Phil, I don't leave comments very often. I just wanted to tell you I've watched your channel for quite a while now and I find it always very informative. I've made my living in the music industry since the 1970s. I also spent 4 years of that time working in a music store. I have excellent memories from all the musicians I met on a daily basis. I've been very fortunate in my life to have been able to play music all over the world. I say all this to say, there's always a pleasure to listen to your honesty. I enjoy the level of integrity in your program. Thank you.
Love them or hate them, PRS just simply makes killer guitars top to bottom. Sure they have their issues like anyone else at times but overall, I don't know if there's a more consistent brand out there who really, really seems to invest in themselves the tools to always try to do better. It seems to me if you want a consistently solid deal for a guitar, PRS, Ibanez and ESP seem to have it all in spades. Great video Phil as always, you are a treasure :D
Just wait until Paul Reed Smith dies and corporate greed will take over. PRS will be putting out just the same low quality crap that Gibson and such is putting out nowadays. Just a matter of time so enjoy it while it lasts.
@@WillVRam LTD is the affordable subdivision of ESP. Owning several of both I can tell you LTD are among the best for their prices but not as good and consistent as full blown japanese ESP which are basically the best when it comes to consistency, with PRS and Ibanez coming close as stated above.
I would put a new comer that list being Sire - the Larry Carlton series. Watch a few videos. Also I have always thought the value of Schecter is amazing. For entry level $250 or less its all about Slick guitars. To be honest If you want to buy a Fender or Gibson, that is your choice. But it has nothing to do with the quality or value.... its all about the headstock.
I recommend considering the new SE Standard 24-08. Great features, superb PRS quality and playability. Guitarist Mag review rated 10/10 in August 22. My new blue one is on par with the quality of my Core Custom 24 2008 vintage guitar. Oh and only $730. Love the channel.
I own a 2013 S2 in Blue Crab Smokeburst and it has been one of my all time favorite guitars I've ever owned. I've had Fenders, Gibsons, Epiphones, Jacksons, etc..... and honestly there is just something about PRS guitars. This S2 is the only one I've owned, but I've had the pleasure of playing a few others (SEs, S2s and core models). Even after almost ten years after purchasing it, it still amazes me every time I pick it up. Great video Phil. Keep up the awesome work!
I live my 35th Anniversary Custom with the same figuration. Great quality and super versatile. The S2 doesn’t get much love. I so glad you featured this guitar. It does so many things well you do have to work hard to play any type of music. It took me about a year to love it. I started playing with a cover group. Then one day I it was like I can play anything with this!!! Just wow.
One thing I've noticed: PRS pickups also have good sounding coil splits. It would be interesting to compare different guitars like a Les Paul with coil splits.
I haven’t watched your videos in a few years. You have the most thorough guitar review I’ve ever seen. Looking forward to going back through and watching more reviews. Excellent work!
7:50 - that "Yeah, that will do it" response to the amazing tuning stability of PRS, even when dive bombing, is golden :) Love these guitars, I'll own one one day!
I had a S2 35th Anniversary Custom 24 which was very similar to the 24-08. What a phenomenal guitar that was! I sold it only because I bought and preferred a CE24 (just personal preference). If anyone's on the fence about a S2 Custom 24, just go for it. They're fantastic.
The dimarzio style pickup in the neck paired with the Starla in the bridge makes the s2 my go to guitar for live performance. So versatile and easy to play. It does so many different sounds and leads sing and cut through the mix. I love it.
Great job on a very complete review of the S2. I have the Sweetwater SE Custom 24-08 in Faded Blue Burst, and I think it's the best value if you only have $1000 to spend. The finish is flawless and this special edition has full body and fretboard binding. I'm sure the S2 has a few perks that the SE doesn't, but I don't think it's worth another $1K. One man's opinion, the work from the Indonesian factory is just excellent. Keep the reviews coming!
They're the mod platform. The bones of the guitar get the made in USA attention to detail, and then you upgrade electronics and hardware to your taste.
I personally dont think they are that much of an improvement over an se for quite a huge difference in price. I got my se custom for 600 bucks brand new. So even after i replaced the nut and the pickups i was still far cheaper than i would with an s2.
I like the s2s better than the SE. I don’t like a veneer top 😜 and the wood selection is usually better on the S2, it’s just the electronics that let me down. I wouldn’t buy a new one to just replace electronics right away but you can find a good deal on used ones to mod. I get the cost of labor and materials are more expensive in the US but they already are saving with the simplified top carve. The import parts aren’t that bad but I don’t think they are saving that much using them. I got a used double cut McCarty s2 this year and decided to gut the pots and switch since it started shorting out for no reason. I also didn’t like the bridge PU so I put a Seth lover in it and now it screams. One of the best guitars I own 👌
I have a 2019 S2. If there's one thing that bugs me about it is the trem. I bought it used and the seller told me he was having the action adjusted. When it came in it played great until I put the trem arm in and the bridge fell off bridge screws on the treble side and the bridge sat at an angle. I pulled it apart, reset it, tuned it up and it fell off the notches on the bridge screws again. I've examined the knife edge and the screw holes, I've changed the order of the bridge screws and no luck so it might be time to go for a new bridge. Beyond that the guitar has been stellar. I wish though that it had controls like a 594, 2 volume and 2 tone. Great video!
