Dilemma

[Gizmo]

New member here. I have just started buying PRS guitars and currently have an S2 Standard 22, S2 Vela and SE 245. I am interested in the SE Paul's Guitar and the SE Mira. There is no PRS dealer locally, so I will have to order one. I like the body shape of the Mira better and the tones from the video reviews I have seen. What concerns me is the wide/thin neck on the Mira. I would prefer a wide/fat, pattern regular or even a pattern vintage profile. Skinny necks can make my hand cramp after 20-30 minutes. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Tahlee]

I’d say you should avoid skinny necks because of the cramping. So, Paul’s Guitar might suit you better.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Tim S]

Agreed. Neck comes first. Everything else follows it.

 

[Gizmo]

I wish I could get my hands on both. I really like the necks of the ones I have and I think they are all pattern regular. I just don't have a clue how thin the wide/ thin PRS necks are. I can deal with a Gibson 60's slim taper for a while, but I really like a thicker neck.

 

[AP515]

The W/T neck isn't Ibanez thin, but still could give you cramps. It's a valid point.

 

[garrettb]

I'd pass on the Mira. Wide/Thin always made my hand cramp.

Your S2 guitars are Regular profile and the 245 is Wide/Fat like the SE Paul's.

 

[Tahlee]

I can deal with a Gibson 60's slim taper for a while, but I really like a thicker neck.

Yeah, that sounds about right where a wide thin is. It’s not Ibanez thin where you think you might be able to fold the neck in half so you can make a paper airplane out of it. Although, I have a Tremonti and I do wish the neck were a little fatter. Just saying.

 

[CandidPicker]

Welcome, G,

<Enable Mode On>

If a wide thin neck causes hand cramps, and your choices of next guitar is the SE Mira and SE Paul, the SE Paul (which is actually a more versatile guitar because of the mini toggles) provides extra pickup configurations compared to the SE Mira, and has the slightly thicker neck that you seek.

IIRC, the SE Paul is available in tremolo bridge model only (plz correct me if I'm wrong here). Beyond that the only difference might be the stock pickups (someone please chime in) and the body shape. Similar body weight, not much variance between the 2.

If a thicker neck is what you prefer, many enjoy the SE Paul for its versatility on a budget.

<Enable Mode Off>

 

[Gizmo]

The thing is, I have small hands and it would seem that a thinner neck would be more comfortable but I like the feel of the pattern regular. I have played Gibson's and fenders for years but the am really impressed with the quality and sounds of the lower end PRS guitars. I am not totally in love with the body shapes looks wise, but they feel very comfortable to hold and play. Plus, models like the Vela are very lightweight and I have heard that the Paul's Guitar is similar in weight. Later, when they become more easily available, I am considering an SE Hollowbody II Piezo.

 

[CandidPicker]

The thing is, I have small hands and it would seem that a thinner neck would be more comfortable but I like the feel of the pattern regular. I have played Gibson's and fenders for years but the am really impressed with the quality and sounds of the lower end PRS guitars. I am not totally in love with the body shapes looks wise, but they feel very comfortable to hold and play. Plus, models like the Vela are very lightweight and I have heard that the Paul's Guitar is similar in weight. Later, when they become more easily available, I am considering an SE Hollowbody II Piezo.

Like this one?

Nudging you in this direction...

 

[garrettb]

You could go for a used S2 Mira. It will have the same neck as your other two S2 guitars. They are generally light weight and will cost less than a new SE Paul's.

 

[Gizmo]

Like this one?

Nudging you in this direction...

Exactly. How do you like it?

 

[Gizmo]

You could go for a used S2 Mira. It will have the same neck as your other two S2 guitars. They are generally light weight and will cost less than a new SE Paul's.

I would love to get an S2 Mira. I'm keeping my eyes out for a nice one. Plus if I can find one in cherry finish, I can see the wood grain.

 

[CandidPicker]

Exactly. How do you like it?

Thanks. The image is my SE HBII Piezo edited with Pixelmator software, background and shadow added.

It's pretty cool. A kind of mix between a hollow body and acoustic guitar. The 85/15s pickups are a nice complement to the guitar, and the piezo pickup is best heard when plugged directly into a separate acoustic amp, PA, or interface. The guitar is exceptionally versatile. The piezo volume knob works best with the 85/15s when you back both volumes off slightly and play with just a touch of overdrive. A tone purist's dream.

My only issue is that the piezo doesn't have a tone control. Am currently hoping to tame the "too-crisp" high-end piezo response with a direct box placed between guitar and powered speaker, and improve the overall frequency balance. The direct box should solve that problem, according to the manufacturer's product description. other than that, I own only 2 other guitar, one a solid body S2 SC, the other, an acoustic. The SE HBII Piezo is like being able to play both at the same time.

 

[CandidPicker]

I would love to get an S2 Mira. I'm keeping my eyes out for a nice one. Plus if I can find one in cherry finish, I can see the wood grain.

Check Guitar Center's website, G. They usually have a couple S2 or even core models there. Have not checked recently, so YMMV.

Here:

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/P...Body-Electric-Guitar.gc?rNtt=PRS Mira&index=4

 

[Aahzz]

I'd suggest a used Core Mira as well - those are frequently criminally underpriced...just verify the neck size, they came in both wide thin and regular.

 

[CandidPicker]

I'd suggest a used Core Mira as well - those are frequently criminally underpriced...just verify the neck size, they came in both wide thin and regular.

Agreed, not much price difference compared to an S2, but slightly more difficult to find online...they come up on Reverb & eBay every so often...

 

[Aahzz]

Agreed, not much price difference compared to an S2, but slightly more difficult to find online...they come up on Reverb & eBay every so often...

There are a few on Reverb at the moment. Mine was, but I decided I can't get rid of her.

 

[CandidPicker]

There are a few on Reverb at the moment. Mine was, but I decided I can't get rid of her.

Spotted a Mira core model on Reverb, bit dinged up, but all original. Others are SE, S2 or X models. Not sure I'd drop that kind of coin on a dinged up example, but there may be those who will consider it a player's piece...

 

[Gizmo]

Spotted a Mira core model on Reverb, bit dinged up, but all original. Others are SE, S2 or X models. Not sure I'd drop that kind of coin on a dinged up example, but there may be those who will consider it a player's piece...

I am willing, but not eager to take a chance buying a new guitar online, but every used one I have ever bought without seeing it first has been a disappointment if not a total disaster. Unfortunately I live in a music store desert. The only one near me is a Music & Arts and they never have anything but a sad selection of Epiphonies and Squiers and do not sell used guitars. I need to be able to order one from them shipped to store so I can pick it up and bring it home through the back door under cover of darkness. I'm sure some of you know what I mean.