PRS Trem on CE, S3 & SE - all the same?

[DaveNJ]

Hey all, is the tremolo on the new CE, S2 and SE models all the same unit? They all list the part as :

PRS Patented Tremolo, Molded

Is this a case where the S2 & SE are getting a better quality part, or where the CE is getting lower quality piece? I would expect the US models to use higher end hardware - not necessarily the GenIII, but better quality that the other lines...

 

[dogrocketp]

They all share the same tremolo. It`s one of the cost cutting measures necessary to bring the CE and S2 to market at a good price point. Keep in mind that the Korean tremolo is a very fine unit. I have both makes on various PRSi. They sound different, but they both stay beautifully in tune when set up properly. I think the S2 and the CE give you more bang for the buck than anyone else, by a large margin. I have a stock S2 Custom 22, it`s tremendous as it is. I have various SE`s with modifications, but I haven`t changed the tremolo on any of them. I also have 3 USA PRSi. I like them all, they`re just different.

 

[andy474x]

They all share the same tremolo. It`s one of the cost cutting measures necessary to bring the CE and S2 to market at a good price point. Keep in mind that the Korean tremolo is a very fine unit. I have both makes on various PRSi. They sound different, but they both stay beautifully in tune when set up properly. I think the S2 and the CE give you more bang for the buck than anyone else, by a large margin. I have a stock S2 Custom 22, it`s tremendous as it is. I have various SE`s with modifications, but I haven`t changed the tremolo on any of them. I also have 3 USA PRSi. I like them all, they`re just different.

+1

The SE/import trem is a fine unit. It gets some undue hate, I believe, because the nut on SE's with trems have long caused intonation problems until properly set up, and the actual trem unit gets a lot of the flak for it (unfairly IMO). But, compare the PRS import trem to something like a Squier/MIM Fender trem, it's a night and day difference.

That being said, certainly the USA trem, and the Mann trem, are better. But not because the import is bad. I have 3, one SE and 2 S2, and have been very satisfied. Will I probably change at least one? Yes, because we all have problems leaving well enough alone!

 

[G-Man]

The differences are subtile. The SE has cast saddles vs. the core with machined saddles. When I bought my Santana Se, I had a whole list of swap outs. So far, the tuners may go but that is about it.

I wil say that the cast saddles look a little different and some may say cheesy but look at history. What was the best super strat ever? Wilkinson bridge and nut equipped Ultra's. Most people think they are fakes........

 

[Fro]

Are the SE saddles cast zink? That's what they look like to me.

 

[Rhandy]

I don´t know if is think, but my PRS SE Paul Allender With EMG pickups, have some type of corrosion on saddles. The only mod I made on that guitar is locking tuner I found one for direct replace, http://g-gotoh.com/international/product/sg381.html.
Guitar stay in tune not days, weeks. I just put graphite on nut with one 0.5mm pencil.