Pick of the litter

[David Melnick]

Curious how this shakes out. Please vote!

 

[Solteroblues]

I voted other, but would have voted CE, but I don't like the pattern thin necks. I'd probably try to find a used CU24 with a pattern neck, but that's just me.

 

[Tony M.]

I chose the 594 slimline but only because I already have 2 of the S2 35th anniversary models.

 

[David Melnick]

I chose the 594 slimline but only because I already have 2 of the S2 35th anniversary models.

So if you only had an S2 Starla, would you go with the S2 35th? What do you like about it?

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

With $2k, you can own a clean, used, full-fat PRS (like a standard, a CU24, or a McCarty).

 

[sergiodeblanc]

With $2k, you can own a clean, used, full-fat PRS (like a standard, and CU24, or a McCarty).

This

 

[DISTORT6]

Yup.
Used core is the way to go at the $2k point.

 

[David Melnick]

Thanks everyone. I hear you on the Core. $2.000 is actually my stretch budget and a decent Core seems challenging to find at that price. If I'm being realistic, I probably have closer to $1,500 but I'm trying to get that extra $500. Regardless, judging by the split on the poll so far, looks like there really is not a wrong answer.

 

[JJDon]

Depends...Do you want 22 frets or 24 frets? Do you want a pattern thin neck or a bigger Les Paul style neck? I'd definately choose either a 594 or CE24/Custom 24. The former if you want a more traditional Les Paul style guitar, and the latter two if you want a superstrat. Differences are really just the necks since they're all nice guitars.

 

[Malloc]

I’d probably do S2 CU24 if new, core CU24 if used allowed. Only other model popping into my head is used SAS, but that’s probably just my subconscious projecting my own desire for an ash PRS.

 

[Black Plaid]

for 1500, get yourself a used ce 22

 

[SinSir]

Depends...Do you want 22 frets or 24 frets? Do you want a pattern thin neck or a bigger Les Paul style neck? I'd definately choose either a 594 or CE24/Custom 24. The former if you want a more traditional Les Paul style guitar, and the latter two if you want a superstrat. Differences are really just the necks since they're all nice guitars.

Me, I'd watch for a deal on a used Ce24 and a 35th SE Cu24, You aren't too far out of budget to get both at $1500+. I know where a several great $1-200 Ce24 are hiding and an insane deal from a great dealer on a used a SE 35th Cu24 can be had. Heck, a smokin deal on a SE 30th just popped up. My 30th SE is my favorite SE I've played besides the 35th. Its my favorite Cu24 I've played besides a core.

But $1500 will get you a CE24 all day without even trying.

 

[David Melnick]

Me, I'd watch for a deal on a used Ce24 and a 35th SE Cu24, You aren't too far out of budget to get both at $1500+. I know where a several great $1-200 Ce24 are hiding and an insane deal from a great dealer on a used a SE 35th Cu24 can be had. Heck, a smokin deal on a SE 30th just popped up. My 30th SE is my favorite SE I've played besides the 35th. Its my favorite Cu24 I've played besides a core.

But $1500 will get you a CE24 all day without even trying.

I'd be eager to hear more about those hiding $1,200 CE24s!

 

[Tony M.]

So if you only had an S2 Starla, would you go with the S2 35th? What do you like about it?

I like the pattern regular neck carve, the mini toggles.
the tremolo that returns to pitch perfectly and the bevels,
especially the bevels.

 

[goat-n-gitter]

With $2k, you can own a clean, used, full-fat PRS (like a standard, a CU24, or a McCarty).

This X1000! Don't forget CU22 - I seem to see lots of good deals on them.

 

[bodia]

With $2k, you can own a clean, used, full-fat PRS (like a standard, a CU24, or a McCarty).

Totally this. If I had to pick from your list, I got Thinline, just because I'm curious about it.

 

[Daniel Elam]

I have a CE 24. You can easily find a barely played one for under 1500. Great guitar and you get core pickups.

 

[Wailing]

Or..... Fly off on a tangent and get a Brent Mason... (sorry I just love this geetar)

 

[Stephen J.]

S2 McCarty 594 (double cut).
But the 35th would be considered.

 

[BrianC]

Another vote for a used Custom 24 for sure...