CE or S2 with upgraded pickups?

S

Spiralizer

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May 31, 2016
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It's tax time again and for me, that means a new guitar. I'm set in a 2k budget and can't decide between a PRS CE or a PRS S2 with upgraded pickups. I play mostly metal and hard stuff but I do like to clean up a bit too.

Is there a clear winner here? Playability is very important to me if that helps.
 
The CE will do metal...they both will...play both and pick the one that speaks to you. If you drop tune a lot, find a stoptail.
 
Current CEs have a pattern thin neck and the S2s all have pattern regular, which is a slightly fuller neck profile. I believe the CEs also have a satin finish to the neck, while the S2s are either a gloss or satin finish.

I don’t think there are any other differences between the necks of those guitars.
 
I agree with Grausch... I think the playability is going to be about the same for both. It may all come down to the feel of the neck (pattern thin vs pattern regular and satin vs gloss and maple vs hog and the pickups)...

My S2 was great for metal... But I couldnt really gel with the gloss neck as I prefer a non-slick dry feel.
 
Spiralizer said:
If love a stoptail CE. Do they even make them?
Click to expand...
Not unless somebody makes a limited run. I was thinking of the S2's when I wrote it. You can also check the used market. You don't have to worry about damage or age. Used PRSi are still great guitars.
 
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input. I guess I just didn't know if the smooth, effortless playability was something reserved for the high end stuff. My fingers must be sensitive or something. Never owned a PRS guitar bit I've heard only good things.
I've checked on some used Custom 22's since I posted this and found sime in my price range but I worry about used guitars.
 
Personally, after years of struggling with the CE24, I went with an S2 and I was WAY happier (mostly due to the tone of the set-neck guitar vs. bolt-on). I have a couple S2s which led to buying a BUNCH of Core guitars. Personally, I would look for a used Custom 24 or 22.

Regarding the "worry about used guitars," I wouldn't sweat it. Almost all of mine were bought second hand. All but one came to me pretty close to flawless. My discovery was that as a Custom 22/24 dipped below $1500 there may have been things that bummed me out. For example, the red CU22 in my avatar.....

It was $1495 and came with all the goodies - 10-top, birds, tools, bar, hang tag, OHSC - BUT the guitar itself, while 100% stock had seen better days. At first I was bummed and a bit annoyed. THEN I played it. I quickly discovered WHY it looked a little "rough". It was (is) a TOTAL winner. Everything about that guitar KILLS. I gig heavily and I play ALL my PRS' - but I know if I want a looker with KILLER tone (and a trem, lol) I need to grab the red one.

Most PRS owners take REALLY good care of their guitars. Just ask up front for pictures of any damage, and be sure to ask about overall condition. One of the BIG things for me (and this may not matter to you) is that the guitar has ALL the case candy - including the trem bar. If it's missing ANYTHING, I will try to negotiate or I walk away. I love the guitars, but they are just expensive enough that if I am not TOTALLY satisfied with the "package" I won't buy. Now, my stubbornness has cost me a couple that I am SAD that I passed on (Tortoise quilt 10 top SC245 with 57/08s, I cry that I passed you by!!) but, the prices were just at the threshold of being uncomfortable (especially since they were missing bits)....

Hope this kind of helps??

"Beat up" Red CU22:

 
I'll echo Mark, I've had great success on the used market. Since you're new to PRS, feel free to ask around here if you stumble across something you're not sure about.

I've bought both cherry condition older guitars, as well as some that have been used and abused. As long as the use and abuse didn't mean a re-fret, I've been really happy. A couple of those scratch and dent axes just scream with attitude.
 
@Mark and @bodia, thanks for the vote of confidence for the used market. I'll be selective but looks like it may be my best course of action. I'm tired of having sub 1k guitars!
 
OP no ones mentioned the S2 Standards that have satin necks, I have a Standard 22 in satin and it my favorite PRS I own, rings out and plays beautifully...
 
Russ73 said:
OP no ones mentioned the S2 Standards that have satin necks, I have a Standard 22 in satin and it my favorite PRS I own, rings out and plays beautifully...
Click to expand...

I actually just looked at those...the charcoal satin 22 and 24 look awesome. How is the playability? I'm looking for a buttery feel.
 
Spiralizer said:
I actually just looked at those...the charcoal satin 22 and 24 look awesome. How is the playability? I'm looking for a buttery feel.
Click to expand...

While I don't have one of the customs I do have a vela reclaimed which is satin. It feels great. Very smooth and quality. It's on par if not slightly above most other high quality brands it's just not 100% of a core. But, that may be in my head.
Still, used core is a great option. I picked up a CE under $1500 in almost mint condition. It was from '94 so, that's pretty good. I was hesitant but, now I'd buy used again. As stated, most PRS owners take great care of their guitars. Though, ones I've played that were beat up had something special. I own an artist package custom-24 but, still would buy another S2. People had me worried about them but, they have a cool vibe by not being as polished. Reminds me of a LP JR. They were made to be cheaper but had their own cool vibe. Honestly, I gel with my S2 more than that artist package. It's a guitar I can play and play and it just feels like home. Being the reclaimed semi hollow it has a cool sound and being satin it just feels great. I'm sure the satin customs will have the same feel.
Having said that, I think if you're talking about a trem guitar you're likely better off used core. I don't like the S2 trem. But, you could always upgrade to a Mann made trem later I guess. I did that on my SE.

TLDR, The S2 guitars feel smooth and play great but A used core may play better.
 
When considering buying a S2 satin, have a read here - https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/s2-satin-vs-older-usa-satin.26306/#post-359124.

Here is also the full story of how I got the guitar with a comparison of all my PRSi - https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/a-christmas-surprise.28364/#post-360036.

All I wil say is that the S2 Singlecut right now gets most playtime, followed by the Bernie, and thereafter playtime is shared by the Siggy and the 20th Anni. The playability of the S2 is right up there with the Siggy and the 20th Anni. When I played the S2 in-store, I instantly connected and had to have it. Very few guitars make me feel that way.

The point I am trying to make is try and play the guitars to see which one you connect with. Whether you get a used core, a CE or a S2, all of them should be very good guitars, and ultimately it depends on what your preferences are.
 
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