Does the S2 line Custom 24/22 sound like the Core Line Custom 24/22

[Artifice33]

Hi, for those who own a PRS Core line and have played the S2 line, I'm priced out of the Core line but can afford the S2 line. In terms of the Custom 24/22 does the S2 sound like the Core line or does it sound more like the SE line? I'm just concerned about sound and not so much other features. Thanks.

 

[Chrisk-K]

The guitar is just a part of the equation. The amp & the effect make huge differences. The player makes the biggest difference.

 

[Stonelands]

Here is a comparison between a PRS 30th Anniversary CU24 and the S2 30th Anniversary CU24 if it's of any interest.

 

[Chiliphil1]

I will tell you as an s2 owner. I cannot answer your question completely because I do not own a core line model but I do own an SE also. There is a difference in sound with these guitars, the SE sounds more like your standard cheap guitar, it's really pickup driven the bridge is really hot and provides a ton of distortion right to the front end of the amp. The s2 is different, it's not nearly as high output the sound from it is more organic, it doesn't really drive the amp, you hear more note definition and everything stays clearer with the s2 regardless of what your amp is doing. So, my answer I don't know if it sounds like a core model but it does sound different from an SE.

 

[Bob Sherwood]

I started out a couple years ago with a SE Santana which I still play. I bought a S2 and after about 6 months traded up to a core Custom 24. I saw a great deal on a SE custom 24 which I bought, so I now have a Core 24 and a SE 24. I play both on a regular basis. My playing is limited to a church band. I would not turn around for the difference in sound at all between the SE and the Core. I like the Core a little better because the neck does not have any gloss...just a personal preference.

 

[rugerpc]

Sounds like it's time to head to the guitar store for some side-by side comparisons.

Your best solution is to sit down with one of each and play them through an amp/pedal setup that is as close to what you will be using as possible. You really should listen to multiple versions of each since no two guitars sound the same - even if they are supposed to be the exact same models.

If you're gonna pony up the bucks for an S2, you really need to be sure - and your ears are the only ones that count.