A lot of the time is also in the fingers ..years ago when I was in a show band I'd get people coming up to me saying " I love that effect your getting . " At the time I wasnt running any effects
Interesting that Phillip mentions the PRS violin sound. The tones of this guitar remind me a lot of Eric Johnson's sound, who's known for having a violin-like tone.
Phil you've become my favourite RUclips guitar presenter. I like your style its really down to earth and but ernest and informative. keep it up buddy. Love and respect from England.
He’s exactly right about the fit and finish of the neck and frets. The fret work is arguably the most important aspect of a guitar build. The notes ring out. Every. Single. One. When you’ve played so many guitars, high end ones at that, where you do NOT have that kind of quality, it’s just something else.
I need to stop watching gear videos gear reviews all of it...it takes up basically 80% of my time spent on guitar!!! Lol I need to reverse that pattern. you keep temping me to buy new gear all the time 😁 lately been practicing scales while I watch and listen to u and others!!! Very informative!!!
Actually CEs always sounded and played better than customs to me, specially the older ones with Black headstocks. Little less sustain. no big deal. Good job man.
I don't like the plastic bird inlays. They look cheap. But I'd certainly own one. I do have a core Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck and I absolutely love it.
I just got one used, a semi-hollow, I love it ! cannot put it down! one of the most versatile guitars i have - and I have many. The single pickup sound is the best split I've heard. I wish they'd offer some more options like abalone birds, vintage neck - maybe?, custom colors. But no complaints...this is probably my best guitar.
I played a CE24 in a guitar shop once and loved it! I've been wanting one for awhile now. They are very hard to find in stores though. I've played lots of Custom 24 guitars and I just hate the gloss necks. The satin neck on the CE24 feels like butter. CE24 is about $1500 cheaper and the only meaningful difference to me are the bridge and the tuners which would cost you $200 to replace with USA made parts should you choose to.
I have an Anderson and my biggest hesitation with a PRS was the neck finish. Now that the CEs have the satin finish, I have a ruby and a trampas green one! Love em both almost more than the Anderson. I lied, I *do* like them more than my Anderson.
So great to see brands like PRS and Gretsch producing guitars that are affordable to mere mortals but maintaining a level if quality that professionals and experienced hobbyists can be happy with. There are some differences between their high end models and these more reasonably priced ones, but compare them to similar guitars in the same price range by their competitors and it's hard to find a better instrument.
I've owned a few PRS since around 1990 and have just bought a silver sky. I tried one of the new CE guitars and was about to purchase, but won't ONLY because of the korean bridge. The tuners are fine but theres no reason to cut that kind of cost. The bridge is integral to the sound and tuning stability and this was enough to put me off. Having said that, they're good enough units for shows and recording. Phillips points with regard the carving and the case are bang on. I agree wholeheartedly. As a footnote, I owned an early alder bodied CE and I miss that guitar. The tone was, in my opinion, far superior to the cores mahogany dense sound. These newer ones have a lot to live up to and if they came with all american hardware, it would be in my house right now. Great review.
CEs built in the year 2008 or before are considered by many to be “core” guitars because everything they used (including the bridge) was made in Maryland. The ones built after are phenomenal guitars as well.
The CE wins the clean war and the core wins the overdrive war. I just bought a CE and love it. It sounds great through a black face Princeton. Good Review Phil!
I have a CE 24 and a core 24. I thought I would sell my CE when I got my core but they both sound so good and different that I kept both. But I think my core 24 sounds better clean than my CE because it has way more warmth to the tone... but the CE has more clarity I think. I'm not sure which I like better in overdrive... they definitely both sound good and different... but for lead playing in overdrive I prefer the core because it's less fizzy and ice picky. Again both guitars are exceptional. I don't think the core should be double the price...or because it costs more it sounds better...it just sounds different. I don't think they sound that much alike really... though some similarities because it's body shape. The CE is definately one of the most underrated guitars of all time. I would take it anyway over about 95 percent of other guitars out there... That's why I can't depart from mine. It can sound a little sterile and lacking in warmth next to my core but it's much warmer sounding than a telecaster...
Thanks for the review Phillip! I went out and bought one just like this. She's a true beauty. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Nothing like a PRS in fit and finish. And she sings.....
I have an anniversary edition CE 24 with a black Limba neck. It’s the best guitar I have ever played. I use it on every electric guitar gig I play. And I use it constantly in the studio. I love that guitar.
I just bought a CE24 Swamp Ash Special. The owner had played it 10 times, then put it away and forgot about it for 5 years. I’ve seen brand new guitars in shops which looked more played than this guitar. It’s mint. It has 85/15s and seems to sound the same as a Custom 24. I also have a Core, and my CE24 feels better and sounds the same. I love the satin neck. I got over the bolt-on neck and the Korean bridge doesn’t matter to me.
