro. In terms of quality, playability and sound it easily sits next to my custom suhr modern. And it's a quarter of the cost
I have the same guitar. I sold guitars for 18 years so I’ve played tons of amazing guitars, and the Vela holds its own with nearly every single one of them.
Man I've had my eyes on one of these. Just as good as you imagined I take it?
@@SirNicholasHerron it definitely exceeded my expectations.
The pickups were nothing to write home about but the quality of the guitar is stellar. Once you change the electronics, it's up there with guitars that cost much more.
@@JELIFISH19 I think the pickups are pretty great actually, but ultimately I needed just a bit more guts out of the bridge pickup but I didn’t want to stray too far from the original vibe and tone so I put a TV Jones Power’Tron in mine.
Thanks, guys! Great video! I live about 40 minutes away from the PRS factory in Maryland and own a few of their guitars from their earlier facility in Annapolis. Keep up the good work!
Great wrk and excellent demo comparison. My 594 se has the “58/15” pickups..
First I had a SE Custom 24. Two years later I bought the S2 Custom 24 30th Anniversary, since then it's my main guitar. I just love it :-)
I am glad for this video coming out when it did because I have been wrapping my head around the three tiers. Amazing stuff.
Been waiting for a core custom 2408 for over a year, so glad for this vid to keep me entertained while waiting hehe, lovely intro jam as usual
I just ordered a Custom SE 24-08. I can't wait to give it a go!
I got one a couple months ago. It's all you need. Good choice buddy
@dizzy7454 I ordered mine online from a nationally well-known guitar store. It was used, but it was in mint condition. There wasn't a scratch on it. I went to tune it, and the strings were rubbing on the frets. Just laying right down on top. I've never seen that before, and I've had a lot of guitars. I don't know if the previous owner didn't know what to do with it or what, but I'm wondering if he never even played it for that reason. I figured the store should have tested it out before sending it to me. I was pretty disappointed in the store to be honest. They couldn't even test it to see if it worked. It wasn't even poorly playable. Anyway, last night, I finally had time to adjust the truss rod and saddle, and it seems like new again. I was just surprised at the playable condition I got it in, considering it looked like it just left the plant.
@@dw1784 I was going to ask if you played with the truss rod. Mine came a little low and I had buzzing on the 3rd but with 5-10 minutes of adjustments it plays great. Glad to know you got it sorted out!
@dizzy7454 yeah I just played it tonight for the first time. It sounds great now! I'm sure I'm going to love it
I have the new Core > Special > Semi-Hollow body... 3 pickups, each configurable individually, and with a 5 way switch allowing for 12 combinations of tone.. it blow my mind and made me sell 3 guitars to buy it as it literally replaced all 3...
I have a Core "McCarty" (original version made in 1997.. which I have given to my oldest son recently) and an SE Paul's guitar (I also have an SE 277 baritone that I love!). Playing wise....I found myself grabbing the SE models much more often. I have a feeling about wanting to limit the wear & tear on my U.S. made "nicer" guitars. Honestly, the newer imports ...especially the PRS SE guitars ... are so nice, I don't feel that I am missing out on anything by playing them over the U.S. versions. I do Love my PRS guitars. Great look at the Custom 24's!
@@midnightcruiser7762 I haven't had the pleasure of trying a Suhr. I like the way the PRS guitars feel and sound. (I traded for my PRS McCarty on a pretty great deal) I've tried to LOVE a Fender Strat and never found one that I bonded with. I DID find a wonderful G&L Legacy that I've owned since around 1998. Love that guitar a LOT! I don't think that I bond well with the rounder fretboard radius on the more vintage style Fender Strats. Yeah, I do care what my guitars look like, but if they don't feel or sound good to me they don't stay with me. (I do record a lot of Music.... I don't play LIVE much for the past 10 years. And I don't "toss" any of my guitars anywhere. Just FYI)
I got one if the first PRS SE models made in 04 and it still works perfectly almost after 20 years
Morning gents! Amazing playing as usual. Those guests are gorgeous! I still have my first PRS. An old square edge SE. Still feels and plays beautifully. But those are making me feel the need to stay doing for a new one. Hope all is well and awesome for you both. Thanks for the killer videos🎸
I wonder if those guest come with cases?
I have a 1987 PRS Custom 24 I bought from Paul himself back in 1988. All the guitars sound good. Is it the amp, the person playing or the production? Where are they made? Mine have the rotary switch
I have core series and s2 series guitars and I have to tell that while core series are like custom made boutique guitars the S2 guitars resonate better than core series aciustically and are louder. I think the S2 satin series are an incredible bargain for the price. Although fret wire is different than the core line the fretwork is impecable just like a core line, perfect.
