Buying and upgrading an SE 245 vs S2 Singlcut

[S2C22]

Is it worth it to just go with an SE245 and upgrading the wiring, pickups and tuners, vs an S2? Obviously, an SE is the less expensive route, but I'd have to do upgrades to the more expensive S2 as well, since the wiring and pickups are basically just as less desirable. I would probably go Duncans either way, though the S2 really doesn't need the tuners or nut upgrades.

Thoughts? I really like how the newer SE's have the wide-fat neck, thicker body, and some weight to them, (or am I wrong?) I like the more "traditional" look, vs the beveled edges. I just wish they offered more colors, rather than Sunburst and Charcoal Burst.

 

[andy474x]

The S2 will have better “bones,” and you can’t change that.

 

[grausch]

Same post from another thread, but seems relevant here too.

As much as I love my Bernie, the S2 Singlecut is just a better guitar. Rolled fretboard edges, smoother fretboard and smoother frets. I have already upgraded several things on the Bernie (bone nut, locking tuners and ABM bridge). Have already bought the electronics - still need to do the upgrade, but don’t see a pressing need as everything works fine and it sounds ok. That being said, with the electronics, I am already close to the price of the S2 Singlecut Satin Standard.

Where I really feel the difference though is everything relating to the fretboard. With the same strings, bends on the Singlecut just feel much smoother. Both guitars get Gorgomyte at each string change and the Bernie will be getting the micro mesh treatment at the next one too. The S2 just does not need it.

Short version: Since I got my first S2, I have not bought another SE.

 

[Wailing]

S2’s are very fine machines

 

[sergiodeblanc]

S2 McCarty 594 or just an S2 Singlecut?

If it’s between an older S2SC, I’d still go with a SE Bernie or 245 just for the scale length.

Regardless, my modded SE Bernie kills SC GAS dead.

 

[Ovibos]

S2 McCarty 594 or just an S2 Singlecut?

If it’s between an older S2SC, I’d still go with a SE Bernie or 245 just for the scale length.

Regardless, my modded SE Bernie kills SC GAS dead.

Or a new Zach Myers.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Or a new Zach Myers.

Or a new Zack Myers.

 

[Ovibos]

Or a new Zack Myers.

Or a new Zack Miers.

 

[alantig]

Or a new Zach Myers.

Or a new Zack Myers.

Or a new Zack Miers.

Or a new Zach Mayers. And that's no baloney!

 

[WEDGE]

I had a killer Bernie that I did up. 59/09’s, nut, Mann bridge, USA pots and knobs, etc and by the time I got done I had used CE money into it. Was it worth it? Hell yeah because the bones were good and it rocked afterward. Plus the journey adds to the value, your more of an owner when you wrench on something.