Older vs. Newer Custom 22 Semi-Hollows

[CantankerousCarl]

The hollow/semi-hollow bug continues, fueled by the recent acquisition of "Goldie" (yeah real original name) my 2000 CU22 (chambered) semi-hollow goldtop.

With the EXP 2013 408 semi-hollow out-of-budget for 2014, I am considering tracking down one of the 2010 EXP CU22 semis with the F-hole & 57/08s. I have seen some very positive comments on those awhile back.

Sound being subjective, how similar in tone is my older, chambered CU22 with stock Dragon IIs going to be to the newer F-holes with 57/08s?

(btw my only experience with any 57/08 equipped guitars was about 30 minutes last summer with a Stripped 58 and and MC58 at my local GC)

 

[wardog]

The dragons are more pronounced in power!!. I put some dragon II in the custom 24 I got used and they sound stronger/ beefier/bass abundant-- than the 57/08 in the studio I have. It could be the cover on the 57/08 but it sounds thinner than the dragon II. I recently got a p22 and it has uncovered 57/08 which have a stronger sound than the covered( i like them better and may swap the bridge on the studio to an uncovered 57/08) but the dragons still out power them. IMO

 

[RedGuitars]

I only own two PRS guitars right now. One of the is them model in question, the other is a Sig Ltd (which I know we both appreciate).

I think you'll like it...

 

[Tag]

The hollow/semi-hollow bug continues, fueled by the recent acquisition of "Goldie" (yeah real original name) my 2000 CU22 (chambered) semi-hollow goldtop.

With the EXP 2013 408 semi-hollow out-of-budget for 2014, I am considering tracking down one of the 2010 EXP CU22 semis with the F-hole & 57/08s. I have seen some very positive comments on those awhile back.

Sound being subjective, how similar in tone is my older, chambered CU22 with stock Dragon IIs going to be to the newer F-holes with 57/08s?

(btw my only experience with any 57/08 equipped guitars was about 30 minutes last summer with a Stripped 58 and and MC58 at my local GC)

I think there is a big enough difference to own both guitars. The Fhole gives a more focused lead tone, and the custom 22 SH LTD is one of my fvaorite PRSs ever. That being said, if you can find a used semi hollow Artist 3 WITH TREM, IMO, they are the finest sounding guitars PRS has ever made, although you may want to change the Artist PUPs to 57/08s. The additional body depth makes a HUGE difference IMO. No F hole needed.
:rock:

 

[CantankerousCarl]

Thanks wardog, Mike & Tag...

I only own two PRS guitars right now. One of the is them model in question, the other is a Sig Ltd (which I know we both appreciate).

I think you'll like it...

Mike - forgot you had the semi as well. Not to put you on the spot, but since our Siggys are so close, can you do a little compare / contrast maybe?

 

[RedGuitars]

Well - I'm horrible at this sort of thing...

I fell for the 57/08's when I bought my first Ted McCarty Ltd. I liked the pickups and the 24.5 scale - they just felt really good in my hands. But, I've always been a tremolo guy... so, when I saw the CU22 semi-hollow, and their specs, 57/08's, McSwitching - I ordered one the day they were announced.

My pals that had the private stock Siggy Ltd's raved on them, so eventually I sold my other PRSi to fund one. I like the bound neck on the Siggy, similar to the Ted Ltd again, and I love the versatility of the pickup switching - and I like the Mc3way versus the current production slider.

I would give the ever so slightest edge to the Siggy, something about the neck makes it very comfortable to play.

That may not be much of a tone comparison, but like a lot of guys, seem no matter what I plug into or play, I sound pretty much the same... granted there is a big difference in either PRS and my Strat, but...

 

[CantankerousCarl]

I think there is a big enough difference to own both guitars. The Fhole gives a more focused lead tone, and the custom 22 SH LTD is one of my fvaorite PRSs ever. That being said, if you can find a used semi hollow Artist 3 WITH TREM, IMO, they are the finest sounding guitars PRS has ever made, although you may want to change the Artist PUPs to 57/08s. The additional body depth makes a HUGE difference IMO. No F hole needed.
:rock:

Hey Tag - through some happenstance, managed to re-aquire my chambered CU22 Goldie and I cannot believe I let this thing go earlier in the year. I never noticed before, but I remember your posts about your PSes, and she is definitely constructed with a separate back and sides - I can see the seams now. That, along with the extra body depth, must be a major part of the secret sauce. The DIIs actually sound great in this axe - the neck in particular makes the strongest impression, but I've been playing around with just mild breakup on the bridge pickup and even that sounds fantastic. She might be a candidate for a future 57/08-ectomy, but for now I am just going to appreciate what I had/have.

 

[Tag]

Hey Tag - through some happenstance, managed to re-aquire my chambered CU22 Goldie and I cannot believe I let this thing go earlier in the year. I never noticed before, but I remember your posts about your PSes, and she is definitely constructed with a separate back and sides - I can see the seams now. That, along with the extra body depth, must be a major part of the secret sauce. The DIIs actually sound great in this axe - the neck in particular makes the strongest impression, but I've been playing around with just mild breakup on the bridge pickup and even that sounds fantastic. She might be a candidate for a future 57/08-ectomy, but for now I am just going to appreciate what I had/have.

Carl,
That is so cool! Can you post a pic? Which model is it you have exactly? I did not know they made any guitars with the extra thickness and body construction like that other than the Artist series. Looks like I was wrong! I may have to search one of those out. Thanks for any additional info as well! KILLER guitars!!!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I'm waiting for the right 2010 semi.

 

[CantankerousCarl]

Carl,
That is so cool! Can you post a pic? Which model is it you have exactly? I did not know they made any guitars with the extra thickness and body construction like that other than the Artist series. Looks like I was wrong! I may have to search one of those out. Thanks for any additional info as well! KILLER guitars!!!

Hey Tag - it's a humble 2000 Custom 22 stoptail with moons, DIIs & McCarty switching:

Jack Shot:

Difficult to photograph the grain but you can see the seperate sides/bottom it here:

and here, where you can see the extra body depth between the neck heel and bottom:

I'm waiting for the right 2010 semi.

Brian G's got your ANTI-perfect 2010 used on consignment right now - it's a lovely shade of BLUE

 

[Tag]

Carl,
Thats it!!!! KILLER!!! Now you just need one with a trem. The extra routing and springs put it right over the top. :rock:

 

[László]

I'm waiting for the right 2010 semi.

I had one, a beautiful charcoal burst, great-sounding guitar. I think it's one of PRS' best-ever models.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I had one, a beautiful charcoal burst, great-sounding guitar. I think it's one of PRS' best-ever models.

That's the one I'm keeping an eye out for!