Hollowbody SE vs CORE

W

wesnjazz

New Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2022
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9
Hi,

I'm considering two models, CORE McCarty 594 HBII and SE HB STANDARD. Actually I already have the SE one. I liked the look of the CORE HBII and fell in love with it so I went to the local GC today to compare the sound of it with my SE. I was willing to purchase it if I liked it.

After testing it... I was not sure if I should pay 3.5k more dollars for the CORE model. The feeling of the neck was better, and the finish was more beautiful on the CORE. But other than that I couldn't find any reason to pay that 3.5k difference. Actually after seeing a video on YouTube,
, I think SE fits more to me even if I had both of them on my hands, because I play jazz more.

I don't know why the solid wood of the CORE sounded not any better than laminated 5ply wood of the SE. I'm looking for the best hollowbody model from PRS, and fortunately up to this point of my research, SE HB STANDARD is the best one for me ironically when I am willing to pay 5k if the CORE HBII sounded better. (As far as I know, SE HB Standard sounds a little thicker than SE HBII which has maple top and back). I guess the difference comes from the sound post inside the body. SE HB has a round and smaller sound post than CORE. CORE has a square and larger sound post inside.

I was dreaming to buy the CORE HBII for a while and... now I was a little bit disappointed today when considering the big price difference.
Any thoughts?

** I checked the neck feeling of the SE after I got home, and I could know that the CORE has much better neck.
 
If I were still gigging Jazz, the SE Standard would be my choice. I also prefer the standard to any 335 I ever touched, and I used to own one. The core is a better guitar, but it doesn’t have that plywood jazzbox sound that some of us love. I sold my Standard and got an SE Hollowbody piezo because I could one guitar it when playing musical theatre, if that ever happens again. Nothing ever made sounds like a core hollowbody, and nothing ever will. It just doesn’t have that 50’s -60’s plywood sound.
 
Never tried a core hollowbody but...tried an SE one plus own an SE semi hollow. We hollows are so well made, and one of my GAS list axes. With a little work you can get them damn close to a Core. A new nut, pickup swap, fret dressing, and you'll be about there while saving three Grand. I would say generally SE pickups sound thicker than their core counterparts, but that's something you can always change if you want.

I wouldn't say I've ever been disappointed by a core when I've played them while comparing them to my SEs, but it goes to show how far SE axes have come that they can compete with a $4000 guitar.
 
I too have an SE Standard - my first PRS, about a year ago, after years of swearing I'd never have a PRS. And it's a perfect guitar.

I wouldn't say it's just like the classic hollowbodies of the 50s and 60s and their modern reproductions, as at least to my ear it has its own thing, which I appreciate in its own right (as I have plenty of the traditional builds to compare against). Part of that is no doubt the 25" scale length, part of it the body depth and sound-posting, part of it the complete commitment to mahogany through and through – and part of it just the meticulous PRS attention to details, to getting the basics right.

So of course I too wonder how much better the Core model could possibly be, which makes your experiment interesting, Wes. There's no doubt the Cores are magnificent instruments, even aside from the often-spectacular optics (which really don't contribute to tone or playability, but dazzle us with sheer shock and awe). Under all that glitz and glamor, we find superbly engineered and perfected instruments, executed with the utmost skill and attention to detail.

Yet...aside from the obvious attributes of the Core models, and allowing that the Core HBII is probably (I speculate, not having played one) a thoroughgoing masterpiece of electric guitar craft...it's hard to imagine in what way the SE HB Standard itself could be improved. Given its spec and its pedigree, how could it fulfill it any more completely? How could it be better - at being what it is - than it already is?

dogrocket's assertion that "nothing ever made sounds like a core hollowbody, and nothing ever will" (which I have no basis to doubt) inspires me further to try one, just to see what its secret sauce is, and in exactly what way it differs from its SE descendant. I'm intrigued that the SE is not a sonic clone of it. And if anything, that the Core differs from the SE not just in how much of a similar tone it deliver - but in having its own distinctive voice - inclines me more to seek it out, because first-last-and-always I prize guitars with their own unique tones.

Overall, though, I must observe that one of the main things my experience with Core models has taught me ... is what an incredible value the SEs are. And that's not to diss the Cores, as I see a case - and even a value case - for spending the extra 80% it sometimes takes to get another 20% toward perfection. To my hand and ear, there is something extra in the Cores that the SEs don't have, though beyond a few build and hardware details it's hard to define: the feel of a little more stability, of just-rightness, maybe a more focused sonic authority. (In addition, of course, to the obvious aesthetic smorgasbord and the cachet of expensive exclusivity.)