Good honest and insightful demo, appreciate your passion about PRS. I’ve been using the Custom 24 for 32 years now and now use semi-hollow models. I enjoy playing a perfect instrument that is still unique in its tone quality and let the hands dictate who I am as a stylist, I don’t want to sound like everyone else! Thanks again!
I've been shopping for a original CE 22 for quite a while (a few years now). I find that most are beat, which means they were actually played unlike the more pricey PRS guitars.
I pick up a new SE 30th Anniversary Custom 24 this weeks. I'm not a pro player. I just play for my own enjoyment and jam with a few people sometimes. Most of my guitar life I have played acoustic guitars. I pick up a Yamaha RGZ-P321 electric back in the early 90's. I like what Paul is doing with guitars. I will say I have read a lot about SE not stating in tune and nut problems. I have only had this one for about a 5 days now I have not had a problem staying in tune, but I don't use the tremolo. The Yamaha has a Floyd Rose bridge I had to learn how to restring it back then fro a tech. I ended up blocking it off because of doing two string bens and it pulling the bridge up. So when I got the SE that is one of the things I play with to see how it's bridge did. So far good or I was going to block it. Happy with it out of the box. The bird inlay don't bother me. I'm just into more have the plays.
Isn't it the other way around about the bridges? They put those bridges on the CE, but they also included them on the SE. You made it sound like they took the lower-quality bridge and put it on the CE.
Man I miss the old run of the CEs. And you're right, they DO feel better. I actually prefer the CEs over the core models. For two reasons: 1) They've ALWAYS felt better to me. Period. And 2) I prefer the bolt on construction. Most people think it's worse than a set neck for the mere fact that it appears "cheaper". Truthfully it's a much more solid and stable construction and MUCH better in terms of tone. No glue or paint interfering with that oh so desired wood-to-wood contact. I got lucky a couple years back and managed to get my hands on a "new old stock" CE 24 at my local guitar center. It had been sitting in their storage house for a few years during which period PRS ceased their production, and one employee came acrossed it thinking it was a misplaced return or something. Low and behold it still had all the factory tags and goodies and they put it out on display; only for it to sit for about 2 and a half years before I came across it and about lost my mind. Scarlet Red finish too, always a classic in the CEs. I bought it sight on scene and it was my main gigging instrument for a while, and I recorded with it. I put some new pickups and electronics in it (I don't personally like the 5-way rotary switch and wanted a bit more growl and responsiveness than what the stock HFS set was giving me. Went for an active/passive hybrid set in the Duncan "Gus G" Signature Fire Blackouts. It was absolute sonic ecstasy with my Laney Ironheart. Alas, life ended up happening and I needed a new car. So, being that my CE was in the nicest shape and had no sentimental value to me, and I knew it would sell fairly quick, it was the first bit of gear to get sold. While that guitar didnt have any sort of sentimentality tying me to it, I can honestly say it was the only piece of gear I'll ever regret getting rid of that still bugs me. While I generally don't tend to buy "off the wall" production guitars nor find them very pleasing in a sort of personal/idiosyncratic way, there was something just 'about' that guitar that spoke to me. I'd never felt so at home or comfortable with another instrument, not even ones I've toiled hours over and handbuilt from scratch myself. As for the new release of the CE line, the 20 or so I've noodled with thus far dont seem to possess that little special "something" that one did. No where even close. Oh well, I still keep the faith in another one day.
Just got my first PRS, 35th anniversary SE - Plays great, flawless fit, finish and frets. Pickups are hot, very responsive to pick attack. It has great sustain and a shimmering vibrato sound. As in the video and demonstrated by Phil, single notes are beautiful sweet violin sounding. I expected it to sound like a les Paul...... Nope to me it sounds like a Telecaster without the Clang.
I think PRS guitars are the most beautiful guitars I've ever laid eyes on! Their shape, fit and finish are perfectly suited to my tastes. Soundwise, I love the SG. Blame Tony Iommi, and a few years later, Angus Young for that! But that guitar you're playing in this video is not only beautiful but has the most gorgeous, silky smooth tones, especially on those high notes, that I have ever heard from ANY guitar! EVER! Years ago I purchased a PRS SE Santana model when the SEs first came out. It was just okay and even after replacing the bridge pup with a Gibson '57 Classic, it still just sounded okay. I eventually sold it and bought the Gibson/ Epiphone "lawsuit" model from a friend. Looks great, sounds great but is not a real PRS. I think this PRS CE 24 might be what I'm looking for! Thanks Phillip!
