Contemplating a PRS - few questions

[James Henry]

Never had one before. I'm contemplating the Tremonti or the Friedman. Stoptail bridge, black body with white binding for either. Or the Bernie model in black, although I don't like the knob placement.
Don't much like the stars on the Friedman, but I could live with it.

So, if I got either, I would go with this bridge.
http://www.schroederguitars.com/buy/guitar-parts/schroeder-adjustable-stoptail-bridge
Question 1.
If they slot it, I wont have to mess with it, except maybe for intonation, correct?
Question 2. I saw that a few people have sanded off the SE on the headstock. I'm contemplating this but I'm wondering if I can just sand off the SE in the middle and spray it, or if I'd have to sand the whole thing. Which leads me to my next question. The white binding around the headstock. Is it paint or actual binding? If it's paint, I probably wouldn't want to sand it off I guess, which leads me back to the first part of this question. How to just get the SE and the Marty Friedman or Tremonti without messing up the binding (if it's in fact paint) and then blending the new sprayed black. Or spray the black, sand and polish, then get a PRS signature decal and clear coat (next question, what to use).
Question 3. How is the fit and finish on the SE's. I know they're built overseas, which scares me a bit. I've had plenty of Korean guitars and they all have some sort of issue. Things that drive me nuts. Paint on the binding. Nuts that don't fit flush to the sides of the neck and fingerboard. Improperly slotted nuts. Binding on the neck - paint on it, or uneven lines.

I would suspect that by now, PRS would have all the items in number 3 nailed, but judging by the looks of pictures I've seen on the net, it looks like perhaps you can either luck out and get a good one, or not. I realize the S2 line is made in USA and the QC is probably superior, but I don't really find anything that appeals to me. I'm a binding guy. Love bound necks, headstock and body.

Lot's of questions here I guess. I see lots of refinished headstocks on the forum, but no how to do it comes up on the search. Is this a conspiracy or some secret dark art or something? :biggrin:

Thanks

 

[xjbebop]

there's no -need- to replace the bridge on these.
The nut is the weakest link.....

 

[James Henry]

Anybody else? I know I have a lot of questions

 

[drdoom8793]

I agree with kjbebop. The bridge is fine on SEs. Tuners are fine too for stoptails. I could see having locking tuners for a tremolo model. The biggest upgrade would be the pickups and the electronics. A lot of people say changing the nut to either the core nut or a TUSQ type nut helps. I've only ever seen issues with the nut on SEs when you try to go for heavier gauge strings, as they come factory set for 9s. I had my luthier file my SE Singlecut for 11s and it plays and stays in tune really well.

As far as the head stock goes, I believe it's just painted on for most models. It's something that some people do to give it the classic PRS look (and because they don't like the SE logo). Some people consider this a faux pa of sorts, basically misrepresenting the SE as something it's not.

I can honestly say that I've never picked up a bad SE. There have been ones that I wasn't in love with but I've never picked one up that was just plain bad.

I think that about covers your questions! I would recommend that if all possible, at least try out some SEs before you buy, just to get a feel for the wide/fat and wide/thin necks. However, once you decide on a model, I would have no problem buying one sight-unseen from someplace like Sweetwater. Good luck! :top:

 

[sergiodeblanc]

The binding is real, the bridge doesn't need to be replaced, the QC is (generally) great, and you'll have to refinish the whole headstock if you don't want it to look wonky.

I have no idea why people are so bummed about the SE logo. I have refinished one, and put an overlay on two of them but that's just because: 1) The refin was a drastic color change and 2) Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The aftermarket decals won't fool anybody anyway. My favorite SE sports the original logo proudly and I think it's pretty dope that an import guitar hangs right next to "real" PRS in the rack. It's like wearing a Dior shirt with some Old Navy pants: I still look good and I didn't have to spend a lot doing it.

 

[kes7u]

I agree with the above. Leave the bridge. I would consider replacing the nut. I have a Bernie that comes standard with 10s, and i have 2 sticking slots. I wonder if it was cut for 9s.

In terms of the SE logo, seems like a lot of work and risk of damage for little gain. Has never really bothered or embarrassed me I suppose.

 

[shinksma]

The binding is real, the bridge doesn't need to be replaced, the QC is (generally) great, and you'll have to refinish the whole headstock if you don't want it to look wonky.

I have no idea why people are so bummed about the SE logo. I have refinished one, and put an overlay on two of them but that's just because: 1) The refin was a drastic color change and 2) Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The aftermarket decals won't fool anybody anyway. My favorite SE sports the original logo proudly and I think it's pretty dope that an import guitar hangs right next to "real" PRS in the rack. It's like wearing a Dior shirt with some Old Navy pants: I still look good and I didn't have to spend a lot doing it.

I agree completely with Sergio. Except I don't have a Gucci or LV SE. :biggrin:

The SE's are great guitars, the fact that they are made in a particular place on the planet shouldn't detract - you can get crap anywhere, and you can get quality (almost) anywhere. And PRS wouldn't want to sully their name with crap.

