Let's talk about Paul's Guitar (and Miss June)

[garrettb]

Is the Paul's Guitar the sleeper of the Core line? I can't seem to find reviews and demos at the same frequency and quality as I can for other models.

I tried out a Paul's Guitar for the first time last weekend and was very impressed with the clarity of those narrow 408 pickups. I haven't found any online demos that do it justice. They have a healthy output and great humbucker tone, but the notes remain so crisp even with overdrive. The split mode tones were great as well; very gutsy.

A super high performance machine all-around, I say. But do you think the 408 concept will be a fad? And later on, all the cool kids will point and laugh at it like dated fashion?


I'd also like to give a nod to the June Guitar of the Month version. I love the downsized brushstroke birds (they actually fit in between the frets). I'd love to see these smaller ones incorporated into the production guitar. A classier look, IMO.

http://www.prsguitars.com/gom_june/

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Is the Paul's Guitar the sleeper of the Core line?

I think that'sthe perfect description.

Horrible name, though. ;p

 

[jcha008]

It could be any number of reasons regarding the slightly lower popularity of the 408/paul's in comparison to the rest of the core line. They are popular among PRS enthusiasts, but others don't always feel the same way. I feel the main issue is the proprietary pickups and sizes. The specials sizes of the 408 pickups don't allow for any pickup swaps.The narrowfield/305/513 models suffer from the same problem. People's tastes change over time. So they might like the sound one day, but grow to dislike it the next. It is much easier to buy a core model with normal pickups and swap them out as you please. I feel that many guitar players are tinker-ers at heart so these models make it a bit difficult to do so.

 

[Screamingdaisy]

The more something costs the harder it is for me to embrace unique designs. Above a certain price point I'm usually looking for "the best" of a traditional/proven design.

 

[garrettb]

In a way, I like the non standard pickups. It would force me to commit to the guitar and not mod it. But I agree, tastes change, so on the other hand it would be a bummer to have to move a guitar on down the line because you can't update it.

The performance is so great though, I think the pickups and guitar are really a package deal in this case.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I really like the 408 style pickups, but never really bonded with my buddy's PG. Not quite sure what I didn't like about it, but I would pickup a 408 before that one. Remember though...with the PTC anything is possible! except rewinding 408 pickups

 

[the.hatter]

Could be the sleeper, or in the running for that title.

Maybe it's too polarizing:
- Is the pickup selector toggle switch in a bad spot? Looks way back there...
- Some (okay me lol) don't like brushstroke birds.
- Pickup size, some would prefer standard humbuckers.

I wonder if the Custom 22 is the most passed over model, with people going for the 24 instead?

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I much prefer the positioning of the PG/Siggy vs the 408. For on the fly changes it's tough to beat the traditional layout, rather than reaching back for the toggles.

That's just me personally though.

 

[goof1073]

I much prefer the positioning of the PG/Siggy vs the 408. For on the fly changes it's tough to beat the traditional layout, rather than reaching back for the toggles.

I totally agree; i.e. "Traditional Layout"...That's why I put the p'ups into an SC Body!

 

[garrettb]

Could be the sleeper, or in the running for that title.

Maybe it's too polarizing:
- Is the pickup selector toggle switch in a bad spot? Looks way back there...
- Some (okay me lol) don't like brushstroke birds.
- Pickup size, some would prefer standard humbuckers.

I wonder if the Custom 22 is the most passed over model, with people going for the 24 instead?

Nah, the selector switch is in the classic PRS position. Great setup on a 2 pickup guitar.

I know the birdies polarize me. I like them because they're different, but wish they weren't so gigantic.

The CU22 exists in a middle world between the CU24 and the McCarty. Slightly classic, slightly modern.

 

[bodia]

I totally agree; i.e. "Traditional Layout"...That's why I put the p'ups into an SC Body!

hot!

 

[László]

I have the Paul's Guitar pickups, plus a Narrowfield middle pickup, on my 20th PS Anniversary Ltd. I'm a fan of the 408 pickups in general. But I think this guitar has the most beautiful "not-necessarily-traditional" tone of any guitar I've ever played, and I like the Paul's bridge pickup just a titch more than the wider 408.

I've never bought/rejected a guitar because of the way fretboard inlays look, so I'm Switzerland when it comes to that bird stuff -- neutral.

