Will the SE Custom 24 add anything to my collection ?

[Jakash]

Hi guys,
I've been playing for 15 years now and I got permission from my better half to buy another guitar as a birthday present. I had thought of getting a SE Custom 24 (Either Sweetwater's spalted maple or a 30th Anniversary). But I'm wondering if it'll add anything to my collection (sound wise that is). I currently have a Fender USA Strat, A SE Singlecut, an SE Semi-hollow with Seth Lover pickups, and a SE Santana Standard. I'm mostly looking at the SE line because I can't pay more and am very happy with the quality. I play al sorts of styles but then to indie rock, classic rock, and blues (and the occasional metal song). Budget is $750 or less.

I know this is an odd question but I can't make up my mind and I can't let the opportunity to get another guitar slip past (normally I have to beg forgiveness after the fact).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[shinksma]

The SE CU24 will be most similar to your SE Santana, but even then it will be different due to different scale length and # of frets. The CU24 differs from the SE Singlecut and SE hollowbody because of the trem bridge (and # of frets too), and very obviously different from the Strat due to HB pups, glued-in neck, scale length, and the rest of the "PRS mojo".

I would say a CU24 is exactly the kind of SE guitar that would complement your collection very nicely. Well, maybe an SE Acoustic, but I assume you are sticking with electric guitars.

 

[bricel24]

A CU24 is a good addition to your front line. I like mine, but I'm actually selling it to help fund for a core (sorry for the shameless plug!) and I love my SE Bernie more than the SE Cu24. Very versatile SE to say the least.

 

[Jakash]

The SE CU24 will be most similar to your SE Santana, but even then it will be different due to different scale length and # of frets. The CU24 differs from the SE Singlecut and SE hollowbody because of the trem bridge (and # of frets too), and very obviously different from the Strat due to HB pups, glued-in neck, scale length, and the rest of the "PRS mojo".

I would say a CU24 is exactly the kind of SE guitar that would complement your collection very nicely. Well, maybe an SE Acoustic, but I assume you are sticking with electric guitars.

Do the SE Acoustics play as easy as an electric. I have a Taylor GS mini and was considering a getting an Angelus. I just never have found an acoustic that played as good (read easy) as an electric.

I was mostly concerned about the neck I see it's wide/thin not wide/fat like the rest. I actually don't like the Strat because of the thin (front to back) neck.

Thanks for the response by the way.

 

[bretwomack]

I was mostly concerned about the neck I see it's wide/thin not wide/fat like the rest. I actually don't like the Strat because of the thin (front to back) neck.

Given this info, I would say you would not like the SE CU24 unless you were willing to bond with something new. In my experience, SE wide/thin is VERY thin. I have a few different necks though (including wide/thin), and like a lot of people, I'm not one to only want one type of neck.

 

[bricel24]

Given this info, I would say you would not like the SE CU24 unless you were willing to bond with something new. In my experience, SE wide/thin is VERY thin. I have a few different necks though (including wide/thin), and like a lot of people, I'm not one to only want one type of neck.

I can echo this. As I mentioned a few posts above, I like my CU24. But one of the reasons why I'm selling is I can't get to love the wide-thin neck, especially after playing my SE Bernie and going back and forth. I thought I could get used to it, until I found myself playing covers that require some good barre chords, and it's difficult than the fat necks. Then again, my hands are not that small either.

 

[Jakash]

Given this info, I would say you would not like the SE CU24 unless you were willing to bond with something new. In my experience, SE wide/thin is VERY thin. I have a few different necks though (including wide/thin), and like a lot of people, I'm not one to only want one type of neck.

My aversion to thin necks comes from an old Ibanez I had years ago. After that I started looking for thicker necks. I don't hate the strat neck it's just not as comfortable as my Semi-hollow (my favorite neck) which I believe is a wide/fat.

