Introducing the New S2 Series - Made In Maryland - Starting at $1,179
- Thread starter james
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How about the fact that the S2s are "real deal" PRS guitars that are actually built by PRS? The factory that builds the SEs is not owned by PRS. World Musical Instruments is an Asian contract manufacturer that builds value-oriented guitars that are sold under several brand names.
What's truly significant about the S2s is that PRS has never been able to hit this price point with a "real deal" Maryland-made PRS guitar. The original CE24 (a.k.a. the PRS Electric) was PRS Guitars' first attempt at manufacturing and marketing a more budget-friendly guitar. The original CEs were built very cheaply compared to the Standard 24 and the Custom 24. Yet, they sold for $899.00 "street" in 1988 dollars, which is over $1,700.00 in 2013 dollars.
CoreyT
PRS Addiction
I applaud PRS's move on this new new line of guitars.
I have read here and elsewhere negativity on this move, but I think it is a good move.
It gets more Maryland factory built PRS guitars into hands of some who may not want to drop the coin on a higher priced one.
And as Em7 said, the SEs built in South Korea are not built by PRS employees.
They build guitars there for many other brands.
Very good quality for sure as I own several SEs, but the quality on the new S2s is the same as the core line (same employees), just with less options.
I have read here and elsewhere negativity on this move, but I think it is a good move.
It gets more Maryland factory built PRS guitars into hands of some who may not want to drop the coin on a higher priced one.
And as Em7 said, the SEs built in South Korea are not built by PRS employees.
They build guitars there for many other brands.
Very good quality for sure as I own several SEs, but the quality on the new S2s is the same as the core line (same employees), just with less options.
dprather
New Member
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I can agree with you, but I would change it to include those who *can't* drop the coin (yet) on a Core Line PRS. When I was doing music studies in college and still wanting to gig non-stop, there wasn't PRS quality available at a price anywhere near what I could spend, though I wish that there had been!
I still feel like the SE's are a great value, and more than hold their own against other brands in comparable price ranges, but for some reason it seems like many guitarists that can't afford (or don't want) a Core PRS consider the SE line 'too cheap' to consider. The S2 line could appeal to those players, I hope.
I remember PRSh saying something along the lines of 'everyone should buy the guitar that is right for them, and it might not be one of mine, but I just ask that you *try* the guitar and give it a chance.' I'm hoping the S2 line will lead to more people trying the guitars that otherwise might not, I'm wanting to try these for myself to be honest.
What I see here is a company responding to the wants and needs of the market. There have been posts on this forum like that is a bad thing. One even suggested that PRS should be ashamed to label the SE and S2 lines as PRS guitars, that they are somehow not worthy. I'm not sure if those people hate all successful businesses or just PRS in particular, but to dismiss a company for offering more options in more price ranges is foolish.
I know that Paul would be happy to sell a collector an expensive Private Stock, and it happens all the time. But I know that in his heart, he wants that instrument to be played - a lot - and not just kept untouched under glass. Paul wants a successful company, yes, but just as much he wants people playing his instruments. Offering different price points is the smart thing to do and benefits more players.
The S2 line has only 3 guitars in it at the moment. Anyone here really think that is the end of the line? (I smell an S2 bass and an S2 acoustic..... hey, a guy can hope, can't he?)
I know that Paul would be happy to sell a collector an expensive Private Stock, and it happens all the time. But I know that in his heart, he wants that instrument to be played - a lot - and not just kept untouched under glass. Paul wants a successful company, yes, but just as much he wants people playing his instruments. Offering different price points is the smart thing to do and benefits more players.
The S2 line has only 3 guitars in it at the moment. Anyone here really think that is the end of the line? (I smell an S2 bass and an S2 acoustic..... hey, a guy can hope, can't he?)
What's rapidly becoming apparent is that the S2 build process is the result of applying industrial engineering to the core line build process, resulting in a much more efficient and systematic build process. The S2 guitars are designed to reduce waste, maximize throughput, and minimize the occurrence of OS (Oh Poop!) moments. For example, the machine heads (a.k.a. tuners) are basically Phase II locking machine heads with an anti-rotation pin instead of a screw. This arrangement makes it easier to install and align the machine heads. Separating the fingerboard from the neck allows both parts to be worked on in parallel, reducing build time and shortening a potential bottleneck on the critical path. It also allows for the use of automation in radiusing the fingerboard. Radiusing the fingerboards on the core line is a labor intensive manual process. I wouldn't be surprised if the S2 build process involves a much greater use of purpose-made jigs and fixtures to perform complex labor-intensive operations that currently require a skilled hand to perform on the core line. I am also willing to bet that the finish used on these instruments is a modern UV cure-based system that is designed for high volume production.
