PRS SE 277 vs SVN

[starscream67]

Hi All,

Firstly PRS need to name their models longer than 3 characters because you can’t search for them on this forum. So apologies if there is a similar thread.

Tangent: Has anyone bought a PRS SE 277 in Fire Red Burst yet? The product shots make it look very dark but there are no videos and limited pics online.

I’m not able to try before I buy the 277 or the SVN, so as I’ve never played a baritone or 7 string before I had some questions/concerns I was hoping you guys could answer...

Background: All of my current guitars are 6 strings with 24.5, 25 or 25.5 scale length. Most of the songs I play are in E standard or Drop D (Nirvana, Tool) but I am learning more Drop C and Drop A# songs (Breaking Benjamin).

Question: Is it better to get the 277 and just switch guitars for lower tuned songs? Or does any one use a 7 string to play 90s stuff on the higher 6 strings and just retune the G to F# to play low tuned songs on the lower strings?

Concerns: 1) 27.7 scale length and 14-68 gauge strings as I have small hands. 2) I am missing the point of a 7 string and it won’t work for me (even though the 26.5 scale length and lighter gauge strings sound appealing)

For the first time 277 or SVN buyer, I am curious as to what the thought process is behind the correct choice for purchase.

Any advice or past experiences would be much appreciated.

 

[shinksma]

I have two PRS baritones (MM; 277SH), and an SE-7 (older model with 25" scale).

You can kinda do the same thing on either. But the baritone, to me, act as a "guitar half-way to bass", whereas the 7-stringer acts as a "extended low guitar, be careful of the extra string". The 7-stringer takes a bit of adjustment for chording if you go B-E-A-D-F#-B-E, but even if you go B-E-A-D-G-B-E there are some adjustments for the extra string where you can take advantage of a deeper note in the chord.

I have small hands (and not a huge reach), and the baritone feels fine to me. My wife, who is smaller than me, is starting to play bass and is comfortable with a full size electric bass, so don't let that mess with your head - you will find a way to adapt and be comfortable.

I have a SVN on pre-order (with Axe Palace - the one with Ebony board), so I will hopefully be able to comment on that eventually...

 

[garrettb]

The bari will feel more normal, just longer.

A seven feels quite a bit different with its wider neck. I play all range of stuff on mine (the older one) without retuning. It's best to think of it as its own thing.

I like the seven better since I still have an unwound G and can play anything on it, from pseudo bass all the way up to weedly weedly stuff on the high E 24th fret.

 

[Cocorosa]

I have small hands (and not a huge reach), and the baritone feels fine to me. My wife, who is smaller than me, is starting to play bass and is comfortable with a full size electric bass, so don't let that mess with your head - you will find a way to adapt and be comfortable.

This. I have a 277 and small hands. I had no problem adjusting from the first play. I bought it to cross the divide between guitar and bass and it works well. It also gives comfortable alternative sounds to familiar chord progressions.

I don't own a seven string because I haven't found a comfortable neck. That said, I haven't tried a PRS seven string so will withhold final judgement until I do. PRS necks make certain things playable for me that weren't so much on other guitars.

But I would have no hesitation recommending the 277 to you from experience.

 

[starscream67]

I like the seven better since I still have an unwound G and can play anything on it, from pseudo bass all the way up to weedly weedly stuff on the high E 24th fret.

I considered this too on the 277 and I believe the Elixir 12-68 baritone string set has a plain 3rd which is handy since I always buy Elixir. I’m seriously considering pulling the trigger on a 277...