Are the Core models worth the extra thousands over the S2?

[Revelation]

Now that the S2 has the same pickups and electronics as the Core, do you think the Core models are worth it for the fancier carves even though the S2 are also made in the same factory as the Core?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

They may not be worth it, but I am.

 

[SinSir]

They may not be worth it, but I am.

I'd trade you for a s2...add core pickups and I'd throw in some cash too

 

[Birdsofprey]

Yes!

 

[Greywolf]

It all depends on your aesthetic sensibilities vs. available $$

 

[andy474x]

As with many things, it depends.

The S2's, even before getting USA electronics, were great sounding guitars and an excellent value. That said, even with USA electronics on S2's, there's an extra bit of juice that only gets squeezed out of the core models. It's about how much that matters to you, and what you want to use the guitar for. Core models are the best choice for detailed recording, because they represent all the frequencies best, excellent note definition, etc., and you often can't get that without the spend. It's double (or more) the price for the last 10%, but that's what it takes, it's harder to make the guitar do that without all the extra core details. S2's are a great choice for live play, jamming at home, writing, etc. Of course, you can do anything with either line of guitar, quite effectively, but that's where I feel they shine, since you're asking the question.

Perfect example - I have almost identical core and S2 594's. Even with the same USA pickups (58/15LT) in both guitars, the core model had stronger midrange, more sustain on higher notes, and overall more output just due to the acoustic nature of the guitar.

 

[RC Mike]

It’s a highly individual question. Two people with the same means, interests, and skills might each land on different answers. Only you know your answer. There’s no wrong answer.

 

[bodia]

As with many things, it depends.

The S2's, even before getting USA electronics, were great sounding guitars and an excellent value. That said, even with USA electronics on S2's, there's an extra bit of juice that only gets squeezed out of the core models. It's about how much that matters to you, and what you want to use the guitar for. Core models are the best choice for detailed recording, because they represent all the frequencies best, excellent note definition, etc., and you often can't get that without the spend. It's double (or more) the price for the last 10%, but that's what it takes, it's harder to make the guitar do that without all the extra core details. S2's are a great choice for live play, jamming at home, writing, etc. Of course, you can do anything with either line of guitar, quite effectively, but that's where I feel they shine, since you're asking the question.

Perfect example - I have almost identical core and S2 594's. Even with the same USA pickups (58/15LT) in both guitars, the core model had stronger midrange, more sustain on higher notes, and overall more output just due to the acoustic nature of the guitar.

100% this

 

[show_a_little_faith]

Now that the S2 has the same pickups and electronics as the Core, do you think the Core models are worth it for the fancier carves even though the S2 are also made in the same factory as the Core?

But it's more than just "fancier carves". The choice of woods used, the craftsmanship and time spent getting everything just right. They're certainly similar, but they're not the same products.
Are they worth the extra money? That's gonna be specific to each person. For the record I have 2 Cores, 1 S2, and 4 SE's. I'm super happy with all of mine, each for slightly different reasons/things they do for me. YMMV...

 

[Texsunburst59]

I think it really depends on the guitar, but it’s possible that the S2 could be good enough.

Others feel that some of the SE’s are good enough that you don’t need to buy the Core version.

I also think it depends on the model.

I’ve read on several forums that some guitarists feel that the new DGT SE is so good that there’s no reason to buy the core version.

No disrespect to any DGT SE owners, but I personally think the version falls WAY short of being the equal of the Core version.

I finally got yo audition the SE version, and the neck and frets were wrong, and the pickups fell short as well.

I didn’t like the SE version one bit.

I think that if you want a particular PRS model, don’t settle for anything but the Core.

Just my .02

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Well, if you do it right they aren’t “thousands” more unless you have to have brand new or want something limited.

Just buy what you like and what inspires you. Leave the rest of the pettiness alone.

