S2 Studio vs Vela

[Markal]

Hi folks. First post here, but I’ve read threads from time to time.

Both the S2 Studio and the S2 Vela interest me. How would you all say these compare? In some ways it seems like the Studio gives you one more D-type pup so it’s worth it, but maybe that Vela bridge adds a bit more bite? I don’t need, but don’t necessarily mind, the vibrato on the Studio.

I’m considering a new guitar and looking for something that will be versatile, with some good, bright, snappy single coil sounds, but also a good bridge HB. It needs to be light and comfy too. In short, I have a Gretsch 5622t (the old version with the cats eye holes) that I love but it’s darn heavy (nearly 10 pounds) and too big. It becomes uncomfortable during gigs. I play a mix of blues, some country, some classic rock, but my favorites sounds are blues/roots type stuff.

I could get another Gretsch but I have an S2 Standard Singlecut that I really like, so another PRS interests me greatly. I’ve always had a soft spot for PRS as I spent a good portion of my adult life in Maryland and so they feel like my “hometown” brand.

Thanks!

 

[toothace]

Why isn't "both" an option?

 

[markd21]

Hi folks. First post here, but I’ve read threads from time to time.

Both the S2 Studio and the S2 Vela interest me. How would you all say these compare? In some ways it seems like the Studio gives you one more D-type pup so it’s worth it, but maybe that Vela bridge adds a bit more bite? I don’t need, but don’t necessarily mind, the vibrato on the Studio.

Welcome! I have both, and I prefer the Vela. While the Studio has an extra D-type, you don't really have "good" access to it. What I mean, is you never get the middle D-type alone. While the Studio has the 2 and 4 positions like a Strat, the sound is different. Not better, not worse - just different. When I want the "Gretsch-y" sound, I grab my Vela.

I’m considering a new guitar and looking for something that will be versatile, with some good, bright, snappy single coil sounds, but also a good bridge HB. It needs to be light and comfy too. In short, I have a Gretsch 5622t (the old version with the cats eye holes) that I love but it’s darn heavy (nearly 10 pounds) and too big. It becomes uncomfortable during gigs. I play a mix of blues, some country, some classic rock, but my favorites sounds are blues/roots type stuff.

I play a lot of the same music, and for a period of time used a Terada-built Duo Jet as my main guitar. Based on what you are looking for above, I'd recommend the Vela.

 

[Gary_W]

I can’t compare for you but I got a Vela recently and love it. It’s very light so, if that’s one of your main triggers, it’s got the ability to make you happy.

There’s lots of studio fans too so, for what you’re wanting, you’ll probably be good with either

 

[jvin248]

.

Vela has been on my short list for a while, so I'd add a vote for that one.

.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I hope this thread keeps going for more thoughts from people who've played both, because I'd lean heavily to the Studio due to normal bridge and middle pickup added, but so far it seems a lot of guys prefer the Vela.

 

[Markal]

Why isn't "both" an option?

I wish! (Well, maybe someday)

 

[Markal]

Welcome! I have both, and I prefer the Vela. While the Studio has an extra D-type, you don't really have "good" access to it. What I mean, is you never get the middle D-type alone. While the Studio has the 2 and 4 positions like a Strat, the sound is different. Not better, not worse - just different. When I want the "Gretsch-y" sound, I grab my Vela.



I play a lot of the same music, and for a period of time used a Terada-built Duo Jet as my main guitar. Based on what you are looking for above, I'd recommend the Vela.

Interesting about the comparison between the Studio and a Strat. Most people seem to say it’s not really that close to a strat, just different as you say. That might be ok for me, as I don’t much like strats, so in part I’m thinking the Studio could be about as much strat as I want.

Do you play a tele much? If so, does the Vela overlap with a standard tele much? I have a standard tele, so that’s why I ask.

Thanks.

 

[dcm_guitar]

I don't have an S2 Studio, but have played them quite a bit. I own a Vela, and it's become a favorite. I'd recommend the Vela.

I do have an American Deluxe Tele and there is a lot of overlap in tones. Except the D style neck in the Vela is a little more clear and offers more depth in tone than the Tele neck, and the bridge pickup is a bit better at gain tones without any "ice pick" versus the Tele bridge.

 

[markd21]

Interesting about the comparison between the Studio and a Strat. Most people seem to say it’s not really that close to a strat, just different as you say. That might be ok for me, as I don’t much like strats, so in part I’m thinking the Studio could be about as much strat as I want.

Do you play a tele much? If so, does the Vela overlap with a standard tele much? I have a standard tele, so that’s why I ask.

Thanks.

I play an Esquire not a Tele. While, again, similar to a Tele my Esquire has a bit more kick in the bridge. When I grab my Vela I think of it as an Esquire meets a Gretsch. It has the "kerrang" of a Filtertron with the "twang" of my Esquire, while never getting thin and wimpy like a Tele (especially a modern Tele). I'd agree with @dcm_guitar.

What amp(s) do you use? I use Class A amps and my Vela gives me tones very similar to a lot of Mike Campbell's tones. I can set the amp clean and get GREAT country tones, too. If I switch into higher gain (think old Marshall) the Vela will crunch nicely with clarity and the "kerrang/twang" still intact. Never a harsh sound. Clarity in every switch position. Shoot, you can even pull off smoky jazz-like playing on the neck pickup with the tone control slightly rolled back. The Vela is a killer guitar.

In truth, you can't go wrong either way. I have both (like I said) and find useful tones in each. But if I could only have one, now that I have had both to compare, I could live with just the Vela.

 

[Markal]

I play an Esquire not a Tele. While, again, similar to a Tele my Esquire has a bit more kick in the bridge. When I grab my Vela I think of it as an Esquire meets a Gretsch. It has the "kerrang" of a Filtertron with the "twang" of my Esquire, while never getting thin and wimpy like a Tele (especially a modern Tele). I'd agree with @dcm_guitar.

What amp(s) do you use? I use Class A amps and my Vela gives me tones very similar to a lot of Mike Campbell's tones. I can set the amp clean and get GREAT country tones, too. If I switch into higher gain (think old Marshall) the Vela will crunch nicely with clarity and the "kerrang/twang" still intact. Never a harsh sound. Clarity in every switch position. Shoot, you can even pull off smoky jazz-like playing on the neck pickup with the tone control slightly rolled back. The Vela is a killer guitar.

In truth, you can't go wrong either way. I have both (like I said) and find useful tones in each. But if I could only have one, now that I have had both to compare, I could live with just the Vela.

Thanks. That Vela looks great with the white scratch plate.

I usually use either a Mesa Boogie Express Plus 5:50 or a Roland Blue Cube Artist, depending on the situation and whether I feel like lugging the 55-pound Mesa or not. I also have an Orange that I mostly play at home when I want that Orange thing.

 

[dogrocketp]

I’m firmly in the S2 camp if you have a Tele. If I’m playing the blues or r n’ b, I know the Studio will hit the mark. I had to fiddle with the pickups quite a bit, but it’s dialed in now with a PRS 2 channel 20 head and a 1-12 cabinet.