I agree. I like my S2s more than my core.
The PRS S2 Standard Satin has one of the nicest/warmest tones I've heard in any of the PRS line of guitars. Currently $1449. Maybe the best value PRS you can buy right now.
I've had two SEs some time ago (first year production Standard 22 and a 2008 Mark Tremonti - both Korean made) and they were just great for the price. They were amazingly built in terms of craftsmanship, and had great components (tuners, pickups and electronics, bridge...) that felt like high quality. Have tried some other SEs as well and have no complaints whatsoever.
But some days ago, I picked up a 2008 Starla Core, US made. A bit of an odd PRS but it's the BEST guitar I've had (I've owned quite a few Gibsons, american Fenders, Ibanez Prestige...). It's just perfectly built, the woods are lightweight, extremely resonant and it just sings... Plus those Starla USA Treble/Bass are truly amazing, they even have the BEST coil split I've ever tried on humbuckers. Nothing wrong on the SEs, but you can't compare them in any way shape or form. These guys at PRS do know how to built guitars, and their attention to detail is just spot on.
Been playing my SE for over a year now, thanks to your reviews. Can't wait to make the jump to the core. Next time. Maybe lol
Im in the US, Gallatin,Tennessee which is 30 min away from downtown Nashville.
My Soul is telling me I should own a Gibson....
I was wanting a Gibson LP standard for my 40th birthday, seven years ago.
I went down the Gibson, PRS, Heritage rabbit hole for a few months.
I wanted quality! Without costing me half a months salary.
I knew about ESP. I have an LTD MH series and tbe quality is outstanding for the money I spent.
Sooooo, I went to Sam Ash, ordered the LTD EC 1000 Deluxe. LP style in a Honey Burst style color, SD 59, JB..
This Guitar is Flawless! And its made in Korea!
Well, here I am again... What do I do? I WANT A USA MADE GUITAR DAMN IT!
My main thing is Quality, Value!
Maybe S2.... ? Im still torn!
Just a quick note... Anderson's, That pedal show are my go to youtube channels for Guitar info. As well as a good time watching you guys play.
Thank you!
Awesome video guys I’ve just purchased a 24-08 se custom Eliza-verde .. it is just a beautifully built guitar for the price. I just love it. The only thing i am going to change is to put locking tuners on it. Thanks for the show
I’ve always played Gibson and Fender for 30 years. 5 years ago I purchased a core Custom 22...amazing guitar, I’ve since purchased a Pauls Guitar. The quality is so good, which it should be for the price. I’m hooked on PRS now !
I got an S2 singlecut standard satin
Best guitar I've ever played
And I've had my paws on Gibson/Fender Customshops, loads of eastern factory guitars, lots of US/Mexico made factory guitars
Very few come close to it in feel and sound, even with the stock eastern pickups.
I am thinking of getting a pair of Pete Torn Surh pickups or a pair of Monteys or Lollars, just because cool gear and stuff,
But whenever I pick the guitar up and play it, I lose those thoughts instantly
Well, thinking the S2 was the Core one, actually can be seen as a positive judgment about the "S" pickups's quality! Not a bad thing at all...
I have a S2 Vela replace the pick ups with TV Jones CTS pots German push pull switch it will rip up the floorboards … quite different from my core 22 solid one piece, big leaf, mahogany 20th anniversary replace the pick ups with a similar hand wound 58,50 … This thing is a surgical instrument. … I don’t know how people can say PRS guitars have no soul I think it has less to do with the instrument and more to do with the player….. love your videos, as always keep up the great work….
Wow. This makes me feel better about my S2 custom 24.
Dude, we don't read the description because we're just coming to hear you play man ;)
hahaha... keep it up, love the comparison videos
Bought my SE Custom 24 in 2015 and not bought another guitar since - never found one to beat it. Better than new SEs, just amazing guitar.
Should've thrown a CE in there too. I know its technically not a Custom 24 but the specs are close enough to be a reasonable alternative that sits nicely between the S2 and Core ranges.
I’m with you Tom. I think the CE is the perfect compromise. Nearly core in build, the top pickups, but closer to an S2 in price. I have one on order right now.
@@kolchak357 You're going to absolutely love it. I bought my CE in 2017 when they brought them back and it's still absolutely my #1. It's the perfect balance between core and S2. I wish they'd build one of their singlecuts as a CE.
