Wow, thanks for all the positive feedback guys!
I happened to luck out getting my ZM as I got one from the initial batch that had a real shitty top on it (I bought it blind). Returned it, but I knew I HAD to have another. Luckily was able to secure one from batch #2 - through another VERY cool retailer (Lawk Star Guitars - they REALLY hooked me up, props are due). PRS *GREATLY* underestimated the demand for this one. I know they have a lot more on the way, but it will be a few more months, probably June/July before they really get them out there.
As far as comparing the S2 to the ZM ... they're 2 totally different animals entirely.
Despite the ZM having the SE 245 p'ups, I find it to have a real vintage feel & vibe, having more of a warm throaty tone (hard to describe), but it still has a nice output. It still has punch & balls if you need. Very resonant & vibrant. You definitely feel the guitar sing. The first thing I thought of when I first played it was Incubus Morning View Sessions Concert DVD - Mike is using a couple core semi-hollows on there & this guitar is very reminiscent of that tone (to my ears). It's very light weight but that weight is still well balanced. This guitar greatly benefits from the beveled top. I did play a SE Custom Semi-hollow (flat top) and found it to be very uncomfortable for my right forearm. So comfy to rest your arm on this as you play. And hands down the money shot is the satin finish on the back of the neck. Feels like home to me. I can't say enough good things about it really.
The S2 in comparison also sings but in a different way. A bit more of a darker, sharper tone. Not as "earthy" if you will. It has a good weight and is also very well balanced. It's obviously heavier than the ZM, but it's not break-your-back heavy. If you've played ANY of the S2 series, they all have the same neck carve. If you like the neck on any S2, you're already halfway there with getting to know the singlecut. I absolutely LOVE the pattern regular carve, even more so than the wide fat. The top bevel contour also feels very similar to the S2 Custom 22/24 and the Starla. So that also gives you another good idea about the feel. But the body of the singlecut is wider, like a core SC245/Tremonti vs a Custom 22/P22/etc. The only other thing to consider is the #7 p'ups. I really like them. They have great output, they have a vintage yet modern vibe. I'm playing stuff like King's X, Alter Bridge, Rush, AiC ... it covers all that stuff just fine. The volume cleans up nicely. The taps give even more tonal variety. No tuning issues what so ever.
There is this S2 Singlecut in the gray-black that is stunning with a real nice top, and right now they have it priced at $1259! I'd buy it, but I think I'd be outdoors if my wife saw it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRS-S2-Sing...e-/221399424320?pt=Guitar&hash=item338c6f1d40
I can't believe they still have it.
Brian's also just posted this beauty too:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Paul-Re...A-/121321475189?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c3f52cc75
Hope this helps.
