Teetering on the brink - SE Hollowbody II Content

aamefford

aamefford

I want… Something?
Joined
Nov 17, 2021
Messages
1,197
So… I Have an SE Hollowbody II in my cart, along with a set of locking tuners. Reasons:
1) It’s light
2) fixed bridge
3) I think it will be nice(er) to play acoustically
4) It’s a pretty killer price

Questions:
1) Should I just hold out for a used core, though at $3k or more, it’s at least twice what I want to spend.
2) I really kinda wanted a 24.5 ish scale, but the half inch shouldn’t bother my left hand much. My Santana vs my S2 studio I notice 24 frets and half a baseball bat neck more.
3) will I regret not getting piezo pickups? Price difference is at least 40%.
4) 58/15 “S” pickups?

Any other comments? It’s pretty likely I won’t do anything, but you never know.
 
It is light. They vary a bit but mine is right at 6 lbs. I believe you may see some on Sweetwater where different specimens have weights specified as a couple few ounces more or less.

I like the fixed bridge as it does everything I need for it to do.

It's nice to practice on unplugged.

The price is alright. I paid the same amount for a Gibson in 1996 which was more back then with inflation in mind. I like this PRS more though.

I don't think you'll be let down by it. A more pricey Core can be acquired later.

The scale seems right for this guitar. A little longer than the Gibson I owned and a little shorter than my brother's Fenders I've played. I've never owned a guitar with 24 frets.

The piezo is an option that one may or may not want or need. I wasn't looking to replace acoustic guitar sound via an electric so I have the non-piezo version of the SE HB II. My nice Taylor is for the acoustic sound.

The 58/15 “S” pickups are alright for me and I improved them some with tweaking of the heights and EQ and Amp settings.


Depends what you want to do really. I like my SE now and I'd like a Core later. In due time.
 
As I Have Always Said In The Past...Hold Out For The Good Stuff That You Really Want. Compromise Is Costly In The Overall Scheme Of Things. Buy Right, Buy Once.

The Acoustic Sound On The Kemper Is A Great Suggestion By The Way.

Go Private Stock And Be Done With It. I Know...That Is Expensive. How About Finding An Amazing Used Core? See What I Did There And How Much Money I Saved You? ;)
 
I can’t say enough good things about my SE HB. The build quality is excellent without a flaw to be found. I replaced the tuners with lockers (just for convenience) and the wide-fat neck is very comfortable. The 58/15s pickups complement this guitar nicely and I’ve had great sounds with both round-wound and flat-wound strings. The Piezo is fun but unless you have a specific need, I’d suggest you save a few bucks. As I said, this is one impressive guitar and equally amazing clean or through a Big Muff. Highly recommended!!
 
Man, my SE HB II is an absolute beast of a guitar - I say go for it. I was even doing a pickup comparison vs my 1997 CU 22 with Wolfetones, and while yeah, the core with Wolfetones does sound better, it's not by enough to consider replacing the 58/15 S pickups - they sound mighty fine and hold their own, and the guitar plays great.
 
DO IT!!!

I've only managed to get a few minutes with mine, due to it being a gift for an upcoming Birthday, and it's a fabulous guitar.

I did go with the piezo, but I'm not sure I'll use that so much, it was more to have the nicer inlays :D
 
I own a Core HB Piezo, an SE HB Piezo and an SE HB (no Piezo). I love them all! Great quality, great sounds - I'm very happy with the import pickups in the SE's, and have never even thought about replacing them. And truth be told, the two SE's get at least as much playing time as the Core.

As for Piezo or no, that's really up to your needs - are you playing out and want to have acoustic-ish sounds without bringing a 2nd guitar? Even though I have 2 with them, I rarely actually use the Piezo. I'm just playing at home, and have acoustic guitars when I want acoustic sounds. YMMV

Finally you asked if it's worth saving and waiting for a Core. Can you see and play the SE in person? We've all seen tales of QC issues on some SE's, but in my personal experience my SE's have all been top-notch. And yes, my Core does have subtle differences, but the price difference is quite significant. If you're happy with the SE, I wouldn't hesitate to grab it
 
aamefford said:
Questions:
1) Should I just hold out for a used core, though at $3k or more, it’s at least twice what I want to spend.
2) I really kinda wanted a 24.5 ish scale, but the half inch shouldn’t bother my left hand much. My Santana vs my S2 studio I notice 24 frets and half a baseball bat neck more.
3) will I regret not getting piezo pickups? Price difference is at least 40%.
4) 58/15 “S” pickups?

Any other comments? It’s pretty likely I won’t do anything, but you never know.
Click to expand...

1 - A core USA PRS HB is an instrument on a whole other level than any SE, play one and you'll see. It depends on how long you plan to "hold out", how fast you need an HB guitar, and if you're in the market for the best reasonably priced HB on the market or the best HB you can get.

2 - The W/F baseball bat neck of my SE HB is the main thing that relegates it to being my workhorse gig axe and least played of my 3 HB's. Scale less of an issue to me. YMMV

3 - To me Piezo is worthless, if you need a barely passable fake acoustic sound for gigs it kinda works, but you're better off having an acoustic handy.

4 - The stock pups in an SE HB are OK-ish to me, versatile enough to rock, but slightly unmanageable for Jazz & clean tones.


But as I always say about guitar indecision, get both in your hands, feel and hear them, and that will make your decision for you.
 
Lots of great help, and the variety of opinions I expected. I’m an old guy, newish player. I don’t *need* a Hollowbody at all, but I’m thinking I might like one. Sweetwater has a deal on the 2023 non piezo SE HB II’s. I’m still undecided. Piezo sounds like a don’t need for me. Especially after hearing what the Kemper can do. There’s also a 2020 SE HB Standard locally. Choices are leading me to a lack of decision, lol.
 
I think the first two points you mentioned are really important.

1. It is double what you want to spend. That is a lot. What may be more important is, is it double what you can comfortably spend? If yes, then it would be a hard no for me. Don’t get yourself into financial trouble for a guitar, it won’t be worth it. If no, then I would still say don’t spend more than you want to, but at least you wouldn’t be putting yourself in a bad spot to get it.

2. You want a different scale length. Just because it is a good price is not a reason to ignore something you really want. It will always hang over your head. I have always found it better to wait (even though, as Tom says, it’s the hardest part) than to get something I don’t want just because I can get it now.

This is not a fun answer, but I think these are things to consider.

Good luck!
 
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