Looking to purchase my first PRS

[mrut]

As the title says, can't afford the core series but was looking hard at a used S2 standard 22 or a new SE. Obviously the SE models offer much more bling for the buck but quality wise, would you stick with a used S2 over the SE?

Thanks,
mrut

 

[veinbuster]

There are quite a few choices in the SE versus S2 lines. I wouldn’t fixate on which line the guitar was. I would look at which guitar features I wanted: single cut, double cut, hollow body, semi hollow.

Find a guitar you like and buy it.

That said, if I found the same characteristics in a used S2 in excellent shape, I would buy it.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[AP515]

For me the first question is whether or not you want the sound produced by the standard. Without the maple cap the mids will be prominent and the highs will be diminished compared to the Custom versions with the maple cap. If you already know you like the midrange sound then the Standard is a great choice. I'm a mids guy so for me Standards are my favorites.

 

[mrut]

Well, I was kinda looking for a LP alternative. I know they have a maple cap. Perhaps I should be looking at the customs then?

 

[AP515]

Well, I was kinda looking for a LP alternative. I know they have a maple cap. Perhaps I should be looking at the customs then?

Yes or a mahogany body with a maple neck. I have a CE Standard that has a maple neck and the highs from it are beautiful. The typical way is the maple cap. Look for a used S2 singlecut with the maple cap. Great guitar and LPish tone.

 

[Eddie kim]

Get the S2 if you can.

 

[dogrocketp]

I think you need to play and listen to an all mahogany S2 standard. The mids should satisfy your ears. The caveat is when you fall in love with the way a particular model looks. Buddy, there ain't a bad apple in the barrel, just different flavors. I have all levels, and I do believe the S2's are the best bang for the buck you can buy, especially used.

 

[bodia]

S2, all day

 

[Tim S]

The S2 has the best of both worlds:
The superior quality tone wood and US craftsmanship of the Core models
and
like an SE, a price that allows you to treat the guitar like an instrument rather than a fragile work of art

If I bought a Core, I’d be too paranoid about dings (it’s my issue, I know... but I don’t think I’m alone)

Bonus: I find the body bevel on an S2 is more ergonomically functional than most Cores (there, I said it)

 

[ViperDoc]

Korean-built SEs are legit guitars. The S2 line kicks it up a notch. You can't lose.

 

[SinSir]

SE vs S2 comes up a lot. First question is neck shape, wide thin or pattern regular? If you can answer that your decision is made. If not, they are both great guitars and have more in common than not after that. To me the SE tend to have more of the PRS look and the S2 is more "workhorse". I prefer the SE but that's answered for me by the wide thin neck. Either way I'd buy used. Too many great deals on the secondary market regardless of some crazy asking prices that pop up on reverb these days. There's still sellers out there that are more interested in selling their gear than fielding messages.

 

[Russ73]

S2 OP

 

[11top]

Another S2 vote.

Let me say too, once that happens to you, you’ll want 2 S2s too.

 

[Kingfisher76032020]

As the title says, can't afford the core series but was looking hard at a used S2 standard 22 or a new SE. Obviously the SE models offer much more bling for the buck but quality wise, would you stick with a used S2 over the SE?

Thanks,
mrut

I would go with an SE. S2's are kind of special styles not everyone would like to play or hold/sit/stand with. The classic PRS double cut 22 fret is hard to beat in an SE model for all around playability. S2 to me are more toward the guitar player who owns more then 1 guitar and is looking for a specific style or shape.

 

[Daniel Elam]

I’d ask for a deal on a used CE24 but if you don’t find one I’d go with the S2. The SE line isn’t quite as nice. I’ve played quite a few and some SEs were pretty bad, some were okay, and only one was really good. My dad just got a SE Paul’s guitar and it’s okay for the money but it’s not on par with the S2s I’ve played and is nowhere close to my CE

 

[Kingfisher76032020]

I’d ask for a deal on a used CE24 but if you don’t find one I’d go with the S2. The SE line isn’t quite as nice. I’ve played quite a few and some SEs were pretty bad, some were okay, and only one was really good. My dad just got a SE Paul’s guitar and it’s okay for the money but it’s not on par with the S2s I’ve played and is nowhere close to my CE

What was so bad about the SE you decided paying $2000 (on average) more for?