To buy a core DGT or a SE DGT?

[Monahan]

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?

Oh, I totally get it. A wise man once said, "A good guitar, is a good guitar"

Throughout the years I've had several imports that were stellar guitars, but let them go because... honestly, I didn't know exactly what I wanted at the time, so I kept chasing ghosts. Many of those old guitars I have photos of, and when I occasionally stumble across them I kick myself for being so flaky LOL!

Also I should add, one reason I've gone down to owning just two is a desire to squeeze the most out of one instrument as my main (DGT), and really get to know it inside & out. Like any relationship, there's going to be frustrations to overcome, but there's also going to be a strong bond the more time I put into it.

Good luck with your decision on the Silver Sky!

 

[Scooterjohn]

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.

UPDATE: I brought two guitars to the meet-and-play Saturday. I started with the DGT, and I had some tuning to do, but not major (and I was doing some big bends). The guitar actually cut through quite well...the other guitarist was using a Suhr Badger amp, which had a nice tone, and blended well with what I was using.
I am still going to get the locking tuners...we'll see what that and maybe a bit of nut sauce on the moving parts does for it.

The DGT fit well enough in the SKB type case that my Bolt came in (for a stopgap)...but I'll still need a good case for the DGT.

 

[spawnofthesith]

Always get the core if you have the cash. Unless maybe you're just kinda curious about the feature set on the DGT but don't anticipate it being a guitar you might play all the time. I replaced an am pro II strat with an SE silver sky, but mostly just because I don't play strats that often but still wanted the option available


but SEs are pretty good, especially the most recent ones coming out of the SE specific cortek factory imo

 

[gush]

If you're like me.......you will ALWAYS wonder if the core would give you that tiny bit extra. You will ALWAYS wonder..........buy the core and spend your time wondering what you could have purchased with the money you would have saved had you picked the SE.


But that's ONLY if you're like me.

 

[Scooterjohn]

If you're like me.......you will ALWAYS wonder if the core would give you that tiny bit extra. You will ALWAYS wonder..........buy the core and spend your time wondering what you could have purchased with the money you would have saved had you picked the SE.


But that's ONLY if you're like me.

...or what you could have purchased with the couple extra thousand or more you would have had if you hadn't bought the core.
Just sayin'

 

[SinSir]

...or what you could have purchased with the couple extra thousand or more you would have had if you hadn't bought the core.
Just sayin'

The curse of consumerism says more replacable import goods. I'd rather save for the heirloom level that will be enjoyed for generations to come vs short term semi gratification.

 

[László]

I'd rather save for the heirloom level that will be enjoyed for generations to come vs short term semi gratification.

The only one of my heirs who cares much about guitars is my son -- he's a Fender endorser...

Best to appreciate the 'heirloom' yourself; your kids don't really want to have to deal with your old gear. Money, on the other hand, will always be welcome!

 

[SinSir]

The only one of my heirs who gives a rat's ass about guitars is my son, and he's a Fender endorser...

Oh, the irony of planning for your gear post-death!

But but but we care! Don't forget your forum family!

 

[László]

But but but we care! Don't forget your forum family!

You guys can have first crack at all of it at the estate auction, which will net my heirs about enough for a cheeseburger at Shake Shack!

 

[SinSir]

You guys can have first crack at all of it at the estate auction, which will net my heirs about enough for a cheeseburger at Shake Shack!

We'll make sure they get a shake and fries too! Least we can do

 

[sick pickle]

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.

This is such a real take. However, I WANT the core...do I need it? No. I will certainly not be a better player.

This stuff is hard on the head! haha

 

[Revelation]

I played both guitars, and the Core has a more satisfying high end feel to it that I enjoy every time I pick it up. The no interest at stores on line make it more tempting as well

 

[Greywolf]

I searched for 2 years to find the right DGT ended up with my Cherry Sunburst IRW neck for half list and it's flawless. It was worth the wait, save your pennys , put it on your watch list and pounce immidiatly when you find it ..

 

[László]

This is such a real take. However, I WANT the core...do I need it? No. I will certainly not be a better player.