The nut is oft-complained about, but I believe drdoom8793 got it right: it comes slotted for 9s, so if you put on 10s, it might bind and seem like a problem. My SEs are all just fine, tuning wise- even the Akerfeldt with the trem.

The SE logo is fine by me, but I will admit the Core headstock signature decal is very evocative of the PRS brand, so I understand why some folks refinish the headstock.

I would go for the Bernie or Tremonti, myself, but wouldn't be sad if I found a great deal on a Friedman.

 

[bigcohoona]

Anybody else? I know I have a lot of questions

The binding on the Friedman looks like binding vs. paint. I can't see PRS painting that anyway.

Having recently had 2 Tremonti SE's, an S2 Vela, and now a S2 Singlecut that I'm keeping I might be able to answer some of your questions. I was very impressed by the Tremonti. I think it is one of the best values-per-dollar options available right now and there was incredible versatility with those 245 pups (which sounded great).

My first one had a short in one of the pots which was very rare (first in 6 months for this particular vendor). The second one was the Sapphire and I just didn't like the color. The interesting thing was that the 2nd neck was quite a bit thicker than the first. I have medium sized hands and the 2nd fit mine far better personally, but I'm also an acoustic player so I prefer a more standard profile. In the end I decided to go with the S2 series because I knew I needed a somewhat lighter tone than the Tremonti (though I could have had the pups tapped). The Vela was an incredible guitar but most certainly better suited for Tele to Strat tones with lots of quack and attack, not for me at the moment.

The S2 Singlecut has #7 pups on it which tonally are somewhat similar to the 245's on the Tremonti SE (at least to my ears). The sustain on the Tremonti was fantastic and both fretboards were very good but not as good as the S2 series, the first had 2 frets cut a little sharp. The Tremolo system on the Tremonti is also fantastic. It's comfortable, very easy to intonate, stays in tune, all around one of the best designs I've played.

Where you purchase it from will also make a difference. Sweetwater actually has a separate inspection line at the S. Korean factory where the SE's are made, they then put it through a 55 point inspection and tend to send 10% of all guitars back. I highly recommend using them with an import.

Here's a great Youtube Demo for the Tremonti's... watch the whole thing for a comparison between the Core model and SE or skip to 15:00 for the SE. The tonal difference is pretty small for the $2000 price difference!

https://youtu.be/EvlxgKMcoGI?list=PLo8_irCv5p-0ixmKAAI1j_h9-Z6M1uOXj

Hope this helps some.

Update: I should also point out that I had the Tremonti SE Custom model. Quite a bit more clarity and breathing room on the top end due to the maple cap.

~C

 

[RowanSE]

I have a tremonti and it's amazing now but i've done the nut, tuners and the bridge bolts to locking ones. i wasn't too impressed with the stability of the tuning to begin with (even though it's a hard tail) but it's spot on now.

 

[James Henry]

Thanks guys, I did play a friends Soapbar. Loved the look and feel, but a very plain looking guitar and all.

So the binding on the SE headstocks is in fact binding and not paint eh? I figured all the imports used white paint and not actual binding as putting binding on the headstock is a very man intensive operation.

I figured you cats would be all over mods, since I've seen the mod thread.

Here's the deal. I have had a Jackson dominion pro on order for almost a year. Jackson just figured out they can't make neck thrus in Mexico, so they moved the making of them to Indonesia. Seems they can't get their head out of their ass, so that's why I'm contemplating something else. I know the USA PRS's are top notch, that's why I was asking about the imports. I figure it's just like any other company that makes guitars in the USA, but has another line of guitars overseas, and that is they don't even get looked at by the company who's name is on it. That is, boxed up in Korea and sent directly to you and you get what you get.

That kind of bothers me, but it's the way it is. I also understand Sweetwaters so called 55 point inspection, but when I ask them for detailed photos, they don't do it. So, I'd rather purchase from a shop or individual selling, that is willing to take pictures of the areas I request. I'm a sort of a nit picker with certain things. The only store left around here is Guitar Center. They have ZERO stock of anything I ever want, so I never go there. Oh well, more research I suppose.

 

[James Henry]

I have a tremonti and it's amazing now but i've done the nut, tuners and the bridge bolts to locking ones. i wasn't too impressed with the stability of the tuning to begin with (even though it's a hard tail) but it's spot on now.

Being the guitars I'm contemplating are 1/2 of the Jackson I have on order. This leaves plenty or cash for upgrades, which is 1/2 the fun IMO. The electronics will be gutted and redone, as well and a BKP warpig installed for the bridge.

 

[garrettb]

Just buy the Tremonti and rock out.

The SE stoptail bridge is fine. When I bought my first SE, I expected to replace it, but it's a quality piece and there's no reason to swap.

I see zero benefit in sanding the logos off the headstock unless you're doing some sort of custom job like Sergio. It is what it is, which is a fine guitar. It will never pass as anything other than an SE. The binding is binding. These are not "cheap" guitars. They're inexpensive, high-quality instruments.

In my experience, fit and finish is always great, but not perfect. Nuts are hit-or-miss and I tend to find one or two very minor finish flaws. The binding and fretwork has been surprisingly flawless on the SE guitars I've owned and played.

