wanting a Santana

[tonytester]

I am thinking of getting a Santana to add to my collection,
what should i look for , I see a few for sale santana II , and some santana III what is the difference .
prices are from 2 to 3, K. I don't know what neck carves were available, or if the components are the same . any suggestions would be greatly appreciated .

 

[Big Mike]

3s are great. Usually a bit less dough and 10” radius instead of 11.5 neck is the same as a 2.
No purfling on top

Best value imo

 

[dmatthews]

Here's some info...

https://www.ultimatesantana.com/gear-tone/paul-reed-smith-guitars/

 

[Rider1260]

Hmm good overall but there are NO chambers in a Santana , PRS Scale is normally 25" and Gibson 24.75" with the Santana being 24.5" The Santanas I have played and owned had a body thickness like a CU22 so the weights reasonable but they are not uber lightweight like the Mira. and last I don't find the Santana to be vintage sounding , the Santana pickups remind me dragon IIs to be honest
Great Guitars they are

Here's some info...

https://www.ultimatesantana.com/gear-tone/paul-reed-smith-guitars/

 

[CatStrangler]

The retro is my favorite version of the model and I see them regularly sub 8 lbs. if weight is a concern. They have the best headstock and the sexiest lines imho. All of them have the the santana neck carve and prs is doing the best fret work they have ever done these days. I would take a retro over a 1 or 2 for weight and playability and these days I tend to feel the smaller neck heel has an actual tonal benefit (ymmv), but subtle. That's a topic for another thread though.

Edit: I am not intending to be negative on the older models, but the new production ones are really spectacular.

 

[Andrew Paul]

My 2cents. Get a Retro, excellent guitars. OR...... a West St Limited, the are the BEST!

 

[Andrew Paul]

Here, a little expensive but so worth it. The pickups are not wax potted, these things scream!
2007 Paul Reed Smith PRS 1980 West St Limited
https://reverb.com/item/18219338-20...t-limited?utm_source=ios-app&utm_medium=share

 

[sergiodeblanc]

..... a West St Limited, the are the BEST!

Hell yes.

 

[bodia]

My 2cents. Get a Retro, excellent guitars. OR...... a West St Limited, the are the BEST!

West St, for the win!

 

[bodia]

Here, a little expensive but so worth it. The pickups are not wax potted, these things scream!
2007 Paul Reed Smith PRS 1980 West St Limited
https://reverb.com/item/18219338-20...t-limited?utm_source=ios-app&utm_medium=share

That one is pretty sexy!

 

[Andrew Paul]

Hell yes.

West St, for the win!

That one is pretty sexy!

Just had my Westy out after work. I still can’t get over how it screams! I haven’t had it out for a couple months that PS Santana I got from the CME.

 

[Jkater]

The Santana was the first PRS that had me GASsing real bad. Never got one, though.

 

[Andrew Paul]

The Santana was the first PRS that had me GASsing real bad. Never got one, though.

Just do it!! The Retro is awesome. Don’t forget considering the West Street LTD.

 

[shallbe]

I have a Santana II from 2003, Brazilian board, vintage yellow.

I love the scale length, and the girth of the neck. It is the best PRS neck carve, IMO.

To me the guitar is sweet and chimey. Open with nice output, but not hot or overwound sounding. They sound nothing like Dragon II pickups to me.