It's that in PRS-land, I'm not sure we pay 80% to get 20% more better. (That barely puts us in S2-land.) Functionally and musically speaking, it's more like 500% more for 10% better. Again, that's not to say the Cores aren't worth their money - it's just to praise the impeccable quality and stunning value of the SEs. They've certainly allowed me to discover and become familiar with a spectrum of PRS builds and tones that would otherwise have been off-limits to me.

And that a few of the SEs are tonally distinctive, even considered among the Cores, doesn't surprise me.
 
I've been wanting a Core 594 HB. I've looked at countless guitars. I absolutely dig em. Thing is every core I've liked had a price I've yet to be able to justify. I finally ordered a se the other week in one of the new colors, estimated delivery is In May. Will see if it ends winning me over to forget about the core or like other se's, nuge me to go Core.
 
dogrocketp said:
If I were still gigging Jazz, the SE Standard would be my choice. I also prefer the standard to any 335 I ever touched, and I used to own one. The core is a better guitar, but it doesn’t have that plywood jazzbox sound that some of us love. I sold my Standard and got an SE Hollowbody piezo because I could one guitar it when playing musical theatre, if that ever happens again. Nothing ever made sounds like a core hollowbody, and nothing ever will. It just doesn’t have that 50’s -60’s plywood sound.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I don't expect the jazzbox sound from PRS Hollowbodies. Fortunately, the SE HB STD fulfilled the portion of my desire to the jazz sound! It's fantastic! Excellent sound, lighter weight and it's more comfortable to play than with jazz boxes.
 
Draconomics said:
Never tried a core hollowbody but...tried an SE one plus own an SE semi hollow. We hollows are so well made, and one of my GAS list axes. With a little work you can get them damn close to a Core. A new nut, pickup swap, fret dressing, and you'll be about there while saving three Grand. I would say generally SE pickups sound thicker than their core counterparts, but that's something you can always change if you want.

I wouldn't say I've ever been disappointed by a core when I've played them while comparing them to my SEs, but it goes to show how far SE axes have come that they can compete with a $4000 guitar.
Click to expand...
A new nut will improve the sound? I never tried that before but I think I should try. Fret dressing is a must thing to do. The neck and fret was the biggest difference that I could notice between them. I still miss the CORE neck feeling.
 
Proteus said:
I too have an SE Standard - my first PRS, about a year ago, after years of swearing I'd never have a PRS. And it's a perfect guitar.

I wouldn't say it's just like the classic hollowbodies of the 50s and 60s and their modern reproductions, as at least to my ear it has its own thing, which I appreciate in its own right (as I have plenty of the traditional builds to compare against). Part of that is no doubt the 25" scale length, part of it the body depth and sound-posting, part of it the complete commitment to mahogany through and through – and part of it just the meticulous PRS attention to details, to getting the basics right.

So of course I too wonder how much better the Core model could possibly be, which makes your experiment interesting, Wes. There's no doubt the Cores are magnificent instruments, even aside from the often-spectacular optics (which really don't contribute to tone or playability, but dazzle us with sheer shock and awe). Under all that glitz and glamor, we find superbly engineered and perfected instruments, executed with the utmost skill and attention to detail.

Yet...aside from the obvious attributes of the Core models, and allowing that the Core HBII is probably (I speculate, not having played one) a thoroughgoing masterpiece of electric guitar craft...it's hard to imagine in what way the SE HB Standard itself could be improved. Given its spec and its pedigree, how could it fulfill it any more completely? How could it be better - at being what it is - than it already is?

dogrocket's assertion that "nothing ever made sounds like a core hollowbody, and nothing ever will" (which I have no basis to doubt) inspires me further to try one, just to see what its secret sauce is, and in exactly what way it differs from its SE descendant. I'm intrigued that the SE is not a sonic clone of it. And if anything, that the Core differs from the SE not just in how much of a similar tone it deliver - but in having its own distinctive voice - inclines me more to seek it out, because first-last-and-always I prize guitars with their own unique tones.

