Paul Reed Smith DGT SE Review/Demo (PRS). It’s Great, But Had Major Issues!!! Guitar Daily Ep 207

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  • Опубліковано 1 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 101

  • @Chimp_No_1
    @Chimp_No_1 4 місяці тому +5

    Really interesting and helpful ! It is refreshing to get an honest review of a PRS SE guitar !
    Much appreciated.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      @@Chimp_No_1 thanks for watching! 👍

  • @simonwilliams7608
    @simonwilliams7608 14 днів тому +1

    I finally got to play a DGT SE today. I took my Standard 24 along for direct comparison. Very interesting. The DGT (nicely set-up, BTW, with new strings and everything... perhaps they're learning) was lovely-sounding. The very first thing that struck me, even before I plugged it in, was how resonant it was, and plugging it in only confirmed that. Lovely sustain and rich tones, albeit a little darker-sounding than I'd expected. But, as lovely as it was, I went away without buying it. There was something about the neck profile that my (somewhat arthritic) hands didn't find very comfortable. That, combined with the slightly narrower fretboard, were enough to cause me doubt as to whether it would really suit me over time.
    I was quite sad to leave it in the shop, because I loved everything else about it. I'd be half-tempted to look into having someone change the neck profile, but I suspect the thickness might be a big contributing factor towards its resonance, so it would be counter-productive.
    Bugger. 😞

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  14 днів тому +1

      That’s good you tried one though. Yeah, each to their own. It’s all about finding what works for you.

  • @daviddalziel884
    @daviddalziel884 14 днів тому +1

    All the qc problems you had are a big surprise as I’d heard that although these are Indonesian made these are supposed to be checked in USA prior to shipping . I find the pickups great although darker than the SE 245 I have . Can’t decide between this and a Revstar Standard with P 90s , both have good tone options with push pull on the PRS and focus switch in the Yamaha -a kind of db boost

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  14 днів тому +1

      Yes I do wonder if mine was a one off. I only shared the issues so people would be aware it can happen. It’s superb guitar now it’s sorted, I’m happy with it and play it a lot.

    • @daviddalziel884
      @daviddalziel884 14 днів тому +1

      @@NickGranville From a looks perspective though I can’t believe a £800 guitar doesn’t have binding or fret markers .

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  14 днів тому +1

      The PRS DGT has binding. It’s wood binding so doesn’t stand out. I didn’t even notice it at first. And it has fret markers

  • @robertnisonoff3907
    @robertnisonoff3907 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the honest and unbiased review.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      @@robertnisonoff3907 thanks for watching!

  • @samwheeler-brown7458
    @samwheeler-brown7458 4 місяці тому +2

    Great vid Nick. Been waiting to hear an honest review on this axe for a while. Most of the videos I see fawn over the thing, and I’ve not really ever seen what’s so special about the thing. It’s just a Custom 22 with one less knob as far as I can workout… but that’s one man’s opinion…
    I always find those push/pulls annoying as hell. Could never get mine to work when I needed it. Ended up with the Ibanez AR420 you used to have. Love it… so much easier with the toggle switches.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      I still have my AR420. Used it tonight for the drop D tunes on the show. Awesome guitar. I’d have used it for the other tunes on we will rock you but it doesn’t have a trem. Only guitar I have with a trem is the AZ, but that is HSS, and I’d rather have two humbucker’s for this show.
      The custom 22 SE is quite different. I’ve tried a bunch of these and they were just ok. The DGT SE is in a different league, imo. The pickups, switching, neck, fret size, everything really is just better. But it should be because it’s a more expensive guitar. I’m happy with it now - you’ll be hearing more of it. Cheers

    • @samwheeler-brown7458
      @samwheeler-brown7458 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville AR420 is an epic guitar. So versatile.
      That's good to know that there are some key differences. I'll try one at some point but I'm not generally a PRS person. Love their pickups but the guitars themselves leave me cold

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching

  • @joelroberts1581
    @joelroberts1581 4 місяці тому +1

    Hey Nick, I seriously love the overdrive sound you’re getting on this episode and ep. 203. The tone seems distinctly different, in a great way, from other videos of yours that I’ve listened to. I can only guess that it’s the new guitar. Well done on persevering with it, all that crap would have put me off.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Thanks so much! Yeah, the guitar is good now, so I’m glad I stuck with it… and I guess it’s making me play differently. Cheers

  • @expatbizzum
    @expatbizzum 4 місяці тому +1

    Good review, thanks. I agree about the slippy push-pull knobs; I have a core model 594 and luckily I generally just leave the bridge as a single coil and keep the neck humbucker. I’m lucky enough to have 4 PRS guitars and the only one I don’t gel with is the SE hollowbody piezo. No setup issues in my experience thankfully.

