Is the old Santana SE worth buying as a project?

[DatGat]

The chap is asking $250. Looking at the serial it is a Korean 2015 model, so not at old as I thought. Pick guard is available but removed.

I know the original SE models werent very good quality. Im just curious how bad this could be for $250?

Edit: Nvm, it sold. But maybe useful to know for the future. There is a Tremonti for $400, but I just dont get into the older white tremontis. Also I prefer PRS with at least a trem.

 

[DatGat]

Oh here is another 2015, this one is very different looking, the top looks nicer and the mahogany back is more of a natural finish. Currently it is $310, but who knows what the auction will finish at, but given the other went for $250, I wouldnt expect more than $350. Why was there 2 Santana SE models in 2015?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

The chap is asking $250. Looking at the serial it is a Korean 2015 model, so not at old as I thought. Pick guard is available but removed.

I know the original SE models werent very good quality. Im just curious how bad this could be for $250?

Edit: Nvm, it sold. But maybe useful to know for the future. There is a Tremonti for $400, but I just dont get into the older white tremontis. Also I prefer PRS with at least a trem.

If anything, I feel they were of better quality but with less aesthetic features.

I think I have like, 7 SE’s(?) and had a few more I let go, and my favorites are from around 2006-2013.

Some of the hardware and pickups are better on the new ones (stoptails) but if you’re modding them anyway, the pickups are usually the first to go.

My subjective opinions of decline are: consistency in neck profiles, frets, fret materials and size, and rolled edges of fretboards. YMMV

 

[Collywobbles]

Oh here is another 2015, this one is very different looking, the top looks nicer and the mahogany back is more of a natural finish. Currently it is $310, but who knows what the auction will finish at, but given the other went for $250, I wouldnt expect more than $350. Why was there 2 Santana SE models in 2015?

Should you be thinking of bidding on that, you might want to ask where the other three trem pivot posts are... and why they were removed in the first place.

 

[dogrocketp]

I don’t think the earlier SE’s were necessarily of lesser quality, they weren’t as consistent. I have a 2004, 2012, 2015, and 2021- all different models. My experience has been that many of them simply need a new nut and a setup by someone who knows PRS guitars. At the prices you mention, I’d do it. And I believe a package of trem screws can be had for around $25.

 

[DatGat]

I didnt take that one, surprisingly went for a fair bit more. Maybe it was that 5 top type look of the maple cap....

The first one that sold for next to nothing was the other model, plain stained dark brown burst with a pickguard (taken off).

Im not sure the difference between the two.

 

[aphantomvaper]

There were two at one point. A standard all hog and a flame veneer model. I kept my red hog its a super guitar, and a Santana!!