 

[SinSir]

I think it really depends on the guitar

Absolutely agree. It depends on the guitar. The 594 was mentioned earlier. It's a guitar I've been on the hunt forever. I lost count how many I've played. At first it was the SC. I wasn't fully getting along with the them no matter how many I tried. There was a s2 I did but in the end an A/B lost out to me picking up another Les Paul. Ultimately a SC58 scratched the itch for a SC594. Fast forward today, I still want a 594, but a DC594. For whatever reason the s2594DC with core pickups does it for me over the core. I keep trying to convince myself to get a core, but something about the PV carve and S2 body bevels just works. Go figure.

I’ve read on several forums that my guitarists feel that the new DGT SE is so good that there’s no reason to buy the core version.

No disrespect to any DGT SE owners, but I personally think the version falls WAY short of being the equal of the Core version.

I couldn't agree more. I've been fortunate enough to A/B several core and se DGT. As much as I think the seDGT is one of the better se, rival to core it isn't. Overall I still think its a good guitar. Most of the I prefer se come with a dollar disclaimer. Which I totally get.

I think that if you want a particular PRS model, don’t settle for anything but the Core.

I wouldn't go this far, but for the most part there's nothing quite like core.. it's ok Vela we're not talking about you!

 

[88prs]

It's funny that the "classical" musicians that are professional don't think twice about spending thousands on an instrument that will be an extension of themselves and craft... Shouldn't we do that same? Yes, there are budget concerns and it may be a real stretch to afford but.... you're worth it!

 

[Bogner]

Now that the S2 has the same pickups and electronics as the Core, do you think the Core models are worth it for the fancier carves even though the S2 are also made in the same factory as the Core?

No Matter Your Answer...Paul Has You Covered.

 

[horax]

every player is differnet, and every player needs a guitar for a certain reason. I'm not a great player, but i have guitars from SE's all the way to custom shop models.

I actually find myself playing hte SE a LOT more than my custom shops. Why? Because I'm not good enough to get 'more juice' out of the higher priced guitars. They sound and feel great, but they all have a different reason for existence.

I play what feels and sounds good....I stopped caring about price point and observed quality long ago. If it feels good, and sounds good, and plays good...it IS good....regardless of the name or line.

My SE 594 played and sounded as good as the S2, but not hte core artist version I wanted. It was about 3k less, so I made the tradeoff. It's been (and is) an excellent guitar.

The pickups in my SE to ME are better than the S2 (non american) pickups that used to come with them.
If I could get some USA pickups and put them i my SE I'm sure I'd be elated.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

every player is differnet, and every player needs a guitar for a certain reason. I'm not a great player, but i have guitars from SE's all the way to custom shop models.

I actually find myself playing hte SE a LOT more than my custom shops. Why? Because I'm not good enough to get 'more juice' out of the higher priced guitars. They sound and feel great, but they all have a different reason for existence.

I play what feels and sounds good....I stopped caring about price point and observed quality long ago. If it feels good, and sounds good, and plays good...it IS good....regardless of the name or line.

My SE 594 played and sounded as good as the S2, but not hte core artist version I wanted. It was about 3k less, so I made the tradeoff. It's been (and is) an excellent guitar.

The pickups in my SE to ME are better than the S2 (non american) pickups that used to come with them.
If I could get some USA pickups and put them i my SE I'm sure I'd be elated.

The pickups in your SE and S2 are from the same place.

 

[SinSir]

The se vs s2 vs core thread war has begun! Why's the bolt on always left out of the trash talk like Gen X?

Must be the snappy bolt on necks!

 

[horax]

The pickups in your SE and S2 are from the same place.

that is true, but the ones in my newer SE are different than the 7s that were in my S2.
THey sound more articulate and less muddy.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

that is true, but the ones in my newer SE are different than the 7s that were in my S2.
THey sound more articulate and less muddy.

Then you aren’t comparing apples to apples are you?

Import pickups are all from the same builder.

 

[Stephen J.]

If the S2 doesn’t come with the new tuner buttons (McCarty models do), absolutely worth it to pay for the Core! If not, save your money.