  • @panthersoul
    @panthersoul 4 місяці тому +1

    Wow sounds like you had a bit of trouble. Glad you got it sorted out. I agree about the slippery knobs. I changed then out first thing in mine.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      @@panthersoul yeah, it’s sorted now though and a very good guitar. What did you change them over to? I’ve seen a few mention Ibanez speed knobs.

  • @spokes28
    @spokes28 28 днів тому +1

    I bought the same model/color. The strings are too low they all buzz and if I’m bending a sun the next one up will go underneath my finger. But the intonation is so good I’m afraid to raise the strings. The nt slots are cut a little low as well . As you said, as this price point it should be better.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  28 днів тому

      @@spokes28 definitely get it setup. A good luthier will be to sort all those issues. The guitar is worth it - it’s really good.

  • @mheyl180
    @mheyl180 4 місяці тому +2

    Thank you for that great honest and unbiased review Nick!! I think it is only the 2nd one I have seen so far beyond all the hype...; When the SE line moved to Indonesia for production (and I get the reasons for doing so), the production quality went down significantly.. - in a way that it's now hit or miss if you buy an Indonesian SE.. (especially if you can't test it before)... - the Nut topic has been an issue on SE's all along, but the electronics issues in yours are a no go! The DGT I tested in the shop was "unplayable" and while I couldn't start any setup tweaks - everything pointed at the Neck not set in the correct angle into the body (I checked relief - was hair thin above straight so ok; Trem and Saddles were set low already - still action above 2mm at the 12th fret...), neck joint looked crappy as well... - I still think like you, it's a great instrument, or can be one.. - if you find one which had proper quality control. - Thanks and Greetings, Markus

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +2

      Most of the SE’s I’ve played have been ok. Not great but ok. I had high hopes for this one, so was disappointed with it to start with. But now it’s done, and working properly it’s a stunning guitar. I’m very happy with it

    • @mheyl180
      @mheyl180 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville All sound examples I heard were really really good.. - I am hunting for a Gold Top... 🙂

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Nice! Thanks

  • @SimonCustomGuitars
    @SimonCustomGuitars 4 місяці тому +2

    Really enjoyed this. One quick thought - I actually like the speed knobs, but use a Push - Push pot for splits rather than Push - Pull. They are becoming more available (Hosco seem ok))

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Only problem with push-push is you don’t know what mode you’re in until you play. With push-pull it’s obvious. The best option I’ve found is mini toggle switches. Easy to see and quick to change.

    • @SimonCustomGuitars
      @SimonCustomGuitars 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville Thanks Nick - Maybe I'll put mini toggles on my next build. PRS seems to like them in some models.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice! Mini toggle for the win. Cheers

    • @SimonCustomGuitars
      @SimonCustomGuitars 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville I have to say - how fantastic is the internet, when a hobby guitar builder can get thoughtful feedback and advice from a professional musician on the other side of the world. I'm so pleased I found this channel. I'm even inspired to try to play a bit more! Thank you.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks so much! I got your email too, haven’t had a chance to get back to you, but will do. Glad to have you tuning into my stuff on here. Appreciate it.

  • @ALFresco-ki5rn
    @ALFresco-ki5rn 3 місяці тому +1

    My SE DGT was not brilliant out of the box. Tuning did not hold well with trem use and the nut was cut a bit high like Nick's. The frets needed some attention and there was a very slight twist in the neck.
    I had it worked through by the shop and this solved all but the twist which appears to be minor enough not to affect this guitar's playability.
    I agree re the pull tone knob - too hard to lift reliably in the 'heat of battle' - so I replaced by moving to individual coil-splits using push-push volume knobs, meaning I could do what my 24-08 does. In the process I changed to amber lampshade knobs. And I went to locking tuners.
    All up I was initially quite disappointed with having issues when I really wanted this guitar to meet my expectations. However, it IS a great guitar and, like Nick rather than jettison it, it has paid me back big time by delivering enjoyable playing, versatility and inspiration that has me grabbing it all the time over my US Strat and Les Paul. Highly recommend getting one, seriously.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  3 місяці тому +1

