04 Cu22 vs 30th S2 cu24 vs 2 SE's

[tharkyn]

Hi, planning to buy my first PRS. I have an option of buying an 04 core cu22 with dragon ii pups or a brand new 30th anniversary S2 cu24. Both are selling for 1100usd each. I'm assuming it's the core model but I'm just wondering if the S2s have caught up to the sound quality of the core models from 11 years ago. Also, would I get better value for money if i get 2 SE models for the same price?

I'm just an average player/hobbyist composing songs once in awhile. Play mostly 90-00's alternative/rock music.

 

[dogrocketp]

The hard part is that there really isn`t one guitar you should buy. Keep in mind that each uses different wood and construction techniques, and will sound different. Last night, we compared an S2 mira to my old core mira. Very, very different sounds. Play them all and listen closely. One of them may speak to you. If that doesn`t work, buy them all, one at a time.

 

[tharkyn]

Thanks. The S2 feels really good with the SE not being far behind. Unfortunately, I'm not able to test the core cu22 before purchase.

 

[bricel24]

I'd go for the core CU22 over the S2. Not that there's anything wrong with the S2 as I think they are also excellent instruments but for $1100 that core is a great deal. Ideally it's up to you, how you 'feel' and 'hear' the instrument makes a greater part of your decision. Regardless, you can't go wrong with either, IMO.

 

[blackthorn]

If you are ok with core Cu22 neck profile I say you should go for that. Most of them are incredible guitar for the money, and for 1100$ is a steal. If you don't like it you should sell it quickly for that money, not the same for S2 that go for 800-900 used. SE is a nice guitar for the money, but after upgrading it the cost is almost the same if you buy an S2.

 

[tharkyn]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go for the core cu22. If for some odd reason that i don't like it, i can still sell it for the same price.

 

[Artjr]

You'll like,it.

 

[IRG]

Bottom line, they are all good, just different.

Back in May, I decided to try another PRS (I had 3 earlier SE models that were okay, but I didn't bond with them). I got the SE Clint Lowery first, and really liked it. Turns out, I wasn't playing my other guitars at all. Bought a S2 Standard Custom 22 in June. liked it a lot too, and decided to sell my Tele, for a 2009 Artist grade top Custom 24 in June. Also, a really great guitar. Guess which one I play the most? The SE CL. Not that it's better, it isn't. I just really dig it a lot. Cost less than $600 new too. But the S2 is really great, and the Core CU24 is a beauty, but musically it isn't that superior, visually it is though. I would buy any from the three lines in the future, and plan on it again soon.