Confessions of a PRS SE T40E Owner

drawshot

Just one more...and that's it!
Joined
Mar 3, 2016
Messages
280
Location
East Coast
So.....I took possession of my T40E today, and immediately got to work. The guitar was a journey of discovery for me, and I learned a couple interesting things.

1. I learned that my lack of need for a pickup results in cutting wires. The Fishman controls inside the sound hole were not staying adhered with the 3M-type pads. I tried to restick it a few times, to no avail...so I ripped it out. It was strangely exciting...like I was a bad boy, about to get caught. ;) I don't gig, and don't even own an acoustic amp...so I have ZERO need for electronics. Would've been cool if a non-pickup version was an option...but all's well that ends well!

2. The wiring from the controls to the pickup were routed under the saddle. I thought the action was a bit too high...and I wanted to change the stock strings anyway...so I took the saddle out. Lo and behold, the wiring was resting at the bottom of the bridge pocket. Took all that out, and put the saddle back in. Perfect action on all 6 strings!

3. Elixr Nanoweb Lights sound AMAZING on the instrument (12-53s).

4. The new SE Acoustics are solid, gorgeous, and play wonderfully. Fit and finish are exceptional.

5. The overseas factory label comes off in approximately 14.7 seconds, with no residue left over.

6. The nut and saddle on mine was cut perfectly. Tuning is stable, there's no string binding at all, and intonation is spot on.

7. The spruce top on mine is darker than what you would think a typical new guitar would have, and I love it. It looks like the guitar has been around for a decade, with a classy aged tone to it.

8. THESE GUITARS ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY, AND THENSOME.

If you're on the fence about these...rest easy. They're incredible. I'm a higher end acoustic fan, and specifically focus on Taylors. I'd say the PRS SE line is every bit as nice as the 200-series Taylors. For the money spent, a new SE is a no-brainer, if you're in the market.

My T40E is gonna get A LOT of attention, for a very long time.

https://s14.postimg.org/l0wsdzljl/20180217_185451.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/umqcu3x81/20180217_185515.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/r34f4ck8h/20180217_185501.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/pbbg9h3gh/20180217_185601.jpg
 
Last edited:
So.....I took possession of my T40E today, and immediately got to work. The guitar was a journey of discovery for me, and I learned a couple interesting things.

1. I learned that my lack of need for a pickup results in cutting wires. The Fishman controls inside the sound hole were not staying adhered with the 3M-type pads. I tried to restick it a few times, to no avail...so I ripped it out. It was strangely exciting...like I was a bad boy, about to get caught. ;) I don't gig, and don't even own an acoustic amp...so I have ZERO need for electronics. Would've been cool if a non-pickup version was an option...but all's well that ends well!

2. The wiring from the controls to the pickup were routed under the saddle. I thought the action was a bit too high...and I wanted to change the stock strings anyway...so I took the saddle out. Lo and behold, the wiring was resting at the bottom of the bridge pocket. Took all that out, and put the saddle back in. Perfect action on all 6 strings!

3. Elixr Nanoweb Lights sound AMAZING on the instrument (12-53s).

4. The new SE Acoustics are solid, gorgeous, and play wonderfully. Fit and finish are exceptional.

5. The overseas factory label comes off in approximately 14.7 seconds, with no residue left over.

6. The nut and saddle on mine was cut perfectly. Tuning is stable, there's no string binding at all, and intonation is spot on.

7. The spruce top on mine is darker than what you would think a typical new guitar would have, and I love it. It looks like the guitar has been around for a decade, with a classy aged tone to it.

8. THESE GUITARS ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY, AND THENSOME.

If you're on the fence about these...rest easy. They're incredible. I'm a higher end acoustic fan, and specifically focus on Taylors. I'd say the PRS SE line is every bit as nice as the 200-series Taylors. For the money spent, a new SE is a no-brainer, if you're in the market.

My T40E is gonna get A LOT of attention, for a very long time.

https://s14.postimg.org/l0wsdzljl/20180217_185451.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/umqcu3x81/20180217_185515.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/r34f4ck8h/20180217_185501.jpg

https://s14.postimg.org/pbbg9h3gh/20180217_185601.jpg
I agree with all except
3) I don’t have experience with those on this guitar
4) you may find that it’s closer to 14.381 seconds ;-)
 
I agree with all except
3) I don’t have experience with those on this guitar
4) you may find that it’s closer to 14.381 seconds ;-)

3. They're worth a try, if you like goofing around with different tones.

4. I had 3 Killian's Irish Reds in me...so I was working all slow-and-methodical like!!!
 
Did you mean the label on the inside of the sound hole or the print on the back of the head stock?

The clear plastic one on the back of the headstock, sir. It looked like the smallest bit of the corner was lifted a hair...so I helped it along. Came up with no fuss, and no muss.
 
Congrats! A dealer close to me is supposed to have a T40 & 50 for me to check out by the end of the week. I played an A50e that sounded really nice and hung right in with a couple other more expensive guitars that I played back to back. I was VERY impressed by the overall aesthetics. It was beautiful and the fit & finish was outstanding.
 
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