2:20 The thing I've noticed right away is that the grain goes along the neck instead of forming random wooden patterns. Looks like a rift sawn wood which in theory translates to better neck stability although being wasteful and thus expensive. Makes more sense than a single piece neck, but from a plain sawn wood. Some good quality there... Or probably I'm just seeing things, do necks on other CE's look the same way?
PRS quality and professionalism is astounding. Their factory is very interesting on how careful they are to make a perfect product. Much the same as Les Paul.
Just revisited this after getting hold of a PRS Bernie Marsden. I’ve been trying to describe that PRS sound and you are right....I described it as a flute sound but you are right it’s more like a violin......or a flutey violin! Even on the SE models......👍
You should put in your notes above (in the area you put the link to that other youtube channel) all the equipment used in the video and maybe links to it. I see that on other channels now and it's really handy.
I think it would be hard to justify the CE against an S2 given the s2 used market right now. Seems like the one of the biggest differences is having the core pickups.
I picked one of these up a couple months ago... and it's frigging awesome. I love how it sounds and especially how it feels. It's just a really versatile instrument.
I'm 0 for 2 with gig bags. I had to get Mono cases for both in order to feel like I wasn't going to ruin them. It's weird to pay $2k for a guitar and get a flimsy gig bag. Other than that, PRS wins.
I have a 1997 c e 22 that plays pretty decent. when I picked up a custom 22 it felt like butter. It played so nice and I've been looking for one patiently with the similar features and color scheme. I can get one for under $2,000 shopping patiently waiting for one that's closer to 1700 / $1,500
late to the party but if you really want the core sound with the CE feel then try a second gen CE 24 with the mahogany body. 1995-07 models they have the same features as the core but the difference is the bolt on neck. I pretty much only look for the original bolt ons nowadays.
The CE-22 we bought a GC for $1000 was without a doubt one of the best guitars I ever played ever.. It had the original dragon pickups & the 5 way rotary switch & purple finish, Looks way better than the one you showed..
I recently got an older one in near mint condition for $800 less with a hard case and nice moon inlays; I'm in love with it. These new ones are a hard sell for me mainly for those reasons. And those ugly plastic birds are inexcusable.
Is it just me or does the core sound more Les Paulish, where the CE sounds more Fendery? As in mahogany neck vs maple, as in a little darker vs a little brighter. I may just be imagining this though.. 9:01
The choice of components here is solely based on the need to differentiate this line from the Core, to justify the price difference. The actual production cost difference between this and the core is likely under $100. To me, this is probably the most appealing PRS guitar, in addition to the S2 Thinline.
I have a 2006 CE24 and it's a great guitar. It feels better than my other guitars and has amazing resonance. I've played a LOT of gigs on it. It can cover a ton of styles. I did spend a lot of time getting the right pickups tho. The core guitar sounded amazing.... uh. I've been looking a Suhr's but wow, that thing sounded great!
I bought mine from Sweetwater before I saw your video. I have a 93 CU24 10 Top too. I really love my CE. I love the top carve too. Very comfortable to play. The only thing I don't like is the gig bag. I have no problem with gig bags in general. Like you, I actually prefer them. However, the gig bag does not hold the guitar snugly and subsequently, the 'G' and 'D' strings are always out of tune after being in it. Other than that, I think it is fantastic. I can't put it down.
Most Excellent video ! I have a 2016 Ruby Red CE love it, absolute a keeper. Can be whatever tone you want it to be. Love it! Saving for a Core PRS McCarty 594.
As always a straight down the middle review of a really great guitar. I think people really jumped ugly on these guitars because of the bridge and a few other parts but they are really nice to play, are a great value and sound fantastic. Some of the tops are really spectacular as well. I hope they come out with a 22 fret version with a hard tail or blocked tremolo.
I think the issue with these is they're $2k+ with foreign parts. PRS is now offering the USA bridge on the Chinese Hollowbodies, so it'd be interesting to know if they've done the same with the recent CEs.
My old CE24 had the rotary switch... I had just spoke to my guitar tech about possibly doing a push pull pot and a 3way switch when they announced the ce was coming back. My ce24 is one of my 2 main guitars, so I wonder how different the new pups, finish, weight etc is
It's crazy but I prefer the CE 24 to the Custom 24. The CE has a snap and attack that the CU24 doesn't have. It's not a downgrade from the CU24, or a cheaper version of a CU24, it's a totally different guitar. More Strat like than his other core guitars, but with a singing tone as referenced by Phil.
Something about that "Santana" note, you're right on. PRS do have a sound! I'm quite interested in the 277 Baritone w/P90's, I meant soap bars. You should review that one!
Phillip, thank you for this wonderful review! I have been seriously considering getting the CE 24. When I first started watching and listening to the beautiful tone you were getting, I was asking myself, "I wonder how it would sound through my humble Fender Super Champ X2?" Almost immediately, you said that this is the amp you were playing through, and that blew me away. I love my Super Champ! May I ask which setting you were on? I presume one of the modeling settings on channel 2 - or were you on channel 1/clean and using a high gain/overdive pedal?
