PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

[Vincent]

As you all know, I'm seriously gassing for either one of these.

Can anyone tell me the differences in sound of the bolt-on CE series compared to the set-neck Customs?

I know there are a lot of varying opinions out there based on rules of thumb (e.g. set-neck = more sustain, bolt-ons sound thin and suck etc) but I'd really like to know from ppl who have owned or played both PRS guitars.

Also how much does the neck profile contribute to the tone of the PRS?

I guess where I'm coming from tone-wise is that I own and play an Ibanez jem and I'm after something just a bit woodier and meatier sounding than the Jems (which by the way I've upgraded with Breed pickups and the ESP arming adjuster, but still not quite the tone i'm after).

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

Well, CE's have maple bolt on necks. You're going to get inherently more snap and clarity out of it. The Customs are a bit warmer thanks to the mahogany neck wood and rosewood fretboards. I don't find that set neck has more sustain than bolt ons. I'd say neck profile does have a bearing on tone.

 

[aleclee]

Re: PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

They're different but not radically so. I find the CE to have a but more clarity under high gain and a bit more cluck in the in-between positions. The Custom has a bit more of the classic humbicker sound but nobody's gonna mistake it for a Lester.

IMO in this case the neck material makes a bigger difference than the method of attachment. The "geometry" is identical and it's really a matter of screws vs. glue.

 

[phil_104]

Re: PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

My main guitar is a CE24 Maple Top. The big, big difference in tone that you will find when comparing to the Custom is not the sustain, but as the others pointed out, the clarity and snap. I've played mine through Mesa amps, with stupid amounts of distortion, but can still finger pick complex chords, and have them ring though. The Custom on the other hand, is in fact warmer, and offers a rounder sound. Both can sound smooth or aggressive, but in different ways.

I made my choice, and I clearly favor the maple neck, because I feel it is more versatile, has more note definition and clarity, and has a way of cutting in the mix that just screams rock. But, I do have a SG for more traditional dual humbucker guitar sounds.

You really have to try them both, as they are both great guitars.

 

[apj]

Re: PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

I've owned a custom and played CE's in store quite a bit. The CE is definitely a little brighter, but the sustain is great on both the custom and CE. PRS has a great bolt on technique, the neck is making a lot of contact with the body, plus they make a fine guitar with a nice tight neck pocket. A good bolt on will sustain just as good as a set neck.

 

[Vincent]

Re: PRS Custom vs CE tone differences

How would these sound compared to an Ibanez Jem?