To buy a core DGT or a SE DGT?

[stewartc76]

True. Just didn't feel like telling the story again, lol.

What mods did you make?

 

[markd21]

Mannmade brass trem, PRS SE locking tuners, hybrid hardware, PRS plastics, custom wiring.

The wiring is:

VOL 1 = NECK
VOL 2 = BRIDGE
TONE

The volumes are individual push/pull for splits. I kept the stock pickups because they are awesome. Usually I swap them out for 57/08s or the 58/15LTs.

 

[markd21]

Yes but it's also about the looks and how you feel when playing it.

To a point, unless you hate the tone. Mine was a custom color Artist Package with a quilt top and a Brazilian fretboard. It had a VERY annoying "ping" in the high ebd that I couldn't deal with.

The SE sounds more balanced than the ultra expensive one that I had prior.

Different kicks, right?

In the end, for me, it's about the sound. My guitars no longer leave the house for gigs. When I did gig, it was ALL Core guitars. But, I sort of lost my taste after the ME-V.

Long story there. I'll just say that I have about $1300 into the SE and it smokes every Core I've recently played (BTW - not too many since I'm not really into PRS anymore).

 

[watelessness]

if you can afford core then go core. if not, embrace what you can afford. either way, play the snot out of it

 

[GSVBagpuss]

I’m in the same position, but looking at Silver Skys (and I’m also UK based )

For me, I’ve never really loved Strats so am leaning more towards an SE model to give with a go. But every core model I’ve ever played has been exceptional. I don’t need another humbucker guitar but the SE DGT looks awesome, especially after the Superdanger Studios review (who’s is a very underrated vlogger!)

 

[stewartc76]

I’m in the same position, but looking at Silver Skys (and I’m also UK based )

For me, I’ve never really loved Strats so am leaning more towards an SE model to give with a go. But every core model I’ve ever played has been exceptional. I don’t need another humbucker guitar but the SE DGT looks awesome, especially after the Superdanger Studios review (who’s is a very underrated vlogger!)

I’ve owned an SE Silver Sky and currently own a core silver sky. Both are exceptional however the pickups sound better in the core. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either.

 

[GSVBagpuss]

Is it wrong that the outline birds on the maple neck Core are weighing heavily in my calculus?!

I think I’ll start with a SE and can always add a Core later and use the SE as a upgrade vehicle

 

[stewartc76]

Is it wrong that the outline birds on the maple neck Core are weighing heavily in my calculus?!

I think I’ll start with a SE and can always add a Core later and use the SE as a upgrade vehicle

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The neck on the SE is amazing.

 

[stewartc76]

I should mention I have a McCarty 594 core and a core silver sky. I’m not a big user of the tremolo so this might make buying the core dgt a bit excessive.

 

[Monahan]

I should mention I have a McCarty 594 core and a core silver sky. I’m not a big user of the tremolo so this might make buying the core dgt a bit excessive.

First, welcome to the group!

Since you already have a McCarty and aren't a big tremolo user, I don't think you're gaining much by adding the DGT... maybe a slight difference in feel due to the 25" scale length. Pickups shouldn't be a huge difference compared with the 594-- I can barely tell the difference with my DGT.

What is your goal with the new guitar? If it's simply to add to a collection, you probably wouldn't have posted the question here. Perhaps consider looking at a model that clearly gives you different tone/feel than that of what you currently own...

Shortly after our local shop received their shipment of SE DGTs (the gold top has been there nearly a year now), I compared one to my core version. The SE is quite nice, but it just feels cheap to me. As a first guitar it would be wonderful.

Often when scrolling through Reverb, I end up drooling over SE models like Paul's guitar, Silver Sky, and most recently the new NF3. Before reaching for my wallet I stop and ask, "would I actually spend time on that while I have a Core DGT-- and a US CE24-- within reach?" The answer is always no. Not because there's anything wrong/bad with the SE line-- again, fantastic guitars for what they are. But again, which would I rather spend time with. Put another way, if I had a Gibson Custom Shop 335 (assuming it's a good one ), a Chinese Epiphone 335 would have little appeal.