I wonder if the korean bridge makes a difference with sustain. Paul often says anything the strings touch affects that. I wonder if the real american bridge has that copper mix in the metal to improve that whereas this one may not.
Would be interesting to see a comparison between the 2016 Reissue vs an original, circa 1995 CE24 model. I do like that it's now a 3 way toggle, vs the 5 way rotary.
Phil what is your take on the 85/15 pickups? I have them in an SE, S2 and CE...the S2 by far are the best sounding to me even though they are the same G&B made version, odd....overall I don't like the BIG push PRS has made to the 85/15 set...I don't like the mindset they are the "everything" pickup...I don't feel they have the PRS character I have grown to enjoy with the HFS set or Dragon/ Dragon II's Great video as usual!
i kinda like my dw ce 24 better than my 2012 custom 24 . there ive said it. its not just the after market add ons on the DW . the key is the thinner body and carve and the brighter maple neck . for me its just a lighter and more comfortable guitar . and I am not as worried about gigging with it as I am the full usa core ..... I do wish it had a real case though....
I was agonising over buying a Core or CE, this video made my mind up, the core sounds muffled compared to the CE. The CE has a clarity and sparkle thats missing from the Core. My order for a CE now placed!
I've got both a core model and a CE. I love my CE and actually like the way it feels and plays more so than my core. The only thing I think they could have done better on are the tuning keys. The CE keys are not as good as they could be which is a major turn off when dealing with these guitars however for the working man that can't afford a core model, these guitars are worth the money.
I really liked it when I played it, but here is my one complaint: I wish they offered the, "regular pattern", neck profile for it. I found the, "pattern thin", to be way too thin for my taste.
Hey Phillip, thanks for the review! The tone you have on this video REALLY nails the sound i hear in my head. Is that a Fender Super Champ and a stock 2016 PRS CE24 - all run clean? No modulations? Thank you for any replies in advance :)
PRS doesn't have a sound? Maybe in the same way that a strat "doesn't have a sound". The thing i've always loved about strats is that their sound always conforms to the player. Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Stevie, Clapton, etc always sound like themselves on a strat. PRS has always had that same quality for me but with a little more balls.
i got a prs custom obsidian 24,and it s the nicest of my four guitars. very easy to play and sounds wonderful.My other guitars are. A schecter platinum c 1 Gibson les paul studio pelham blue 2012 and a fender stratocaster classic player exclusive japan 68. And thanks for your Demos, they are great. regards from sweden :)
I owned a SE Standard for a few weeks but I liked the bridge. The nut was pretty crap tho, it needed to be setup because it was pinching the low strings hard enough to throw them out of tune when using the whammy.
These are $2000. I think I would save up for a Custom 24 or 22 rather than go with this CE. It seems too much like a Korean SE, especially since they use the SE's bridge and Korean tuners. I have a Tremonti SE and it's worth ever penny ($525 new) and the quality is up there with my Les Paul. But if I'm paying over say $1500, I would hold off, save up some money and go for the best.
I have an older CE 24 and it is nothing like an SE. It's a very solid, very high quality guitar, but i'm not sure about these newer CE's. You might be right. They might not be the same build quality. I love PRS's though, either way.
I have no doubt the build quality on the CE is top notch. It's just that price coupled with SE components that pushes me away. At the price PRS is charging, I think they could still make a handsome profit using higher quality parts.
That tone you get at the start of the video is as close as I've heard anyone get to Eric Johnson's sound. Bravo, mate!
How does he get that tone? Is it the guitar or his amp? It’s just a $300 amp
@@noels.8345 guitar+amp+fingers 🤷♀️
A lot of the time is also in the fingers ..years ago when I was in a show band I'd get people coming up to me saying " I love that effect your getting . " At the time I wasnt running any effects
@@noels.8345 u need to turn down your tone knob on the bridge pickup. It’s a trick that Joe bonamassa and Eric Johnson use
I just picked up a Trampas Green CE24 a couple weeks ago and I love it. The build quality is exceptional!
Interesting that Phillip mentions the PRS violin sound. The tones of this guitar remind me a lot of Eric Johnson's sound, who's known for having a violin-like tone.
absolutely
i think the reverb helps that too
Phil you've become my favourite RUclips guitar presenter. I like your style its really down to earth and but ernest and informative. keep it up buddy. Love and respect from England.
He’s exactly right about the fit and finish of the neck and frets. The fret work is arguably the most important aspect of a guitar build. The notes ring out. Every. Single. One. When you’ve played so many guitars, high end ones at that, where you do NOT have that kind of quality, it’s just something else.