I have a 35th anniversary custom 24 in eriza verde. Had it for about a year now. I tried many, many guitars prior to making the purchase including the se models. The s2 was basically my price range then, maxed out 😅😅 Se's are great too no doubt, but I'll say I have had not the slightest bit of buyers remorse or second afterthoughts whatsoever. I love that guitar and I'll most likely own it forever! Feels amazing, plays amazing looks amazing! I really feel like I got the best for my money for me! 😎🎸
Hi Phillip, I have an SE from Sweetwater and love it. If I had a bitch about it I'd be lying it's a wonderful guitar the coil taps give me so much extra sound choices. I love playing it and the set up is right on. Me personally, I'm all in on Indonesian made PRS SE guitars. Thanks for the great honest video, your the man... Randy, Great North Woods Michigan
I have a 2014 S2 Custom 24. Really good guitar. Your assessment of the 24-08 fits mine as well. The older ones like mine have a push pull pot split so they ‘re either all split or all not. Mine is Blue Crab Smokeburst which was only available for about two years. If you know what live blue crabs look like this color captures that perfectly (they aren’t really blue). If you’re looking for a Les Paul clone, look elsewhere. The S2 Custom 24 is its own thing. I’d buy it again, especially with the open box deal I got from Sweetwater. There should be great deals on these used.
Never watched your channel, but must say I enjoyed this as much as any I've seen! Pleasant, detailed, clear video and nice cinematography, not wordy, to the point, logical and easy to follow. Kudos to you. I feel like I have a much better understanding of this model of guitar and where it sits in the lineup.
I have a core 22, S2 standard 22, S2 standard 24, and a SE Starla. Honestly, they are all fantastic, but I think I like the S2 standard 22 the best. With the 24, the neck feels too shifted toward the headstock. You'd get used to it by itself, but when switching back and forth with a 22, it is very noticeable.
Okay, 'slightly thinner' means an SE for me. Every time any reviewer has said 'chunky' or 'fills your hand,' etc., the neck turns out to be thicker than I prefer in my paws. Great review as always, Phil.
Phil, been slowly getting into PRS over the past couple of years. Still a diehard Gibson devotee; don't think I'll ever change, that's just me. Have a CE24 and sold a PRS Baritone. I enjoy the CE24, but it is not my "go to". Please stack this S2 up against a CE24. Really wondering how the compare, or which comes out on top per YOUR review. THANK You.
Like others below, I also have the SE 35th Anniversary Custom 24 with the same switching system. I recently put PRS locking tuners in it just for the hell of it, but I instantly noticed an increase in what was already great tuning stability and they look awesome. Stock pups because I love them. It's my favorite guitar. An absolute dream. The ONLY thing it leaves me wanting for is the CORE's carve, but other than, for the money, SE all day long. PRS RULES!!!
I had an S2 and Custom 24 Floyd. Nothing like the PRS of decades ago. Sold them both now have an LP Standard and HSS Strat and love them both. Done with Paul’s guitars.
I have 3 PRS SE guitars and I can't justify spending twice the money on a S2. I suppose the difference is USA vs Indonesia. Mine were all made in the WMI factory in S. Korea and all are very good quality. As a matter of fact I consider my SE 245 as good as any Gibson Les Paul Studio I've ever played and pretty much the same specs for half the dough. Just my .02 cents
I LOVE my 2015 Paul Reed Smith 30th Anniversary S2 Custom 24 in Dark Cherry Burst. I have played it every day since I bought it new. It is a very versatile guitar. The sound and playability are fantastic. It`s my favorite over my 72` SG and my 96` Custom Shop Telecaster.
I feel the se and the s2 guitars are great but overpriced, especially now. The CE24 is perhaps the better buy, while still kind of pushing it on price since 2500 goes a long way (much further) with other brands. I've owned all of these models and have sold them. I will say the core models, while expensive, are actually so flippin top notch I don't mind the cost. I have a core CU22 and I never put it down 🤘😎
Great review! I only have Cores, but I love the direct spec-to-spec comparison of S2 vs Core. Those details are exactly what I look for in reviews of guitars from builders with tiered offerings.
I love the S2 - it is my primary guitar. Took over that spot from my 1999 Strat Deluxe. I agree about the heel. However, if they innovate this guitar it will probably eat into their core line.
I recently made a similar video, and I think when you compare S2’s to SE’s, the variable is more on the SE side. I find the S2’s to be very consistent, but with SE’s you can get more variance. I found a unicorn SE that is nearly as good as an S2, but other SE’s have a bigger gap when comparing to the S2 line.
I’ve purchased two PRS S2 guitars off of Phil’s reviews. with the price increases, I don’t know that I can afford a third! My satin finish 24 standard was $900 new at GC just a few years ago.
