Which To Buy?

[IKnowALittle]

The son of my best bud has been learning to play guitar and has been at it for three years or so and doing pretty well. He isn't a kid, going to graduate high school in June. He's a really good guy and I would like to do something nice for him for graduation, give him encouragement to keep at it, so I'm going to buy him a guitar as a grad present.
Now, the dilemma. Do I get him a PRS SE Custom 24 FR or a Schecter Hellraiser C1 FR. They are quite different with the Schecter having EMG pickups, different scale length etc., etc.,
I'm trying not to let my preferences dictate my choice 'cause then it would be a no-brainer. He sill has a way to go but appears to be tending towards the heavier, more modern sound (which is to be expected at his age). I haven't played either, so hoping for some advice.
Thx.

 

[rugerpc]

Does the boy have a preference?

I recommend you give the boy a chance to choose by taking him to the store and letting him play both. He's the one who will be playing and hopefully treasuring the instrument for a long time.

You can always get the sales clerk to remove the price tags, hey, that's probably a good idea.

 

[IKnowALittle]

Does the boy have a preference?

I recommend you give the boy a chance to choose by taking him to the store and letting him play both. He's the one who will be playing and hopefully treasuring the instrument for a long time.

You can always get the sales clerk to remove the price tags, hey, that's probably a good idea.

Whichever one I choose will have to be ordered online. At least I can order them in Canada, which saves a lot of hassle and expense. I really want this to be a surprise, so I don't want to take him guitar shopping. I know he will be thrilled with either.
My gut is telling me he might like the Schecter a little more at this point in time. Of course, I prefer the PRS, no surprise there. I'm going to have to decide fairly quickly and get it ordered. I want it to be here on his last day of school.

 

[rugerpc]

Either way, cool move on your part.

 

[gush]

I had a schecter C1 plus. It was a very fine guitar. My only complaint was when I'd roll volume down it got very dark. Rolled off too much highs for my taste. If prs didn't exist that's what I would consider playing.

 

[vchizzle]

You guys disappoint me.

Alright, you've got the chance to be a positive influence in the young man's life! Lead him down the right path! PRS, PRS, PRS!
Any idea of some bands he's into? Would his dad know? Might be able to indirectly find out. Maybe a Tremonti would suit him?

Tough call though. I'd set the boy straight and get him a PRS, but go with your gut.

 

[rugerpc]

I've done this before. But I took my friend's boy to a store and sat him down with several guitars, some he picked out, some I picked out.

I had him try them randomly blindfolded.

A PRS Singlecut won.

Instead of giving him a guitar at his graduation party, I gave him a card detailing the visit to the store where he would leave with a guitar.

 

[JustRob]

I've done this before. But I took my friend's boy to a sore......

Sounds gross. (I love a good typo. )

Good advice about trying them all though.

 

[11top]

I'd choose the Zach Myers (but that's just me).

 

[toothace]

Have him try both...I like Ruger's idea!

 

[Huggy Love]

You guys disappoint me.

Alright, you've got the chance to be a positive influence in the young man's life! Lead him down the right path! PRS, PRS, PRS!
I'd set the boy straight and get him a PRS,

A voice of wisdom in a sea of insanity.

 

[rugerpc]

Sounds gross. (I love a good typo. )

Good advice about trying them all though.

...foisted on a 't' shaped petard!

 

[Ovibos]

...foisted on a 't' shaped petard!

Or hoisted, even...

 

[rugerpc]

Or hoisted, even...

I remained seated... so: foisted.