Hey Kyle,
Sorry for my delay in responding. Regards your choice of PRS, it sounds like you'd like to find either a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar. My guess is that, like you, many of us are concerned about the weight of guitars taking a toll on us over time. Then, there's the concern about your budget.
If cost is not an issue, the core model McCarty 594 II Hollowbody, Hollowbody II Piezo, or Special Semi-Hollow are your 3 choices. The hollowbody models typically weigh in between 6 and 7 lbs. Semi-hollowbody, slightly more.
However, if cost is a factor, the SE Hollowbody Standard, the SE Hollowbody II, the SE Hollowbody II Piezo, or lastly, the semi-hollow SE Zach Meyers will save you money, and allow you to build a collection over time, instead of diving headlong into the deep end, before getting your feet wet first.
Your decision will ultimately depend on what styles of music you prefer. My suggestion is that you spend some time in front of your computer with a good set of reference monitors or headphones, and listen to each guitar on YouTube as represented by the PRS factory. Bryan Ewald does a great job of showcasing each guitar, its features, and each guitar's qualities.
Once you've listened to each, you can either doing an internet search for new or used examples. To be sure you receive a quality guitar, at the conclusion of this post I've included a reliable online retailer's website who sells both new and used gear. The reason I've included this retailer is because they've been very kind and responsive regards my questions of their stock, and their service is superb. Once you feel more confident buying online, the standard eBay and Reverb websites have plenty of new and used examples. The reason I suggest working with the retailer at the conclusion is that the retailer is accredited and a trusted online business.
Questions you might need to ask are: What's the neck profile like, and how does the neck feel? Plz describe the fretwork (any noticeable fret tangs, fret wear, or dead spots)? Plz describe the pickup and electronics configuration (all original, modified)? Do the strings bind at the nut? Does the guitar stay in tune? Any structural or cosmetic issues?
Once the owner or retailer can clearly answer these questions, you're ready to purchase. You might be able to negotiate your cost, but sometimes the price is what it is. Things that might cause me to pass up a deal would be a neck profile not suited for my hands (learn what neck profiles are available on each guitar with Bryan Ewald), fret work needed, subpar pickup swaps or electronics modifications, binding strings, a guitar that won't stay in tune, or significant structural issues. Some folks prefer well-gigged guitars, others exceptionally clean examples.
Hopefully all of this information will prove useful to you in selecting what guitar would best work for you. A good choice might be a used recent SE model in excellent condition. Not only would you save money, but you'd have extra for whatever amp or modeler you'd want to go with your purchase.
Best wishes.
https://www.davesguitar.com
Bob
