Confused about PRS range

[Eladnova]

Hi all. First post.

I recently turned [a significant age] and having had a long break from playing, I am about to purchase a new electric.

I've always been a Fender strat guy and love blues, rock, jazz (metal and classical when I was younger).

100% sure my new guitar will be a Paul Reed Smith but I am finding the range very confusing.

Sound
The type of sound I want is warm and bright but not as springy as my Fender. I'd like the playability to be a little easier. Maybe my Fender needs a service but I found lately the action quite high and I have to wrestle with it (med gauge strings) to get my bends sounding good etc.

Budget (up to)
USD: 4K. GBP: 3.5. EU: 4.2

Is there a good single overview video on the latest range?
Can anyone give me any guidance on the PRS guitars that might suit me?
The videos on the PRS website are a help and I have watched some YouTube too.

Many thanks
E

 

[Greywolf]

There is certainly something for everyone in the line these days. Find the neck that fits your hand and then narrow down your pickup options. The PRS youtube channel has great examples of about everything Coming from the Strat you might like this ... I can tell you Limba ( Korina ) is awesome I have korinas .

 

[RickP]

Here’s the 2024 product list, for a start. You can click on any of them for more info:

PRS Guitars

Maryland-based Manufacturer of Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, and Accessories.

prsguitars.com

Based on your info, I’ll throw out a few considerations.

1. Welcome to the forum!

2. Congratulations on surviving to this age. Many of us here are “life veterans” and still enjoy guitar playing.

3. Your Fender could likely benefit from a setup, but in my experience Fender guitars have some fight in them by design. Some love that, some don’t. PRS makes the most player-friendly guitars I’ve found, and as I progress through the years I’ve appreciated that.

As an aside, I used to say I was now “middle-aged.” Someone pointed out that was valid if I lived to be 128. lol. So, I’m just “older than I was” these days.

4. The guitars with Narrowfield pickups (currently the Studio, NF53, NF3 SE, Special Hollowbody 22) might be that bridge from Fender single coil to a warmer yet still bright tone. The Studio is still on my to-do list! A used NF3 core model (meaning not SE) is a gem, when you can find them.

5. At your budget, the bang-for-the-buck is in used core models. In PRS parlance, that’s the standard American made range. Do some shopping there!

6. Happy hunting!

Rick

 

[Greywolf]

Semi's open up the tome a bit more ...

 

[Greywolf]

 

[Eladnova]

Thanks everyone. I have to say, the Studios sound gorgeous.

 

[Bogner]

Welcome To The Forum And Congrats In Advance On Your Coming Purchase. The Studio Is A Nice Option For You Based On What You Mentioned. I Am Not Sure (And Maybe You Aren't As Well) If A Fixed Bridge Or A Trem Is Important Or Preferential To You? I Am Also Not Sure How You Feel About Hollowbodies Or Semi Hollow's But I Wouldn't Rule Them Out As They Are Wonderful Instruments And Can Do Everything You Would Want With Excellence. I Could See You Really Enjoying A Santana As Well With The Styles You Mentioned And The Bends, Etc. If You Want An All Around Workhorse Then The Original McCarty Is Tough To Beat And Of Course The DGT Is Always An Option And Spin Off From The McCarty. Great Suggestions Given To You So Far And I Thought I Would Add A Little To What Was Already Advised. You Can Find Some Lovely Used Guitars Out There And Likely Get More Bang For The Buck That Way. Knowing The Neck Type You Like Will Help In Some Directions As Well As The Custom 24 Won't Come With A Fat Neck, Etc. So That Could Be Ruled Out If You Love A Fatter Neck. Ask Away And Myself And The Others Here Will Do Our Best To Help You Find The Right Guitar For You And Help Guide You To Making The Right Decision For Your Wants/Needs/Budget The First Time. Good Luck And Again, Welcome To The Forum And PRS Family!

 

[GADonis]

At that price you really should find a store and play several different models. I'm fairly neck profile agnostic, but for a lot of people it is a critical feature. And there are a lot of different neck profiles out there on PRS guitars. I have three different McCartys and they are my favorite. I don't remember what the profile is called on my two "regular" McCartys but the McCarty 594 has Pattern Vintage. I have no issues with any of them, but I do really like the Pattern Vintage.

While I am not advocating playing one at a store and then buying online, we really should support our local stores as much as possible, I have found that PRS Core guitars are a pretty safe bet to buy without playing that specific guitar first. If you like one and the way it feels, I am very confident that you can pick up any one of the same model and like it just the same. That can't be said for many (most?) other mass manufactured guitars. So if you can't find one local that is the finish you want and don't want to wait on one ordered, you would be safe to buy one online that you do like. If I'm going to spend that much money on a guitar, I am not settling.

 

[Maertl513]

A few more answers are necessary, @Eladnova.

- How many frets?
- Hardtail or vibrato system?
- Single or doublecut?
- Amount of pickups?
- Prefered type of pickup?
(New/Used?)

 

[Black Plaid]

The PRS Youtube page has scads of demos of their guitars by a player who is legendary for making them sound amazing.

 

[Rider1260]

I can say the Studio 22 is a stellar guitar ( new to me also )
Special Semi Hollowbody should be on your list
Fiore
DGT
Santana
CU24
CU22
Who am I kidding pretty much any one will likely blow your socks off , that why I have so many