First impressions of my first PRS (PRS CE24).

[Paul Templeton]

Last week I bought my first PRS (CE 24).
I love the tones and the Pattern Thin neck fits my hand perfectly. The feel, sound and play-ability of this guitar is top notch.
My only complaint is the maple to they used. It looks like I got the scraps. There is a obvious rectangular light spot on one side just under the bridge. There are random dark streaks throughout and the book matching looks off.
I always heard that PRS had top notch quality control and had a reputation for the best looking guitars. Maybe that is changing.
I bought it from Sweetwater and they do provide pictures of what you are getting but I put it off to bad lighting.
Unfortunately there was a small accident while unpacking resulting in a small ding to the back, so I cannot return it.
LOL It is nothing I cant live with though, I bought it mainly for its sound and play-ability. It just surprised me being a PRS. A $2000.00 PRS at that.
You can see the light spot in the picture. The other flaws are more apparent in person.

 

[rpoce24]

I have a CE24 semi hollow version. Do not expect the book matching or wood to be perfect on a non 10 top. Mine is slightly off also. In addition in has some graining in the wood that would likely not be acceptable in a 10 top. I just think it adds character. The guitar is still made extremely well. Plays better then my other 3 instruments (all major brand mid to upper end interments), to the point my other 3 are being neglected. It is also normal to be able to see the scarf joint on the head or a line at the heal on the neck.

 

[rpoce24]

This is mine and you can see the bookmarking is off slightly, and the grain gives it a slightly streaky appearance. So everything you mention is normal.

 

[Paul Templeton]

I have a CE24 semi hollow version. Do not expect the book matching or wood to be perfect on a non 10 top. Mine is slightly off also. In addition in has some graining in the wood that would likely not be acceptable in a 10 top. I just think it adds character. The guitar is still made extremely well. Plays better then my other 3 instruments (all major brand mid to upper end interments), to the point my other 3 are being neglected. It is also normal to be able to see the scarf joint on the head or a line at the heal on the neck.

I wasn't expecting perfection. But I also wasn't expecting flaws this obvious.
I should have bought one I was able to check out in person first.

 

[bodia]

Those aren't flaws.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Stupid tree grew all wrong.

 

[rpoce24]

Those aren't flaws.

i think mine is far more uneven then the one the OP has pictured. I love the top on mine, I think it adds character.

 

[Outlier22]

yeah I don't really notice anything that'd I'd call a flaw. My top is pretty good but one side of the book match does look a little lighter depending on the direction you are looking at it from and the lighting but I think its pretty awesome still. But If it did bother me right from the start, i'm sure it would bother me more and more as time went on and I'd probably eventually sell it. From what I can see on your photo, that wouldn't bother me in this case. ...but that's just me

 

[bodia]

i think mine is far more uneven then the one the OP has pictured. I love the top on mine, I think it adds character.

Me too! I'm all about "unique" tops.

 

[Davey]

Paul, I think your CE with that color and burst is absolutely beautiful and I wouldnt change a thing.

 

[Warmart]

I honestly don't see anything wrong. Perhaps you're used to seeing all those veneers that are very nicely matched. Easy to do with photo veneer, with two pieces of real wood - not so much. Real wood has an untold number of variations and this is all quite normal. My Core CU24 has a top that's sort of all over the place and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

 

[dmatthews]

Looks like a great guitar, congrats!

 

[11top]

Those aren't flaws.

Stupid tree grew all wrong.

Can you say “carved” top?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Can you say “carved” top?

I can!

 

[bodia]

Can you say “carved” top?

I can!

So can me!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I mean, look at this:

This was something like, $6000 new. Can you believe this got past QC?

 

[veinbuster]

I mean, look at this:

This was something like, $6000 new. Can you believe this got past QC?

Why did you buy it in Canada?

 

[dmatthews]

You want a complete lack of symmetry? Here ya go!

 

[pac90]

I mean, look at this:

This was something like, $6000 new. Can you believe this got past QC?

Oh no, that Santanas squint ffs##!!

 

[11top]

I mean, look at this:

This was something like, $6000 new. Can you believe this got past QC?

Send that back!