Should I buy a PRS SE Custom 24? Any advice?

[davidrf]

Hi there! I'm new here Nice to meet you.

I'm really thinking about buying a PRS SE Custom 24 in tobacco sunburst, but I've never owned a PRS or a Paul Reed Smith and I'm not sure yet if it's the best choice for me. Let me explain.

I resumed playing guitar a few months ago after 3 years of hiatus due to several factors. I have a Fender Stratocaster Billy Corgan Signature that is a brutal beast with hardtail and 3 DiMarzio humbuckers. I also have a Fender Telecaster standard that I recently bought because the Billy Corgan is still in mint conditions and it's becoming quite rare, so I'm thinking about selling it (I can do it at a very good price for me) and I needed a "go to" guitar to use everyday.

I really like the Telecaster and I got a great deal for a very good sounding guitar, but I found out it's just a very different beast from what I need it to be. Right now I mostly play high-gain stuff: some beginner blues, classic rock, punk-rock, grunge and even a bit of metal. The Telecaster is very versatile but it's just not made for those genres, and I always find myself wanting a fuller tone.

In other words, I'd like a great guitar that plays great and it's as versatile as it can be, but very well-versed for those genre of music I like to play. Also, I can't seem to find which kind of frets does the SE Custom 24 have. I like medium jumbos the most, but I can still manage with jumbos. Not bigger than those! I had a LTD EC-1000 with Extra Jumbo frets and I absolutely hated them!

I put beforehand that I probably will not be able to try the guitar before buying it. So, do you think the SE Custom 24 is the guitar I'm looking for?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Should I buy a PRS SE Custom 24?
Yes.
Any advice?
Do it.

 

[RGM]

An SE Custom 24 is a very good gate into the PRS camp. It's versatile and can also play heavy. It's a double cut with a tremolo which is what you had in the Stratocaster. You can play using the humbuckers or split 'em and go single coil. It looks great, feels great, and sounds great, and it's a great value for the money.

 

[fender1punk]

Goes to show how long it's been since I visited the PRS website. I didn't know the SE Custom 24 has a push/pull tone control. My 2011 Custom 24 doesn't. I don't go because I don't want to torture myself any worse than I do by looking at all the cool gear everyone else has. I have little to no self control, so I try to avoid serious temptation. Now I want to check out the SE's again.

 

[dogrocketp]

I agree with RGM. Make sure you have the push pull on the tone control. All the newer ones have it. This model is a good gateway drug. Don`t worry about the fret wire, it`s perfect for all genres of music. If you like mahogany, consider the S2 Standard 24. Several forum members are cuckoo for coco puffs over them. The guitar supposedly vibrates like mad with the thin finish. I`d try one, but I know what`s going to happen if I do.

 

[bodia]

I say go for it. Some great advice already mentioned above.

 

[Johnny]

I would definitely consider a used S2 version as well.

I don't know what your budget is but the difference might not be too far off from a brand new SE CU24 vs used S2 CU24... especially the satin S2 standard 24s, theyr'e such great value.

 

[davidrf]

The S2 Standard 24 would be great, but I live in Italy and as far as I can tell, it's almost impossible to find that guitar here. I found several S2 Custom 24, but they are way beyond my budget, even used!

 

[Alan Manning]

Do it. You won't be disappointed!!! honest.

 

[davidrf]

Now I'm literally fascinated by the S2 Standard... I've never noticed that guitar before... My God it's beautiful! Damn.

 

[Kazz]

My first PRS (which I still have) is an SE Custom 24, and it's definitely a good, versatile choice. If you really want an S2 or Core instrument then I'd wait and save, but if you think you'll be happy with an SE then I'd go for it. You could also consider other SEs though, such as the new Holcomb SE if you like a longer scale length.

One thing that may or may not be easy to adjust to for you is the neck. It is probably wider than what you've had (PRS necks are wider than the Fenders I've tried, but for me that was a good thing!) and the "Wide Thin" neck carve on the SE Custom 24 is also probably thinner than what you're used to. A lot of people say this helps them play faster, but not everyone likes it. It will help if you can try it out first, or at least set up a deal where you can return it if it isn't the right one for you.

If that's not possible then I'd try to find something with a similar neck and test that a little to see if you think you'll be able to make the adjustment. I think most people can if they want to, but I've never been very happy with Fender neck widths, and I'm sure some people feel the same about PRS.

If you don't love the sound you can always replace the pickups and/or your amp, so I think getting the feel and features you want is most important.