CE 24 vs CE 24 08

[babond]

I’ve been eyeing the PRS CE 24 for years. Most of my experience is with Fender guitars (Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster), along with a Yamaha Revstar. I’ve always felt that the CE 24 might be versatile enough to cover all the bases, maybe even allowing me to downsize my collection a bit (I was happier when I had just one guitar—now, I have decision fatigue when I get time to play).

Last week, PRS announced the CE 24-08 in stunning black limba, and I quickly preordered one from Sweetwater. But now I’m wavering on my decision. I’d love to compare the CE 24 directly with the CE 24-08, but that’s not an option right now. Aesthetically, the black limba is exactly what I’m looking for, but I’m curious: do you think it’ll sound close to the original CE 24 with the mahogany body and maple cap?

 

[PRS-NL]

Well the CE 24-08 comes with 85/15 pickups so the same as the regular CE 24 but no coiltapping of course.
That will of course make a difference and offer more versatility in the sound created.

As for as the difference in sound due to other wood being used for the body i can't tell yet as they haven't arrived here yet.
But to be sure i'd suggest going to a dealer that ordered them and try it out for yourself. Tone is something so personal.

 

[SinSir]

Well the CE 24-08 comes with 85/15 pickups so the same as the regular CE 24 but no coiltapping of course.

Both split but Ce2408 has independent toggles vs Ce24 push pull pot.

OP The difference maker to me is the body and satin finishes. Black limba is fantastic. Probably my favorite tonewood and grain. It's going to sound different than hog and maple cap but to me that's a good thing. I'd go limba Ce2408. My favorite strat like guitar is a custom built of black limba with a hot swappable pickguard that basically goes from start to tele to jmish in minutes. All sound phenomenal.

 

[babond]

Both split but Ce2408 has independent toggles vs Ce24 push pull pot.

OP The difference maker to me is the body and satin finishes. Black limba is fantastic. Probably my favorite tonewood and grain. It's going to sound different than hog and maple cap but to me that's a good thing. I'd go limba Ce2408. My favorite strat like guitar is a custom built of black limba with a hot swappable pickguard that basically goes from start to tele to jmish in minutes. All sound phenomenal.

You’ve got me feeling good about my choice. I’ve been back and forth on keeping the order, but ion starting to feel good about the decision. If I end up bonding with the instrument, I told the wife I’d sell two guitars (hss strat and tele). Would you say black limba is known to be a warmer sounding wood?

 

[SinSir]

You’ve got me feeling good about my choice. I’ve been back and forth on keeping the order, but ion starting to feel good about the decision. If I end up bonding with the instrument, I told the wife I’d sell two guitars (hss strat and tele). Would you say black limba is known to be a warmer sounding wood?

There you go. Bringing up HSS strat makes me think of this and limba. I'm really picky when it comes to single coils in the bridge and typically opt for a humbucker in strats. I really dig the single coil in the bridge of my limba build. Warm probably comes to mind, clear and balanced too.

And the 5909 humbucker kills in my korina Kl33.

 

[Paz]

I wish PRS would offer more choices on their custom 24’s other than the 85/15 set, like other brands do. Not everyone wants those pickups!

 

[SinSir]

I wish PRS would offer more choices on their custom 24’s other than the 85/15 set, like other brands do. Not everyone wants those pickups!

Agreed. Theres CE24 out there with 5708 and Cu2408 with TCI. Always WL and dealer runs too. The 8515 aren't my thing either but the 5909 in my Cu24 are perfection. Look used and there's more options over the years.

 

[RC Mike]

I wish PRS would offer more choices on their custom 24’s other than the 85/15 set, like other brands do. Not everyone wants those pickups!

That’s where Wood Library batches come into play. Dealers are the actual PRS customers. If they believe that a certain config will sell, they can order it.

I’m sure PRS uses WL to gauge interest in what production line configs to offer.

 

[Paz]

Fair points regarding the wood library models, I didn’t think about those!