      @@ALFresco-ki5rn thanks! I need to investigate those lampshade knobs, I think that’s what I’d like. Sounds like up the upgrades you did all are working out well. I agree, it’s a killer guitar and was work persevering with. Did you see my update video? much of this I discussed. Thanks for watching

  • @zeus-bx9xw
    @zeus-bx9xw 4 місяці тому +1

    thank you

  • @robberman4554
    @robberman4554 4 місяці тому +2

    Thank Nick. I bought the exact same model about 5 months ago in Melbourne and brought it back to Auckland. Save about $400 nzd doing that BTW. I didn't have the issues you had. But I got mine setup at Zephyr and it plays way way better than it did. It has a bigger neck than I'm used to but it feels great. My main issue is it definitely goes out of tune more than my American strat. But I'm very happy with what I got for the price. I'd love to hear if putting locking tuners on makes a difference for you on the tuning side

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice! Always good when one can save money. If only flights weren’t so expensive now days. Tuning issues are usually the nut in my experience. But if a guitar has a trem that’ll do it, so I figure locking tuners is the way to go. I’ll keep you posted if I do

    • @robberman4554
      @robberman4554 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville my guitar tech didn't think locking tuners would fix it but there's nothing like doings things to see if they really work. And I like locking tuners anyway. So will wait for your video on the locking tuners!

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      I’m pretty sure locking tuners will make a big difference - tuning issues I’ve found are usually the nut, or bridge saddles etc, and if a guitar has a trem then it’s cause the strings can slip on the posts. Not that this guitar has major issues with tuning, but it is something I’d like to get a little better if possible. I’ll keep you updated when I get around to that,

    • @robberman4554
      @robberman4554 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville if it works for you I'll get some too. Also about to buy a FM9 btw way too so been interested in your videos on that as well. Could you also post a more detailed video on IEMs. not just the ear buds but what wireless unit you use and any tips for mixing iems

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Thanks! I only use IEM’s when I have to. Tbh I really dislike them. I don’t own a wireless pack, I ask the sound companies to provide that when I need it. Many gigs I just use my fender Fr10 and that gets the job done and is much more enjoyable.
      In terms of mixing IEM’s; the only time I use them is when I have to and most sound companies have an app that can connect to their desk and then I can mix as I please. Even then, I’ll still use the fender Fr10, or 12 if provided, and keep the level low as I just don’t trust them to get it right … and if all else fails (as have happens before too often), I can pull out the IEM’s and turn the amp up and get on with the gig. Cheers

  • @simonwilliams7608
    @simonwilliams7608 3 місяці тому +1

    I've been meaning to ask: what drew you to the DGT in particular, rather than one of the other SE models? It seem to be a bit less common, so I'm wondering if you sought it out specially or if it just happened to be in the shop on the day you were looking?

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks. I sought it out specifically. It’s a combinationsrion of features I was looking for to use on the show we will rock you. I wanted tremolo, humcukers, coil taps, treble bleeds etc. This guitar had all those things. I’ve played a few SE models and always been underwhelmed. This DGT model is the higher end of the SE range and in another league.

    • @simonwilliams7608
      @simonwilliams7608 3 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville Interesting.Thanks! 🙂

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  3 місяці тому

      👍

  • @TheSlydawg77
    @TheSlydawg77 2 місяці тому +1

    What pedal are you using in this video ?

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  2 місяці тому

      Fractal FM9 directly recorded. Cheers

  • @MarkStearle
    @MarkStearle 2 місяці тому +1

    Do you prefer this over the Yamaha 612 or Sterling Luke,thanks.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  2 місяці тому +1

      Hi Mark. I haven’t tried either of those guitars so can’t say either way. I’ve heard good things about the Luke guitars though. I can say the PRS DGT (SE) is really good, and likely to be a classic (IMO) in a similar way the JV squire strats are now revered.

