The PRS Chleo Gets a Fresh "Package"! New SE Version...

[Rex_Rocker]

I definitely agree with this, but those companies built their brands with those types of guitars. It'll be interesting to see if PRS starts to lean more into this style. They had the Dustie Waring sigs not too long ago and just released the updated Core series Holcomb models, as well, which look killer!

Ah, I forgot about the Holcomb. I bet that one sells a lot for them.

To be fair, I'm kinda biased against PRS SE because of the few negative experience I've had with their guitars. But I'm sure they make some good guitars in that line or they wouldn't sell as many as they do. NGL, I've been wanting a Tremonti amp for a while.

 

[Masta' C]

To be fair, I'm kinda biased against PRS SE because of the few negative experience I've had with their guitars.

Interesting! What was so bad about them?

Admittedly, I wasn't a fan of most SE models back in the "Korea" days, even though they were solid guitars. But my relatively new (2024, Indo-made) SE Custom 24 Quilt Top is a shredder's dream! Tight, resonant, and super smooth with a slim neck carve and fretwork that yields very low action with no buzz in sight.

I actually offloaded a Kiesel DC right after I got it because they felt nearly identical under the fingers and I liked having the trem on the SE more! Sure, it's a little different than my extra-jumbo fretted Jacksons and Schecters with Black Winters and EMGs, but it's easily on par with the best of those in terms of fit, finish, and build quality!

 

[Masta' C]

Phil McKnight just uploaded this inside peek at PRS/Cort yesterday:

 

[JMP/HBE]

Looks like an Ibanez LOL. PRS is really stretching thier lineup.
$2K for an SE ? gtfo >

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Interesting! What was so bad about them?

Mine were all Korean, so not sure how that applies to the newer Indo ones.

I had 5 of them. 3 of them had flaws that were just mainly eyesores, but didn't make them unplayable, but that weren't really small either and definitely really agree with the hype there is about them in that the quality control PRS is known for translates into the lower line. One of them had a horrible flaw that recquired removing the last few frets, sanding the fretboard (it had a hump), and refretting the last few frets. Luckily, I had a tech at the time that wanted to go through with it, and did a very decent job. I honestly should've not gone through with it, but it was a guitar I had been looking for a long time (a Paul Allender sig), and it was the only PRS SE I ever had (or, at the time, had overall seen) that didn't have a super washed out poorly figured top.

I also had a Mike Mushok sig that was pretty good, but that I ended up selling anyway because I never bonded with the thick neck with the round fretboard. The one good PRS SE I had, LOL.

 

[Masta' C]

Mine were all Korean, so not sure how that applies to the newer Indo ones.

Watch that video I posted above, it's pretty enlightening. The Indo ones are on a different level and PRS has done a LOT over the past 5 years to continuously improve them, including developing better finishes and finishing techniques, much of it borrowed from the Maryland factory.

I've always thought the Korean ones looked unspectacular and dull...because they did. Their finishes clouded up quickly and their wood tops were garbage grade, despite being veneers. I've lusted after a Paul Allender for years, even checked one out again a week ago at my local GC, but they always look uninspiring in person and they don't play anywhere near as nicely as my newer Indos do.

I'd wait another year to see what new models they spit out, but you might give them a chance again!

I'm hoping some killer black-bursted Holcomb models with satin finishes and nice tops make it to the SE line!

 

[orpheo]

Phil McKnight just uploaded this inside peek at PRS/Cort yesterday:

Phil McKnight is not my cuppa tea. I try to avoid him as much as I can. But I do enjoy seeing the PRS factory, so I don't have a choice I guess but watch it!

 

[soulforger]

Price notwithstanding, I would love one of these things! Judging from the quality of my CU24 Floyd I'm sure the Chleo is worth it's price as much as any guitar is. Figuring the closest competitor is probably the Ibanez Kiko10pand Nita Strauss Jiva (about $1700) or Sterling Majesty ($1600). All are also Indonesian made. Fishmans add a good bit I'm sure but I would probably replace those with some Dimarzios or Seymours and sell the actives. Charcoal Purple for me please!

 

[Masta' C]

If we ignore the "country of origin" bias that has been drilled into us for the past 5 decades and simply base the value of a guitar on what it brings to the table, then $1500 to $2000 for what is easily an upper-intermediate level instrument from a major manufacturer is probably "reasonable".

That said, I think the whole market has lost its damn mind, LOL! Can't wait to see how companies react if we roll into a deeper recession over the next year or so.

In the near-term, I expect to see prices of the entry-level USA models like the S2 series and CE24 start to climb (and used values start to follow) as there is beginning to be too much price overlap between U.S. and non-U.S. models. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the lower USA lines started being produced overseas "to USA specs" at some point!

 

[GuitarStv]

Thinking about it, it's really the price that seems wonky. If you want a light weight guitar that works great for shredding you could buy a strandberg for that money . . .

 

[orpheo]

Price notwithstanding, I would love one of these things! Judging from the quality of my CU24 Floyd I'm sure the Chleo is worth it's price as much as any guitar is. Figuring the closest competitor is probably the Ibanez Kiko10pand Nita Strauss Jiva (about $1700) or Sterling Majesty ($1600). All are also Indonesian made. Fishmans add a good bit I'm sure but I would probably replace those with some Dimarzios or Seymours and sell the actives. Charcoal Purple for me please!

the fishmans are OEM the same price as seymour duncan or dimarzio, cheaper if you want it with a gold cover.

 

[orpheo]

Thinking about it, it's really the price that seems wonky. If you want a light weight guitar that works great for shredding you could buy a strandberg for that money . . .

but not everybody wants a strandberg. I for one find them so, so exceptionally ugly. And I know many simply want a headstock.

 

[GuitarStv]

but not everybody wants a strandberg. I for one find them so, so exceptionally ugly. And I know many simply want a headstock.

Sure, but I'm just saying that there are a lot of pretty high quality options there. And I would not spend that kind of money on a guitar without stainless frets.