A Second PRS

[Sean McCarthy]

I play in a modern country cover band and I currently have a PRS CE 24 that I love. I'm looking to get a second PRS in the $1000 to $1500 range and was wondering what would be a recommended one to complement the CE 24? The lead guitarist plays mostly Tele's so I'm covering the humbucker rhythm stuff. The thing I love most about the CE is the neck too. Best playing neck I've ever had. Any thoughts, insight, suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[gush]

Do you have a new ce24 or older one?

A ce22 or cu22 with dragon 2s
McCarty any pickup config
Cu24 5909s (highly recommended).

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I’d vote McCarty for you.

 

[BrianC]

Vela or Starla???

 

[Rusty Chops]

I’d vote McCarty for you.

Same here,

No rainbow fade, BTW.

 

[Boogie]

In my country-ish band, I play double duty with the other guitarist playing both lead and rhythm parts. His rig is very bright and he has a light touch, so I go the other direction. He usually plays a Gibson “The Paul” with 490 pickups or a Strat with actives, so I counter with a DGT Std or SE245 with Antiquities, or an RL Vela, which I beat the bajeebers out of. We’ve played together for 7+ years and think we gel well together. The mix has been pretty good, IMO, so I highly recommend those options.

 

[11top]

For a country band, I'll vote Starla.

 

[markd21]

I vote McCarty, but the Vela or the Starla would be cool too.

 

[bodia]

McCarty from me, as well.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Something with 22 frets. Vela is pretty awesome, been playing a friends for a few months now.

 

[watelessness]

I'd go McCarty or DGT

 

[Phil M]

McCarty

 

[SteelHorse]

Another CE would be cool, maybe with different pickups to change the sound some. I agree that a Starla would be awesome too.

 

[Sean McCarthy]

Thank you all for the replies! Really appreciate the perspective. I'm new to all the different PRS models so this is really helpful and greatly appreciated.

 

[Sean McCarthy]

In my country-ish band, I play double duty with the other guitarist playing both lead and rhythm parts. His rig is very bright and he has a light touch, so I go the other direction. He usually plays a Gibson “The Paul” with 490 pickups or a Strat with actives, so I counter with a DGT Std or SE245 with Antiquities, or an RL Vela, which I beat the bajeebers out of. We’ve played together for 7+ years and think we gel well together. The mix has been pretty good, IMO, so I highly recommend those options.

This is definitely the kind of set up we're working on. Been together for about a year and a half. He plays mostly tele's now through a Carr Slant 6v and another Carr I can't remember the name of. I have the CE24 and a Tele with a humbucker in the neck through a Mesa Electra Dyne or Peavey Classic 30 for smaller gigs. Been a good balance so far but still working on it.

 

[vchizzle]

I like all the suggestions of McCarty, Starla, Vela, DGT. Your name is only one letter off from McCarty, so....

 

[Sean McCarthy]

I like all the suggestions of McCarty, Starla, Vela, DGT. Your name is only one letter off from McCarty, so....

I'll try that reasoning with the wife

 

[Boogie]

This is definitely the kind of set up we're working on. Been together for about a year and a half. He plays mostly tele's now through a Carr Slant 6v and another Carr I can't remember the name of. I have the CE24 and a Tele with a humbucker in the neck through a Mesa Electra Dyne or Peavey Classic 30 for smaller gigs. Been a good balance so far but still working on it.

If you’re solidly in the country genre, anything with immediacy like the CE or a Tele is a safe bet. We’re more in the crossover side of country and blend a classic rock/alt rock spice to our set list. The other guitarist sports an Orange w/ 1x12 and I’ve used my Super Dallas until about a year ago when I transitioned into a Kemper. Now I’m leaning toward older Marshall profiles which still balances well against the other guy. It did brighten me up a little but I balance more with softer attack/picking/finger picking which works especially well with the DGT. If I were to hone in on one recommendation it would be the DGT (which is a modded McCarty). The split coil alone is worth a look! But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these suggestions in this thread.

 

[Geo408]

McCarty..it covers the LP tones. It’s a full sounding guitar, and a great counterpoint to a bright 2nd guitar sound. It’s my go-to for that situation.

 

[Ironwolf]

his budget may not reach Mccartys but perhaps
https://reverb.com/item/17317109-prs-mccarty-korina-2008-black-sunburst