I ordered my Angelus Custom SE from GC but it never arrived and as it turns out (after a month!) they didn't actually have one? Fine.
I next ordered one on amazon from Gear Hero HQ in FL and it arrived ahead of schedule! And it is a BEAUTY! Looks and sounds fantastic and has no defects.
I also own the 2000 PRS Custom 22 seen in my signature photo and what shocked me (because I read all of the reviews) is how similar these two are?
The neck carve is virtually identical, as is the string spacing and even the setup (which I tweaked to make the same).
When I did the setup, I restrung it with Martin Acoustic FX Flexible Core, silk and phosphor .011 - .047 strings. They feel much closer to the PRS 9 set I have on my Custom 22.
The guitar is light compared to my Custom 22. Also, the case is built well enough to survive a small nuclear blast (kidding).
So far, the only thing I miss is information about the Angelus electronics? I've found nothing about it, anywhere? It's not that it is rocket science but I'd appreciate some technical information and instruction about it? Paul mentions that the sliders are not EQ but does this mean that they are curve or square wave adjustments? It matters for recording. There is a bypass button but it isn't clear what is being bypassed. So, for the present, I'm playing it acoustically and recording it using a pencil CAD CM217 Condenser Mic. If anyone has info about the Angelus electronics that they'd like to share, it would be much appreciated.
The acoustic sound from the guitar is fantastic! Unusually even toned across the entire range of the guitar and it is very touch responsive with a wonderful dynamic range and sustain. I think the rosewood is a big part of all of this? It actually sounds like my 1950's Spanish nylon string guitar which is also made with rosewood back and sides. I think the rosewood is what makes it project so well? It's all alchemy but it does exceed my expectations for an $859 acoustic guitar? Had I played it blindfolded I'd have pegged it at more like three to four grand?
My one complaint is the finish on the neck. Whatever it is, my left hand sticks to it just enough to make it annoying. I plan to take some 1200 grit sandpaper to it and see if I can rough it up to a 'satin' finish? But this is minor and perhaps I am too particular?
I really disagree with pretty much every negative comment I've read about this guitar. It's a real shame that they've discontinued it? I'm glad that I was able to get one, for myself!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32802430@N08/16735295861