    • @MarkStearle
      @MarkStearle 2 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville thanks so much for your input,I appreciate it

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  2 місяці тому +1

      Good luck. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. Cheers

  • @simongotlieb2560
    @simongotlieb2560 4 місяці тому +1

    Interesting. My PRS Custom 22 arrived with terrible action as well. Like 3mm at 12th fret. Unplayable for me. I had to do a full set up as well. The push-pull on the coil tap is terrible. I have replaced my knobs with the lampshade ones in an attempt to fix it, but it hasn't helped. Given up on the coil tap - it's so hard to use. A push-push would be helpful. But my nut was perfect, and after I lowered the action it was so much better. More like 1.6mm at 12th fret now. No issues with the soldering on mine - it's perfect. And yes yes yes - replace those tuners. The locking PRS tuners are fantastic!

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      I’m going to have to get locking tuners. Thanks man. Yeah, the coil tap works well now that I added texture to the knob. Just scratched it up with a screwdriver and boom it’s grippy now.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      I’m going to have to get locking tuners. Thanks man. Yeah, the coil tap works well now that I added texture to the knob. Just scratched it up with a screwdriver and boom it’s grippy now.

    • @simongotlieb2560
      @simongotlieb2560 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville I toyed with getting some of the old style speed knobs that Ibanez used to use on the Artists - the ones with the rubber ring on them. Still am thinking about it.

    • @simongotlieb2560
      @simongotlieb2560 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville I got my PRS SE locking tuners from Amazon. Good price (for those tuners. $180 ouch). But they were delivered fast and work very well.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      You’re the second person to mention those. I’ll have to look into them

  • @simonwilliams7608
    @simonwilliams7608 4 місяці тому +1

    Love Elixirs. Hate changing strings.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      They’re the best. I’ve been using them forever. And yeah, I hate changing strings too

  • @SimonCustomGuitars
    @SimonCustomGuitars 4 місяці тому +1

    Just seen a video with Martin Barre playing a Robben Ford PRS. Snarky Puppy seems to use PRS. Certainly out there a bit more these days.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes, mark uses a PRS and has a signature model, the fiore. It’s very nice.

  • @RobertoRestuccia
    @RobertoRestuccia 4 місяці тому +1

    Hey Nick sounds great, I could see you liking a PRS Studio or special model

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks Man! The DGT is a nice sounding guitar and now the issues are worked out I’m very happy with it. I’d love to try both those models, but haven’t seen them in NZ yet. Maybe one day PRS might send me a review one to check out, or maybe one in stock here to try. I’m sure they’re great. Thanks

  • @bruunm1975
    @bruunm1975 4 місяці тому +2

    I have been fighting with a PRS Studio for about 3 months at least. Still won’t stay in tune. On my third nut. Had to have a luthier level frets. Ended up checking bridge but it was out of level which was part of my tuning issues. Still a very unstable instrument. 7k in Aus. Sadly I had changed neck and middle pickup so I am not able to get warranty bla bla bla. Had many PRS guitars over the years they were always phenomenal. This is either a dog or I’ve overnight lost all ability to setup my instruments.
    Either way shitty experience.
    PRS have offer to look at it. But I fear it’ll be in Maryland. Which I’m not willing to ship to.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +2

      @@bruunm1975 oh wow! Usually their core models are of a very high standard. My custom 22 which I’ve had a long time is superb. I’ve been keen to try one of those studios, I’m sure they’re a good guitar. Hope you get yours sorted

    • @drlaim
      @drlaim 4 місяці тому +1

      Mmmmm, I've got a studio arriving tomorrow, sight unseen. Hope it's not a problem. Usually can rely on PRS core guitars. Apparently, you can get a dog now and again. Their Maryland manufacturing process is impressive and appears to bode well for reliability and reproducibility. However, I had a lacquer issue on the neck of my core 594. Great playing/sounding guitar but quality degraded no matter how minor this flaw was. Obviously changed my perception a bit. Still, I went ahead and bought a studio. Shit, can't wait for the delivery tomorrow, and that's sarcasm.
      Anyway, SEs I've got one and it's ok. Nick's onto something here. The over exuberance regarding some SE models, specifically the DGT and the Silversky beggars belief.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +2

      I’m sure your studio will be fine. Prs are usually very very consistent. It’s one of the things I like about them. That’s why I was so surprised by the dgt se. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good guitar. I don’t want this to seem all negative - I just had to tell people the issues I had with it so they know it’s a possibility. It’s good now it’s sorted and I’m very happy with it

    • @bruunm1975
      @bruunm1975 4 місяці тому +2

      @@drlaim indeed. I think the shop sadly did a number on it. Local luthier did say he’s done a few for fretwork in recent years. Brand new out of box.

