Excited about my new PRS that's coming ... Until I came to the forums

[GET TO DA CHOPPA]

I recently, got back into playing guitar and bought myself a new PRS Custom 24 SE after doing a ton of research. I couldn't try it out because my city is still on lockdown, but overall I was super happy and couldn't wait. It is being shipped and has not arrived yet.

I then came across a whole bunch of threads on these forums where people are complaining about how "crappy" the pickups are on the SEs, and how badly the tuning stability is (especially if you use heavier than 9-42 strings). And all the threads seems to be about how you have to file the nut, add locking tuners etc etc.

I don't see this level of complains about Fender strats.

My overall impression now, is that these are great looking guitars, and feel great to play, but many, many people seems to absolutely hate how they sound, and the guitars don't stay in tune until you mode the crap out of them.

Perhaps I should have got a Mexican strat for the same price? Sounds like it would have been a lot easier since I am quite honestly incompetent when it comes to guitar tinkering.

 

[Aahzz]

I recently, got back into playing guitar and bought myself a new PRS Custom 24 SE after doing a ton of research. I couldn't try it out because my city is still on lockdown, but overall I was super happy and couldn't wait. It is being shipped and has not arrived yet.

I then came across a whole bunch of threads on these forums where people are complaining about how "crappy" the pickups are on the SEs, and how badly the tuning stability is (especially if you use heavier than 9-42 strings). And all the threads seems to be about how you have to file the nut, add locking tuners etc etc.

I don't see this level of complains about Fender strats.

My overall impression now, is that these are great looking guitars, and feel great to play, but many, many people seems to absolutely hate how they sound, and the guitars don't stay in tune until you mode the crap out of them.

Perhaps I should have got a Mexican strat for the same price? Sounds like it would have been a lot easier since I am quite honestly incompetent when it comes to guitar tinkering.

A lot of people are very picky. I believe you will still love the guitar you ordered - the SEs are great guitars. Some of the complaints are from people that really only want US made guitars, others are from people that want a more vintage sound, lots of players automatically change pickups in anything they get, even the PRS USA pickups.

As for the nut with heavier gauge strings, you should be fine with 10s, and a move up to 11s or larger is generally going to require some attention to the nut regardless of the manufacturer. Locking tuners don't really do much for tuning stability in my experience with PRS SEs, because the stock SE tuners are good quality and work. I do tend to install them on SEs I've owned, but that's only because I hate changing strings on traditional tuners and locking tuners are just easier.

 

[Stephen J.]

Don’t worry. Most people don’t tell their story when the result of their purchase is exactly what they expected. There are a lot more happy customers than unhappy.

If you want to change the strings to a heavier set, there will be some adjustments that need to be made. That would also be the case with a MIM Strat. The PRS might take a little more adjustment than the Fender, but it is worth it. Hopefully you have a good experience.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Aahzz nailed it. Get your guitar and play it. Then let us know what you think.

 

[GET TO DA CHOPPA]

Aahzz nailed it. Get your guitar and play it. Then let us know what you think.

Fair enough, I was starting to second guess my choice and I don't even have the guitar yet.

 

[Keith B.]

Don't worry, this place just makes you buy more PRS guitars....

 

[Slowhands]

I recently, got back into playing guitar and bought myself a new PRS Custom 24 SE after doing a ton of research. I couldn't try it out because my city is still on lockdown, but overall I was super happy and couldn't wait. It is being shipped and has not arrived yet.

I then came across a whole bunch of threads on these forums where people are complaining about how "crappy" the pickups are on the SEs, and how badly the tuning stability is (especially if you use heavier than 9-42 strings). And all the threads seems to be about how you have to file the nut, add locking tuners etc etc.

I don't see this level of complains about Fender strats.

My overall impression now, is that these are great looking guitars, and feel great to play, but many, many people seems to absolutely hate how they sound, and the guitars don't stay in tune until you mode the crap out of them.

Perhaps I should have got a Mexican strat for the same price? Sounds like it would have been a lot easier since I am quite honestly incompetent when it comes to guitar tinkering.

People on guitar forums tend to include a lot of tinkerers, people who like to mod their guitars. They especially like to mod guitars that are affordable to start with. So they will come in and talk about how they made their guitar tons better. I frequent different forums and I see people say they swapped out the pots, tuners, and / or pickups on strats all the time. People are hesitant to modify the high end expensive guitars, they love to modify the affordable import versions or lower tier lines (like Les Paul Studios). Just how it is.

When you get the guitar you'll make your own mind up about it. I suspect you'll love it and maybe someday want to experiment a little yourself. Enjoy it!

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Fair enough, I was starting to second guess my choice and I don't even have the guitar yet.

The internet... have to be careful. To me, feel and playability is everything. As was said, I can change pickups to meet my needs or desires. So that's not a case of "they suck" it's usually "I want it to sound like this, instead of that." Trust me, same thing happens with strat pickups.