Anyway, that's just me.

Hope you find something you truly enjoy for years to come!

P.S. The one model that I would absolutely buy is a new satin-finished Vela with the USA pickups-- that would be a worthy companion during my remaining years

 

[stewartc76]

First, welcome to the group!

Since you already have a McCarty and aren't a big tremolo user, I don't think you're gaining much by adding the DGT... maybe a slight difference in feel due to the 25" scale length. Pickups shouldn't be a huge difference compared with the 594-- I can barely tell the difference with my DGT.

What is your goal with the new guitar? If it's simply to add to a collection, you probably wouldn't have posted the question here. Perhaps consider looking at a model that clearly gives you different tone/feel than that of what you currently own...

Shortly after our local shop received their shipment of SE DGTs (the gold top has been there nearly a year now), I compared one to my core version. The SE is quite nice, but it just feels cheap to me. As a first guitar it would be wonderful.

Often when scrolling through Reverb, I end up drooling over SE models like Paul's guitar, Silver Sky, and most recently the new NF3. Before reaching for my wallet I stop and ask, "would I actually spend time on that while I have a Core DGT-- and a US CE24-- within reach?" The answer is always no. Not because there's anything wrong/bad with the SE line-- again, fantastic guitars for what they are. But again, which would I rather spend time with. Put another way, if I had a Gibson Custom Shop 335 (assuming it's a good one ), a Chinese Epiphone 335 would have little appeal.

Anyway, that's just me.

Hope you find something you truly enjoy for years to come!

P.S. The one model that I would absolutely buy is a new satin-finished Vela with the USA pickups-- that would be a worthy companion during my remaining years

Thank you for this reply. It just hits the nail on the head for me.

 

[Black Dog]

I purchased a SE DGT tobacco burst in February. It plays and sounds great. I don't need to spend all that money on a core model. It's the person who plays the guitar who makes it sound good not the guitar.

 

[Monahan]

I purchased a SE DGT tobacco burst in February. It plays and sounds great. I don't need to spend all that money on a core model. It's the person who plays the guitar who makes it sound good not the guitar.

Congrats! Those are sharp looking guitars

Personally, I've decided to have a small collection (i.e. 2) of nice guitars rather than having a bunch of okay guitars as had been my pattern in the past. That's what brought me to the Core line. I wanted a guitar that I didn't have to change a thing on, that would last a lifetime.

It's true I can get to the market and back in a 1970 Ford F-100 3-on-the-tree, but getting there in a new Honda Ridgeline with an automatic and AC is just a little more enjoyable these days.

 

[IRG]

I don’t think it’s crazy mixing and matching Cores to SE models. Sorta similar, I have a Gibson LP Classic and a IBG Epi LP Custom. Both are really good, a little more pickup flexibility with the Gibson, and the nitro finish. But the Epi is nearly as playable and good sounding.

I have the DGT SE, and a SS SE, really like both, a lot. My DGT might be my best guitar, at half or maybe 1/3 the cost. Maybe I got lucky. Do I wonder if I got a Core it would be so much better, as in $3500+ more better? I don’t really, I’ve had a good Core and a few S2 and a CE before, and this particular SE holds its own. And I’ve realized no matter how much I spend, I still kinda sound like me and frankly I’m just not good enough to keep spending more $ for the same outcomes.

 

[Scooterjohn]

True. Just didn't feel like telling the story again, lol.

Where do I find the story? My DGT as it sits is not gig ready. I plan to change to the lockers at least.

 

[bodia]

Where do I find the story? My DGT as it sits is not gig ready. I plan to change to the lockers at least.

Here it is.

Big Changes On The Way...

The SE DGT has been stripped to its "core". Nothing on this guitar will be left stock except the pickups. I actually REALLY dig the stock pickups. Even @garrett thought the SE pickups sounded good on this guitar. Garrett is going to do the wiring harness for me. There was a lot of...

forums.prsguitars.com

 

[frankencat]

First, welcome to the group!