I need to stop watching gear videos gear reviews all of it...it takes up basically 80% of my time spent on guitar!!! Lol I need to reverse that pattern. you keep temping me to buy new gear all the time 😁 lately been practicing scales while I watch and listen to u and others!!! Very informative!!!
Mini Surf right?! I just bought a new prs this morning!! Damn these vids!
at least you're doing your scales. that's more productive than you realize lol
I have the same problem !!
I forgot I wrote this comment five years ago 😂 I finally bought this guitar just the semi-hollow version!!!
Actually CEs always sounded and played better than customs to me, specially the older ones with Black headstocks. Little less sustain. no big deal. Good job man.
I prefer the ce. bolt on necks are the way to go. they can be replaced If they break. huge advantage.
And to put in a suitcase when you fly just un screw the neckK
lol ^
Brock Adcock Only PRS doesn't sell replacement necks
I don't like the plastic bird inlays. They look cheap. But I'd certainly own one. I do have a core Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck and I absolutely love it.
I just got one used, a semi-hollow, I love it ! cannot put it down! one of the most versatile guitars i have - and I have many. The single pickup sound is the best split I've heard. I wish they'd offer some more options like abalone birds, vintage neck - maybe?, custom colors. But no complaints...this is probably my best guitar.
I played a CE24 in a guitar shop once and loved it! I've been wanting one for awhile now. They are very hard to find in stores though. I've played lots of Custom 24 guitars and I just hate the gloss necks. The satin neck on the CE24 feels like butter. CE24 is about $1500 cheaper and the only meaningful difference to me are the bridge and the tuners which would cost you $200 to replace with USA made parts should you choose to.
I would be interested in a new CE vs. Old Ce video...
Been wanting a 90’s alder/maple CE for a while now. I hear so many good things about them.
Your channel is by far the most objective and qualified of all guitar reviewers. Keep it on bro!
Your review are the best, you are the only one who focus on how a guitar feels... thank you.
I just got an S2 Standard 24 and the neck and frets are amazing. Perfect fret ends. Perfect fretwork. No buzzing.
I have an Anderson and my biggest hesitation with a PRS was the neck finish. Now that the CEs have the satin finish, I have a ruby and a trampas green one! Love em both almost more than the Anderson. I lied, I *do* like them more than my Anderson.
I just became the proud owner of a prs se custom 24 and I love it the store I got it from is doin a full setup for me can’t wait to get her back
I've got two. One with a Floyd
So great to see brands like PRS and Gretsch producing guitars that are affordable to mere mortals but maintaining a level if quality that professionals and experienced hobbyists can be happy with. There are some differences between their high end models and these more reasonably priced ones, but compare them to similar guitars in the same price range by their competitors and it's hard to find a better instrument.
I've owned a few PRS since around 1990 and have just bought a silver sky.
I tried one of the new CE guitars and was about to purchase, but won't ONLY because of the korean bridge. The tuners are fine but theres no reason to cut that kind of cost. The bridge is integral to the sound and tuning stability and this was enough to put me off. Having said that, they're good enough units for shows and recording. Phillips points with regard the carving and the case are bang on. I agree wholeheartedly. As a footnote, I owned an early alder bodied CE and I miss that guitar. The tone was, in my opinion, far superior to the cores mahogany dense sound. These newer ones have a lot to live up to and if they came with all american hardware, it would be in my house right now. Great review.
CEs built in the year 2008 or before are considered by many to be “core” guitars because everything they used (including the bridge) was made in Maryland. The ones built after are phenomenal guitars as well.
The CE wins the clean war and the core wins the overdrive war. I just bought a CE and love it. It sounds great through a black face Princeton. Good Review Phil!
I have a CE 24 and a core 24. I thought I would sell my CE when I got my core but they both sound so good and different that I kept both. But I think my core 24 sounds better clean than my CE because it has way more warmth to the tone... but the CE has more clarity I think. I'm not sure which I like better in overdrive... they definitely both sound good and different... but for lead playing in overdrive I prefer the core because it's less fizzy and ice picky. Again both guitars are exceptional. I don't think the core should be double the price...or because it costs more it sounds better...it just sounds different. I don't think they sound that much alike really... though some similarities because it's body shape. The CE is definately one of the most underrated guitars of all time. I would take it anyway over about 95 percent of other guitars out there... That's why I can't depart from mine. It can sound a little sterile and lacking in warmth next to my core but it's much warmer sounding than a telecaster...
Thanks for the review Phillip! I went out and bought one just like this. She's a true beauty. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Nothing like a PRS in fit and finish. And she sings.....
@9:45 that's a Def Leppard riff. Cool!!