This stuff is hard on the head! haha

It’s true, the guitar itself won’t make anyone better at playing, but a good one sure makes playing easier, and often more satisfying.

There’s also the question of a guitar giving you inspiration, and allowing you to express yourself in the way you most want.

Of course, that instrument may be anything, from a cigar box with a broomstick and one string, to a vintage whatever, to a custom PS.

The guitar itself matters only to the extent that it helps you get where you most want to go musically.

Whether the inspiration tool is a Core or higher - it is for me - or anything else, there’s no advice outside your own preference that matters.

It’s not about what any of us suggest. We aren’t you. So our preferences should be irrelevant.

Well, except when it comes to amps, where all must obey me and buy real tube amps or else I get my undershorts all knotted up and say snarky things.

But other than that, ignore our opinions. In fact, ignore this post.

WTF do we know?

 

[John F]

I searched for 2 years to find the right DGT ended up with my Cherry Sunburst IRW neck for half list and it's flawless. It was worth the wait, save your pennys , put it on your watch list and pounce immidiatly when you find it ..

Similar story with a 2021 Wood Library DGT. BRW fret board, one piece top in Fire Red Burst. The neck feels wonderful too. Haven’t even played it yet and won’t until I complete renovation on my master bath. The guitar room is full of tools and parts and I can’t get to my gear. Deal was too good to pass up. I intend to swap out 11s to 10s and install Shaller strap locks.

 

[László]

Similar story with a 2021 Wood Library DGT. BRW fret board, one piece top in Fire Red Burst

My WL DGT also has the BRW fretboard - I’ve had several PRS’ with BRW boards, and the results have been very consistent.

The BRW board guitars seem to have a bit more snap at the pick attack that adds to the articulation and clarity, compared to other rosewoods. The tone is also a little brighter.

I absolutely love the guitar.

 

[John F]

My WL DGT also has the BRW fretboard - I’ve had several PRS’ with BRW boards, and the results have been very consistent.

The BRW board guitars seem to have a bit more snap at the pick attack that adds to the articulation and clarity, compared to other rosewoods. The tone is also a little brighter.

I absolutely love the guitar.

I swapped over to 10s from the stock 11s and didn’t have to adjust truss rod, spring tension, or string height. Made a tiny intonation adjustment on only 2 strings. I was surprised the setup was good as-is. Plugged it into my PRS Custom 20 and the pickups sound amazing. Articulate, clear, bright and snappy as you stated. This DGT is a keeper for sure.

 

[Lkdog]

I have had about 10 core DGTs (a couple WL and BRW, etc) and three SE DGTs.
Presently have an SE DGT.
The SE DGT is an excellent guitar period, and ridiculous for the money.
Not as refined as build quality as a core but it plays and sounds great.
Get an SE DGT and save up for a nice used core.

 

[sick pickle]

I have had about 10 core DGTs (a couple WL and BRW, etc) and three SE DGTs.
Presently have an SE DGT.
The SE DGT is an excellent guitar period, and ridiculous for the money.
Not as refined as build quality as a core but it plays and sounds great.
Get and SE DGT and save up for a nice used core.

I have an SE DGT and it’s awesome. It just feels sort of plastic compared to the real core. I am considering buying a full price core this week but I’m getting sticker shock

 

[DarkskyZ]

I am a mostly a beginner level player since 1995, dropped guitar completely for over 15 years.
Got back into it about a few years ago and now look what I own and play (see my signature below). This has been a lot of buy, resell, buy, rinse and repeat before getting there because like shoes, cars and everything material, you buy what you want and like, not necessarily what is sensible for you. You do you and you keep being responsible with your money and you'll be fine.
I have to say that for me though, it is part of the overall enjoyment to have fine things and no, I still am not a good player by any stretch but with nice guitars and a top notch Fractal I enjoy every minute of playing and that is all that counts for me now. I couldn't care less about what others think and what others would have done. One thing I know is everytime I bought a lesser version of what I really wanted I ended up buying the real thing sooner or later costing me even more in the end.

Also, I agree with @sick pickle, I had a SE Hollow Body II Piezo. I sold it not because it sounded bad, it sounded allright but it felt like plastic. I just don't like the poly they use so I let it go.