 

[bretwomack]

My aversion to thin necks comes from an old Ibanez I had years ago. After that I started looking for thicker necks. I don't hate the strat neck it's just not as comfortable as my Semi-hollow (my favorite neck) which I believe is a wide/fat.

Owning both W/T & W/F from the SE line, the difference is pretty large in my opinion. Just trying to give you as much info as possible. I know you said your budget was limited, but you may consider moving up to the S2 line of guitars - you would get a much different sound and the necks would be more up your alley (I think).

 

[Jakash]

Owning both W/T & W/F from the SE line, the difference is pretty large in my opinion. Just trying to give you as much info as possible. I know you said your budget was limited, but you may consider moving up to the S2 line of guitars - you would get a much different sound and the necks would be more up your alley (I think).

Hmm… Which ones would you recommend?

 

[Jakash]

I can echo this. As I mentioned a few posts above, I like my CU24. But one of the reasons why I'm selling is I can't get to love the wide-thin neck, especially after playing my SE Bernie and going back and forth. I thought I could get used to it, until I found myself playing covers that require some good barre chords, and it's difficult than the fat necks. Then again, my hands are not that small either.

My hands are actually rather small so when I started playing I thought I would like thin necks. Not so, in fact I think that's why I like the PRS SE line so much. The wide/fat is perfect (of course there may be something better that I haven't played).

 

[andy474x]

I find myself asking this question of my own collection quite a bit - can I justify a new guitar, with how many others I already have? Usually the answer is no, but GAS is a cruel thing nonetheless!

The SE Custom 24 is a very good all-around guitar, but I think there are better in the SE line as far as tones. The 24 has a very hot bridge pickup, and because of the maple neck they're fairly bright sounding too, kind of a shredder IMO. Sometimes that's a good thing, but I reach for my other PRS guitars more often. It's somewhat personal preference, but I find my other guitars a better match for blues and rock.

Do you have the older versions of the Santana and Singlecut, or the newer ones with the 245 pickups? If you don't have a singlecut with the 245's yet, I would really recommend one! The 245's are killer, and most of the new SC models have thicker bodies and a big beefy tone. Lots of Bernie love around here, personally my Akesson is my #1, just a decked out guitar at a great price. And of course the Zach Myers sig.

No guitar in the SE line is going to be vastly different from what you already have, so my 2 cents is to just go for one that really speaks to you.

 

[bretwomack]

Hmm… Which ones would you recommend?

I don't have any personal experience with the S2 line, so this might be a good time to do some extended research yourself on the guitars. Solid-body vs. semi-hollow, all 'hog vs. 'hog with a maple top; I think there are a couple of different pickups available; someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they all come with the same neck ("Pattern"?)

I'd spend a night on youtube ha. Start with the PRS channel. I think they have short reviews of the whole range.

 

[AAT]

My hands are actually rather small so when I started playing I thought I would like thin necks. Not so, in fact I think that's why I like the PRS SE line so much. The wide/fat is perfect (of course there may be something better that I haven't played).

My experience exactly. I don't have huge hands or a great reach but I find a fat neck much more comfortable than the thin ones - it's why I ended up with an SE245 instead of an SE Tremonti Custom or a Navarro for instance. Barre chords definitely feel better for me on a fat neck. I'd take a SE 22 over a 24 for the neck alone.

 

[Tosca]

I don't see an acoustic on your list...how about an SE Angelus or Lifeson thin line?

 

[Crwilsn]

You have a great selection of SEs right now. I don't think and SE Cu24 adds much. What I would suggest is bank the money if possible and add an amount each month you (and your wife) feel comfortable. Cut out the Starbucks for example and add 25 a week. In a few months you will have enough for a used core CE ($1200 or so) or Cu24 ($1750-2k).

If there is an issue spending that much on a guitar, look for a used S2 Cu24. They have been around long enough they are starting to hit the used market.

 

[shinksma]

Do the SE Acoustics play as easy as an electric. I have a Taylor GS mini and was considering a getting an Angelus. I just never have found an acoustic that played as good (read easy) as an electric.