I have an anniversary edition CE 24 with a black Limba neck. It’s the best guitar I have ever played. I use it on every electric guitar gig I play. And I use it constantly in the studio. I love that guitar.
I just bought a CE24 Swamp Ash Special. The owner had played it 10 times, then put it away and forgot about it for 5 years. I’ve seen brand new guitars in shops which looked more played than this guitar. It’s mint. It has 85/15s and seems to sound the same as a Custom 24. I also have a Core, and my CE24 feels better and sounds the same. I love the satin neck. I got over the bolt-on neck and the Korean bridge doesn’t matter to me.
Good honest and insightful demo, appreciate your passion about PRS. I’ve been using the Custom 24 for 32 years now and now use semi-hollow models. I enjoy playing a perfect instrument that is still unique in its tone quality and let the hands dictate who I am as a stylist, I don’t want to sound like everyone else! Thanks again!
What tonal quality does the semi hollow have? I've been wanting to buy one but am trying to figure out of I want a solid body or semi hollow
I've been shopping for a original CE 22 for quite a while (a few years now). I find that most are beat, which means they were actually played unlike the more pricey PRS guitars.
I pick up a new SE 30th Anniversary Custom 24 this weeks. I'm not a pro player. I just play for my own enjoyment and jam with a few people sometimes. Most of my guitar life I have played acoustic guitars. I pick up a Yamaha RGZ-P321 electric back in the early 90's. I like what Paul is doing with guitars. I will say I have read a lot about SE not stating in tune and nut problems. I have only had this one for about a 5 days now I have not had a problem staying in tune, but I don't use the tremolo. The Yamaha has a Floyd Rose bridge I had to learn how to restring it back then fro a tech. I ended up blocking it off because of doing two string bens and it pulling the bridge up. So when I got the SE that is one of the things I play with to see how it's bridge did. So far good or I was going to block it. Happy with it out of the box. The bird inlay don't bother me. I'm just into more have the plays.
Isn't it the other way around about the bridges? They put those bridges on the CE, but they also included them on the SE. You made it sound like they took the lower-quality bridge and put it on the CE.
Best review on these that I've found, thanks. I really like how you went over the build and the hardware and didn't just play it for us.
I love my s2 and I am considering getting a CE as my main semi hollow. Phenomenal guitars.
Man I miss the old run of the CEs. And you're right, they DO feel better. I actually prefer the CEs over the core models. For two reasons: 1) They've ALWAYS felt better to me. Period. And 2) I prefer the bolt on construction. Most people think it's worse than a set neck for the mere fact that it appears "cheaper". Truthfully it's a much more solid and stable construction and MUCH better in terms of tone. No glue or paint interfering with that oh so desired wood-to-wood contact.
I got lucky a couple years back and managed to get my hands on a "new old stock" CE 24 at my local guitar center. It had been sitting in their storage house for a few years during which period PRS ceased their production, and one employee came acrossed it thinking it was a misplaced return or something. Low and behold it still had all the factory tags and goodies and they put it out on display; only for it to sit for about 2 and a half years before I came across it and about lost my mind. Scarlet Red finish too, always a classic in the CEs. I bought it sight on scene and it was my main gigging instrument for a while, and I recorded with it. I put some new pickups and electronics in it (I don't personally like the 5-way rotary switch and wanted a bit more growl and responsiveness than what the stock HFS set was giving me. Went for an active/passive hybrid set in the Duncan "Gus G" Signature Fire Blackouts. It was absolute sonic ecstasy with my Laney Ironheart. Alas, life ended up happening and I needed a new car. So, being that my CE was in the nicest shape and had no sentimental value to me, and I knew it would sell fairly quick, it was the first bit of gear to get sold. While that guitar didnt have any sort of sentimentality tying me to it, I can honestly say it was the only piece of gear I'll ever regret getting rid of that still bugs me. While I generally don't tend to buy "off the wall" production guitars nor find them very pleasing in a sort of personal/idiosyncratic way, there was something just 'about' that guitar that spoke to me. I'd never felt so at home or comfortable with another instrument, not even ones I've toiled hours over and handbuilt from scratch myself. As for the new release of the CE line, the 20 or so I've noodled with thus far dont seem to possess that little special "something" that one did. No where even close.
Oh well, I still keep the faith in another one day.
Just got my first PRS, 35th anniversary SE - Plays great, flawless fit, finish and frets. Pickups are hot, very responsive to pick attack. It has great sustain and a shimmering vibrato sound. As in the video and demonstrated by Phil, single notes are beautiful sweet violin sounding. I expected it to sound like a les Paul...... Nope to me it sounds like a Telecaster without the Clang.
I think PRS guitars are the most beautiful guitars I've ever laid eyes on! Their shape, fit and finish are perfectly suited to my tastes.