MojoPin
New Member
While I really, really 100% approve of the concept of this series, I'm really sad to say I don't like the execution. The Starla and MIra are fine, but there is no chance I'm ever going to pay £1,200 ish (the UK price) for the Custom model, when I could get a core PRS like a CE, SC245 or heck even a Custom 24 for less than that pre-owned. Considering that this is the price point the CE's used to retail at, the Custom is really underwhelming, IMO. The Mira and Starla are different because they've always been a different style. Doesn't affect me as a fan of PRS or anything but have to say I'm not keen on that Custom model at all.
Mikegarveyblues
Cream Crackered
I really think this mid priced line-up is a good thing. There was a gap in that market for PRS. You also have / had SE's that where getting close to this price and I think a few probably turned their nose up at paying around a grand for an SE. When I told a couple of people about the limited edition Bernie Marsden they where less than enthusiastic. Not about the guitar itself which they liked but the price. A few hundred more and made in the US and they would have jumped on it.
I wonder if rather than expensive (relatively) SE models (Limited edition or otherwise) there may be some move to an S2 run?
I've read some of the more negative comments on a couple of other forums... Very little of it seems valid, especially when you realise that they aren't even in the shops for people to try. I like what I see and hear but I'll wait until I get an opportunity to try one in the flesh. Good move? In this current unstable economic climate I can't help but think it is.
I wonder if rather than expensive (relatively) SE models (Limited edition or otherwise) there may be some move to an S2 run?
I've read some of the more negative comments on a couple of other forums... Very little of it seems valid, especially when you realise that they aren't even in the shops for people to try. I like what I see and hear but I'll wait until I get an opportunity to try one in the flesh. Good move? In this current unstable economic climate I can't help but think it is.
MOBirds
New Member
I'm actually really interested in the Custom model. I have an SE 245 for just a gigging/open mic type guitar and it's wide fat neck is really the only thing I don't like about it. I was looking at the SE Custom and when I found I couldn't get one with a pattern neck, I just stuck with the SE 245 since I got it so cheap. Seeing the S2 Custom has a pattern neck like my core guitars really interests me. I'll likely sell the SE and pick up an S2 to have consistent neck profile, and I'll get coil tapped pups. I'd rather buy something new that I can tweak to my needs, than buy something used that's potentially been someone else's experiment.
Mikegarveyblues
Cream Crackered
Just realised I haven't mentioned the look of the S2 site.
Fantastic guys! It makes the older part seem like it needs a new lick of paint, but the new one is very fresh and dynamic!
Fantastic guys! It makes the older part seem like it needs a new lick of paint, but the new one is very fresh and dynamic!
MojoPin
New Member
Should probably add that I'm only really complaining about the Custom from an aesthetic perspective. I just wouldn't pick the flat (OK, bevelled) top over a pre-owned alternative. Still think it's vital that PRS attack this market and I'm sure the guitar plays unbelievably well. But it's the only one of the three that still looks like an SE, to me. But hey, each to their own and all that!
jfb
Plank Owner
I applaud all involved with this. The site and information about the new line I find especially fantastic. I can only imagine the work and ingenuity that resulted in this project getting resolved. Congrats to PRS and the future owners of the new S2's.
CharlieFoxtrot
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2012
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I really like the concept of the S2 series guitars, the only real problem I have with them is that I am not particularly enamored with the current options. I suppose in doing something like this PRS has to start some where and I can understand the case for the model options that were chosen. I would love to see the S2 series become successful so that more options can be made available in the future. Personally I'd love to see an all hog S2 DGT model and something in the single cut area with two volume and two tone knobs. I'd break out my wallet pretty quickly for one of those options in the S2 line up. :top:
Desperado
New Member
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Would love to see a Singlecut option too.
My only reservation with this line is how these guitars are going to feel and look compared to the SE.
If there isn't much difference I wonder if people will spend the extra for an S2 or will they save harder for a core model, or just stick with the cheaper SE?
My only reservation with this line is how these guitars are going to feel and look compared to the SE.
If there isn't much difference I wonder if people will spend the extra for an S2 or will they save harder for a core model, or just stick with the cheaper SE?
Firebrand
New Member
I could not be happier. Especially since they are using the PR neck carve. Looking forward to trying all three, but definitely wanting to add the Mira to my arsenal.
DISTORT6
NJ Devil
I love that there's a "natural progression" in PRS land now. 
SE--->S2--->Core
Very cool, PRS.
SE--->S2--->Core
Very cool, PRS.
WEDGE
Zombie five, DFZ
Agreed as this is essentiallly the DGT carve which is killer. I keep flipping between which I like best and will end up with in my head and am now leaning towards an all black Mira with birdies loaded up with \m/'s.
Then don't buy one. And the last thing you want to do is actually, you know, play one to find out.
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