CanadianShredder
New member
Wondering if anyone has experience with the new lower cost USA S2 line of PRS guitars? I've recently tried a couple of used SC245s and was blown away by them but they are pricey.
PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
- Thread starter CanadianShredder
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
Stevie Bees has tested both series. Try sending him a Private Message.
Stevie Bees has tested both series. Try sending him a Private Message.
Detroitblues
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I had a PRS S2 Starla, it was on par with the older full USA models.. However, I will say the electronics (pots and switches) are not as high quality. The first one I owned, had a terrible play in the selector. The second one's tone pot eventually wore so much, every time I pulled it to split the coils, the pot became very loose and ended up constantly having to adjust the tone pot. All the electronics and hardware are imported, so only the body and the finish is done in the US.
Now for the good part, the action was pheonimal, it felt really good, fretwork was fantastic, and the tone was awesome. Not to mention, I really love the locking tuners and the Bigsby.
I had a PRS S2 Starla, it was on par with the older full USA models.. However, I will say the electronics (pots and switches) are not as high quality. The first one I owned, had a terrible play in the selector. The second one's tone pot eventually wore so much, every time I pulled it to split the coils, the pot became very loose and ended up constantly having to adjust the tone pot. All the electronics and hardware are imported, so only the body and the finish is done in the US.
Now for the good part, the action was pheonimal, it felt really good, fretwork was fantastic, and the tone was awesome. Not to mention, I really love the locking tuners and the Bigsby.
stevie_bees
Cat In The Hatministrator
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I was very impressed with the Mira and Starla I tried, and I very nearly bought the Starla. They played superbly, and were very resonant. I played the Mira next to a 2013 SG Standard and an ESP Eclipse with EMG's. I really wanted to like the SG more than the Mira, but the Mira could do everything the SG did and more. I go so fixated on the tones available I forgot to try the coil split!
In the end I got a killer deal on a 2005 PRS McCarty that I just couldn't pass up, but given the chance I would love to have an S2 Starla.
I was very impressed with the Mira and Starla I tried, and I very nearly bought the Starla. They played superbly, and were very resonant. I played the Mira next to a 2013 SG Standard and an ESP Eclipse with EMG's. I really wanted to like the SG more than the Mira, but the Mira could do everything the SG did and more. I go so fixated on the tones available I forgot to try the coil split!
In the end I got a killer deal on a 2005 PRS McCarty that I just couldn't pass up, but given the chance I would love to have an S2 Starla.
Chris of Arabia
Desert RATT
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
It'd be fun to add a set of P-Rails to one of these...
It'd be fun to add a set of P-Rails to one of these...
Rockstar216
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
Feel wise they are on point but like previously stated the electronics aren't the greatest. Personally I would rather save up for an american PRS but it's just a personal thing.
Feel wise they are on point but like previously stated the electronics aren't the greatest. Personally I would rather save up for an american PRS but it's just a personal thing.
Agileguy_101
Master of his Domain
Rockstar216
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I'm sorry I should of been more clear I meant the higher end PRS guitars.
I'm sorry I should of been more clear I meant the higher end PRS guitars.
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
Wrong. It would be fun to play a set of P-Rails on one of those. The wiring job would be a king nightmare!
Wrong. It would be fun to play a set of P-Rails on one of those. The wiring job would be a king nightmare!
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I've played SEs, S2s and the higher end PRS models. They are all good. I currently own two higher end PRS and and SE. You really can't go wrong with an S2 though. I prefer the higher end ones though due to the hardware (the trem is fantastic), electronics and overall workmanship and feel. The S2, while not bad by any means, just felt...different. Part of it may be that I prefer a thin neck profile and the S2s don't come with that option. In the end, it's really personal preference, what's important to you and what you can afford. They are excellent guitars.
I've played SEs, S2s and the higher end PRS models. They are all good. I currently own two higher end PRS and and SE. You really can't go wrong with an S2 though. I prefer the higher end ones though due to the hardware (the trem is fantastic), electronics and overall workmanship and feel. The S2, while not bad by any means, just felt...different. Part of it may be that I prefer a thin neck profile and the S2s don't come with that option. In the end, it's really personal preference, what's important to you and what you can afford. They are excellent guitars.
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Drunken Bowling
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
The electronics can easily be replaced.
The electronics can easily be replaced.
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I have to say I wasn't impressed, in fact I was pretty let down. I was thinking of buying the S2 Mira but it just felt wrong. I played a pair of them and also a Custom but as much as anything I didn't like the feel of the finish. I didn't think the pickups sounded all that great either. I'd look at a used Mira before I bought an S2 for sure.