@@benduncan2637 I agree, they really should expand the CE line. I’d prefer that to the S2 line. Having the premium pickups is important to me.
Love my s2 standard satin and I got it for less than the SE retails for, brand new. Picked it up for $850 a couple years ago on a sale. Since then , PRS raised the price.
The Core guitars are genuinely special instruments. I bought one almost 5 years ago and I've never had a guitar that looks and sounds as nice as it does. Having said that, it was really expensive for me. I think there was a time where Paul wanted to protect the Core line from the SE and S2 line by making them slightly less appealing to look at. He has softened on that a great deal and I think that benefits anyone who ever wanted a PRS guitar. Unless you absolutely must have the violin carve top, you're not missing out anymore by getting an S2 or SE. They play really well, have the right amount of bells and whistles, and are really starting to look the part.
I own a custom 22 and used to own a ce 24. The ce had some damage I couldn't afford to get repaired at the time, but I actually liked that one better than the custom 22.
I have a CE24 semi-hollow, and used to have a core Custom 24. I like the CE better, by quite a bit. I kinda feel like they're PRS's secret guitar. Relatively speaking of course.
Maaaaaaaaaaannn... Lee's playing has gotten so much better over the last 3 years. Really awesome intro jam and he was nailing it.
I played an older Harley Benton CST24 (when they used Wilkenson and Mahagony) along and it also sounds very much alike. The body shape is taken from the Core model and beside the great looks it feels really good and is my most ergonomic guitar I had so far for the way I hold my guitars.
Not all is well though, I'm in the camp "sounds uninspired" which basically means Harley Benton copied it a bit to well. But I'm warming up to it step by step. I bought mine very cheap and initially planned to sell it again.
It also makes a great case for copies not running into copyright issues - I really warmed up to PRS and now basically save up to a Swamp Ash Special.
Paul gave both Lee and Pete a couple of amazing prs guitars... I love Pete's especially 😍
They are great guitars , the PRS has the best looking headstock and really well balanced too
I prefer the ebmm headstock
Agreed, although I loved the Dean Hardtail headstock a bit more...
It also allows for straight string pull.
I love the Gibson headstock when it stays on
You guys need more PRS guitars on those racks against the walls. There are 6 PRS guitars in my collection, the SE series I prefer the Korean made over the Indonesian - the Quality is a little better and the neck carves are specked different. The body & neck wood joints seem to be uniform on the SE line, which gives them a nice balanced appeal. After I bought my first SE I sold my GLP. The S2 series are fantastic - Solid wood bodies, they seem to have more resonance to them then the SE series, which for me just ads to the experience. The trem system is awesome, the hard tail is awesome, the wrap around awesome (I like the newer wrap around). My Core Model is an NF3 Korina body which I feel lucky to have - Top Shelf Mojo!! Hard to describe, you just have to play a Core.
Yo chaps! Nice guitars in this one! You should do blind fold vids the other way around. With blindfolded Lee listening to Pete playing different guitars and amps pedals etc… see if he can hear the difference. Just a thought!
Loved the jam :) The ticket on each guitar didn’t change how much I loved the music! Pete nailed it and Lee is now just as good a player!
I don't think you will find many people who will agree that Lee Anderton is as good a player as Pete - but hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion
I’m actually impressed as how Lee’s les paul changes from bright lemon to warm amber, depending on the lighting conditions.
I have a PRS SE 2021 model. I did 3 modifications which doubled it's cost and now it sounds equivalent to PRS Core series!
1. Bare Knuckle Polymaths
2. Graph Tech Nut
3. Bare Knuckle Pots, Capacitors, switch
I've super glued a rubber o'ring on my S2's coil tap knob.
That's all I'm missing from my se custom 24. It's maple and other wood ? With a beautiful fugured maple veneer top, maple neck and fingerboard. It's only got 2 pots, one volume and one tone/split.
Thanks
I got my first PRS this year. It's a 2008 Korean made Paul Allender ( non EMG) model. HH, no coil taps. It's an absolutely AMAZING guitar! Purple burst, with BATS in flight in the fretboard!
I saw one in a PRS calendar w/bat inlets. I loved it !! So cool
I have a S2 and a core. The differences are what you might find for most other mid level and high end guitars, playability and tone. A core guitar is easily playable, like butter. The S2 is a little more of a struggle, very easy to play if you never compare it to the core, but noticeably more of a challenge if you do a straight comparison. The second is tone, the core is a killer tone, you clearly hear every note in a chord. The S2 the tone is less clear but still great. All of these things are noticeable at home or when playing with friends. Playing in a club or a loud jam the tone difference is hardly noticeable. I like my S2. It is a quality tool that does the job. There are differences that contribute to the playability and tone, the tuners, the nut, the saddles and trem, but the appearance differences are icing.