Honestly the PRS SE guitars are as good as it gets under 1000. This is from a PRS hater for most of my life. I had no good reason to dislike the company before other than I just never seen a PRS that made me want one. That changed when I found the Mark Holcomb signature. I didn't know much about Mark before the guitar and since I've fallen in love with the guitar I've become a fan of his too. There may be other companies making just as good guitars 1000 and down but I doubt anyone is making better.
one thing i really like about the s2 line has been the pattern reg neck shape, fits like a glove and also the body carve is different then then core and i much prefer it
For me I just couldn’t justify the double the price difference between the SE and the S2. That why I own an SE 24-08. If I was going to spend S2 kind of money, I’d spend a tad more and get a CE. I think the CE sounds and feels just wonderful. 🤘
Great vid as usual Phil! I'm lucky enough to own some amazing "high end" guitars, but my Core Custom 24 (35th anniversary version) is just the best for me. I need to check out the s2's!
Great review . You literally found all the same positives that I have found with the S2 guitars. I have found a few core models that maybe the pickups were a little cleaner I think maybe. And the SE models are not as consistent in my opinion. I have a review coming up on a SE in the near future. I also think they need to round off the handshake and make the violin carve a little deeper. I would also like to see the toggle moved up to the les Paul position. I think I’m going to do that myself on one of my S2 standards. S2 is my go to guitar at the end of the day. Thanks for your honest reviews.
For me the S2 series brings one item to the table: Satin finish at reasonable price. My S2 Vela, Custom 22 and Studio are light and feel very nice in Satin. For everything else, there is the SE.
I just installed a MannMade core bridge into my S2 standard 22 satin...great piece, added sustain and clarity however the import bridge is absolutely fantastic too, not a drastic difference
My sister just picked up a Tremonti SE and I can’t wait to spend some time with it 😅 P.s love your content and dedication Phil! It is inspirational for me to see your videos pop up ✌️
I have the SE. It is a great guitar. I like the neck. It is wider and for me that is good stuff. PRS seems to be able to build a decent instrument top to bottom of their lines. Never heard a bad one.
I found on reverb a Chinese company that makes a replacement trem for PRS that has a brass black and brass saddles not cast which at the time I got it for $120 which improved my Dave Navarro SE.
The S2 is way better except for the pickups obviously. The USA made necks building process is pretty amazing which starts with a dry stable piece of wood and I think I remember the necks alone take 2-3 weeks to complete. My S2 Standard is 7ibs and has perfect level frets and the attention to detail is pretty good for a production guitar. I would find a used S2 over an SE personally and I love that it's made in the USA.
Im always at a fork in the road with PRS. usually really good quality but its like you said . I dont know if the S2 is twice as good, or if the core is twice as good. 1900 is a big chuck for me but I find it easier to spend it on a gibson. Why is that.....Hmmm. Thanks as always Phil. Great Video
Other than the micro-switches, it seems really cool. I had a Paul's Guitar SE for a brief period and ended up returning it because I hated those switches. Push-pull tone is fine. Fortunately they are available that way too. :)
I have an S2 Standard Satin and an SE Standard, and I prefer the S2 - due to the locking tuners, the satin finish especially on the neck, and the Pattern Regular neck vs. the Wide Thin on the SE. But they're both good, and of course the SE is cheaper and has no real quality issues.
I own a 2019 S2 Custom 24 and it's one of the best guitars I own. The trem (as I understand it) is the SE trem as are the stock pickups. The trem isn't bad, but I might try replacing it at some point. I took the stock pickups out of mine and put in a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge and Duncan 59 in the neck.
It's interesting this video comes up now. I have a PRS Mark Tremonti SE that has really changed my perspective of PRS. Not that I ever hated or disliked them, but I generally stick with Gibson and Epiphone. But, man the SE I have is killer. I have looked at getting an S2 singlecut of some kind to have in addition to the SE but I just think to myself "why?" The SE, to me, checks all the boxes of what I need and expect and exceeds my expectations for a guitar at that price. They aren't cheap but for under a grand, it's incredibly hard to beat the SE range.
Unfortunately, I had a PRS Se Standard 24, and I REALLY, REALLY, wanted to like it. Loved the colour (transparent cherry), loved the neck, nice and light - but it just wouldn't stay in tune. Gotoh locking tuners, tusq nut, trem block.... but nope. Checked over by the local pro luthier.... he couldn't work it out, it wouldn't stay in tune with or without mild whammy antics. And.... it just sounded thin. The G&B pickups were terribad, and the situation improved somewhat with dimarzios, but not much.
S2 guitars are unbeatable for the price imo. Their necks and fretwork has same attention like the core series. It is surprising to me how they make such a guitar for quarter of the price of core.
Thanks Phil. I've never tried core nor SE models, but I do own a S2 24custom, I love the look, but no matter how much I try and how much I want too, I just can not bond with it.
