S2 Standard 24 vs. CE24, with conditions

[Gtrbldr]

Well, as a weekend worship warrior I love my stoptail 22s, especially the original stoptails. They are awesome. Stable, comfortable, fantastic sounding. However I think I would not go for option nr 3, but that is because I love the core violin carve.

You cannot go wrong with wither 1 or 2, most of it would come down to: do you want a tremolo. In worship it can be very usefull for toneshaping, but I noticed I am more comforable with the stoptail. Feels right at home for me.

That being said, since you are a worship player: tried either the Vela or the Starla? Could be right into your wheel house. My Starla fits perfectly in those CC kind of sounds. Not an LP sound by the way, but cuts like a knife and has a very cool rwtro vibe to it.

 

[egolson]

The CU 22 is $200 to $300 more than the CE 22

 

[egolson]

Whelp, I just put in an offer on the CE 22. Beautiful translucent blue figured maple top. Thank you, everyone for your input! If all goes well, I'll send pictures when it arrives!

 

[egolson]

My offer was accepted and it's on its way! Quick question. On the CE 22 with the 5 way rotary switch, I don't see a position in the diagram that uses both humbuckers. Is that not possible on this guitar?

 

[Gtrbldr]

My offer was accepted and it's on its way! Quick question. On the CE 22 with the 5 way rotary switch, I don't see a position in the diagram that uses both humbuckers. Is that not possible on this guitar?

Congratulations!!!! Those are great guitars. Pics upon delivery are mandatory.

The 5 way rotary does indeed not support dual humbucker. You have to find out if you can live with that. You can always put in a 3 way switch if you decide you do not like the rotary. I know I did.

 

[egolson]

Congratulations!!!! Those are great guitars. Pics upon delivery are mandatory.

The 5 way rotary does indeed not support dual humbucker. You have to find out if you can live with that. You can always put in a 3 way switch if you decide you do not like the rotary. I know I did.

That's what I thought. Someone mentioned that one of the inner coil settings is configured to sound like a 'middle' humbucker at least. I guess we'll see. I do like the idea of putting in a three-way switch and adding a push-pull tone pot to split coils. Are you using a push-pull pot? If so, are you using the Dragon II pick-ups and how do they sound split?

 

[Gtrbldr]

That's what I thought. Someone mentioned that one of the inner coil settings is configured to sound like a 'middle' humbucker at least. I guess we'll see. I do like the idea of putting in a three-way switch and adding a push-pull tone pot to split coils. Are you using a push-pull pot? If so, are you using the Dragon II pick-ups and how do they sound split?

Well, there is a schematic on the tech support for a "mccarty" style switching with push/pull.

https://support.prsguitars.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408357218843-3-Way-Toggle-with-Push-Pull-For-Custom-Standard-Wiring-Diagram

I swapped the dragons out, because they were not for me, so I cannot answer the question about how they sound. However about a month ago a member posted a vid how a split dragon2 sounded in a worship setting. I was very surprised: sounded terrific.

 

[Stephen J.]

Don’t get in a rush to swap out the rotary. There are some good sounds in there.

 

[egolson]

Don’t get in a rush to swap out the rotary. There are some good sounds in there.

Definitely going to experiment with them. Currently, there are instances where I use both the bass and treble humbuckers, so it will be an adjustment.

 

[Mozzi]

I voted to save and get the guitar you really want and would be happy with for 'life'. You already dismiss an SE despite the fact that SE's have improved and are superb instruments for the cost. That tells me that you would likely still not be 'happy' with an S2/CE because you'd think that you had to 'compromise' somewhere over whatever a Core offers - there would always be something 'better' you could have bought

I tend to agree with Paul that if something is important to you, you'll find a way to make it happen - make do with scrimping, cutting out holidays or going to the Pub every weekend to save for what you 'really' want. I'd maybe try SE's, S2's, CE's and Cores to confirm whether or not the Differences are worth the extra money or whether the lower priced options deliver what you want/need for less.

Only you really know how much you can justify on an instrument, whether it's worth it to you, suits you and your set-up etc. I could say a Core is definitely worth saving up, months if necessary, to get an instrument you love and cherish for life - that's how I got my Cores and wouldn't settle for 'less', but I also appreciate that for another, the SE can be an Expensive guitar and at the top of their budget or suit a person better than a core because they'd be too scared to play it...

Only you can truly decide what is the best option for you, your situation/circumstances/budget etc.

 

[Mozzi]

Definitely going to experiment with them. Currently, there are instances where I use both the bass and treble humbuckers, so it will be an adjustment.

That's one of those dilemmas I think - do you buy it for the Unique Sounds that the Rotary and wiring offers or to do what many 'other' guitars can do but with PRS design instead...

I personally would prefer the Custom 22 in an 08 style, so can have both HB's on if that was 'my' HB guitar, but I have guitars now that do the Double HB thing - inc my Special (which is a SH Cu22-08 with added NF for extra options) so IF I bought an old PRS with Rotary (in fact I'd actively look for one that has not been modded), I'd keep it that way for that 'something different' and uniquely PRS.

However, it's now your dilemma - keep it Unique but maybe not your 'main' guitar or mod it so you use it more but lose its 'uniqueness'... Maybe not so much of a dilemma if you have others or the Unique tones are more useful to you - once you get to know them better....

 

[egolson]

For anyone interested - here she is! (click me) I am over the moon!

 

[Gtrbldr]

Comgratulations! Awesome guitar.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Congrats.