Which current core model sounds closest to SE SAS

[Jo-]

I absolutely love how my SE SAS sounds, but you know… a core feels so much nicer.

Is there any current core model that comes close to the SAS?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Why would you not just buy a used SAS?

 

[Jo-]

Why would you not just buy a used SAS?

For the simple reason that I don't want to inherit 20 year old problems.

So I guess the answer is "no" then? There is nothing in the core line that is similar.

 

[Going Modal]

For what it's worth @Jo- , I've bought 20-year-old PRS guitars on the used market, and I find a majority of them to be vastly superior instruments than even the brand-new SE stuff coming from overseas.

Yes, the overseas stuff is comparatively excellent these days. But you still "get what you pay for" in the open market--whether used OR new--and I would recommend that the "best" SAS is a used one at the current moment, since there's none of them coming out of the factory's Core/Bolt-On lines.

 

[bodia]

Maybe a WL ME-V?

 

[SinSir]

It's not like its a used car. I'd take my SAS over most of what's in the lineup today.

 

[Greywolf]

my vote :: Swamp Ash body, 22 fret maple neck with maple fretboard, and 25.5” scale length https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/fiore_2024

 

[guitar_man_man_man]

From current core it has to be either special semi-hollow or ME-V, but my understanding is that the se sas comes with 85/15s and a single coil middle pickup, so the ssh and me-v humbuckers will be a little less hot (58/15LT and TCI) and the SSH comes with a narrow field humbucking middle pickup rather than a single coil.

 

[dogrocketp]

I learned many years ago that people take the best care of the most expensive thing they buy. I’ve never been disappointed with a used core, although I look very carefully. Get a Core SAS. I got mine used in excellent condition. You’re not buying a beater, dude.

 

[Jo-]

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions to get a used SAS. But my question was whether there was something in the current line up that was similar.

I have owned many PRS guitars for over 20 years and I am well aware of the value and quality of used PRSi, especially considering most of my current ones were bought used. Therefore I don’t need you talking to me like I’m an idiot dudes.

 

[dmatthews]

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions to get a used SAS. But my question was whether there was something in the current line up that was similar.

I have owned many PRS guitars for over 20 years and I am well aware of the value and quality of used PRSi, especially considering most of my current ones were bought used. Therefore I don’t need you talking to me like I’m an idiot dudes.

Maybe a Studio?

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

“Inherit 20 yr old problems” lol!!

You’re not marrying an exotic dancer with a kid.

 

[Glide-bpm]

Maybe a WL ME-V?

All effing day and night LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MEV!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Herr Squid]

Y'all should know that while Jo is not a frequent flier here, she knows what's what and goes back 3 forums if I reckon correctly. She was buying Cores since before that term was even a thing. There's one forum member here that I've known longer than Jo and he might even know who he is. So give the question some respect. It is not one from an uninformed newbie.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Getting too used to questions from Newbs. It’s a knee jerk reaction these days.

I guess “closest” would be MEV, but you lose the biggest aspect unless it’s a WL with a Swamp Ash body.

 

[Jimi D]

I absolutely love how my SE SAS sounds, but you know… a core feels so much nicer.

Is there any current core model that comes close to the SAS?

I dunno... I bought my SE SAS despite owning like 15 cores because I didn't think it was redundant in any way. It's really its own thing, imho. (just my 2¢, ymmv, etc.)

 

[Birdsofprey]

Y'all should know that while Jo is not a frequent flier here, she knows what's what and goes back 3 forums if I reckon correctly. She was buying Cores since before that term was even a thing. There's one forum member here that I've known longer than Jo and he might even know who he is. So give the question some respect. It is not one from an uninformed newbie.

The respect should be for anyone regardless of tenure. I see more disparaging comments coming from long time members than I do newbie’s and I DO understand we all can have a bad day, I get it.

 

[SinSir]

Long time or new member a comment like this is gonna get a couple innocent jabs. Let's not be so sensitive.

"For the simple reason that I don't want to inherit 20 year old problems."

 

[Bogner]

ME-V Or Take Out A Second On the House For A Private Stock Build On The New Front. I Wouldn't Dismiss A Nice Used PieceAs There Has To Be Some Out There If One Is Patient And Willing To Look.

 

[dogrocketp]

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions to get a used SAS. But my question was whether there was something in the current line up that was similar.

I have owned many PRS guitars for over 20 years and I am well aware of the value and quality of used PRSi, especially considering most of my current ones were bought used. Therefore I don’t need you talking to me like I’m an idiot dudes.

My apologies if I offended you. I find that nothing really sounds like the SE SAS to my ears, including the core SAS. I put on a core bridge, locking tuners, had the frets dressed and have at it. The core SAS is the closest, but simply doesn’t have the treble bite the SE has. The core does have a thicker more powerful sound. And the guitar that John Mann is raffling off for a very worthy charity should sound very close to the SAS.