I have an s2 singlecut standard. I much prefer the s2 to the se my only critisizem is the pickups that came in it i tried dropping the pickups angling adjusting screws but i wasnt happy till i put a set of true grit boot camps in it n now its great. Mine is a 2019
Very thorough review. I'm sure it plays well, feels good and sounds good. Something about its looks makes me think of an inflatable guitar though, for some reason.
Would love to know what the guitar is on Phillip's right, with what looks like a blue satin finish with black soap-bar pickups. It's beautiful. Suggestion Box: Dedicate a show to all the gear sitting behind you with links in the description to the demo's of each. 👍
I've only had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE with my 2015 PRS S2 Vintage Cherry with Dots serial number 15S2010916 (or 15S2010914, not sure, it's hand painted on the back of the headstock). The PU switch was kaput after about a year of use, and the pots had also to be replaced ... I used Bourns 82 potentiometer for volume (best in the world) and a Bourns push-pull for the tone + coil split. The humbuckers are still "noisy" even after the aforementioned repairs ... they sound CHEAP and I'm trash them to install custom made Fletcher PUs soon. AND, last thing, the vibrato bridge is COMPLETELY OXIDIZED to the point that I had to cover the arm with shrink-tubing. I found SE/S2 bridges online, but no indication about the material, so I have no idea if they'll oxidize with time. Conclusion : Maybe one of my worst purchases of the last decade.
Thanks! I wish PRS would do for other shapes like what they did for the strat. Like they kept the looks and sound but modernized it . . . IMagine a Tele, ES, LP, SG . . . But I think PRS will assume their McCartney is the LP, their Mira is the SG, etc, and with Gibson successfully suing Dean, PRS will prob not want to take a chance on anything remotely Gibson, and a good chance with a legal victory in hand Gibson may revisit the old single cut lawsuit, which leaves the imports the only option for keeping the looks and tone but modernizing . . .
Never know hearing it on a recording both fabulous guitars and the SE are mostly hand made finished lime the USA ones .made in a state of the art factory by highly skilled people play amazingly to .play to easily for me need to be adjusted to a more oldie set up .just for me .
When I tried all tiers of PRS out at my closest signature dealer (Ish Guitars, Syracuse, NY) I was left really confused on the point of the S2 line. If it had core pickups it'd make sense. That's the reason I wouldn't consider it. For close to 2k I don't know how they can stuff the same pickups as the SE in it. They sound shrill compared to the cores, which are amazing. I feel like there's no reason to get an S2 Custom over a CE, which has the core pickups.
'Better' is a relative term. Current SE's are brilliant. Thats a regular PRS gig bag, not a deluxe you showed. I also dont believe your error of parallax Action reading was accurate. Looked more like 1.5mm but I could be wrong. 1mm is VERY low. Thanks for the review Phillip
I have an S2 Mira, which I treasure. As well as being my favourite guitar (like you?), I think the step-up in quality is worth more than the excellent value SE range. Just not sure it's worth double the price of an SE. Ya pays yer money, and takes yer choice..
Is there a kiit that sells a straight edge to measure relief? I just bought a 2018 S2 Standard 24. There is a rattlig/buzzing noise when I pluck a note on the first fret from Low E to B-string. The High E seems fine. Solutions for the rattling/buzzingbsound?
Phil, I don't leave comments very often. I just wanted to tell you I've watched your channel for quite a while now and I find it always very informative. I've made my living in the music industry since the 1970s. I also spent 4 years of that time working in a music store. I have excellent memories from all the musicians I met on a daily basis. I've been very fortunate in my life to have been able to play music all over the world. I say all this to say, there's always a pleasure to listen to your honesty. I enjoy the level of integrity in your program. Thank you.
Cool.
You're welcome
Second, (third, fourth?) that. Went pro in 75, also worked as guitar salesman for 3 years before that - this channel is a 'go to' absolutely. 😊
Nobody cares
Love them or hate them, PRS just simply makes killer guitars top to bottom. Sure they have their issues like anyone else at times but overall, I don't know if there's a more consistent brand out there who really, really seems to invest in themselves the tools to always try to do better. It seems to me if you want a consistently solid deal for a guitar, PRS, Ibanez and ESP seem to have it all in spades. Great video Phil as always, you are a treasure :D
Just wait until Paul Reed Smith dies and corporate greed will take over. PRS will be putting out just the same low quality crap that Gibson and such is putting out nowadays. Just a matter of time so enjoy it while it lasts.
Why not include LTD?
@@WillVRam LTD is the affordable subdivision of ESP. Owning several of both I can tell you LTD are among the best for their prices but not as good and consistent as full blown japanese ESP which are basically the best when it comes to consistency, with PRS and Ibanez coming close as stated above.
@@WillVRam Oh i kinda just put them all under the ESP umbrella
I would put a new comer that list being Sire - the Larry Carlton series. Watch a few videos. Also I have always thought the value of Schecter is amazing. For entry level $250 or less its all about Slick guitars. To be honest If you want to buy a Fender or Gibson, that is your choice. But it has nothing to do with the quality or value.... its all about the headstock.