And yes, you DO see a lot of guys drop a core nut and some Mann or the new PRS locking tuners on them. Just because it actually makes them better, not because it's required. Lots of guys do the buy a guitar now, save up for a few mods, and then have a killer guitar for still cheap. Some guys buy those upgrade parts as soon as they get the guitar, figuring guitar+mods cost = best guitar in price range. And, a lot of guys buying SE's own core models and are trying to get them close to their much more expensive guitars.

 

[Dirty_Boogie]

Forget what the internet experts say - what is your impression of your guitar? Anything else is irrelevant and immaterial.

 

[RallyFanatic]

Welcome!

I think most people that don’t like the pickups never bother to spend any time adjusting their amps, or run the tone and volume on the guitar at 10 and never change it. I’ve had SEs and S2s with those pickups and thought they sounded great!

Tuning stability shouldn’t be a problem. I had 10’s on an SE Custom a few years ago with the stock nut with no issues, just get some graphite or lubricant in the slots and make sure the bridge is set up right. Locking tuners are great for string changes, but not necessary.

Strats? I love them but it’s kinda apples and oranges. If single coil sounds are what you want, get single coils. The split works great for versatility, but it won’t replace actual single coils.

and lastly, I couldn’t resist:

 

[alantig]

Forget what the internet experts say - what is your impression of your guitar? Anything else is irrelevant and immaterial.

A thousand times this.

Get the guitar in hand and see what you think. Maybe you'll love it, maybe you'll hate it, but yours is the only opinion that matters.

 

[SinSir]

I'm one of those tinkerers. An SE is tweaker heaven. It only gets better as you add components. Having John Mann is an invaluable resource that makes it even more difficult to not leave well enough alone. But in reality..

The guitar is absolutely fine as is. Maybe a nut swap but maybe just a lube is needed, I lube/graphite all nuts besides my core. Everyone wants locking tuners these days and the truth is they are heck of a convenience. Do I need locking tuners, no, but do I want them yes. Seems people think if they are having tuning issues it must be the tuners, ignoring the nut, if the strings are wrapped right, or bridge set up correctly.

Pickups are a personal choice. I'm in the camp that doesn't fully bond with S pickups but that's not unusual for me on lots of guitars. If I got a MIM strat with ceramics, I'd have pickups waiting for it before the guitar arrived.

To give some more context. I bought a new Les Paul the other day with every intention of swapping pickups and electronics before I even plugged it in at the shop. They were already purchased and ready to drop in. There is nothing wrong with the sound of what's in there, but I want something different. The only thing I cared about was a good feeling Les Paul neck, the tone quest was already predetermined in my head. Heck, a few weeks back I swapped pickups I used to love in one of my American Strats, why? My taste changed nothing more.

I also feel that many people get an SE and expect core. I sorta did. It's not. SE are damn fine guitars but Core are world class instruments. Keep your expectations in check and you will be very very happy. After a couple days of owning my first SE I honestly felt the first SE made me a better guitar player and was one of the best guitars I had ever played, fast forward to today and there is very little on that guitar anymore that is SE.

You made a fine choice, don't think twice and enjoy it!

 

[SinSir]

I couldn't agree more on the internet. Its told me I need or should care about so many things that never were (or are) an issue before the internet told me so.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

^All of the above^

My SE 245 was stock for at least a year.

Oops, I tell a lie, I changed out the truss Rod cover courtesy of @veinbuster early 2020. He very kindly sent me a Signature Club 2020 one (very nice man).

I have only just recently swapped the tuners for PRS SE lockers and put in a core nut. These mods have made an already great guitar, awesome.

I also added some Amber Lampshade knobs, because I like them.

I could have kept the guitar stock and played it without any issue. I was interested to see what the mods would do and I’m very pleased.

The pickups are great for me, but that’s personal.

Hope you enjoy your new guitar.

 

[PRSWILL]

OP- I have never once heard anyone say to me "that PRS sounds bad" and having owned PRS guitars for 30 years now, I can say they stay in tune, better than any production guitar on the planet. The neck are the most stable necks made. The quality of the components- even the SE models - are superb. There are PLENTY of internet trolls out there that will bash, just to bash anything. I think most owners of PRS guitars will say, they've had no regrets buying one. Report back when you get it in hand.

 

[László]

There are lots of nutcases on the internet; I needn't elaborate.

SEs are the best guitars for the money out there. And I say this as a Core and PS buyer. I've played the SEs. For the dough, you are very unlikely to be disappointed, and very likely to be pleasantly surprised.

 

[tbp0701]

Welcome. I think you'll love the guitar. I tend to over-research about everything, have come across a lot of forums and opinions, and have found nearly every interest group has something along those lines. And as I learned more, especially with guitars, I found many of the prevailing opinions invalid and wished I didn't pay as much attention to them. Also, with any guitar you will see many recommending modifications; there's a pretty robust market, even.