I have to say I wasn't impressed, in fact I was pretty let down. I was thinking of buying the S2 Mira but it just felt wrong. I played a pair of them and also a Custom but as much as anything I didn't like the feel of the finish. I didn't think the pickups sounded all that great either. I'd look at a used Mira before I bought an S2 for sure.
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I know what you mean. I played 3 or 4 S2s and they just don't sound or feel like the real thing to me. They just feel so... generic.
I know what you mean. I played 3 or 4 S2s and they just don't sound or feel like the real thing to me. They just feel so... generic.
Ascension
Well-known member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
Sort of but kinda not also.
The S2 is a new design USA body and neck mated with all the import hardware and electronics from the SE series or at least the Custom 24 is. It's not on par with a USA "real" Custom 24 in any way. I own a 07 Custom 24 and when the S2 came out was looking hard at them as a back up to my Custom 24. That was until l sat down with a couple S2 Custom 24's my 07 and ran them through the same rigs.
REALLY wish PRS had given us something like the old Standard at around a street price of $1500 rather than an import SE with only a new US body and neck. The old Standard was a USA PRS without the pretty top and bird inlay but otherwise exactly the same as a Custom 22 or 24. The S2 is a glorified SE.
For the same money you can buy a real all USA built Carvin CT 424 or 324 and get a better guitar than the Custom 24 S2 IMO.
The other S2's may be great but the Custom 24 S2 sure doesn't measure up to a real USA Custom 24 when you set them side by side.
Sort of but kinda not also.
The S2 is a new design USA body and neck mated with all the import hardware and electronics from the SE series or at least the Custom 24 is. It's not on par with a USA "real" Custom 24 in any way. I own a 07 Custom 24 and when the S2 came out was looking hard at them as a back up to my Custom 24. That was until l sat down with a couple S2 Custom 24's my 07 and ran them through the same rigs.
REALLY wish PRS had given us something like the old Standard at around a street price of $1500 rather than an import SE with only a new US body and neck. The old Standard was a USA PRS without the pretty top and bird inlay but otherwise exactly the same as a Custom 22 or 24. The S2 is a glorified SE.
For the same money you can buy a real all USA built Carvin CT 424 or 324 and get a better guitar than the Custom 24 S2 IMO.
The other S2's may be great but the Custom 24 S2 sure doesn't measure up to a real USA Custom 24 when you set them side by side.
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
This thread puts me in mind of my modified (USA) PRS EG II. The woodworking is fine. As are the electronics. I replaced the neck and centre "Domino" pickups with two PRS Artist humbuckers. Even in this trim, the instrument feels and sounds like an HSS Stratocaster. A fine guitar but, at the same time, somehow, slightly disappointing.
This thread puts me in mind of my modified (USA) PRS EG II. The woodworking is fine. As are the electronics. I replaced the neck and centre "Domino" pickups with two PRS Artist humbuckers. Even in this trim, the instrument feels and sounds like an HSS Stratocaster. A fine guitar but, at the same time, somehow, slightly disappointing.
Detroitblues
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I recently traded away my S2 and it was soley because I feel the wide/fat neck profile is barely thicker than a Fender USA Standard. To me, it was slightly more rounded then Gibson's Slim 60's neck profile. I wish PRS made one the closely resembled a Gibson R8 or R9 neck profile.
I recently traded away my S2 and it was soley because I feel the wide/fat neck profile is barely thicker than a Fender USA Standard. To me, it was slightly more rounded then Gibson's Slim 60's neck profile. I wish PRS made one the closely resembled a Gibson R8 or R9 neck profile.
Detroitblues
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
But isn't that a bit crazy to think you have to replace the electronics within MONTHS of purchasing it brand new??? Most cheap imports last much longer than that.
But isn't that a bit crazy to think you have to replace the electronics within MONTHS of purchasing it brand new??? Most cheap imports last much longer than that.
Detroitblues
New member
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
One thing I also forgot to point out... The birds inlay are a joke. Even the SE models have a mother of toliet seat... The S2's are almost a injected molded plastic. Very plain and generic looking.
One thing I also forgot to point out... The birds inlay are a joke. Even the SE models have a mother of toliet seat... The S2's are almost a injected molded plastic. Very plain and generic looking.
Chris of Arabia
Desert RATT
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
But isn't that what this forum is about? We think absolutely nothing in contemplating swapping out the pups on any new purchase, doesn't matter where it originated, or at what price point it was purchased. At this point I've tried around 4 or 5 differerent solid body S2's; on none of them was a pickup swap essential, any more than I've found it necessary on the SE's I own. The fact that I did change them on the SE Korina was entirely down to me wanting to try out the WLH set; did I want to change? Yes. Did I need to? Not in a million years.
