Hello All,
First post.
So because I am a fool, I decided to snatch up a set of Thorbak SLE 101 plus pickups for a Navigator Les Paul. when I already have antiquities that are great and also wound on a Leesona. They will replace the antiquities - but I also really like the ants and would like to throw them in a PRS to allow for a little tonal variety. Seems pointless to buy another LP. But would like pattern/wide fat/DGT neck.
So after considering options, this is what I'm looking at:
Recommendations encouraged, but no hoodoo please (scooped body contours for pots doesn't make the thing play better
)
Anyway, I guess the question is - is there any real playability reason to buy core anymore if an SE model exists and you can make a few tweaks? Whenever I see people talking about this on TGP, here, duncan forum, etc. people will talk about consistency but the SE reviews seem glowing. I'm just not sure what the rationale of getting a core series is if you can make some mods and with the rise of CNC machines etc.
Cheers.
First post.
So because I am a fool, I decided to snatch up a set of Thorbak SLE 101 plus pickups for a Navigator Les Paul. when I already have antiquities that are great and also wound on a Leesona. They will replace the antiquities - but I also really like the ants and would like to throw them in a PRS to allow for a little tonal variety. Seems pointless to buy another LP. But would like pattern/wide fat/DGT neck.
So after considering options, this is what I'm looking at:
- Used CE22 - this seems to be the PRS fanboy's recommendation; lots of CE's from the 90's early/00's can be had for 800-1k and the reviews seem very high. I would mod this, as with others with concentric pot to allow for multi volumes a la DGT.
- S2 Standard or Custom - seems a lot of guitar for value, set neck, etc., same mod. The internet seems to indicate the former is a better choice. Would be slightly less than first option.
- Santana SE Standard 2018 - from everything I see, from binding to 22 frets on standard to shorter scale and attainable for ~$400, this seems an incredible value.
- DGT Standard - no mod, good resale on grissom pickups. Not the biggest fan of nitro on the hands, particularly when there is a poly undercoat....also most cost prohibitive option.
Recommendations encouraged, but no hoodoo please (scooped body contours for pots doesn't make the thing play better

Anyway, I guess the question is - is there any real playability reason to buy core anymore if an SE model exists and you can make a few tweaks? Whenever I see people talking about this on TGP, here, duncan forum, etc. people will talk about consistency but the SE reviews seem glowing. I'm just not sure what the rationale of getting a core series is if you can make some mods and with the rise of CNC machines etc.
Cheers.