First PRS advice

[RC Mike]

PRS made the right choice in not creating a sub-brand. Between SEs, S2s, the CE, Core, and on up, they’ve created a pricing/feature ladder that works. Very much like Apple, in that regard. The next step up is always a bit more, but not an insurmountable leap. If someone is drawn into looking at an SE, but takes a long look at an S2... Maybe they make the jump.

It creates brand-loyalty across the price spectrum. By assuring that quality exists at all levels, they make for easy follow-on choices.

It’s modern marketing. It’s hardly something to get upset about.

 

[pgj]

PRS made the right choice in not creating a sub-brand. Between SEs, S2s, the CE, Core, and on up, they’ve created a pricing/feature ladder that works. Very much like Apple, in that regard. The next step up is always a bit more, but not an insurmountable leap. If someone is drawn into looking at an SE, but takes a long look at an S2... Maybe they make the jump.

It creates brand-loyalty across the price spectrum. By assuring that quality exists at all levels, they make for easy follow-on choices.

It’s modern marketing. It’s hardly something to get upset about.

Exactly. Virtually every business has an entry level product. I have owned a number of BMW 3 series cars? Are they not "real" BMWs because they aren't 7 series? PRS kind of has a reputation for being snooty and elitist (and expensive). PRS owners who look down on other PRS guitars based on price kind of reinforces those prejudices. I see it a lot in the watch collecting world also (my other hobby...start a Rolex vs Seiko thread and watch the sparks fly). Same when I was into cycling. It was always funny when I would blow past guys on much more expensive bikes with my entry level ride. I'll bet there are guys here who play SE guitars who could put guys with top of the line PRSs to shame. Its not about the gear...

 

[bucketfoot]

Same when I was into cycling. It was always funny when I would blow past guys on much more expensive bikes with my entry level ride.

I always found the biking thing kind of funny. I had a group of biking friends at my old job and they always talked about biking for exercise. But the didn't like it when I told them that their new fancy bikes were actually making it easier to ride and reducing the impact of their exercise. You want to get a really good workout on a bike... go get yourself a big heavy Huffy or something like that instead of your super lightweight fancy-shmancy touring bike!

 

[64 Tele]

Went ahead and picked it up (it's a 2006 SE Custom 22). Ideally it would have had the bird inlay, but at $275 I couldn't pass it up.

Heck, at that price even if I find something better, I can give it to my younger grandson who just started playing last year (provided he keeps at it).

That (the SE) is a PRS designed guitar built overseas (Korea?). Don't downplay or diss your purchase.
Those (SE's) are nice guitars. I've got 3 (Korean) that I've replaced pickups on two, kept the stock on one.
I've also got a Core Custom 24 that I bought used. ALL the guitars get playing time. I "thought" once I
got the Core model, I'd gradually stop playing the SE's but that hasn't happened.
You got a real deal on that SE. Good for you.
My other hobby is collecting wine corks to sniff.

 

[pgj]

I always found the biking thing kind of funny. I had a group of biking friends at my old job and they always talked about biking for exercise. But the didn't like it when I told them that their new fancy bikes were actually making it easier to ride and reducing the impact of their exercise. You want to get a really good workout on a bike... go get yourself a big heavy Huffy or something like that instead of your super lightweight fancy-shmancy touring bike!

Exactly, when I lived in San Diego (cycling Mecca), it was not uncommon to see really fat guys on $5,000+ bikes with $400 Sidi shoes, and top of the line bibs and racing jersey. Could barely make it up a hill, but dang they had nice gear. And holy hell would they argue on the forums about how all the high-end, low weight, "aero" (cyclists are OBSESSED with aerodynamics) gear makes them better cyclists.

My favorite CO in the Marines best exemplified this when he came out to run a squadron PFT in hightop basketball shoes. They were worn out and the sole was even coming off of one. The guy ran a 17:30 three miles (18 minutes gives you max points). He said equipment doesn't matter much if you are prepared.