I like the toggle switch with the minis for splitting instead of the Fender blade style, and pop up knobs.
I recommend considering the new SE Standard 24-08. Great features, superb PRS quality and playability. Guitarist Mag review rated 10/10 in August 22. My new blue one is on par with the quality of my Core Custom 24 2008 vintage guitar. Oh and only $730.
Love the channel.
I own a 2013 S2 in Blue Crab Smokeburst and it has been one of my all time favorite guitars I've ever owned. I've had Fenders, Gibsons, Epiphones, Jacksons, etc..... and honestly there is just something about PRS guitars. This S2 is the only one I've owned, but I've had the pleasure of playing a few others (SEs, S2s and core models). Even after almost ten years after purchasing it, it still amazes me every time I pick it up. Great video Phil. Keep up the awesome work!
I live my 35th Anniversary Custom with the same figuration. Great quality and super versatile. The S2 doesn’t get much love. I so glad you featured this guitar. It does so many things well you do have to work hard to play any type of music. It took me about a year to love it. I started playing with a cover group. Then one day I it was like I can play anything with this!!! Just wow.
One thing I've noticed: PRS pickups also have good sounding coil splits. It would be interesting to compare different guitars like a Les Paul with coil splits.
I've never heard better split coils than PRS imo.
Best split coil sounds I ever heard.
I haven’t watched your videos in a few years. You have the most thorough guitar review I’ve ever seen. Looking forward to going back through and watching more reviews. Excellent work!
Definitely agree that PRS should try to round off the heel. Great Video!
7:50 - that "Yeah, that will do it" response to the amazing tuning stability of PRS, even when dive bombing, is golden :) Love these guitars, I'll own one one day!
I had a S2 35th Anniversary Custom 24 which was very similar to the 24-08. What a phenomenal guitar that was! I sold it only because I bought and preferred a CE24 (just personal preference). If anyone's on the fence about a S2 Custom 24, just go for it. They're fantastic.
The PRS S2 Vela is probably my fave guitar shape. Love offset double cuts. Half hoping Paul releases it as a singlecut in the future, too.
I have one in blue/green and it's a sweet guitar!
The dimarzio style pickup in the neck paired with the Starla in the bridge makes the s2 my go to guitar for live performance. So versatile and easy to play. It does so many different sounds and leads sing and cut through the mix. I love it.
Great job on a very complete review of the S2. I have the Sweetwater SE Custom 24-08 in Faded Blue Burst, and I think it's the best value if you only have $1000 to spend. The finish is flawless and this special edition has full body and fretboard binding. I'm sure the S2 has a few perks that the SE doesn't, but I don't think it's worth another $1K. One man's opinion, the work from the Indonesian factory is just excellent. Keep the reviews coming!
I think the S2s are great value. Just wish they used more USA parts.
That coil tap is unreal
They're the mod platform. The bones of the guitar get the made in USA attention to detail, and then you upgrade electronics and hardware to your taste.
I personally dont think they are that much of an improvement over an se for quite a huge difference in price.
I got my se custom for 600 bucks brand new. So even after i replaced the nut and the pickups i was still far cheaper than i would with an s2.
I like the s2s better than the SE. I don’t like a veneer top 😜 and the wood selection is usually better on the S2, it’s just the electronics that let me down.
I wouldn’t buy a new one to just replace electronics right away but you can find a good deal on used ones to mod.
I get the cost of labor and materials are more expensive in the US but they already are saving with the simplified top carve. The import parts aren’t that bad but I don’t think they are saving that much using them.
I got a used double cut McCarty s2 this year and decided to gut the pots and switch since it started shorting out for no reason. I also didn’t like the bridge PU so I put a Seth lover in it and now it screams. One of the best guitars I own 👌
I have a 2019 S2. If there's one thing that bugs me about it is the trem. I bought it used and the seller told me he was having the action adjusted. When it came in it played great until I put the trem arm in and the bridge fell off bridge screws on the treble side and the bridge sat at an angle. I pulled it apart, reset it, tuned it up and it fell off the notches on the bridge screws again. I've examined the knife edge and the screw holes, I've changed the order of the bridge screws and no luck so it might be time to go for a new bridge. Beyond that the guitar has been stellar. I wish though that it had controls like a 594, 2 volume and 2 tone. Great video!
I have a 35th anniversary custom 24 in eriza verde. Had it for about a year now. I tried many, many guitars prior to making the purchase including the se models. The s2 was basically my price range then, maxed out 😅😅 Se's are great too no doubt, but I'll say I have had not the slightest bit of buyers remorse or second afterthoughts whatsoever. I love that guitar and I'll most likely own it forever! Feels amazing, plays amazing looks amazing! I really feel like I got the best for my money for me!
😎🎸
Hi Phillip, I have an SE from Sweetwater and love it. If I had a bitch about it I'd be lying it's a wonderful guitar the coil taps give me so much extra sound choices. I love playing it and the set up is right on. Me personally, I'm all in on Indonesian made PRS SE guitars. Thanks for the great honest video, your the man...