The SE is great. I have the 24-08 and the McCarty 594 Singlecut and they're amazing. I legit rarely touch my Gibson LP Std these days.
SE vs S2 vs Core is like comparing a steak at a good chain like a Texas Roadhouse to a local fine dining steakhouse to a Peter Luger's dry aged 135yr old secret family recipe steak in Brooklyn. The more mass produced SE hits the spot and in terms of quality stands above a lot of the import competition (although this gap has narrowed since the SE 1st appeared 20+ years ago), the S2 is effortless to play and very close to what you get in the core line, the core is just perfectly balanced and hits every mark where the recipe has been meticulously designed so each component blends with/works in harmony to create an exceptional experience. All are good, all will get the job done, and tbh in a live setting only you and other musicians will hear the subtle nuances. You also have to consider if you prefer bringing a $3000+ core model or an $800 SE to a dive bar gig night after night. The choice is subjective and personal, but the core is objectively better. How much better or if it's worth it monetarily is completely up to the player. I've owned SEs that blew away all my other imports and have gigged an S2 for 9yrs. In my guitar journey I'm ready to step up to a core and I'd like a CE24 and a Silver Sky. Why? Because for me, PRS are overall the most dialed in, exceptional quality, and fun for me to play. I will always play my strats, teles, and Les Pauls, but for me PRS blows all the mainstream non boutique builders out of the water. Never played a PRS that was a dog, but have played a TON of Fenders and Gibsons that were awful. Also, the PRS guitars I've owned over the years have required the least maintenance/setups/adjustments with Gibson being the next less needy, and the Fenders have been the most in need of tinkering with changes in season/humidity/etc.
I`ve had my 30th anniversary S2 Custom 24 for 7.5 years now, played it every day over my 72` SG and my 96`Custom Shop Telecaster. I love my S2 P.R.S..
Thank guys for this awesome review on PRS. I always was curios with PRS and this gave me a good idea with the different PRS guitars.
I have an S2 and I love it. I am having a little difficulty with the tone control not working properly, so Sweetwater sent me a new tone pot configuration. I just have to get to my tech guys to get it installed because it is a 9 pin arrangement and will require a professional at soldiering. Nevertheless, I love it. It was a nice compromise for the SE vs. the core. Now, I want a hollowbody ll piezo. I wish PRS would make a S series of said hollowbody ll Piezo. I want so badly to buy the core hollowbody, but it is just so expensive. I've watched UA-cam comparisons and I lean toward the core; however if anyone out there has experience with the PRS Hollowbody Piezo SE model, please let me know and try to convince me that it is a perfectly great guitar despite my desire to break the bank and buy a core model. Thank you all. I loved this video. You played my exact S2.... same whale blue finish too. BTW, I noticed on Sweetwater that the the whale blue does not seem to be available anymore. Please, I welcome any commentary or "convincing" about the SE hollowbody vs the Core hollowbody.
Can’t believe they didn’t throw a CE in here.....must not have had one in the shop. CE is by far my favorite, I like the body carve better and I have a satin body and neck.
I'm in love with my S2 594 Thinline! in Vintage Cherry.
It's way better than an SG.
NO neck dive, beautiful neck, coil splits, better bridge, and tailpiece. My opinion...
Would be great to see an Anderson's McCarty shootout. From core to the various s2 models. I own a S2 McCarty thinline which is magical. The thin body is amazing. I agree that the S2 line is being slept on.
I also have the s2 mccarty thinline and could not agree more! I was a bit worried before buying it would’t be a big upgrade to my SE custom 24 roasted maple(With upgrades) but darn, it was. You just feel the quality straight of the bat and even with stock pu’s it sounds amazing! 🤟🏻
@@jonaslundh8496 I think the simplicity of the carve and the fact that there is no maple top allows it to resonate more. I also have a 1997 ce22. Amazing but heavy and not nearly as resonant as the $2 McCarty thinline. I got the white one. You?
