Should I Get an SE or S2

[BaldingMan]

I'm Looking to buy my first PRS and was just wondering if the price differences between the SE models and S2 models are really worth it

This is the SE model I was interested in getting This was the S2 model I was interested in getting
V (it goes for around $1200 where I live) V V (it goes for around $3000) V

Obviously I know the build quality and electronics will be better but is there really that much more that justifies almost double the price.
I play some gigs every now and then but I'm hoping to play more if that helps
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!

 

[88prs]

I'm not knocking either, after all they are PRS.... Me, I would get a used Core for the same or less than an S2. Seems new prices just keep climbing, where I've seen very excellent used Cores for $2,500.

For instance:

SC-245 '07

Dark Cherry Sunburst, Carved figured Maple top on a Mahogany body, Wide/Fat carved Mahogany neck, 10” radius Rosewood fingerboard with the Bird inlays, 24.5” scale length, 1 11/16th” nut width, PRS 245 bridge and neck pickups, 3-way toggle switching with the volume and tone controls for each...

www.davesguitar.com

Great store also.

 

[direwolf08]

What @88prs said

 

[Broseph]

It all depends on what version of the s2: if it has the USA core electronics then it may be worth it. Some are popping up used already which is an incredible deal for core electronics.

If it’s the older s2? It’s a toss up. Comes down to preference to justify 2x the cost. I still believe most s2 are better than se, but it’s not always the case!

 

[bodia]

S2 all day. Build quality is that much better, IMO

 

[Birdsofprey]

S2

 

[Mozzi]

I'm Looking to buy my first PRS and was just wondering if the price differences between the SE models and S2 models are really worth it

This is the SE model I was interested in getting This was the S2 model I was interested in getting
V (it goes for around $1200 where I live) V V (it goes for around $3000) V

Obviously I know the build quality and electronics will be better but is there really that much more that justifies almost double the price.
I play some gigs every now and then but I'm hoping to play more if that helps
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!

This is one of those age old questions and the answer is that it will depend on YOU!!

I could argue all day that the S2 is 'worth' paying more for and even a Core is worth saving up for if you can't afford it 'now' - but you may well feel the SE offers the 'best' Bang for Buck, is more than 'good enough' for you/your needs and any perceivable differences are 'negligible' and/or not worth paying 'more' for.

I can't tell you that you'll feel the S2 is worth spending 'double' on it to you when it essentially does the same job, has the same notes and generally speaking, the same guitar/model but you may 'value' the different style Construction (Solid Woods - no multi-piece bodies and veneers, made in US and/or Nitro finish for example) enough that the SE is a Compromise too far to release that 'cheap'.

No can really answer that question for you - some will be more than happy with an SE - its cheap enough they don't worry about dings etc, can change the Pups/hardware for 'less' money than the difference to S2 and more than good enough to own multiple models (Cu24, 594 and Silver Sky) for the price of a Silver Sky or 594 S2.

At the end of the day, its much more important that you are 'happy' and that whatever guitar (regardless of Cost, Brand etc) makes you want to pick up and play. An SE is still a 'great' guitar but whether you'd be happier with an S2 or not, only you can answer...

 

[aphantomvaper]

Dip your feet in the water with an SE, then you'll catch the bug. You'll start looking at S2 and Core and wonder. At some point one will catch your eye and you'll buy it, and that will calm you for a while. Then you'll start wondering, and the next one will come, and the next.

It could take years (two for me). I've had all levels, some are fantastic, some are good. You'll have to swim to find the water and stroke that works best.

The SE will cost less for your first foray, if money is concerned. The rest will come! I'm currently on a 2012 Stripped 58 jag. I found a few, and the hunt is almost (almost!) more fun than the score. Ill be sure to post when that happens

Good luck!

 

[Jimmy]

S2 for me as well. Ergonomically, I can feel the difference and it matters enough to me. If possible, find a store somewhere, anywhere, that has similar models to try them out beforehand. The "buy to try" approach is a much more expensive way to go about it, especially if you are going new.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

S2 over SE any day of the week. Twice on Tuesdays.

But for the price of an S2 just hunt around reverb for a decent core.

 

[spawnofthesith]

S2 easily


Also, used S2s are probably the best value used instruments on the market. I can't believe the sheer number of S2 594s out there in the $1k-1200 range. I've even seen a decent few under $1k which is just wild to me

 

[RC Mike]

Mozzi is right in that only you can determine what something is worth to you. You know your circumstances and preferences best. If you’re not sure, try things until you’re ready to commit.

 

[aamefford]

I went from an SE CU22 to an S2 Studio (essentially an S2 Standard, but 3 pickups). I like the S2 better. Ergonomics are nicer, it’s more comfortable, and it has *something* over the SE. I bought a used Santana III (core level) for like 300 hundred dollars more than the new S2. It’s clearly a higher quality than either. The S2 is the most comfortable though. I’d buy an SE or S2 again in a heartbeat if it suited my needs. Same for a core, but I’d probably only buy a used core.

All of that rambling probably didn’t help a bit. Ok, if I could swing the S2 I would. If not, the SE will likely be brilliant, and I wouldn’t lose any sleep over choosing the SE. better?

 

[Stephen J.]

The SE pictured above is the 24-08. The S2 is the straight 24. Is there a reason you chose different models for the different lines?

 

[László]

Obviously I know the build quality and electronics will be better but is there really that much more that justifies almost double the price.

If made better and sounds better don't justify a higher price in a musical instrument, what does?

 

[DISTORT6]

I always get the best available at what I can afford.
That being said, S2.

 

[Tony M.]

S2

 

[Prina]

Me, I would get a used Core for the same or less than an S2. Seems new prices just keep climbing, where I've seen very excellent used Cores for $2,500.

If made better and sounds better don't justify a higher price in a musical instrument, what does?

+1 on both of these. S2's are better and used is significantly cheaper.

SE's hold their own though and can be great guitars. Best to try some out

 

[Prina]

I'm currently on a 2012 Stripped 58 jag. I found a few, and the hunt is almost (almost!) more fun than the score.

Enjoy the hunt and consider the 2011's too. Awesome guitars.

 

[Abe]

Better is better, but with SE being a taste of what PRS has to offer and good enough to make you want higher end ones later, it's not a terrible choice. I'm happy with mine and PRS will likely be getting a larger purchase from me in the future. Really smart what PRS did there: To make the SE's good enough to please and to not bring shame to the name PRS. If I was PRS I'd do the same.. quality control all around letting good guitars be had in all price ranges. I would not want my low tier guitars to be turds that made me look bad.