tell me about the 408

[BlueSky]

I'm in the market for my first PRS guitar. It's been mainly Gibsons and Fenders so far and now I've set my eyes on the 408 with the tremolo arm. I've never played one, as they're not available in stores in my area. The nearest store that stocks PRS guitars means a 300-mile return trip. I will go there eventually but would like to get as much info as possible beforehand. Obviously I know about the switching/splitting system and all that but would love to hear more personal feedback. Tone and feel of the guitar and, most importantly, the difference in neck sizes. Difference in "Pattern Thin Neck Carve" and "Pattern Neck Carve"? Is the latter the same as "Pattern Regular"?

 

[CoreyT]

I have a 2013 408 MT with the pattern thin neck.
Not as thin as my 2012 SE Tremonti Custom which has a wide/thin neck.

I like the 408 very much, and it never goes out of tune hardly.
Just a beautiful crafted instrument all the way around.

The 408 pickups are perfectly capable of high gain too for metal or heavy gain/distortion, and clean up nicely by rolling off the volume knob.

Third from the left

 

[Whitecat]

Pattern Regular is not the same as Pattern.

In terms of the 'old' neck carves, Pattern is derived from Wide/Fat (but not identical), Patter Regular from the 'Regular' or 'Standard' carve. Pattern Thin is the evolution of Wide/Thin.

If I had to compare them to other brands most traditional carves, I would say the Pattern Regular is more of a Fender vibe, the Pattern more of a Gibson vibe, but I realise that comparison is fraught with peril - it's just a generalisation based on what people expect from classic examples of those brands.

I like both. Pattern Thin is my least favourite, actually, but I can switch between P/R and P without too much difficulty at all.

 

[BlueSky]

Thanks for clearing that up, Whitecat.

 

[BlueSky]

Corey, what a great collection. Can't wait to try out a 408.

 

[László]

408s are incredible sounding instruments, very expressive, let you do anything.

Be sure to use the volume and tone knobs in addition to the switches. All kinds of styles are possible. Best pickups ever, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[alantig]

The 408s can cover just about anything - you'll probably be able to make it work for just about anything you throw at it. Clean, crunchy, downright dirty - it handles it all. Tone-wise, there's a lot of note definition - it'll throw what you play back at you.

Neck size is so hard to describe if you don't have a frame of reference. Even at that, it's more useful as a guideline because two necks with the same carve designation can differ enough to be noticeable.

 

[toothace]

The 408 just might be their most versatile guitar...

 

[Rider1260]

LOVE my 408 it is a standard with a IRW pattern neck , just a dream to play and a tone for most any mood

 

[Therinx]

That's my dream guitar. If i can only ever afford one $2,000+ guitar, the 408 is the one i'll get.

 

[BlueSky]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I'll play one in a couple of days, so we'll see. They're available in a great colour range, I see. Any favourites apart from those on the posted pics?

 

[RedGuitars]

Some (me) prefer the 3 way toggle of the Siggy Ltd to the slider on the 408.

 

[alantig]

That's my dream guitar. If i can only ever afford one $2,000+ guitar, the 408 is the one i'll get.

408 Standard Rosie is a dream!

 

[BlueSky]

I wondered about that. I'd prefer the toggle switch too. Is that an available option?

 

[bluefade]

I wondered about that. I'd prefer the toggle switch too. Is that an available option?

Yes...Costs more money...available at WILLCUTS.com or WILD WEST GUITARS.com...Look for Sig. Lim.

 

[Todd_FindingMyWay]

That's my dream guitar. If i can only ever afford one $2,000+ guitar, the 408 is the one i'll get.

I'm in the same boat....Its not a matter of 'if'....just WHEN

 

[megaboogie]

At first I was having a hard time adjusting to the 408's layout(I was used to CU22's 2 knobs+toggle), now I am very comfortable with it. They are all great, if you are coming from gibson/fender and this is your 1st PRS, make sure you play it first.

 

[BlueSky]

Are they dramatically different to Gibson/Fender? Tone-wise or playability? I'll try one out in a week or two.