I was mostly concerned about the neck I see it's wide/thin not wide/fat like the rest. I actually don't like the Strat because of the thin (front to back) neck.

Thanks for the response by the way.

Others have mentioned that your aversion to the thinner neck on the CU24 may be an issue - I agree that the Wide-Thin necks feel different, but I don't know if the S2 line is a better approach - they usually come with Pattern Regular necks, which are the closest to a strat neck on any PRS I've played, although it is thicker than a Wide-Thin neck.

The PRS SE Angelus Acoustics come with what are essentially the same as electric PRSi Wide-Fat necks, and play just as easily as my Wide-Fat PRSi. that is one of the reasons I got a PRS acoustic - it played just like my electrics, I didn't feel like I was having to adjust my grip/fingering at all. I find most other acoustics to be just too wide.

Can you go play an SE CU24 (or even a core model, they also usually have wide-thin or "pattern-thin" necks)? Then you can feel whether you like the neck or not. I find my Wide-Thin necks feel very different from a strat, maybe because the extra width (compared to a strat neck) makes up for the slightly thinner "depth".

Really, you should just go try some and see what you like, if possible. Find a local Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or similar - they should have at least one SE CU24 or similar model with Wide-Thin in stock. And you should be able to find an SE Angelus to try as well!

 

[markintime]

Not sure I can be of much help here, but I have an example of all the models/necks (see my Sig). I can say that the Pattern regular feels very good, but neither do I have any issues with my 30th SE CU24 (which I ordered with 59/09's and put it at just over 1k - no details!). I have an SE Angelus AE10 (black) with I have no trouble doing barre chords even up the neck. And right now I am being very careful as I am still recovering from surgery on my left thumb where I had a tendon transplanted from index to thumb (almost there, though my therapist told me "No guitar playing, yet". Do I listen?). On it, the setup is excellent and does not require that much extra pressure on the strings. Plus, it is right in your price range right now, even significantly less. I must be weird, but I truly have no issues with any of the necks. Some feel a bit fuller but they all play wonderfully. Hey, they ARE PRS!

Now my Tacoma acoustic is also setup nearly as well. I say nearly because I did it myself, but I think it does take just a bit more to barre on it. But that's not in the equation here, is it? IMHO, overall, I think you might be very happy with the S2 Vela. It should have the neck for you and it is a truly outstanding guitar. Mine came in yesterday and I keep taking it out of the case (I really hope my therapist never hears about this).

Good luck with whatever you decide. But, as others recommended, go to a dealer and play them all!

 

[HANGAR18]

The Custom 24 is where you should have started out your collection. hahaha I saw that guitar you are talking about at Sweetwater. The 30th Anniversary models are REALLY nice. Buy it!! (Tell Chris I said Hi. )

 

[Jakash]

I was talking to a buddy last night and he mentioned he had a SE 24 from 2013. I just got back from playing it. For some reason even though the neck was thiner it was still comfortable. Maybe it's the difference in neck radiuses between Fender & PRS (I don't know but it's some thing).

Anyway, I'm gonna pickup a SE Custom 24. One last question: Is there any real upgrade between a 2014 model and a 30th Anniversary? I know the inlays are different but didn't see anything else. If not I'm getting a spalted maple.

Thanks for all the great advice.

 

[drdoom8793]

I was talking to a buddy last night and he mentioned he had a SE 24 from 2013. I just got back from playing it. For some reason even though the neck was thiner it was still comfortable. Maybe it's the difference in neck radiuses between Fender & PRS (I don't know but it's some thing).

Anyway, I'm gonna pickup a SE Custom 24. One last question: Is there any real upgrade between a 2014 model and a 30th Anniversary? I know the inlays are different but didn't see anything else. If not I'm getting a spalted maple.

Thanks for all the great advice.

From what I've seen, people seem to think there's a slight difference with the neck carve. I can't say for sure though. Never played a 30th SE. Good luck!