Sell a 96' CE 22 to buy a 2014 custom S2?

[Lilkuku]

I bought a 96' CE all original in great shape. Plays great. I like it more and more every time I play it, however I am very interested in the S2 series custom. There is a brand new "blemished" S2 Custom 24 I can get at a discount. Do I sell my 96' CE and try PRS' version of the affordable USA made guitar? Do I stick with an unblemished 96' CE? Thanks

Patrick

 

[Lilkuku]

It is a 22. I think either will make me happy. Just curious if the quality is similar enough to risk buying new, or is it like giving up a 90's LP Studio for a 2013 Studio? In the 90's a Studio was the less expensive answer to owning a Gibson, but the build quality was still good as was their reputation. Today's Studios do not compare to the earlier versions because of materials and quality control, thus giving them a bad reputation.

 

[Prs2studio]

I would keep the CE hands down. Blem or no blemish your taking a step down.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

It is a 22. I think either will make me happy. Just curious if the quality is similar enough to risk buying new, or is it like giving up a 90's LP Studio for a 2013 Studio? In the 90's a Studio was the less expensive answer to owning a Gibson, but the build quality was still good as was their reputation. Today's Studios do not compare to the earlier versions because of materials and quality control, thus giving them a bad reputation.

To continue with your analogy I think I'd be more like selling your LP Classic to get a new Studio.
CE all day.

 

[Lilkuku]

I would keep the CE hands down. Blem or no blemish your taking a step down.

That is the way I was leaning too. Character has a lot to do with guitars to me and since the 96' is all original, it foots that bill. It has the Dragon I pups which I am told are popular pickups in the used-gear arena; is that correct? Are they Tim Shaw pup popular?

 

[cjmwrx]

I agree with Sergio. IMHO you would be downgrading. The CE is a considered a Core instrument, where we know what the S2 is. Even though the S2 is a great instrument.

Unless you really have GAS that bad and just have to. I would not.

 

[iounothing]

I think you should sell your CE. To me.

 

[Bluesboy998]

Keep the ce they are a classic

 

[Lilkuku]

I think you should sell your CE. To me.

Would you elaborate please? Would love the input.

 

[Lilkuku]

To continue with your analogy I think I'd be more like selling your LP Classic to get a new Studio.
CE all day.

Ok, that definitely helps. Good analogy.

 

[László]

One note is that we're not supposed to discuss retail pricing on the forum.

As to the guitar, play a few and see what floats your boat.

 

[Lilkuku]

One note is that we're not supposed to discuss retail pricing on the forum.

Sorry, it has been edited.

 

[Brad737]

Hi Patrick,

If you don't mind, I'd like to add my proverbial 2 cents. I just played an S2 Custom 24 for the first time about a half hour ago. For the money, it was a decent guitar, especially for a brand-new, American-made guitar. There was nothing that really bothered me about the guitar, but by the same token, there was nothing that really excited me either. It played well, but if I owned one, I'd replace the pickups to suit my taste. And I'd put a Mann Made trem on it. Having said all that, I think the S2 is a good value, and a lot of guitar for the money. I just didn't get the "PRS Vibe" from it. To me, it seemed like a really, really nice import.

Would I trade a CE for one? Especially one with Dragons? Not on your life!

 

[andy474x]

Hi Patrick,

If you don't mind, I'd like to admit my proverbial 2 cents. I just played an S2 Custom 24 for the first time about a half hour ago. For the money, it was a decent guitar, especially for a brand-new, American-made guitar. There was nothing that really bothered me about the guitar, but by the same token, there was nothing that really excited me either. It played well, but if I owned one, I'd replace the pickups to suit my taste. And I'd put a Mann Made trem on it. Having said all that, I think the S2 is a good value, and a lot of guitar for the money. I just didn't get the "PRS Vibe" from it. To me, it seemed like a really, really nice import.

Would I trade a CE for one? Not on your life!

I've played a few S2 Custom 24's, and as I was reading through the thread, I was thinking exactly what's above.

Good guitars, but of the S2 line, they're the only model that just doesn't turn me on. I have a flat top model SE Custom 24, and I just don't see myself even upgrading that for an S2. The other S2's are cool because they're unique models in the case of the Mira and Starla, and to a small degree the SC and you can't get the Custom 22 in SE form.

 

[FennRx]

no. Keep your CE and buy an SE Cu24. I've played several S2 Cu24s and I still prefer my SE model.

 

[Felix]

The CE is a "vintage" (if recent) and proven classic (as well as a serious tone-machine); the S2 is somewhat to my mind like an Epiphone, or a Squier... close but not quite the *real thing*. "Class distinctions" aside, the S2 line does nothing for me, at all, at all. I'd keep the CE. -Dragon I pups? Classic.

 

[Lilkuku]

Thanks for the help everybody. I appreciate all the help and the CE is staying. Besides, it is a 96' which is my daughter's B-day year.