Looking for my first PRS!

[NicoSchubert]

Hey Guys,
first of all, thanks for reading!
Second of all, I flippin' love PRS, but foolishly ( or maybe not so foolishly) decided to buy an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro instead of the PRS SE Tremonti Standard.
I really didn't know any better at the time, but still think the Les Paul is an awesome guitar for the money!
Now I'm looking for a PRS, something to feel similar to the Les Paul, but a little more modern.
I would like to have a tremolo, which makes this search a lot harder.
I have been looking into the PRS SE models for quite some time now and wouldn't go any higher than that, so no S2 or USA guitars, because I don't have a lot of money available.
I play Classic Rock to Hard Rock/ some Metal (huge Tremonti fanboy, got me into PRS), but really can't buy a guitar that isn't capable of getting me a nice warm, sad clean tone.
I know the PRS SE Tremonti Custom is probably the best option, but I wanna make sure, before I spend 1000 Euro on a guitar.

If you guys know about any alternatives that may be a little easier to reach price-wise,
just let me know.
Thanks in advance!

Nico

 

[shinksma]

Well, if you really like Tremonti, then I suggest you get that guitar, specifically the Tremonti Custom! An alternative that would be my next choice for you would be the Custom 24 - it is the classic PRS look and sound.

btw, there is nothing wrong with a good Les Paul, Epiphone or Gibson. They can also be great guitars. My biggest bone to pick with Gibson is the combination of quality control and bizarre design/marketing decisions. In fact, I would say the chances are good of your Epiphone playing better than a low-priced Gibson equivalent (the Studio T or Tribute T line comes to mind). I have a really nice-playing Epi Casino that tends to get neglected because I have some really nice PRSi.

 

[NicoSchubert]

Yeah, I said I really enjoyed that Epiphone, which I still do, but I just need that different sound to pair up well with it when double tracking, so that's what I'm thinking off.
I really think it's a lot smarter to save up some money and play just my Epi for a while and then get the Tremonti SE Custom and maybe put some USA Tremonti Pickups in after a while.
Great idea!
Thanks for replying!

 

[wardog]

+1 on the tremonti

 

[sergiodeblanc]

+1 on the tremonti

+2

 

[AAT]

SE Tremonti Custom sounds right for you so long as you are happy with the Wide Thin neck - the SE Tremonti and the SE245 have Wide Fat. Personally l only like the fatter necks, and I am happy with a stoptail, but it depends what suits you of course.
Looking forward to seeing your NGD pics soon...

 

[dogrocketp]

I`m on board with the Tremonti SE custom. IT`s my #1 gig guitar. I didn`t cry when it got the first drunken patron dent.

 

[markintime]

Vote for whichever you fancy, but order it with the pups you like. I did just exactly that with my SE CU24 30th anniversary from Sweetwater. It is awesome!

 

[NicoSchubert]

SE Tremonti Custom sounds right for you so long as you are happy with the Wide Thin neck - the SE Tremonti and the SE245 have Wide Fat. Personally l only like the fatter necks, and I am happy with a stoptail, but it depends what suits you of course.
Looking forward to seeing your NGD pics soon...

I have tried out some SEs at my local guitar shop ( http://www.musik-produktiv.com/ ) and think the Tremonti Neck is FAR superior!
I doesn't quite feel like the SE245, feels like a bit of a variation, but that could just be me.
Thank you for replying, made me really think about how comfortable the neck needs to be!

 

[NicoSchubert]

Vote for whichever you fancy, but order it with the pups you like. I did just exactly that with my SE CU24 30th anniversary from Sweetwater. It is awesome!

USA Tremonti 's are really awesome!
I thought of buying them and then, if the SEs stock pickups are good enough, I might put them in my Epiphone!
Thanks for the reply!

 

[NicoSchubert]

I`m on board with the Tremonti SE custom. IT`s my #1 gig guitar. I didn`t cry when it got the first drunken patron dent.

Haha, nice!
Thanks for replying, looking to take that baby out for gigging as well!