Randy, Great North Woods Michigan
Thank you kind sir for bringing current trends and useful information to a thirsty musical community. You are appreciated! 🏆🍺Cheers!
I have a 2014 S2 Custom 24. Really good guitar. Your assessment of the 24-08 fits mine as well. The older ones like mine have a push pull pot split so they ‘re either all split or all not. Mine is Blue Crab Smokeburst which was only available for about two years. If you know what live blue crabs look like this color captures that perfectly (they aren’t really blue). If you’re looking for a Les Paul clone, look elsewhere. The S2 Custom 24 is its own thing. I’d buy it again, especially with the open box deal I got from Sweetwater. There should be great deals on these used.
The pacing of this video is very good and it feels more captivating than other videos
Never watched your channel, but must say I enjoyed this as much as any I've seen! Pleasant, detailed, clear video and nice cinematography, not wordy, to the point, logical and easy to follow. Kudos to you. I feel like I have a much better understanding of this model of guitar and where it sits in the lineup.
Changing the contour of the feel? 10/10! I 100% agree.
I have a core 22, S2 standard 22, S2 standard 24, and a SE Starla. Honestly, they are all fantastic, but I think I like the S2 standard 22 the best. With the 24, the neck feels too shifted toward the headstock. You'd get used to it by itself, but when switching back and forth with a 22, it is very noticeable.
Okay, 'slightly thinner' means an SE for me. Every time any reviewer has said 'chunky' or 'fills your hand,' etc., the neck turns out to be thicker than I prefer in my paws. Great review as always, Phil.
Phil, been slowly getting into PRS over the past couple of years. Still a diehard Gibson devotee; don't think I'll ever change, that's just me. Have a CE24 and sold a PRS Baritone. I enjoy the CE24, but it is not my "go to". Please stack this S2 up against a CE24. Really wondering how the compare, or which comes out on top per YOUR review. THANK You.
I definitely love the way this guitar shines through your Engl Fireball
Like others below, I also have the SE 35th Anniversary Custom 24 with the same switching system. I recently put PRS locking tuners in it just for the hell of it, but I instantly noticed an increase in what was already great tuning stability and they look awesome. Stock pups because I love them. It's my favorite guitar. An absolute dream. The ONLY thing it leaves me wanting for is the CORE's carve, but other than, for the money, SE all day long. PRS RULES!!!
I had an S2 and Custom 24 Floyd. Nothing like the PRS of decades ago. Sold them both now have an LP Standard
and HSS Strat and love them both. Done with Paul’s guitars.
I have 3 PRS SE guitars and I can't justify spending twice the money on a S2. I suppose the difference is USA vs Indonesia. Mine were all made in the WMI factory in S. Korea and all are very good quality. As a matter of fact I consider my SE 245 as good as any Gibson Les Paul Studio I've ever played and pretty much the same specs for half the dough. Just my .02 cents
I bought my S2 used. They don’t hold value very well, so you get a killer ax for a lot less.
I LOVE my 2015 Paul Reed Smith 30th Anniversary S2 Custom 24 in Dark Cherry Burst. I have played it every day since I bought it new. It is a very versatile guitar. The sound and playability are fantastic. It`s my favorite over my 72` SG and my 96` Custom Shop Telecaster.
Phil, as always, great review!
I feel the se and the s2 guitars are great but overpriced, especially now. The CE24 is perhaps the better buy, while still kind of pushing it on price since 2500 goes a long way (much further) with other brands. I've owned all of these models and have sold them. I will say the core models, while expensive, are actually so flippin top notch I don't mind the cost. I have a core CU22 and I never put it down 🤘😎
Great review! I only have Cores, but I love the direct spec-to-spec comparison of S2 vs Core. Those details are exactly what I look for in reviews of guitars from builders with tiered offerings.
I love the S2 - it is my primary guitar. Took over that spot from my 1999 Strat Deluxe. I agree about the heel. However, if they innovate this guitar it will probably eat into their core line.
Better set up than any guitar I have ever bought. Seems kind of expensive though for a scarf joint neck and plastic fret inlays though
I recently made a similar video, and I think when you compare S2’s to SE’s, the variable is more on the SE side. I find the S2’s to be very consistent, but with SE’s you can get more variance. I found a unicorn SE that is nearly as good as an S2, but other SE’s have a bigger gap when comparing to the S2 line.
Best review on RUclips
I have a blue one on back order ,so far I haven't seen any reviews to consider canceling it, thank you
I’ve purchased two PRS S2 guitars off of Phil’s reviews. with the price increases, I don’t know that I can afford a third! My satin finish 24 standard was $900 new at GC just a few years ago.
yeah, i got mine for $850 new on a sale in 2019
Wow! Great detailed review. I became an instant subscriber. Hopefully we have more reviews like this in the future.
Honestly the PRS SE guitars are as good as it gets under 1000. This is from a PRS hater for most of my life. I had no good reason to dislike the company before other than I just never seen a PRS that made me want one. That changed when I found the Mark Holcomb signature. I didn't know much about Mark before the guitar and since I've fallen in love with the guitar I've become a fan of his too.