Perhaps not for everyone, but for those who haven't yet played one, the Paul's Guitar pickups are pretty darn awesome. Obligatory pic:

 

[XiXora]

I think it looks great in general but they tend to be harder to find.
The birds are "unique" and the control layout is awesome.

Perhaps the 24-08 will become the "new 408"?

 

[Maertl513]

Though this thread's about P's G and its suggested sleeper role, I'd like to state, that there are a few more models of the line that suffer by being ignored although they are excellent instrument.
Okay, I'm biased to a certain extent, but do you know that the 513 has been priced twice as best electric guitar of year in subsequent years by a worldwide jury of music/instrument journalists. This appeared for the first and currently only time.
But: Was it beneficiary to 513 sales? From my point of view: No. Assuming being responsible for marketing and sales it would have been used for gaining sales.

But the crowd still seek for CUs.

 

[László]

Was it beneficiary to 513 sales? From my point of view: No. Assuming being responsible for marketing and sales it would have been used for gaining sales.

But the crowd still seek for CUs.

Well, the "crowd" isn't necessarily wrong, just as the players who choose the 513 aren't wrong, nor are the players who choose the Paul's Guitar, nor are the players who choose the 594...well, you get the point.

Every model has its passionate fans.

Go tell this guy the pickups he chose for his own PS were a mistake.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Nah, the selector switch is in the correct PRS position. Great setup on a 2 pickup guitar.

fixed.

 

[Maertl513]

You are right, @LSchefman.
In Germany we've got a musician's internet forum with ca. 600.000 users.
I watch a few threads because they're interesting for getting to know the approach of them to certain guitars: replikas of famous guitars, the differences between guitars off the shelf or modificated (or even makeovered).
"I would be lucky to get Buddy Holly's Strat which he played at the venue three days before he passed away!" "I'd like to play and possess Status Quo's green Tele with the hole in the top."
Both assume sounding the same like their role models. But will they?
I'm not and I don't want to be slave to expectations sounding like someone due to own his guitar or turn my guitar into any supposed holy grail kind of thing.
Indeed I changed my Rudvog from passive pups to active ones, but only for the reason having a guitar with EMGs.
John McLaughlin will sound great with any guitar he's is confident with.

 

[pac90]

I'd like to see an option for the 408s as a 'squabbin', more rectangular shape, think that would look cool

*really like the black rings on that private stock (again)

 

[garrettb]

You are right, @LSchefman.
In Germany we've got a musician's internet forum with ca. 600.000 users.
I watch a few threads because they're interesting for getting to know the approach of them to certain guitars: replikas of famous guitars, the differences between guitars off the shelf or modificated (or even makeovered).
"I would be lucky to get Buddy Holly's Strat which he played at the venue three days before he passed away!" "I'd like to play and possess Status Quo's green Tele with the hole in the top."
Both assume sounding the same like their role models. But will they?
I'm not and I don't want to be slave to expectations sounding like someone due to own his guitar or turn my guitar into any supposed holy grail kind of thing.
Indeed I changed my Rudvog from passive pups to active ones, but only for the reason having a guitar with EMGs.
John McLaughlin will sound great with any guitar he's is confident with.

I think some people feel a connection to a particular guitar played by their heroes. That's okay, but I'm with you on not trying to be someone else. I realize I sound like me no matter what guitar I play.

The variety we have as guitarists now is both good and bad. There are so many different variations available to suit everyone, but at the same time we overthink and overcomplicate. Speaking of, I am certainly keeping the Paul's on my shortlist. I need to play a 513 next time I'm in the guitar shop!

 

[Maertl513]

@garrett,
I saw a 513 for the first time on YT, felt in love with the assumed potential of different sounds, robbed a bank soon as a had knowledge of the pricing (no, my wife was very generous), than I defined my specs which need to be fullfilled (Black Gold, 10-Top, quilted maple). With that info in my pocket I started my reconnaissance in my home country (no success), spread my scouts around the globe. They came back with nearly 12 options (with a few of them not fullfilling one of three of my must have specs). I made my decision, purchased via i-net in Colorado, USA. Not taking advantage of testing any 513 before. Grabbing the 513 for the first time it was for me like weaving good old leather shoes or sitting down in a comfortable leather armchair.
Soundwise my expections were only that the 513 delivers suitable SC and HB sounds and a voicing in between. So it does.