Since you already have a McCarty and aren't a big tremolo user, I don't think you're gaining much by adding the DGT... maybe a slight difference in feel due to the 25" scale length. Pickups shouldn't be a huge difference compared with the 594-- I can barely tell the difference with my DGT.

What is your goal with the new guitar? If it's simply to add to a collection, you probably wouldn't have posted the question here. Perhaps consider looking at a model that clearly gives you different tone/feel than that of what you currently own...

Shortly after our local shop received their shipment of SE DGTs (the gold top has been there nearly a year now), I compared one to my core version. The SE is quite nice, but it just feels cheap to me. As a first guitar it would be wonderful.

Often when scrolling through Reverb, I end up drooling over SE models like Paul's guitar, Silver Sky, and most recently the new NF3. Before reaching for my wallet I stop and ask, "would I actually spend time on that while I have a Core DGT-- and a US CE24-- within reach?" The answer is always no. Not because there's anything wrong/bad with the SE line-- again, fantastic guitars for what they are. But again, which would I rather spend time with. Put another way, if I had a Gibson Custom Shop 335 (assuming it's a good one ), a Chinese Epiphone 335 would have little appeal.

Anyway, that's just me.

Hope you find something you truly enjoy for years to come!

P.S. The one model that I would absolutely buy is a new satin-finished Vela with the USA pickups-- that would be a worthy companion during my remaining years

Maybe. I am in the same boat with guitars from both ranges. The one that really blows my skirt up is my modded out SE Silver Sky. It just does everything I like in a Strat and sounds great as well. I am currently running an EMG Gilmour setup and it simply kills! I have an opportunity to buy a very nice Core Silver Sky this week for a very nice price and I am on the fence because I don't know if I will like it as much as my SE. now ain't that a kick in the head?

 

[Scooterjohn]

Here it is.

Big Changes On The Way...

The SE DGT has been stripped to its "core". Nothing on this guitar will be left stock except the pickups. I actually REALLY dig the stock pickups. Even @garrett thought the SE pickups sounded good on this guitar. Garrett is going to do the wiring harness for me. There was a lot of...

forums.prsguitars.com

Thanks. I'd already done the search though. My problem is tuning stability with this particular guitar. I had an expensive set up done that needs to be re-done. It already has some ghost notes, overtones and buzzes that point to the the neck relief having changed. Maybe they did a crappy job on the restring post winding too, I don't know. I intend to change to the locking tuners to remove at least one point of potential trouble (faster restrings too). I'm having a first time meet-and-play with a new band tomorrow, and I really wanted to bring this guitar, as I like the 80/20 split sound the DGT has, and can get a spankier tone for a couple of the songs.

Unfortunately, my other guitar that coil splits had a push/push pot malfunction, and it's stuck in split mode on the bridge pup. No bueno.
I actually would like to wire that guitar like the DGT with it's more beefy 80/20 split, as I found the volume drop of just using one coil was too much. It's a single volume and tone guitar, and wouldn't be able to get all the nuances when blending both pups...but it still would benefit from the much more usable split sound.

 

[Oscar]

Choices like these can be made rationally. Or emotionally. If money is no object then you can choose emotionally and just follow your heart. If you can afford the core but it would hurt, then it comes down to whether you want to be paying three times more money to get one third more guitar (for me, that one third makes all the difference and is totally worth it - but your mileage may vary). If a core would not be a responsible purchase financially then there’s no point to even consider it.

PS Buying a used core is a pretty safe bet; it might take a while to find one but you can always sell it and get almost all, or all, or even more than all of your money back. Buying new means losing money if you decide to sell (unless you buy a new guitar that turns out to become collectible, wouldn’t bet on that happening). I got my core used and mint and couldn’t be happier.

 

[TheX]

Nothing *wrong* with the SE, but...

Get the Core if you can.