There’s a misconception out there that electric guitars are merely pickups on a dormant platform, nothing more. That’s why people are understandably sore when they see high end models costing so much.
What they don’t realise is that pickups and amps are merely meant to be replicas of string movement. In fact the best pickups and amps are the ones that replicate string movement perfectly, without adding their own interpretations. The fact that electric guitars sound like guitars when amplified, and not elephants, means the original design intent is successful.
See, I just need my translator to translate meaning perfectly. Please do not add any thoughts or perceptions of your own. If my French colleague says “I want a piece of cake”, please don’t translate it as “I want a piece of gastronomic joy”. The French colleague is the guitar and its inherent string vibration, and the translator is the pickup.
So a good electric guitar that has a musical pleasant tone from its inherent string vibration, is worth the money IMO. I’m not talking about sustain but the actual quality and character of the vibration. If it also looks like a piece of art, all the better.
But here’s the real kicker. The SE 594 is a good example of musical and pleasant string vibration (ie tone) for a reasonable price. I’ve had the same experience with Gretsch guitars from China / Korea too.
And if people want to escalate on their quest for tone, ala Gibson CS, Fender CS or PRS PS, that’s their money to spend. Please let me know when I’m spending your money to buy my guitar.
If only these people can see all that. Too much to ask I suppose. When egos are bruised, all reason goes out the window.
I'd like to add that even cabinets, drivers/speaker, and cables could make a difference.
My observation regarding third person's opionion on PRS is: they are soulless, too shiny, too optically overwhelming, high pricy and hereby especially layers and physicians addressing guitars (and a brand).
My reply is: and therefore I fell in love with the indifferent chameleon of the guitar models, PRS developed (but discontinued), the 513.
You could make your opinion by abstract distanced table top work, legit, or by field exercises in physical direct experience by playing.
My guitar teacher had a Strat, I wasn't comfy with the neck and haptic, my girlfriend at that time owned a Epi LP Custom, same experiences. Indeed my starter guitar was a LP copy, but it felt different. PRS looked always outstanding, the stain, grain, violin style contour of the top. Hell, yes, expensive.
It took me maybe 18 years of touching as a poor pupil with open mouth a PRS Custom 24 in a guitar shop, and 18 years of being really reluctant in buying a PRS, to buy one. And I do not own many, but three PRSi, but they are keepers and they (especially the 513s) trigger me to play my music.
The whole marked of guitars and brands is very much differential. There is plenty options to decide for. Live and let live.
Arguing and bashing consumes the time you better use for playing.