After years playing acoustic I'm going to buy an electric guitar

[GoOs]

I've narrowed it down between two. The PRS s2 Standard 24 satin and a Fender American Professional HSS Strat. The PRS feels better so I'm leaning towards that.
Is there anyone here that has an opinion on this? Thanks!

 

[dogrocketp]

You are on the wrong forum for that question. I think you should either get a PRS, or a PRS. If those 2 suggestions don`t float your boat, get a PRS>

 

[BMiller]

Might I suggest a used CE 24? Maple bolt on neck, rosewood fretboard, dual humbuckers, coil tapping for some great single coil tones, the PRS neck and body shape, boom.....

I'm biased though, I'm a PRS nut now and own a CE24 with another on the way.

 

[GoOs]

You are on the wrong forum for that question. I think you should either get a PRS, or a PRS. If those 2 suggestions don`t float your boat, get a PRS>

Yeah I figured asking here may pose that problem, and I don't blame you.

 

[GoOs]

Might I suggest a used CE 24? Maple bolt on neck, rosewood fretboard, dual humbuckers, coil tapping for some great single coil tones, the PRS neck and body shape, boom.....

I'm biased though, I'm a PRS nut now and own a CE24 with another on the way.

Thanks for the suggestion I'll check that out. Would you happen to know if the PRS factory has an actual guitar shop that sells individual guitars to anyone walking in?

 

[BMiller]

As far as I know, the only time that you can by a guitar factory direct is during Experience (a factory open house of sorts). Not sure if they sell direct at trade shows like NAMM.

 

[GoOs]

As far as I know, the only time that you can by a guitar factory direct is during Experience (a factory open house of sorts). Not sure if they sell direct at trade shows like NAMM.

Thanks! I live 45 minutes west of the factory. Guess I'll just head over and check it out either way.
One other question if you don't mind, what's the general consensus buying via mail? I've always played a guitar before buying. Does it typically work out?

 

[goat-n-gitter]

Thanks! I live 45 minutes west of the factory. Guess I'll just head over and check it out either way.
One other question if you don't mind, what's the general consensus buying via mail? I've always played a guitar before buying. Does it typically work out?

I've bought 2 of my 3 PRS on the web/phone without playing them first. They both far exceeded my expectations, and even after traveling across the country in a truck, each of them came out of the case in tune.
The PRS store at the factory just sells accessories, but they do keep a number of guitars there you can try out, so if you don't have a dealer in driving range, give it a shot. Make sure you plan your trip on a day they're having the factory tour - it's great to see how they make these instruments. You do have to sign up for the tour in advance.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[Big Eric Bee]

As an acoustic player, I'd say stick with the S2 Satin. Unless you play find a Fender Telecaster and fall in love with it. Might also suggest you try an S2 Standard 22 Satin. The neck and how it comes off the body might feel slightly closer to an acoustic. Just me, but I've never been able to get comfortable with a 24 fret neck.

Can't help with buying by mail, as I've always purchased in person, but there is no reason why you shouldn't these days. After a certain level, most new guitars are pretty consistent and good.

 

[alantig]

Yeah, they have a handful of guitars you can try in the accessory shop, but none for sale at the factory. If you're 45 minutes west, I'd suggest trying Washington Music Center - longtime PRS dealer and they typically have a ton of PRSi. They usually have a lot of stuff that's not on the floor, so if you check out their web site in advance, you'll get a pretty good taste of what you can try out.

As for buying online, PRSi are about the only brand I'd buy that way w/o seeing first or w/o having a dealer whose opinion I can trust. I've done several PRSi that way and haven't had an issue with any of them. They've even usually arrived in tune. It does help if you know what you want, and it sounds like you do.

 

[GoOs]

I've bought 2 of my 3 PRS on the web/phone without playing them first. They both far exceeded my expectations, and even after traveling across the country in a truck, each of them came out of the case in tune.
The PRS store at the factory just sells accessories, but they do keep a number of guitars there you can try out, so if you don't have a dealer in driving range, give it a shot. Make sure you plan your trip on a day they're having the factory tour - it's great to see how they make these instruments. You do have to sign up for the tour in advance.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!

Thank you and thanks for the info!

 

[veinbuster]

As far as I know, the only time that you can by a guitar factory direct is during Experience (a factory open house of sorts). Not sure if they sell direct at trade shows like NAMM.

Even at Experience you only by through a dealer. PRS just invites them to the party to make it easier.

As to the OP. You like the feel of the PRS, so go with that.

 

[GoOs]

Yeah, they have a handful of guitars you can try in the accessory shop, but none for sale at the factory. If you're 45 minutes west, I'd suggest trying Washington Music Center - longtime PRS dealer and they typically have a ton of PRSi. They usually have a lot of stuff that's not on the floor, so if you check out their web site in advance, you'll get a pretty good taste of what you can try out.

As for buying online, PRSi are about the only brand I'd buy that way w/o seeing first or w/o having a dealer whose opinion I can trust. I've done several PRSi that way and haven't had an issue with any of them. They've even usually arrived in tune. It does help if you know what you want, and it sounds like you do.

Chuck Levins! Man I haven't been there in 20 years. I will definitely be checking them out again. Thanks

 

[GoOs]

As an acoustic player, I'd say stick with the S2 Satin. Unless you play find a Fender Telecaster and fall in love with it. Might also suggest you try an S2 Standard 22 Satin. The neck and how it comes off the body might feel slightly closer to an acoustic. Just me, but I've never been able to get comfortable with a 24 fret neck.

Can't help with buying by mail, as I've always purchased in person, but there is no reason why you shouldn't these days. After a certain level, most new guitars are pretty consistent and good.

I'm interested to see how the 22 feels. I didn't realize it was a 24 while I was playing it.

 

[garrettb]

Yeah, they have a handful of guitars you can try in the accessory shop, but none for sale at the factory. If you're 45 minutes west, I'd suggest trying Washington Music Center - longtime PRS dealer and they typically have a ton of PRSi. They usually have a lot of stuff that's not on the floor, so if you check out their web site in advance, you'll get a pretty good taste of what you can try out.

As for buying online, PRSi are about the only brand I'd buy that way w/o seeing first or w/o having a dealer whose opinion I can trust. I've done several PRSi that way and haven't had an issue with any of them. They've even usually arrived in tune. It does help if you know what you want, and it sounds like you do.

^^This^^

Ultimately, go with what feels best. That will inspire you to play and give you the most enjoyment.

 

[Rider1260]

Of my 10 current PRS I have only played 1 before I purchased , I have yet to be disappointed.
Others may have different thinking but for me if you are going to buy without playing PRS is the best bet

 

[bodia]

Of my 10 current PRS I have only played 1 before I purchased , I have yet to be disappointed.
Others may have different thinking but for me if you are going to buy without playing PRS is the best bet

Likewise. I have double digit PRSes, and only played one. To go a step further, I bought 3 "live" but didn't play them first.

 

[dmatthews]

If it feels good, do it. That applies to guitars too!
Of my 5 PRSi, like others I only played my McRosie for 30 seconds before I bought it.
Enjoy!

 

[GoOs]

Seriously thanks for all the feedback, maybe I'll give an update when I bring it home.

 

[László]

I'd always say try to play a guitar first, because that's the best and most certain way to know if you'll bond with it, and that certainly includes electric guitars. They do vary from one to the next in tone, and you'll be certain to find one that suits your ear and hands best that way.

However, I've bought long-distance from a trusted dealer who knows my tastes and I trust his recommendations quite a lot.