    • @bruunm1975
      @bruunm1975 4 місяці тому

      @@NickGranville yes I’m sure they will. It’s otherwise a great instrument. I mean I hated the Narrowfields but that’s a personal preference.
      PRS are trying to look at options with the importer.

  • @iancurrie8844
    @iancurrie8844 4 місяці тому +1

    I agree. I bought a 594 and it was set up unplayable. Total setup needed. Bad nut. Bad tuners with dead spots. Once the nut was fixed, tuner replaced, high fret. Needed fret level. These don’t deserve the reputation they have.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      I think the reputation is deserved, mine just had issues, which were easily sorted. It’s a fantastic guitar now, esp for the money. I’m very happy with it.

  • @goorackerelite
    @goorackerelite 4 місяці тому +3

    the only issue this guitar has is that it's thousands less than the core models and just as good .

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Yes, the price for what you get is very good. I only had one to try so the issues with mine might have been an anomaly. I’m very happy with the guitar now

  • @KlemensCathcartBass
    @KlemensCathcartBass 4 місяці тому +1

    Enjoyed this 👍🏽
    Did you order this or was in on the wall like that - with all its issues?

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks man! It was on the wall at a store in Christchurch and they sent it up to me. In this condition. I’m amazed chch didn’t check it, and neither did the Wellington store. 🤦‍♂️ oh well, it’s sorted now and playing great so I’m happy. Thanks for watching!
      Ps would love to jam with you sometime. Enjoyed your playing at Hashigo Zake that night

    • @KlemensCathcartBass
      @KlemensCathcartBass 4 місяці тому +1

      @@NickGranville hmm that’s what I was expecting to hear but I still hoped I’d be wrong… glad you happy with it now!
      Yeah man likewise am 100% down for a jam! I’ll hit you up when I’m down Wellington way for sure. Or lemme know if you ever head up to Auckland or further North 👍🏽
      And thanks, yeah that was a fun night, I remember it fondly. Was heartbroken when I heard Hashigo was closing 😔

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice! Yeah, I miss Hz a lot. One of the best places in Wellington to play.

  • @simonwilliams7608
    @simonwilliams7608 4 місяці тому +1

    "Pretty poor as a music shop". Yeah. Kinda what I was talking about in another comment, eh?
    I was in a music shop just the other day and asked to play on a pretty expensive PRS semi-hollow. The jack wouldn't plug in. The salesperson and I both tried, but obviously didn't want to brute-force it.
    Why was it on the wall in the shop like that? Kinda disappointing.
    I mean, even if these guitars come into the shop like that (which would be bad enough in itself) you'd think they'd take the care to check them, and fix them up if they needed it, before putting them on display.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah, that’s not good. I sometimes wonder if they even care in these stores. I’ve always found musicworks really good to deal with in that way. It’s such a bummer that you have to go to a certain chain store to get a certain brand. Feels anti-competitive to me

    • @simonwilliams7608
      @simonwilliams7608 4 місяці тому +1

      Totally agree. That's pissed me off for a long time!
      Yeah. Musicworks seems good. And even Music Planet seems to make sure their display guitars are reasonably set up.
      @@NickGranville

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      Yeah musicplanet are fine too.

  • @tonictonetomrockstar1931
    @tonictonetomrockstar1931 2 місяці тому +1

    I just ordered PRS knobs on Amazon, those knobs are junk.

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  2 місяці тому

      They’re not the best aye, but easily changed. I’ll swap them out when I get a chance to

  • @willrowe9920
    @willrowe9920 4 місяці тому +1

    Ibanez speed knobs have loads of grip

    • @NickGranville
      @NickGranville  4 місяці тому

      They might be a good option for that push-pull. I’ll look into it. Was thinking of getting something with a screw so it can’t pop off

  • @JoelVitu123
    @JoelVitu123 4 місяці тому +1

    Years ago, I leet a girl, blonde long hair, very sportive, big blue eyes, very elegant, but she was farting all the time. This day, I understood that perfection is quite to reach...🐸🐸