Always wanted a PRS and now i'm financially prepared to make the move. I was thinking I'd probably run with the PRS 24 Custom SE. Is there a place people prefer to shop for this? Anywhere you can find deals (adorama maybe, I've got a number of good guitars on deals there)?
Thanks!
Posted Jul 29, 2020, 8:40 PM UTC
For a bit more, look for a CE 24. American made, maple neck, bolt on. Really nice aggressive tones if wanted but can be mellow and jazzy too.
I’m also a big fan of the S2 Custom 24 as well. Really can’t go wrong with PRS, but if budget allows stretch for a CE or an S2.
I appreciate this take. I'm already spending a lot on a guitar and wasn't exactly sure yet of all the differences. Certainly looks like the CE is the right guitar for me. I'll look longer though and will report back when I do.
Couple questions my forum searches didn't answer...
What's the difference between standard and custom? Seems like all mahogany on standard and it's a reboot of the custom? Standard generally seems cheaper.
Where does the s2 and ce sit in terms of their differences? Prs website says s2 is a stripped down ce, which sounds right up my alley. I don't like messing with settings too much. I'm seeing price points of about 1.3-1.5k for s2 and 2k for ce.
Thanks!!
I have both a s2 Custom 24, and a CE24. Biggest differences is the neck. The CE is a thinner neck, and it’s maple with a rosewood board, plus it’s a bolt on neck, which with the maple gives it a bit snappier tone. The s2 Custom 24 has a mahogany neck, set neck, with a rosewood board. The Custom originally was PRS take on the best components of a strat and a Les Paul in one guitar. The CE is a bit like a strat on steroids. Both have the 85/15 pickups which are great. The CE versions are US made but they’re both great, split coil too which I use all the time. The s2 neck is Pattern Regular, CE is Pattern thin. Not a huge difference really. I thought I would prefer the thin, but I might actually like the pattern regular. The finish is gloss on the S2 and the CE has a mat thin finish, not quite gloss. Tremolos are both the same. The S2 is cheaper new, by about $400 or so. Really great guitars either one. It comes down to neck feel and maybe the finishes. Look on Reverb for good deals. Bought my S2 at Sweetwater and my CE at Ish guitars in Syracuse, NY which was only n hour away. They will ship too. They are. PRS Top 10 dealer, great dealer. Good luck!
Incredible breakdown. Thanks a ton for taking the time to write that out. Really helps me see things clearly. Leaning s2, but I'll go check out my local store like the other guy said and see how they feel in my hands. Thanks again!
Go to your local shop! If you can’t, order from one!
Whether you get a SE, S2, or CE, you’re getting a great guitar. Haven’t touched a PRS at any price point I don’t love.
I got my first core model, a 408 Standard, last year, but I still play my SE Custom 24 and SE 245 all the time.
I like this vote of confidence for any price point. Still shopping around
Just bought a SE C24 35th anniversary from Dave’s guitar shop on reverb. Great deals there!
Dave’s guitar shop reverb store
Lots of good new and used options there. Thanks for the link!