New SE Custom 24 vs Used Custom 24

[JoeDirt]

New to the forum and to PRS Guitars and need some input. Over the years I've played Les Pauls, Strats, and the occasional Ibanez. I have small hands and generally find shorter scale guitars are better for me. I had recently discovered the SE 245. That sounded like it might be perfect for me, so I went to a local Guitar Center. I wound up playing a SE 245 and also a SE Standard 24 and wound up liking the Standard 24 better. It felt natural in my hand. So I've zeroed in on getting either a Standard 24 new, but I've also found a SE Custom 24 used for around $400. It appears to be in good condition. There are very light scratches on the clear coat on the back of it no doubt from being played. Those look they could be buffed out. The finish on the front of the guitar looks flawless and I can't find any other issues with it.

What are the differences between these two? I know the custom has a maple top. I'm assuming the pickups are different? Does either of them offer coil splitting? Would I be better off with a used Custom in good condition or a new SE Standard 24?

 

[dogrocketp]

Joe, It`s all relative. Sometimes you stumble across a guitar that just feels right in your hands. I have a 30th Anniversary Custom 24 that is a great player. I didn`t start out to get one. With the SE`s, I`d just tell you to go for the neck that you like. Electronics can always be changed, but the neck and body wood cannot. I`ve modified a number of SE`s. I do believe that the Korean guitars use better components. I had a standard for a hot minute, and much preferred the 30th that I got used. There is no right or wrong. There is what makes you happy when you play.

 

[dsenoj]

I agree with dogrocketp but you also asked about the differences. The SE Standards are made in Indonesia while the other SE's are made in Korea. The current SE Custom 24 has coil splitting but that hasn't always been the case. I don't think the SE Standard 24 has coil splitting. If you can get the serial number of the used SE Custom 24 you're interested in, that will tell you the year and someone here can probably tell you whether it has coil splits. Or just try pulling up on the tone knob.

 

[JoeDirt]

Thanks guys. I think the Standard 24 has the thin neck as opposed to the SE 245 which has the fat neck. I'm assuming that's why the Standard 24 felt good. The Custom 24 has the same style neck. I'll probably go back to GC and plug the used custom in and actually play it through an amp, assuming they still have it of course. Pretty sure I'll get a good guitar either way. Appreciate the input!

 

[dogrocketp]

The SE Standards do have coil splitting. At least, the 24 that I owned briefly did. My intent is never to sell a guitar, although I do. I have 6 SE`s that have been modified, they are my weapons of choice, especially for bar gigs. If a drunk throws up on me, or something weird happens, they can be replaced without me losing my marbles.The SE Cu 24 30th that is my current #1, was bought used with the intent of reselling it. That ain`t gonna happen.

 

[dogrocketp]

if you want a thin neck, try an SE Tremonti Custom. That`s a monster, and can be had very reasonably used.

 

[JoeDirt]

Thanks for the tip. Will see if I can find one.