I think these guitars are KILLER for the money... plus they are a great platform for upgrades ;-)
Interesting topic.
I've never heard from Paul why they eliminated the CE from their lineup. But I've definitely heard a lot of conjecture about it.
For me, it was my favorite PRS until I got a Modern Eagle. I personally like a satin maple neck. The rock maple used in my CE's neck feels and plays perfectly. Combined with the hog/maple body, it's a thing of sonic beauty. I tried over and over to love a Custom but just couldn't abide the mahogany neck (always painted/varnished). I need the feel of wood/satin finish which I get from the CE (and rosewood necked ME).
Maybe it cut across their bottom line but I don't quite see how. They're different animals. Bolt-on/rock maple, versus set/mahogany necks. Other than that the pups & electronics were all identical. My feeling is it's a sad thing they don't offer a CE model. For players that prefer that wood/construction it's a lost market. I'd love to see a CE resurgence with the Pattern neck. I've grown to love that profile, when I didn't think I ever would -- it's my favorite...
But I can see where a company might want to make a branding/image decision like, "We're a set-neck guitar maker" and then stick to it...
EDIT: It's great to see maple being used for the neck of the new Floyd Custom...
I've been following this thread with great interest as I have the same questions as the person that started this thread. There seems to be plenty of support for picking up an older model rather than selecting the new S2. Are there any youtube posts comparing the S2 with older PRS guitars?
I think that every year Paul works very hard to keep improving his great guitars. Is it possible that the S2s are better guitars than some of the older models? Mark Lucas of NStuff has an S2 Mira as one of his guitars and his enjoyment of it comes across in his demo - check out his comments around 9:20 - end and see his genuine appreciation of the guitar "http://youtu.be/W0V6IbtHqG0" . Even CantankerousCarl, whose posts I thoroughly enjoy reading, has an S2 Mira and he posted a wonderful review.
From what I have seen online, even guitars that are 20 years old are still selling for more than the S2s. Is there really that much difference in quality?
Very different guitars to start with.S2s are setnecks and CEs are bolt-ons or bolt-ins as Ed Roman calls it.S2s to me looks korean PRSs built in USA with Korean parts.CEs had all the same parts as the original customs.Looked the same but with a bolt-on neck.Personally i would love to buy skeletons of both models and put together projectguitars with other pickups etc etc.Im convinced a CE model comeback would be a much better product than the S2 line of guitars.
Of course, I wouldn't trade it for a CU period -- would hate to lose that neck!
IMHO CEs are a great guitar and S2s are really nice some like the Vela and Starla are something not available in the core line.
Get the best guitar you can new or used.
Don't be afraid of used Core PRSi all the preloved PRS I have have been excellent and most PRS players take really good care of there stuff.
Happy Hunting
Yes, most people do take care of their PRS guitars..........however, two of my CEs have screw holes from midi pickups. Who does that to a PRS?????