Overall, though, I must observe that one of the main things my experience with Core models has taught me ... is what an incredible value the SEs are. And that's not to diss the Cores, as I see a case - and even a value case - for spending the extra 80% it sometimes takes to get another 20% toward perfection. To my hand and ear, there is something extra in the Cores that the SEs don't have, though beyond a few build and hardware details it's hard to define: the feel of a little more stability, of just-rightness, maybe a more focused sonic authority. (In addition, of course, to the obvious aesthetic smorgasbord and the cachet of expensive exclusivity.)

It's that in PRS-land, I'm not sure we pay 80% to get 20% more better. (That barely puts us in S2-land.) Functionally and musically speaking, it's more like 500% more for 10% better. Again, that's not to say the Cores aren't worth their money - it's just to praise the impeccable quality and stunning value of the SEs. They've certainly allowed me to discover and become familiar with a spectrum of PRS builds and tones that would otherwise have been off-limits to me.

And that a few of the SEs are tonally distinctive, even considered among the Cores, doesn't surprise me.
Click to expand...
I still wonder if CORE lines are overpriced.. or if PRS made a mistake to let SE line have excellent quality than they planned, haha. I'm kidding. But, half seriously, I wonder if CORE are overpriced.
 
Last edited:
SinSir said:
I've been wanting a Core 594 HB. I've looked at countless guitars. I absolutely dig em. Thing is every core I've liked had a price I've yet to be able to justify. I finally ordered a se the other week in one of the new colors, estimated delivery is In May. Will see if it ends winning me over to forget about the core or like other se's, nuge me to go Core.
Click to expand...
I guess you ordered SE HBII with new color! I knew that info too and I couldn't wait for it and purchased an used SE HB STD and I love it! I've also tested the SE HBII a month ago. That was my first experience with any PRS.. and it was the day I fell in love with PRS.
 
Proteus said:
dogrocket's assertion that "nothing ever made sounds like a core hollowbody, and nothing ever will" (which I have no basis to doubt) inspires me further to try one, just to see what its secret sauce is, and in exactly what way it differs from its SE descendant. I'm intrigued that the SE is not a sonic clone of it. And if anything, that the Core differs from the SE not just in how much of a similar tone it deliver - but in having its own distinctive voice - inclines me more to seek it out, because first-last-and-always I prize guitars with their own unique tones.
Click to expand...
Yeah, after testing it I also felt they are different instruments. It's not that SE HB is one of the younger brother of CORE HBII in PRS HB family.
 
Proteus said:
Overall, though, I must observe that one of the main things my experience with Core models has taught me ... is what an incredible value the SEs are. And that's not to diss the Cores, as I see a case - and even a value case - for spending the extra 80% it sometimes takes to get another 20% toward perfection. To my hand and ear, there is something extra in the Cores that the SEs don't have, though beyond a few build and hardware details it's hard to define: the feel of a little more stability, of just-rightness, maybe a more focused sonic authority. (In addition, of course, to the obvious aesthetic smorgasbord and the cachet of expensive exclusivity.)

It's that in PRS-land, I'm not sure we pay 80% to get 20% more better. (That barely puts us in S2-land.) Functionally and musically speaking, it's more like 500% more for 10% better. Again, that's not to say the Cores aren't worth their money - it's just to praise the impeccable quality and stunning value of the SEs. They've certainly allowed me to discover and become familiar with a spectrum of PRS builds and tones that would otherwise have been off-limits to me.

And that a few of the SEs are tonally distinctive, even considered among the Cores, doesn't surprise me.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what I am saying.. I feel like I have to pay 500% more for 10% better (Actually it's 800% for me because I bought an used SE), or maybe 20% better. Let's say 500% more for 30% better. Definitely it's not even for 100% better. But I still have the CORE in my cart...ready to purchase at anytime if someone could change my mind...
 
That's the same case with EVERY SE vs Core comments - the SE's are 'superb' instruments and arguably the 'best' bang for buck PRS guitar on the market. Its definitely not a 'quarter' of the instrument for a quarter of the Price.

The 'sound' alone is 'just' one area of comparison but when you 'compare' everything, the actual 'quality' of every thing you can compare, then its not just a 'small' difference tonally you are paying for. Its a lot more cost effective to make a Hollowbody with Laminates, pressed to shape, as you can make a LOT more instruments from the same quantity of wood. A LOT more is 'wasted' when you are carving tops, backs,, sides, necks etc out of 'solid' wood so the cost of materials is significantly higher. Not saying one is 'better/worse' - but SE's utilise Laminates, multi-piece bodies, necks etc - as well as just a 'thin' veneer of figured Maple. I don't know if the Mahogany and 'Maple' caps are actually of that 'genus' (I expect not- some Indonesian 'Mahogany' or Maple species that are 'similar' looking at least). The fret wire too, whilst it may well still have 'nickel' frets, they are not the same 'hardness' quality of core either - a different alloy. Different electronics too. Its not 'just' the lower labour costs that enable them to be a 'quarter' of the price but numerous other areas they can save 'money' to enable them to sell at that price.

