NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

cayle_6

cayle_6

New member
PRS has greatly improved their SE line since its introduction. I've been lusting for a PRS SE but the finish of the Singlecuts and Custom 24 SEs left me disappointed. Then they released the Bernie Marsden signature guitar. Honestly, I never knew much about Bernie Marsden until I stumbled upon this guitar then I researched about him. Supposedly, the SE signature model is based on his 1959 Les Paul, the Beast. So I ordered this from Sweetwater. Their Guitar Gallery was really helpful. I wanted an SE with a bit of wide flames, instead of the usual horizontal thin flames. Luckily, Sweetwater had two Bernies with wide flames. I chose this one.

I immediately fell in love with the neck profile. If you guys are familiar with the PRS wide fat neck profile, this one is a bit fatter but to me is more comfortable for chords and solos. The finish on this thing is amazing. It has that 3D quality even with the flame maple veneer. Fretwork is really good, no sharp edges and it is leveled properly. The stock potentiometers are Alpha and though they feel sturdy, I will probably replace these with CTS. Pickups sound decent. The neck is warm and sweet. The bridge pickup seems to lack some balls. I'm thinking of replacing them with A2Pros. Over all, I love this guitar. I love the looks, and most especially the sound and playability. Alright, enough with the talking, here's some porn.

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Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

Very nice guitars indeed, and that one looks pretty darn great! Congrats.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

I generally go for the SE models with P90s. The Marsden signature model is an nice guitar. American pickups and control pots will help. The one thing that it will never be, of course, is a substitute for a genuine '59 Gibson.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

That model is definitely my favorite SE too. It's hard to believe that PRS can make such a nice guitar for $650.

If it were mine, I'd probably install a zebra Whole Lotta Humbucker set in it.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

Think of the PRS SE BM as a fancy-topped SG or a Melody Maker and you will not go far wrong. I would install P-Rails, Triple Shot surrounds and, possibly, a push-pull pot or two.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

Congrats, very nice.

P-Rails with Triple Shots are great but also like the Whole Lotta Humbucker choice that Gearjoneser mentioned.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

Funkfingers said:
I generally go for the SE models with P90s. The Marsden signature model is an nice guitar. American pickups and control pots will help. The one thing that it will never be, of course, is a substitute for a genuine '59 Gibson.
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Definitely a nice guitar. I wasn't really expecting it to be at par with a 59 Gibson, much less a USA PRS Singlecut. But I like how it sounds. Generally better than the Epiphones and Ibanez guitars I've tried.


TheLivingDead said:
That looks absolutely delicious!
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Thanks!


Gearjoneser said:
That model is definitely my favorite SE too. It's hard to believe that PRS can make such a nice guitar for $650.

If it were mine, I'd probably install a zebra Whole Lotta Humbucker set in it.
Click to expand...

It was really hard to find a Bernie with wider flames. Most that I see were thin flames. Gotta check out that Whole Lotta Humbucker set! I'm pretty much set on getting an A2Pro set, unless the local store can get me a WLH set.


Funkfingers said:
Think of the PRS SE BM as a fancy-topped SG or a Melody Maker and you will not go far wrong. I would install P-Rails, Triple Shot surrounds and, possibly, a push-pull pot or two.
Click to expand...

P-Rails would be out of my option. A friend of mine has an Ibanez ART with P Rails. Too many options! :eyecrazy:


esandes said:
nice. it didn't come with a nice hardshell case?
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Thanks! Nope. All SE models come with a heavily padded gigbag, which is a nice gigbag if I may say. My brother has an older SE Standard with the green gigbag and that thing is just sturdy.


MisterE said:
Congrats, very nice.

P-Rails with Triple Shots are great but also like the Whole Lotta Humbucker choice that Gearjoneser mentioned.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Will definitely read more on that WLH set. I'll put it in my options list.
 
Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

With that being a mostly mahogany-rosewood guitar with a maple veneer, I imagine it's a bit dark sounding. From what I've heard the A2Pro is a bit dark sounding as well - have you thought about going something with a bit less output, like a Seth Lover or Pearly Gates? IMO even for brighter guitars A2 absolutely shines with lower winds - 7.0-7.2k being the sweet spot for the neck. I haven't swapped out as many bridge pickups in my les paul so I couldn't tell you very much about that position. I feel like either of those sets would work really well in a dark guitar like the les paul.

That's also a very purdy guitar.
 
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Re: NGD! PRS SE Bernie Marsden

Yes, another Bernie user! Congratulations, they're great guitars. :)

I'm currently looking to upgrade the bridge pup on mine. My sales rep recommended a '59 bridge for better clarity, but I had a 59's in an Epi LP a long time ago and while they sound great, they just didn't have enough power. I think new pots would help as well.
 
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