Hello! I recently started learning the guitar and decided that I want to go with a PRS when I upgrade from my starter electric. What I am having trouble figuring out is the true difference between the models. I am looking at the SE, S2 and CE models. I could get an SE model now but would be worth saving a little more for one of the other two models and what is the real differences other than where they are made?
Thanks,
Justin
The SE range is obviously cheaper and also offers some great artist models as well as the normal range you expect from a 'core' PRS. The S2 and CE models also use a lot of the same hard ware as the SE's but are made in the US and (I assume) from the same woods that are dried in the same way as the more expensive models. The CE models are bolt on neck versions too.
The SE range are one of the 'best' guitars in that price bracket and certainly the most diverse with all the Artist models too. In a lot of ways, they are more similar to the 'core' line as opposed to the S2/SE models in that they are based and built to be an affordable variation of the Core line. A SE Custom 24 and a Core Custom 24 have the same basic building blocks - a Mahogany body & neck, maple cap (the SE has a maple cap and a veneer on top to make it look as good as a Core), set neck, similar style tremolo and layout - the SE Standards are a solid mahogany body and cheaper too but still excellent for the money. The S2 range offers a Standard and Custom 24 and the CE range is somewhat limited now to just the Custom 24 (solid or Semi hollow) and the Silver Sky - if you are buying new.
I do think though that you should actually go and try each tier level yourself. See what they sound like, how the feel etc. There isn't really a 'right' answer here because its up to you and your the one who has to part with money and play the instrument. I don't want to tell you to go for the CE for example when maybe an S2 or even an SE would be better for you. If you save up enough to buy a CE for example, then maybe you could find a 2nd hand Core guitar...
What ever model you buy, the chances are that you will get a 'great' guitar and one of the best in that price bracket. The more you spend, the better the guitar is but whether a CE is twice as good as an SE that costs less than half the price is subjective - for some it may well be but for others its barely any difference at all.
At a basic level, the S2 and CE may not seem that different to a SE. They all have the same specs, same hardware etc and it seems like the only difference is the place where they were assembled. In a lot of ways, that makes the SE's seem like a bargain compared to what PRS can make in the US but you have PRS who take pride in making sure the woods are great, the post CNC finishing work is great, the fit and finish is great - everything is great and quality checked at various stages where as the SE's are built in factory churning out hundreds, if not thousands of guitars every day. I don't know if they would take as much care, as much time ensuring the necks are as stable as they can be, the woods are dried in the best way, the quality of the fret wire is as high etc. Not saying they aren't great guitars and built to a great standard but I doubt they would be built with the same care, precision and attention as a US made PRS. Whether that makes enough of a difference to warrant the extra money when you actually try them, that is something you would have to decide for yourself.
It may well be better for you to spend your money on an SE to start with. That way you aren't spending 1-2k on a guitar that's not quite right for you regardless of the quality. For example, if you are learning on a Squire Strat, you will find the new Santana SE model very different with a shorter scale length, maybe thicker strings, different neck shape and more frets too. The advantage of the SE range is that they are excellent for the price and can be modded from there as you grow musically. You can invest in after market parts - like Pick Ups, bridge, nut, tuners etc. Its not a 'big' investment at the start like an CE would be. I don't know whether spending big on one guitar makes you too afraid to play it or maybe even expect it to be exponentially better than an SE.
The most important advice I can give though is spend your money on the instrument that inspires you to play the most. Its no point buying a CE for example if the cost of it makes you too scared to play it in case you ding it. You are far better off buying a 2nd hand model that's got a few dings and marks or an SE that stops you worrying about any potential damage you may cause and inspires you to play and play and play.
I recommend that you go out to a guitar store and get to try a few different PRS guitars, try out the different tiers and look as well as listen (that's best done clean) to the differences, try and get a feel of the neck, the playability, the comfort of these. You may find that the CE is worth saving up for and will inspire you to keep practising, you may find that the S2 range is more to your liking or SE's offer you the best bang for buck, something that is great quality for the money but not so expensive that you don't want to play it. They are great starting points whilst you are on the journey of discovering what you want/need/prefer from an instrument. SE's are good enough for professionals to gig with - maybe with a mod or two for their preference so until you really know exactly what you want, SE's are good enough to take you from a 'learner' to a gigging musician - not to say the S2 or CE can't either but they are more costly which may (or may not) be a good thing for you at that point in time.
For the price of a CE, you could buy a couple of different SE's, an SE, decent Amp and maybe a pedal or two - which maybe more beneficial to you at this stage in your journey. Only you will know whether the SE is good enough for the price, whether its better for you to save up and get the S2 instead or keep saving for the CE models. You will only know the answer by actually going out and trying the different tiers, feeling, seeing and hearing any perceivable differences and deciding if those differences are actually worth saving up for or whether its better to get an SE to replace your 'learner' guitar sooner (as its cheaper) to help your journey into become a musician progress faster. Having a 'better' guitar may help as it inspires you to practice more, feel better to play, sound better too and take you to the next level.
I am sorry if that's not exactly the answer you were looking for but I really can't categorically say the CE's are worth saving up for, meaning you are stuck with your learner guitar longer. It really needs to be your journey of discovery and you need to try out these guitars to find out what works for you, what inspires you to play etc. Its no point buying the most expensive guitar you can afford if you don't want to play it. It doesn't matter how much better it is, why its better quality or where its made and what materials its made out of, how many pieces the body/neck etc it was constructed from if you don't want to play it for whatever reason. What matters is what feels right, plays well without going out of tune - especially if you have a trem, sounds great (although you can improve that with after-market PU's), and is at the price point that doesn't inhibit your growth as musician, that makes you feel to worried to play. If that is the CE's - awesome, if its the S2's - fantastic, if its the SE's - excellent - you have found the right guitar at the right price to suit your needs at that time - even if you get a 2nd hand and that also enables you to get a 'core' PRS that fits you and your situation better - its all about the journey, the discovery and growth.
All I can say is good luck on your journey, hope you get to find that guitar that helps you along that path and inspires you to create great music...
