SE CE 24 vs. SE CE Standard questions

[prj71]

The SE CE 24 Standard is in satin with no top, while the SE CE 24 is gloss with a maple top.

1.) Other than looks and weight are there any other differences? Some research indicates that the satin is about a 1lb lighter.

2.) Is the one with the maple top better than no top for any reason?

3.) Can the tuners be swapped out with PRS locking tuners without modifications or drilling?

 

[prj71]

Nobody?

 

[dogrocketp]

There will be a difference in the way they sound, it will be subjective if it’s better or worse. The satin standard will be lighter. You can put on SE locking tuners in about 20 minutes if you can do simple guitar work.

 

[prj71]

Thanks. Other than the maple top it appears to be the same guitar?

 

[RC Mike]

The consensus about a maple top is that it has a brighter sound than mahogany alone.

There are no guarantees about weight. Maple tends to weigh more than mahogany, but individual pieces of wood are going to be different from each other. If weight matters, shop at stores that’ll post the weight of individual guitars. That’s not as common with low-end guitars as with more expensive models, so you might have to do the legwork yourself.

PRS sells SE locking tuners that are a drop-in replacement. They’re for people like me: I’m no good at doing decent locked wraps around tuning posts because I don[t change strings often enough to be proficient. Perhaps for people who often break string when playing out, too. What they don’t do is provide better tuning stability for someone who is proficient in using non-locking tuners.

 

[prj71]

Thanks for the information.

I'm looking to purchase so that's why I have the questions. Also looking at the PRS SE NF3 which appears to be an upgrade to the SE CE 24 models.

 

[RC Mike]

Thanks for the information.

I'm looking to purchase so that's why I have the questions. Also looking at the PRS SE NF3 which appears to be an upgrade to the SE CE 24 models.

Not an upgrade. A different guitar.

 

[dogrocketp]

Lose the word upgrade, and play them. There may be a guitar that simply speaks to you or feels magic. They’re PRS so they’ll be good, but different.

 

[BigD]

I have a SE CE 24 and I played a SE CE 24 Standard a good bit at a local shop before deciding on my SE CE. The best I can remember the neck feels almost exactly the same. They have the same electronics so there really isn't gonna be much difference in the sound. The body is the big difference with the Maple top and gloss finish vs a solid Mahogany body and Satin finish. I think the Maple top gets you a little closer to the SE Custom 24 than the Standard. I think the Maple top being better is more personal preference than a added value option. I'm a Les Paul guy but there are many people who prefer SGs. I think the big question is, is the Maple top and gloss finish worth $200 to you. If the SE CE 24 wasn't on sale when I got it I'm not sure I would have paid the extra $200.