Soundwise, I love the SG. Blame Tony Iommi, and a few years later, Angus Young for that!
But that guitar you're playing in this video is not only beautiful but has the most gorgeous, silky smooth tones, especially on those high notes, that I have ever heard from ANY guitar! EVER!
Years ago I purchased a PRS SE Santana model when the SEs first came out. It was just okay and even after replacing the bridge pup with a Gibson '57 Classic, it still just sounded okay. I eventually sold it and bought the Gibson/ Epiphone "lawsuit" model from a friend. Looks great, sounds great but is not a real PRS.
I think this PRS CE 24 might be what I'm looking for!
Thanks Phillip!
I hear a signature prs sound in a lot of new country. Similar to a Gibby but also very smooth.
2:20 The thing I've noticed right away is that the grain goes along the neck instead of forming random wooden patterns. Looks like a rift sawn wood which in theory translates to better neck stability although being wasteful and thus expensive. Makes more sense than a single piece neck, but from a plain sawn wood. Some good quality there... Or probably I'm just seeing things, do necks on other CE's look the same way?
PRS quality and professionalism is astounding. Their factory is very interesting on how careful they are to make a perfect product. Much the same as Les Paul.
This comment didn't age well
I agree with you on the bridge....I'm a huge fan of the S2's, they play and sound great and the classic retro vibe is the cherry on top for me.
Just revisited this after getting hold of a PRS Bernie Marsden. I’ve been trying to describe that PRS sound and you are right....I described it as a flute sound but you are right it’s more like a violin......or a flutey violin! Even on the SE models......👍
You should put in your notes above (in the area you put the link to that other youtube channel) all the equipment used in the video and maybe links to it. I see that on other channels now and it's really handy.
I think it would be hard to justify the CE against an S2 given the s2 used market right now. Seems like the one of the biggest differences is having the core pickups.
Totally two different guitars tone wise. You will get a unique snappiness from the bolt on vs the custom (core) and S2, se variants
I picked one of these up a couple months ago... and it's frigging awesome. I love how it sounds and especially how it feels. It's just a really versatile instrument.
I like that exact one except I would prefer having it in a 22.
Great video, I've been looking hard at these. I'm torn between saving a few bucks with a CE or splurging for a core Tremonti.
I'm 0 for 2 with gig bags. I had to get Mono cases for both in order to feel like I wasn't going to ruin them. It's weird to pay $2k for a guitar and get a flimsy gig bag. Other than that, PRS wins.
I get your point but prs gigbags are awesome, not quite as mono but way superior than most gigbags
I'm surprised they don't send a hardshell case for that kind of money.
love mine I have an original CE....really you can feel the difference to other guitars PRS is the bomb
It's surprising how different it sounds from the core
I have a 1997 c e 22 that plays pretty decent. when I picked up a custom 22 it felt like butter. It played so nice and I've been looking for one patiently with the similar features and color scheme. I can get one for under $2,000 shopping patiently waiting for one that's closer to 1700 / $1,500
late to the party but if you really want the core sound with the CE feel then try a second gen CE 24 with the mahogany body. 1995-07 models they have the same features as the core but the difference is the bolt on neck. I pretty much only look for the original bolt ons nowadays.
The CE-22 we bought a GC for $1000 was without a doubt one of the best guitars I ever played ever.. It had the original dragon pickups & the 5 way rotary switch & purple finish, Looks way better than the one you showed..
I dig the shape and the sound of PRS, will buy one, one day :)
Went to Michael's channel on your recommendation, glad I did.
PRS ce24 semi hollow are also good, but I had some problem with mine: after just few months the fingerboard separated from the neck
The less aggressive carve is probably to do with it being a bolt on, as I am guessing that it has 0 neck angle like a Fender?
As soon as he said this guitar is $2,000 that was it for me!
exactly....this is cheap!!!
I recently got an older one in near mint condition for $800 less with a hard case and nice moon inlays; I'm in love with it. These new ones are a hard sell for me mainly for those reasons. And those ugly plastic birds are inexcusable.
Is it just me or does the core sound more Les Paulish, where the CE sounds more Fendery? As in mahogany neck vs maple, as in a little darker vs a little brighter. I may just be imagining this though.. 9:01
The choice of components here is solely based on the need to differentiate this line from the Core, to justify the price difference. The actual production cost difference between this and the core is likely under $100. To me, this is probably the most appealing PRS guitar, in addition to the S2 Thinline.
I have a 2006 CE24 and it's a great guitar. It feels better than my other guitars and has amazing resonance. I've played a LOT of gigs on it. It can cover a ton of styles. I did spend a lot of time getting the right pickups tho. The core guitar sounded amazing.... uh. I've been looking a Suhr's but wow, that thing sounded great!