 

[drdoom8793]

I figure it's just like any other company that makes guitars in the USA, but has another line of guitars overseas, and that is they don't even get looked at by the company who's name is on it. That is, boxed up in Korea and sent directly to you and you get what you get.

This is actually not correct. My understanding is that every SE is QAed in the Maryland factory before they ever go out to distributors/stores.

 

[garrettb]

This is actually not correct. My understanding is that every SE is QAed in the Maryland factory before they ever go out to distributors/stores.

Correct. Every SE sold in the USA goes to the factory for setup first.

https://www.facebook.com/prsguitars...79123655638/10154030122200639/?type=1&theater

 

[drdoom8793]

Correct. Every SE sold in the USA goes to the factory for setup first.

https://www.facebook.com/prsguitars...79123655638/10154030122200639/?type=1&theater

Knowledge bomb dropped :beer:

 

[James Henry]

Knowledge bomb dropped :beer:

Is that why the top of my head hurts? I love the guitar. But I can't stand peoples names on guitars, that's why I was contemplating sanding and refinishing the headstock. Has nothing to do with trying to fool anyone.

 

[AP515]

... But I can't stand peoples names on guitars,..

I don't understand this. It is just describing what model it is, or it has the PRSh logo on it.

I do relate to it when buying a new car. If I go in to buy a Ford, I don't want the name of the dealership on the license place cover or on a sticker on the back. I didn't by a "Johnson Ford", I bought a Ford. In these guitar terms, it would be like buying a PRS from Chuck Levin's and when I pick it up there is a big "Chuck Levin's" sticker on the trem cover. To me that is tacky. But a sticker describing the model? Do you pull the "F150" off the side of your new Ford truck?

 

[kes7u]

I can't stand peoples names on guitars, that's why I was contemplating sanding and refinishing the headstock. Has nothing to do with trying to fool anyone.

"I'm wondering if I can just sand off the SE in the middle and spray it, or if I'd have to sand the whole thing. Which leads me to my next question. The white binding around the headstock. Is it paint or actual binding? If it's paint, I probably wouldn't want to sand it off I guess, which leads me back to the first part of this question. How to just get the SE and the Marty Friedman or Tremonti without messing up the binding (if it's in fact paint) and then blending the new sprayed black. Or spray the black, sand and polish, then get a PRS signature decal and clear coat"

I'm assuming you are referring to 'Artist's names' on guitars rather than 'People's names' on guitars, as PRSh IS a person AND a company. I think you created some confusion regarding trying to 'fool anyone' when you just described your desire to remove the 'SE' from the guitar headstock. I think if you're willing to do the work on the headstock, you could end up with a clean look. Not sure where you'd get an appropriate PRS decal, though.

 

[bigcohoona]

Is that why the top of my head hurts? I love the guitar. But I can't stand peoples names on guitars, that's why I was contemplating sanding and refinishing the headstock. Has nothing to do with trying to fool anyone.

I understand well. I was actually drawing out an elongated nut cover to cover the Tremonti SE when I went the S2 direction instead. You could probably come up with a design for a truss-rod cover that extended to cover the name. Nichols Guitars could do it for you (He made a Rosewood/koa pickguard for my McPherson).

http://www.nicholsinlay.com/

I have also heard from PRS that they QA all their SE guitars at the Maryland factory prior to shipping them to their distributers.

I agree with the above: "Just buy the Tremonti and rock out!" It truly is a great instrument.

Sweetwater usually has pictures of the actual guitar you buy for you to choose from... and their return / warranty setup is the best. I'm not a rep for them, but they really are a great company to work with.

~C

Update: Hey, it's my 50th post!
Update 2: Hey, it's "kes7u"s 350th Post!

 

[James Henry]

"I'm wondering if I can just sand off the SE in the middle and spray it, or if I'd have to sand the whole thing. Which leads me to my next question. The white binding around the headstock. Is it paint or actual binding? If it's paint, I probably wouldn't want to sand it off I guess, which leads me back to the first part of this question. How to just get the SE and the Marty Friedman or Tremonti without messing up the binding (if it's in fact paint) and then blending the new sprayed black. Or spray the black, sand and polish, then get a PRS signature decal and clear coat"

I'm assuming you are referring to 'Artist's names' on guitars rather than 'People's names' on guitars, as PRSh IS a person AND a company. I think you created some confusion regarding trying to 'fool anyone' when you just described your desire to remove the 'SE' from the guitar headstock. I think if you're willing to do the work on the headstock, you could end up with a clean look. Not sure where you'd get an appropriate PRS decal, though.

I have no problem with PRS. I don't like artist names on guitars, that's all. As for the logo, Look through the SE thread. There's about 20 people who did the same thing I'm contemplating. Just wondering about the process they used.

I prefer this look. This is all this whole thing is about. I don't like the artist name on the headstock and the SE logo I do not like either. As mentioned, nothing to do with fooling anyone either. There's nobody to fool. I don't play out and I never leave the house.