I just listened to Bryan Ewald's demos of these new models on the PRS site back-to-back, and back-and-forth, etc. Thankfully, and hopefully intentionally, he plays the same thing for all three, and I hope the recording process/equipemnt was identical for all three. They definitely sound very different. The Ovangkol A40E sounds closest to my SE Angelus Custom (makes sense, mine has a rosewood body, and ovangkol is supposed to be very similar to rosewood). A nice overall tone.
Both the AX20E and A50E sound "brighter" or more strident than the A40E. But there be relative levels in the recording that have been compensated for, so hard to tell which one is actually louder.
Most of the "reviews" so far seem to just parrot the PRS descriptions, without an actual real-world comparison statement.
I really need to hear (literally) or read some reviews of side-by-side playing of which sounds punchier in the upper mid range for single notes, since that is the quality I require. I played my Angelus Custom last night at a pure-acoustic band practice, and again the sound got lost underneath the rhythm player, even when he backed off on his strumming. It is a great sounding guitar plugged in, but I think the rosewood takes away too much of the mid-range for truly unplugged lead break playing. I need something that comes across almost harsh or nasty, if you will, the way a tube screamer pushes an electric guitar tone so you can really hear it in the mix.
Another happy SE Tonare owner, here!
My local shop received one of each model late last night, so I ran over today to check them out.
Both the 40 and 50 models are stunning, aesthetically speaking.
I started with the 50s (both A and T), and played half a dozen songs. Grabbed the 40s, and played the same mini-set.
The choice was simple...and I now am the proud papa of a brand new T40E. Lucky serial number '777'
How much brighter was the maple model?Another happy SE Tonare owner, here!
My local shop received one of each model late last night, so I ran over today to check them out.
Both the 40 and 50 models are stunning, aesthetically speaking.
I started with the 50s (both A and T), and played half a dozen songs. Grabbed the 40s, and played the same mini-set.
The choice was simple...and I now am the proud papa of a brand new T40E. Lucky serial number '777'
How much brighter was the maple model?
Ah. Glad I went with the A40e then. I like the happy medium. Truly a quality instrument.It wasn't overbearingly bright...but it WAS noticeable.
Being a Taylor fanboy, I like brighter-sounding guitars, but I have a few of those, already...so the T40E struck a chord (no pun intended) that really resonated (2 puns in one sentence) with me.
I happen to like deep bass, too...and my Martin D28 serves that purpose quite well.
I would say that the T40E is a very comfortable, articulate, high quality balance between the Taylor and Martin tone.
It's a musical love child.
I'm (im)patiently waiting for Sweetwater to get an A50E in stock!
I hate this Godforsaken addiction.....and you people are no help.
I want one I need one!!!
Can’t decide between A40E and A50E.
All pointing to the A40E because it sounds most balanced and not too much treble but the A50E looks sweet and may be a good choise anyway! My wife think the A50E looks girly
I don’t have the possibility to try one first because no one near me will have it in stock, so I need to order it online.
Aaahh what should I do?