If you just go by 'sound' alone, then there isn't that big a difference relative to the price difference. That's more a testament on Cort/PRS who have worked 'together' to create an 'affordable' version that gets as 'close' as it does to their own core. They are of sufficient quality that 'professionals' can rely on them in the studio, on tour etc.

You maybe better off trying to find a used PRS Archtop, SC-J (Single Cut-Jazz) or maybe a Hollowbody Spruce top rather than the HBii/594 which I think fall more towards the 335 like sound than the typical Hollowbody 'Jazz' guitar if you want a Core 'specifically' but if you are 'happy' with the SE, use that - you could even pick up another as a back-up/alternative tuning option and save yourself a lot of money.

At the end of the day, the 'cost' or 'where' an instrument is made is irrelevant. If you can find something that 'works' for you, inspires you, reliable and delivers the 'sounds' you want, that's all that matters.

I bought my Core Hollowbody II with Piezo a few years before they released the SE equivalent and added a 2019 594 Hollowbody ii early in 2020 so I haven't really had cause to try the SE's myself but I picked these more because I prefer them to 335's (smaller body, easier to play etc) and play more Rock/Metal than Jazz. These guitars are superb and I think sound a bit more 'HiDef' than the SE's but, like the SE Silver Sky, Pauls, Cu24's etc, for the money, they are incredibly close to the US made instruments and more than 'adequate' to be a 'main' guitar without having to spend more...
 
I am really trying to get my SE HB II to give a more jazz box sound. I couldn’t get it with the sock pickups. However, my friend Joel just bought one and of course it sounds fantastic in his hand with the stock pickups. When I asked him he said, “It’s in the hands”, I can’t buy those on eBay.
 
I have been thinking about buying a “jazz box” I have been hearing good things about the low end Ibanez George Benson. But I will also be trying some Seth Lovers in the SE HB II.
 
An Accord will get you to and from the store the same as a Bentley. The difference is in the experience over a much longer term than a store tryout will ever provide. The same can be said of quality amplifiers. There have been many times over my 40+ years of gigging that I heard or felt that thing that made me smile and say “yeah, this is why.” It’s a notch up that is hard to attain and gets more expensive as you get closer. It’s not a linear cost vs benefit curve, in my experience.

There‘s not one thing wrong, and a whole lot right, with an SE. Whether you want or need a core model will have a lot to do with whether you’ll ever notice a difference. Owning and loving an SE is a good place to be. The cores do it for me in the same way. I’ve one Artist Package, and it’s a gem. I don’t have any Wood Library or Private Stock models, but I’d wager those who do will tell you the price they paid, double or more the core price, was justified to them. It’s as much about the player, and maybe more, than it is the spec sheet.

Don‘t worry over it. If you love your SE, count yourself lucky to have one and enjoy it!
 
wesnjazz said:
A new nut will improve the sound? I never tried that before but I think I should try. Fret dressing is a must thing to do. The neck and fret was the biggest difference that I could notice between them. I still miss the CORE neck feeling.
Click to expand...
A new nut will aid in tuning stability, but that's kinda it for the most part. Your pickups will be the more tone defining part.

I learned this the hard way when I first started nodding many years ago. Don't expect earth shattering tonal changes from replacing nuts, saddles, pots, bridges...its all very small. Parts that cost more money has more to do with build quality.
 
wesnjazz said:
That's exactly what I am saying.. I feel like I have to pay 500% more for 10% better (Actually it's 800% for me because I bought an used SE), or maybe 20% better. Let's say 500% more for 30% better. Definitely it's not even for 100% better. But I still have the CORE in my cart...ready to purchase at anytime if someone could change my mind...
Click to expand...

I've played dozens on dozens of both. Without putting a percentage on it the core is superior in every way to me. If I didn't have more guitars on the list it would be the one on my wall. This doesn't take away from the se at all. Shoot, I ordered a new one sight unseen, but if the core on sale had been another color I wouldn't be waiting for the se right now.
 
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