As for my experience, I have not owned an SE, but I've been impressed with those I have tried. In fact, I once tried a singlecut SE on a used rack, did not buy it, but kept thinking about it. So I went back a couple days later to find it gone.

I also nearly bought a Santana SE as my first electric, but opted for a Strat instead. As much as I love the Strat, I suspect that was not the best decision, as it had a number of issues I was not fully aware of while learning; they were addressed after I wore out the frets. If I could send a message to myself through time, it would say to pick the PRS. (Well, I'd tell past me a lot of other things, like stop being so stupid in a few ways, before even mentioning the guitar, but you get the idea). Anyway, I am surprised you haven't seen complaints about Fender Strats. I certainly have, as with any other guitar--or musical instrument for that matter--I can think of.

Also, the last guitar I bought (5-6 years ago) was my first PRS, a Mira. It has been my most played since. I'm so impressed with it that I'm even considering selling some of the others and buying a second PRS.

So enjoy the guitar. I think you made an excellent choice. When you can learn a bit about maintenance and setup, and of course learning to play. When we are finally post-pandemic, consider having an experienced player or luthier take a look at it, maybe help show you how to do a setup.

Mostly, though, have fun with the music, creativity, and expression it will add to your life.

 

[GET TO DA CHOPPA]

Welcome. I think you'll love the guitar. I tend to over-research about everything, have come across a lot of forums and opinions, and have found nearly every interest group has something along those lines. And as I learned more, especially with guitars, I found many of the prevailing opinions invalid and wished I didn't pay as much attention to them. Also, with any guitar you will see many recommending modifications; there's a pretty robust market, even.

As for my experience, I have not owned an SE, but I've been impressed with those I have tried. In fact, I once tried a singlecut SE on a used rack, did not buy it, but kept thinking about it. So I went back a couple days later to find it gone.

I also nearly bought a Santana SE as my first electric, but opted for a Strat instead. As much as I love the Strat, I suspect that was not the best decision, as it had a number of issues I was not fully aware of while learning; they were addressed after I wore out the frets. If I could send a message to myself through time, it would say to pick the PRS. (Well, I'd tell past me a lot of other things, like stop being so stupid in a few ways, before even mentioning the guitar, but you get the idea). Anyway, I am surprised you haven't seen complaints about Fender Strats. I certainly have, as with any other guitar--or musical instrument for that matter--I can think of.

Also, the last guitar I bought (5-6 years ago) was my first PRS, a Mira. It has been my most played since. I'm so impressed with it that I'm even considering selling some of the others and buying a second PRS.

So enjoy the guitar. I think you made an excellent choice. When you can learn a bit about maintenance and setup, and of course learning to play. When we are finally post-pandemic, consider having an experienced player or luthier take a look at it, maybe help show you how to do a setup.

Mostly, though, have fun with the music, creativity, and expression it will add to your life.

Thanks, and yeah, I never learned much about maintenance and setup. I did however, play for years before stopping. I think from the age of about 15 - 26-ish, all by ear, very little theory back then, but I was more into slamming back beers and blasting out Pantera and Slayer riffs at the time lol. Had a shitty metal band in high school. I had JAckson King V pro (made in Japan) back then which I totally destroyed and took horrible care of. Still picked up an acoustic once in a while, over the years, but barely.

I am 42 now, and when I started playing guitar again, not only are my musical tastes a lot more diverse, but I actually started learning more than just blasting out riffs by ear, (mostly because my daughter who is in university for music, highly recommended I learn more theory and gave me ideas where to start). I picked up a Gretsch G5220 which I think, I've managed to take pretty good care of. (other than it falling off my stand and denting). But I really want a second guitar, which I plan to keep in different tuning, and one more suitable for rock music. I love playing **** like SRV, Hendrix, ACDC, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Rush and occasionally i will still blast out an old Pantera song for nostalgia. But anything rock or blues **** yeah. But yeah, a little bit of theory goes along way in coming up with your own **** and being able to express yourself musically with more ease.

CAn't wait for this new guitar to show up. Supposed to come on Tuesday. I feel like a kid. You guys seem really cool here. I am very pleasantly surprised by the community here. I wasn't expecting that.

Thanks guys!

 

[Ovibos]

I have a Wood Library core, CE24, S2 Singlecut. And I just bought an SE Zach Myers that I am digging a ton. They’re all great.

 

[dogrocketp]

Choppa! As others have said, don’t fret. I’m elbows deep in PRS, having sold my other electrics years ago. And I do have an SE Custom 24 that has seen its share of dive bars. Your ears will tell you what a good decision you’ve made, and we’re here to enable....errr, help...you with any PRS questions you may have. Let us know when you get that bad boy. Did you get a new one, and what color?