There may be other companies making just as good guitars 1000 and down but I doubt anyone is making better.
The 24-08 is probably my second favourite in that series
Very informative! Just Bought the S2 McCarty 594 Singlecut and this video give's me the added info needed, thank you!
I'm a big fan of the S2 line. Great video!
one thing i really like about the s2 line has been the pattern reg neck shape, fits like a glove and also the body carve is different then then core and i much prefer it
For me I just couldn’t justify the double the price difference between the SE and the S2. That why I own an SE 24-08. If I was going to spend S2 kind of money, I’d spend a tad more and get a CE. I think the CE sounds and feels just wonderful. 🤘
Great vid as usual Phil! I'm lucky enough to own some amazing "high end" guitars, but my Core Custom 24 (35th anniversary version) is just the best for me. I need to check out the s2's!
Great review . You literally found all the same positives that I have found with the S2 guitars. I have found a few core models that maybe the pickups were a little cleaner I think maybe. And the SE models are not as consistent in my opinion. I have a review coming up on a SE in the near future. I also think they need to round off the handshake and make the violin carve a little deeper. I would also like to see the toggle moved up to the les Paul position. I think I’m going to do that myself on one of my S2 standards. S2 is my go to guitar at the end of the day. Thanks for your honest reviews.
Dang Phil you're licks are getting better all the time.
For me the S2 series brings one item to the table: Satin finish at reasonable price. My S2 Vela, Custom 22 and Studio are light and feel very nice in Satin. For everything else, there is the SE.
I've owned them both and IMO, the S2 is far more responsive and the sound has more 'character' than the SE.
I just installed a MannMade core bridge into my S2 standard 22 satin...great piece, added sustain and clarity however the import bridge is absolutely fantastic too, not a drastic difference
What a completely well-built guitar!
My sister just picked up a Tremonti SE and I can’t wait to spend some time with it 😅
P.s love your content and dedication Phil! It is inspirational for me to see your videos pop up ✌️
Excellent dive & great points.
looking forward to the Ibanez GIO review!
these vids are very well done. and useful!
I have a 2021 s2 custom 24. It’s a great guitar. I also have a singlecut semi hollow s2 but I find myself pickup up the custom 24 more.
I have the SE. It is a great guitar. I like the neck. It is wider and for me that is good stuff. PRS seems to be able to build a decent instrument top to bottom of their lines. Never heard a bad one.
I found on reverb a Chinese company that makes a replacement trem for PRS that has a brass black and brass saddles not cast which at the time I got it for $120 which improved my Dave Navarro SE.
Hoping you would A/B the pickups with something. 🎉
This is definitely on the short list for the next guitar. I agree about the neck joint though, is they modernized that, it would be near perfect!
The S2 is way better except for the pickups obviously. The USA made necks building process is pretty amazing which starts with a dry stable piece of wood and I think I remember the necks alone take 2-3 weeks to complete. My S2 Standard is 7ibs and has perfect level frets and the attention to detail is pretty good for a production guitar. I would find a used S2 over an SE personally and I love that it's made in the USA.
Would love to see a CE24 semi-hollow on this channel. The bolt on neck makes it unique, but it feels like a nice half-way point to a CU24
Im always at a fork in the road with PRS. usually really good quality but its like you said . I dont know if the S2 is twice as good, or if the core is twice as good. 1900 is a big chuck for me but I find it easier to spend it on a gibson. Why is that.....Hmmm. Thanks as always Phil. Great Video
Other than the micro-switches, it seems really cool. I had a Paul's Guitar SE for a brief period and ended up returning it because I hated those switches. Push-pull tone is fine. Fortunately they are available that way too. :)
This is why the Pros play PRS
I have an S2 Standard Satin and an SE Standard, and I prefer the S2 - due to the locking tuners, the satin finish especially on the neck, and the Pattern Regular neck vs. the Wide Thin on the SE. But they're both good, and of course the SE is cheaper and has no real quality issues.
I hated Bonnie Pink at first, but it's growing on me. Saving up for a Vela in Scarlet Burst.
I own a 2019 S2 Custom 24 and it's one of the best guitars I own. The trem (as I understand it) is the SE trem as are the stock pickups. The trem isn't bad, but I might try replacing it at some point. I took the stock pickups out of mine and put in a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge and Duncan 59 in the neck.
S2s are fantastic
It's interesting this video comes up now. I have a PRS Mark Tremonti SE that has really changed my perspective of PRS. Not that I ever hated or disliked them, but I generally stick with Gibson and Epiphone. But, man the SE I have is killer. I have looked at getting an S2 singlecut of some kind to have in addition to the SE but I just think to myself "why?" The SE, to me, checks all the boxes of what I need and expect and exceeds my expectations for a guitar at that price. They aren't cheap but for under a grand, it's incredibly hard to beat the SE range.
Great video, thanks Phil.
