PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

[man-in-moon]

I think I am going to go with a lower to mid level prs. The core models are out of the question. Are the S2's and CE's really that much better than the SE? Taking the made in the U.S. out of it. I watched some videos the PRS made and all three models use the same bridge unless you go hardtail. They use import pickups and tuners. And all 3 have the multi piece neck. Are they really worth over double the price?

 

[VinceT]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

The SEs are stunning value for money, though I have to say that I don't own one, because the S2 Vela is my only PRS - and it's unique in the line. If I were going for a giggable, classic PRS, I'd very likely check the SE range first - but then buy a Reverend anyway!


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[VinceT]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

Also, I tried out the SE CE version and the Core CE a while back and, as I recall, preferred the SE version.


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[some_dude]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

I think I am going to go with a lower to mid level prs. The core models are out of the question. Are the S2's and CE's really that much better than the SE? Taking the made in the U.S. out of it. I watched some videos the PRS made and all three models use the same bridge unless you go hardtail. They use import pickups and tuners. And all 3 have the multi piece neck. Are they really worth over double the price?

I recommend going to a store and playing all three. IMO, while people on the internet like to nit-pick the details the differences are really obvious in person in person.

From what I remember, while the S2 trem and pickups are Korean made they're not the same as the ones on the SE. The S2 has Korean made PRS locking tuners while the SE has generic Ping tuners. The S2 also gets the same nut and low friction pots and strap buttons as Core.

I've owned SE, S2 and Core. The SE's are really good guitars, for the money. But, they don't compare to an S2. The S2s are (IMO) and obviously superior guitar.

I haven't played a CE, but IMO the main selling feature on the CE is the maple neck. A lot of people dig maple necks because they feel they have more snap than a mahogany necked guitar.

IMO, the S2 Standard Satins are hard to beat if you're looking for maximum value.

 

[Hank-]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

The CE new is like around $2k. They usually go for much less used so definitely consider those. SE stuff is alright but nothing special, would depreciate in value a lot quicker than the S2 or CE.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

I have found that guitars vary dramatically within the same model and year

If you play identical strats. Three will play and sound different

Same with every guitar maker

If you play one that feels good and sounds right
Who cares where it was made or the sticker price

 

[jmh151]

PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

IMO the current CE's aren't worth the money. Previously the CE's were identical to a core model Custom 24 but with a bolt on maple neck. A year or 2 ago PRS re-released the CE, and they cut corners- the body carve isn't extreme like it used to be, and the cavity covers are no longer flush mounted- not a big deal, but is to me on a $2,000 guitar.

The SE's are a great deal, I also can't justify the price on the S2 line

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

SE's are good guitars for the money, but make sure you play one before you buy. I've had two: A Nick Catanese sig and a Singlecut Korina. The NC is way better. I sold the SC and kept the NC. The SC wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't great.

SE's are overall consistent, but I'm just saying there's still the occasional above-the-average and below-the-average guitars.

 

[man-in-moon]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

My only experience with PRS is I had a CE24 around 99-00. It was a blue metallic flip flop finish. Like an idiot I let a friend talk me into trading it for an ibanez 7 string and a couple hundred bucks.

 

[chadd]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

I've played a bunch and own an SE one. It was $200, brand new, on closeout and I wanted something with P90s. The tuners need to be replaced and the pickup isn't all that good, but it works. Most of the other SE guitars that I have played, have given me a similar impression. They work, but I wouldn't be happy with them as shipped. The S2 feels better in most aspects to me. They tend to feel more like a complete guitar as opposed to a neck that could be attached to any body, as a lot of lower end imports feel to me. If you're content with the feel of a $499 SE and want to know if it's worth the upgrade to a $1300 S2, it probably isn't worth it for you. Now, if you're comparing a $799 SE and $999 S2, I'd go S2 every time. As far as the CE, that's the PRS that loved back in the early 90s. To me, it's in a completely different class as the SE, there simply is no comparison. Is it worth 4x as much? Only you can determine what something is worth to you, but it all depends on what you plan on doing with it. If it's going to be a beater that you play from time to time, save your money. If you are looking for a guitar to be "the one", you're more likely to find it in the higher end product lines.

I have a couple basic tenets of guitar buying
1. You can find a great guitar at every price point, but the ratio of great guitars to good guitars improves with the price point.
2. You get a better quality product at the low end than ever before.
3. Play as many guitars as you can and go with the one that speaks to your soul, regardless of price point. You are more likely to play it and more likely to love it.

 

[BRHGM]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

The late 90s CEs were awesome. Today, I'd get an SE. They're great guitars for the money. I played a Pre-law suit Single Cut and compared it to a 2014 Single Cut and there was no comparison. The old PRS guitars are things of beauty, but the new ones are fancier versions of the SE guitars. PRS is turning into Gibson, sadly.

 

[Gstring]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

I am a huge fan of PRS guitars and have been so for many years. Unfortunately the entry level SE is no longer entry level price. The Custom 24 SE NOW costs £799 here in the UK (around $1000) and I am not sure they now represent value for money for a solid (non archtop) guitar with Eastern electrics.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: PRS SE vs S2 vs CE

The prices on the SE's went up to make room for the SE Standard line ... Starting at $499 US.