Awesome playing Captain ! Loved it - and the review
I've just bought 2 SE's ! a luna white silver sky, and Paul's guitar with a blue maple veneer! that has the fattest neck I think I have ever played, I have de-glossed the back of the neck and changed the black tulip buttons for cream tulip button locking Grovers! the pickup rings and switch tip will be changed too as well as the black speed knobs for gold Gibson style! the silver sky I will change the tuners for the Tulip locking Grovers just because of the tremendous and the look! they are awesome and play great! but a Yamaha desert burst on order, got a pacifica hardtail with a P90 at the neck and splittable humbucker, and a breedlove in koa! yes I have went a bit nuts! but I don't care! an Eastman 59 with the antique varnish will be mine too!
I have an S2 SC 250. Awesome guitar. Light comfy, resonates well.
I bought a McCarty 594 S2 and switched out the pickups for the PRS 57/08's and I love that guitar! It is my go to teaching axe for most of my lessons!
I concur with this video. I have a Core Artist P22, S2 SC 250 Semi Hollow, and an SE 245. The S2 gets the most play out of the three. Something about it just feels right.
I have 2 SE's (Custom 24 and HBII P) and an S2 594 Thinline. All different body carve and neck shape/sizes. For me, between the Custom and the S2, each one has its own flavor and strengths. The S2 seems to be a bit more dynamic and accurate (?) in articulation and tonality. The Custom is my more down and dirty machine for heavier type of play: metal, harder rock and crunchier leads with high gain. But there is also the 22 vs 24 fret and scale length differences that play into that. The two different neck patterns don't affect me at all, even in a quick change of instruments. I was surprised that the Core and S2 models fooled him...thought the two different body carves and necks would have been more obvious to a much higher skilled player than myself.😉
Obviously my Hollowbody is a completely different animal and wouldn't figure into this kind of comparison at all.
Pete makes everything sound good honestly lol but i just ordered a CE 24 but PRS pushed it back til the end of May
You are going to love that guitar. I have the CE24 semi-hollow in fire burst red and it is absolutely awesome.
This was years in the making!!
I have a Core McCarty and an SE. They are so much fun to play and both sound great. Really well made and beautiful.
I have a core and an SE. Both awesome. The best gear I've bought for £3500 and £900 respectively. Sold the Gibsons and Fenders.
I own a CE22 from 1995 with Dragon1 Pickups. Always loved those. Missed the CE line here ^^
I think this video should be revisited. Namely S2 got option of real USA pickups and bridges are USA versions on some guitars. BTW there is one big difference between them. Especially important one is that from one neck blank in USA they make one neck of the Core model but make two necks of S2. They cut it in half then diagonally at the headstock angle and turn that part and get headstock from it. Core models have one peace necks.
WMI made one peace necks on SE models. Cort makes the Mahogany necks out of the 3 peace’s and they are laminated length wise. Some maple necks are still one peace while some can have dove tail as well.
Tops on the Core and S2 are two peace’s and backs are one peace.
Woodworkers would say cut the wide board in 3 peace’s and glue it inverting the direction of the middle peace and wood will be more stable and will not twist over time. Sure that is true, especially for doors and tables. 3 peace necks will be stronger and resist twisting but do not transmit vibrations as good as one peace necks period. They do not ring. Watch video where Paul holds neck blank with two fingers hanging down and nocks on it. It rings like a bell.
I have different ranges of PRS. From the SE to Wood Library. No Private stock for me 😢
I am not going to by SE anymore. Despite that I am tempted to try some models I do not want or can spend a lot of money on. Models I would try normally if SE construction stayed one peace neck.
On all of my SE guitars upgrades cost as much as guitars the, self. Tuners are changed with original PRS locking tuners or original Kluson tuners. All harness is changed and guitars got boutique pickups. Knobs and switch tips are changed with pots and switches and output jacks. So practically only the wood stayed original.
Another difference between series is electronics and cables. In the Core series everything is perfect. Paul even knows capacity per inch of the cables they use. In the SE you get Alpha pots and no name jack and switches and crap high capacitance cables. Pickups have improved but S line pickups are far away from the USA made once.
You get awesome value with the SE still though.
SE tops are covered with veneer but the actual maple cap is made from 3 peace’s. Mahogany back’s are 3 peace’s at least.
This makes difference and savings regarding to the wood. Plus, yeah wood sourcing is different as well.
Great timing, I’ve been looking at the SE custom 22 Santana, just gotta go play it somewhere
Honestly, I’d get the 24/08 se
@@ItsJustRyan89 why’s that?
@@deadtothewxrld I was in the same boat and played one after the other. The neck felt much nicer, to me and the pick-up combinations were beautiful.