For all the the rather downbeat assessments I've seen of the S2's, none have said anything about the wood or standard of manufacture. Everything seems to be directed at the electronics and their point of origin. I've not even seen a criticism of the bridge or tuners and they come from the same place. So for the sake of an extra $250, you can have a US made guitar, to PRS manufacturing standards, with SD pickups and whatever pots and switches, and the whole thing still doesn't cost what the cheapest full US spec PRS costs. Is it the same? No, because the design is a little different. Are you getting a bloody good, well made, great sounding guitar at a reasonable price? Well that's for you to judge, but if you still want a full spec US model, break out your credit card and stop complaining that the S2 isn't it.
But isn't that what this forum is about? We think absolutely nothing in contemplating swapping out the pups on any new purchase, doesn't matter where it originated, or at what price point it was purchased. At this point I've tried around 4 or 5 differerent solid body S2's; on none of them was a pickup swap essential, any more than I've found it necessary on the SE's I own. The fact that I did change them on the SE Korina was entirely down to me wanting to try out the WLH set; did I want to change? Yes. Did I need to? Not in a million years.
For all the the rather downbeat assessments I've seen of the S2's, none have said anything about the wood or standard of manufacture. Everything seems to be directed at the electronics and their point of origin. I've not even seen a criticism of the bridge or tuners and they come from the same place. So for the sake of an extra $250, you can have a US made guitar, to PRS manufacturing standards, with SD pickups and whatever pots and switches, and the whole thing still doesn't cost what the cheapest full US spec PRS costs. Is it the same? No, because the design is a little different. Are you getting a bloody good, well made, great sounding guitar at a reasonable price? Well that's for you to judge, but if you still want a full spec US model, break out your credit card and stop complaining that the S2 isn't it.
Re: PRS S2 compare to the High End PRSs?
I still haven't replaced the pick ups in my Tremonti SE that I bought about 6 months ago. I use it for C# standard tuning and I don't play it a ton, but the pups are fine. (For high gain work anyway) Of course, I still may swap them....
With an S2, you can absolutely swap the electronics and hardware for USA PRS stuff, but you are then adding cost to a level that comes close to a used higher end PRS. Of course there are cheaper options than the USA PRS stuff, which is pricey. However, I find that the USA PRS pick ups (at least the 57/08, 59/09 and Tremonti which are the ones I've tried) are great and the trem and phase III locking tuners are fantastic.
The S2 didn't feel right to me. Its hard to put my finger on it. For some reason, an SE is fine because I know I'm getting an ultra bargain and a great guitar for the money. Or if I want, I can buy a used higher end PRS for $1500-$2000. In my mind, there is no need, at least for me, to buy an S2 in the $1300 range. Its kind of a middle ground that isn't needed. Again, that's for my budget and preferences. Others needs/preferences may vary and from a quality stand point they are very nice guitars.
So what it comes down to for me is that if I want a true all USA PRS (hardware and electronics included), I can get a used one for a bit more than an S2 or I can go the cheap route and get an SE. (Which is still a great guitar for the money) Again, not knocking S2s at all, they are nice guitars, but for me they're not necessary.
I still haven't replaced the pick ups in my Tremonti SE that I bought about 6 months ago. I use it for C# standard tuning and I don't play it a ton, but the pups are fine. (For high gain work anyway) Of course, I still may swap them....
With an S2, you can absolutely swap the electronics and hardware for USA PRS stuff, but you are then adding cost to a level that comes close to a used higher end PRS. Of course there are cheaper options than the USA PRS stuff, which is pricey. However, I find that the USA PRS pick ups (at least the 57/08, 59/09 and Tremonti which are the ones I've tried) are great and the trem and phase III locking tuners are fantastic.
The S2 didn't feel right to me. Its hard to put my finger on it. For some reason, an SE is fine because I know I'm getting an ultra bargain and a great guitar for the money. Or if I want, I can buy a used higher end PRS for $1500-$2000. In my mind, there is no need, at least for me, to buy an S2 in the $1300 range. Its kind of a middle ground that isn't needed. Again, that's for my budget and preferences. Others needs/preferences may vary and from a quality stand point they are very nice guitars.
So what it comes down to for me is that if I want a true all USA PRS (hardware and electronics included), I can get a used one for a bit more than an S2 or I can go the cheap route and get an SE. (Which is still a great guitar for the money) Again, not knocking S2s at all, they are nice guitars, but for me they're not necessary.
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