On The Hunt for My First PRS

[RobG814]

Hey Everyone!

I have been lurking these forums for a while but finally decided to sign up for an account. Thanks to everyone for all of the great info and resources on this forum!

Anyway, I have been playing for a few years now and am getting the itch for a PRS. I remember playing one in a shop when I first started and I loved the feel of it. Fast forward to now, I am hooked on the band Goose and it has reignited my interest in a PRS.

I currently have a very nice American Fender Strat and a Gibson Les Paul Standard so I’m looking for something a little different. I’m looking at used guitars in the SE and S2 line currently and really like the idea of a semi hollow or full hollow guitar.

I like the pricing of SE but I am a little concerned that the quality will not be up to my standards compared to my USA Fender and Gibson. The S2 seems like a good step up so I am leaning in that direction but it looks like they no longer make the semi hollow custom 22. I have seen a handful of used ones around though so I am sure I can still find one.

I plan to head to some shops this weekend to see what they have and compare the quality of SE vs S2 but I thought I would get some input here first.

Here are the ones on my radar but I am open to any other opinions:

S2 Custom 22 Semi Hollow
S2 Custom 22 or 24 (solid)
SE Custom 22 Semi Hollow
SE Hollowbody II

Thanks in advance!
Rob

 

[Martin Lenihan]

I would get the Paul's SE guitar. Very impressive guitar. I have one and as well as Core 594 semi-hollow. Both great. Paul's SE is very impressive regardless of price. Lots of good reviews out there.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

The new SE Semi Hollows are not really all that “hollow” sounding, at all. They’re like a (maybe) slightly lighter CU22 with an F Hole aesthetic. I kinda feel the same way about the semi hollow S2’s, but my experience is limited to the Vela.

Definitely try and stretch your budget to an S2. If I were doing it all over again, a S2 Standard 24 with a trem and electronics upgrade would be a great guitar.

 

[RobG814]

I would get the Paul's SE guitar. Very impressive guitar. I have one and as well as Core 594 semi-hollow. Both great. Paul's SE is very impressive regardless of price. Lots of good reviews out there.

Thanks for the suggestion, I hadn’t seen that one. Looks like it could be a good option to add to the list.

 

[RobG814]

The new SE Semi Hollows are not really all that “hollow” sounding, at all. They’re like a (maybe) slightly lighter CU22 with an F Hole aesthetic. I kinda feel the same way about the semi hollow S2’s, but my experience is limited to the Vela.

Definitely try and stretch your budget to an S2. If I were doing it all over again, a S2 Standard 24 with a trem and electronics upgrade would be a great guitar.

My gut is telling me to go with an S2 as well. I think the SE will leave me wanting more but we will see if that changes once I find a few to play.

I was leaning towards a custom vs a standard. Any specific reason you suggest the standard instead?

 

[Moondog Wily]

Welcome to the forum RobG814! I would definitely add the Vela (semi hollow or solid) to your list of PRS axes to grind before you buy!! I personally have not played one, but have never heard a bad thing about them either!!!

 

[RobG814]

Welcome to the forum RobG814! I would definitely add the Vela (semi hollow or solid) to your list of PRS axes to grind before you buy!! I personally have not played one, but have never heard a bad thing about them either!!!

Thanks! I do really like the looks of the Vela, I will have to track one down. There’s a good priced Mira for sale near me I might go check out as well.

 

[Warmart]

Don't sweat too much over what your 1st PRS will be, instead, sweat over what #2, 3, 4 and 5 will be. Mark my words.

 

[RobG814]

Don't sweat too much over what your 1st PRS will be, instead, sweat over what #2, 3, 4 and 5 will be. Mark my words.

Hahaha that is what I am afraid of!

 

[Rider1260]

Look for a used CE or Core , be patent and shop around here are sub 2K cores to be had. and like said above your first likely will not be you last

 

[SamIV]

I own SE, S2, and a PRS CE24. I play my S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollow the most. It is not a semi-hollow that will match the sound of a 335. There is more of a mid-focus compared to a solid body like my CE though with a bit less bottom end, and it is lighter by a pound or so. I also prefer the 22 frets over the 24 on the CE. I play it more because it just fits me the best for some reason of all my PRS. The CE is built better though. If I had a CE22 the story might be different. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Sybo]

My gut is telling me to go with an S2 as well. I think the SE will leave me wanting more but we will see if that changes once I find a few to play.

I was leaning towards a custom vs a standard. Any specific reason you suggest the standard instead?

https://imgur.com/a/fi0sjuf

Betty approves……. Greal guitars, this one sports a set of SD Pearly Gates

 

[aphantomvaper]

From your list I'd pick the SE HB II. I do like it better than my SE Pauls, sadly.

 

[RobG814]

Well I got to play a few today at a local shop:

SE Hollowbody II
SE Custom 24
S2 Mira
S2 McCarty 594

I came to the conclusion that S2 is what I’m after. The finish, feel and quality of them were a huge step up from the SE models in my opinion. I’m aiming for an S2 Custom 22 Semi Hollow but who knows, that might change if I find a good deal on another model.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

My gut is telling me to go with an S2 as well. I think the SE will leave me wanting more but we will see if that changes once I find a few to play.

I was leaning towards a custom vs a standard. Any specific reason you suggest the standard instead?

Cheaper, and I feel they sound better.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

https://imgur.com/a/fi0sjuf

Betty approves……. Greal guitars, this one sports a set of SD Pearly Gates

Betty? Is there a story for that name? Relative?

 

[McMahon67]

Don't sweat too much over what your 1st PRS will be, instead, sweat over what #2, 3, 4 and 5 will be. Mark my words.

Yeah. That!

 

[Sybo]

Betty? Is there a story for that name? Relative?

Nah…………….. Bam a lam

 

[DISTORT6]

ALWAYS hunting!

 

[Aahzz]

Just remember, Velas are magical

If you can find one, I'd highly suggest giving it a try.