I have a nice Burl top SE Santana 22, it plays great, and I switched the pickups with hot Dimarzio's, and put a graphite nut on it. It has one chip on the edge, otherwise it's in mint condition. I never play it anymore, even though it sounds massive. Too bad you aren't in the area.
@@ItsJustRyan89 nicer compared to what? The other SE customs? And did you end up buying and keeping it?
My two favourite guitars are a SE CU24 Floyd rose and a Fender American Vintage '65 Strat. The strat has that vintage Hendrix kind of sound while the SE does modern with a decent impression of single coils with the push/pull knob. I got the SE because I didn't like the edge of the horn on my Ibanez RG but wanted something similar spec'd with 24 frets.
My only complaint with the SE was the push pull tone is a tiny alpha pot that doesn't have the best tolerances and feels a bit cheap and wobbly. The Volume is full size and feel great. I play the SE more because it is so versatile. Love these guitars :)
Born and raised in Maryland, Pete is right for pronunciation.
Love these two. Great entertaining videos. I have a Tremoniti and Tremonti SE and can easily tell the difference.
I feel so much respect for PRS, his creator and I acknowledge how beautiful and well put together this guitars are. Once, I walked into a store with the sole purpose of buying one, and walked out with a Gibson LP lol .. I cant seem to connect with them.. to me, their are not a rock guitar, they are not a strat, but in the middle. I dont find songs or melodies in them..
Haha I loved it. He played the S2 and thought that was the most expensive guitar. It just happens I own an S2 and always felt I got a Core quality guitar since I bought it. Phil McKnight says he prefers the S2’s as well and he knows guitars and has owned both.
I ve been trying to figure which one i likes the feel of ,and I have to say the core ,than the s 2 ,than se . But few people found the se felt better when it was built in Korea . So I m going to sage up for the core . After I pay off the guitar I just purchased. 👍 👌 show . These are very helpful, ty .
How many times did Pete say “yep” 😂. Love your guitar reviews, keep it up!
Great video but would have liked to seen a CE-24 in the mix for a tone comparison. Is there a need to have both a CE-24 and a Custom or maybe get a single cut instead?
Agreed. I absolutely love my CE24 and it always seems like the CE is the forgotten line, even more so than the S2.
Can you imagine the back lash if Gibson used Epiphone pickups in an American made guitar? The internet can be a contradicting fickle beast.
And does BINDING have a function in guitar construction, or was it always added exclusively for ornamentation?
Just wondering if maybe there was a historic reason for using a separate 'binding' material to 'attach' the maple top to the mahogany body, or if it was always added to 'improve' the appearance?
Or was it meant to 'mimic' the appearance of acoustic guitars, which I assume REQUIRE some sort of 'binding' around the edges of the top to attach it to the guitar's sides?
The binding even on acoustics was to hide the exposed end grain around the edge of the top/side joint, and then provide some plasticky bump resistance against knocks. It's all cosmetic. Same with Les Pauls etc, it hides a potentially messy joint. It's ironic that "cheaper" LP Tributes without binding look better to me.
I'm silently waiting for an SE custom 24 in satin finish. Glossy necks are absolutely not my cup of beer.
as always great vid guys ! All good guitars , sonically the Core just has that extra something
Got my 35th Anniversary SE from you guys and it is an absolute joy to play, looks great and great value for money.
If the decision was only due to the sound, I would buy the SE. However, the Core violin carve, the feel of the guitar just feels higher end and its more enjoyable for me to play it. My friend bought an S2 Custom 24 and it does not stay in tune as well as the Core 24. Different block, turning pegs and nut make the difference there. For me the Core is worth it, especially when there is no interest for 24 months at Guitar Center and other places on line.
I have a Lefty LTD Custom 22 PRS and I love it, but I still think PRS’s naming conventions aren’t particularly clear in defining the differences between the price points.
I trade a taylor 414 to a 20 years old core PRS, the most beat up one you can ever face, it has a lot of use in it, there is a TEA word out of its case, pretty sure it have some history in it, I absolutelly love it, its the best instrument you could ever have, its a 24 custom top 10, just a beauty
Got my SE 24 last year and it punch's well above its price range for sure.
Lee we love the long videos!
The S2 range are just superb.
I normally don't like the "s" pickups even over youtube, but there's something about that s2. I liked it over the core. Also I might even like the se the best, but it sounded so close to the s2. Would love to play them blindfolded. Pete's choices are the most pure imo. Rob gets more right, but I feel like he's better at noticing subtle quirks instead of what one sounds better.