Didn't S2's used to have USA pickups with squared off edges?
The CEs have the squared American made pickups. The S2s all come with the import “S” versions.
Unfortunately, I had a PRS Se Standard 24, and I REALLY, REALLY, wanted to like it. Loved the colour (transparent cherry), loved the neck, nice and light - but it just wouldn't stay in tune. Gotoh locking tuners, tusq nut, trem block.... but nope. Checked over by the local pro luthier.... he couldn't work it out, it wouldn't stay in tune with or without mild whammy antics. And.... it just sounded thin. The G&B pickups were terribad, and the situation improved somewhat with dimarzios, but not much.
S2 guitars are unbeatable for the price imo. Their necks and fretwork has same attention like the core series. It is surprising to me how they make such a guitar for quarter of the price of core.
Thanks Phil. I've never tried core nor SE models, but I do own a S2 24custom, I love the look, but no matter how much I try and how much I want too, I just can not bond with it.
Not having recessed back plates is ridiculous, I have $200 and $400 guitars with recessed back plates. C'mon.
True
Great video. You should do an in depth comparison of the CE 24 and S2.
I have an s2 singlecut standard. I much prefer the s2 to the se my only critisizem is the pickups that came in it i tried dropping the pickups angling adjusting screws but i wasnt happy till i put a set of true grit boot camps in it n now its great. Mine is a 2019
Thank you. Very few show what wood pieces the guitars are made of.
That 1 split 1 humbucker sound would be killer for rhythm guitar in a reggae setting
Thank you
Very good demo
Very thorough review. I'm sure it plays well, feels good and sounds good. Something about its looks makes me think of an inflatable guitar though, for some reason.
thanks again for the intonation vid:] 👍
Would love to know what the guitar is on Phillip's right, with what looks like a blue satin finish with black soap-bar pickups. It's beautiful. Suggestion Box: Dedicate a show to all the gear sitting behind you with links in the description to the demo's of each. 👍
I've only had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE with my 2015 PRS S2 Vintage Cherry with Dots serial number 15S2010916 (or 15S2010914, not sure, it's hand painted on the back of the headstock).
The PU switch was kaput after about a year of use, and the pots had also to be replaced ... I used Bourns 82 potentiometer for volume (best in the world) and a Bourns push-pull for the tone + coil split.
The humbuckers are still "noisy" even after the aforementioned repairs ... they sound CHEAP and I'm trash them to install custom made Fletcher PUs soon.
AND, last thing, the vibrato bridge is COMPLETELY OXIDIZED to the point that I had to cover the arm with shrink-tubing. I found SE/S2 bridges online, but no indication about the material, so I have no idea if they'll oxidize with time.
Conclusion : Maybe one of my worst purchases of the last decade.
Thanks! I wish PRS would do for other shapes like what they did for the strat. Like they kept the looks and sound but modernized it . . . IMagine a Tele, ES, LP, SG . . . But I think PRS will assume their McCartney is the LP, their Mira is the SG, etc, and with Gibson successfully suing Dean, PRS will prob not want to take a chance on anything remotely Gibson, and a good chance with a legal victory in hand Gibson may revisit the old single cut lawsuit, which leaves the imports the only option for keeping the looks and tone but modernizing . . .
Never know hearing it on a recording both fabulous guitars and the SE are mostly hand made finished lime the USA ones .made in a state of the art factory by highly skilled people play amazingly to .play to easily for me need to be adjusted to a more oldie set up .just for me .
Frank Falbo has been known to sand the heel on PRS models to improve the access
When I tried all tiers of PRS out at my closest signature dealer (Ish Guitars, Syracuse, NY) I was left really confused on the point of the S2 line. If it had core pickups it'd make sense. That's the reason I wouldn't consider it. For close to 2k I don't know how they can stuff the same pickups as the SE in it. They sound shrill compared to the cores, which are amazing. I feel like there's no reason to get an S2 Custom over a CE, which has the core pickups.
Great info as always 👍
Video title not really accurate though, you compared to core and barely mentioned the SE.
'Better' is a relative term. Current SE's are brilliant. Thats a regular PRS gig bag, not a deluxe you showed. I also dont believe your error of parallax Action reading was accurate. Looked more like 1.5mm but I could be wrong. 1mm is VERY low. Thanks for the review Phillip
Those screws are the SE screws as well
I have an S2 Mira, which I treasure. As well as being my favourite guitar (like you?), I think the step-up in quality is worth more than the excellent value SE range. Just not sure it's worth double the price of an SE. Ya pays yer money, and takes yer choice..
Interesting. They changed the control layout. Mine has a blade switch and push-pull on tone pot for the split.
💥 Great 🎸 Video💥
Is there a kiit that sells a straight edge to measure relief?
I just bought a 2018 S2 Standard 24. There is a rattlig/buzzing noise when I pluck a note on the first fret from Low E to B-string. The High E seems fine.
Solutions for the rattling/buzzingbsound?
Interesting, the volume on the SEs definitely cuts in half when splitting