I bought mine from Sweetwater before I saw your video. I have a 93 CU24 10 Top too. I really love my CE. I love the top carve too. Very comfortable to play. The only thing I don't like is the gig bag. I have no problem with gig bags in general. Like you, I actually prefer them. However, the gig bag does not hold the guitar snugly and subsequently, the 'G' and 'D' strings are always out of tune after being in it. Other than that, I think it is fantastic. I can't put it down.
Most Excellent video !
I have a 2016 Ruby Red CE love it, absolute a keeper. Can be whatever tone you want it to be. Love it! Saving for a Core PRS McCarty 594.
As always a straight down the middle review of a really great guitar. I think people really jumped ugly on these guitars because of the bridge and a few other parts but they are really nice to play, are a great value and sound fantastic. Some of the tops are really spectacular as well. I hope they come out with a 22 fret version with a hard tail or blocked tremolo.
I think the issue with these is they're $2k+ with foreign parts. PRS is now offering the USA bridge on the Chinese Hollowbodies, so it'd be interesting to know if they've done the same with the recent CEs.
My old CE24 had the rotary switch... I had just spoke to my guitar tech about possibly doing a push pull pot and a 3way switch when they announced the ce was coming back. My ce24 is one of my 2 main guitars, so I wonder how different the new pups, finish, weight etc is
It's crazy but I prefer the CE 24 to the Custom 24. The CE has a snap and attack that the CU24 doesn't have. It's not a downgrade from the CU24, or a cheaper version of a CU24, it's a totally different guitar. More Strat like than his other core guitars, but with a singing tone as referenced by Phil.
Something about that "Santana" note, you're right on. PRS do have a sound! I'm quite interested in the 277 Baritone w/P90's, I meant soap bars. You should review that one!
Phillip, thank you for this wonderful review! I have been seriously considering getting the CE 24. When I first started watching and listening to the beautiful tone you were getting, I was asking myself, "I wonder how it would sound through my humble Fender Super Champ X2?" Almost immediately, you said that this is the amp you were playing through, and that blew me away. I love my Super Champ! May I ask which setting you were on? I presume one of the modeling settings on channel 2 - or were you on channel 1/clean and using a high gain/overdive pedal?
I wonder if the korean bridge makes a difference with sustain. Paul often says anything the strings touch affects that. I wonder if the real american bridge has that copper mix in the metal to improve that whereas this one may not.
You could be right, I thought the same thing.
Would be interesting to see a comparison between the 2016 Reissue vs an original, circa 1995 CE24 model. I do like that it's now a 3 way toggle, vs the 5 way rotary.
Love that tone 🤩
i got mine not too long ago....love it!
Phil what is your take on the 85/15 pickups? I have them in an SE, S2 and CE...the S2 by far are the best sounding to me even though they are the same G&B made version, odd....overall I don't like the BIG push PRS has made to the 85/15 set...I don't like the mindset they are the "everything" pickup...I don't feel they have the PRS character I have grown to enjoy with the HFS set or Dragon/ Dragon II's
Great video as usual!
i kinda like my dw ce 24 better than my 2012 custom 24 . there ive said it. its not just the after market add ons on the DW . the key is the thinner body and carve and the brighter maple neck . for me its just a lighter and more comfortable guitar . and I am not as worried about gigging with it as I am the full usa core ..... I do wish it had a real case though....
True, core PRS has a more rounded sound
just bought the CE semi hollow. man what a great playing and sounding guitar .
Every time i see the new CE i ask myself, how much money can they save not carving the knobs in the top! It looks so wrong for a CE IMO.
Nicolas Rivera , remember the maple top is a little thinner....so carving that top not only saves money, but it is less risky!
It can’t save that much when all they do is hit the start button on a machine to carve it out.
I just bought a Wolf guitar model from allinoneguitar out of Calif. for $270.great set up too.sounds and plays great.
Man, your playing\touch has improved tremendously.
I agree that that flame top looks better. I think the wild flame maple looks tacky.
The thing about PaulReedSmith, is that they are just perfect guitars.
I was agonising over buying a Core or CE, this video made my mind up, the core sounds muffled compared to the CE. The CE has a clarity and sparkle thats missing from the Core. My order for a CE now placed!
I like the fuller sound of the Core better and the higher quality touches
I've got both a core model and a CE. I love my CE and actually like the way it feels and plays more so than my core. The only thing I think they could have done better on are the tuning keys. The CE keys are not as good as they could be which is a major turn off when dealing with these guitars however for the working man that can't afford a core model, these guitars are worth the money.
I really liked it when I played it, but here is my one complaint: I wish they offered the, "regular pattern", neck profile for it. I found the, "pattern thin", to be way too thin for my taste.
I swapped the bridge for an American for around 250.00. Totally worth it
REALLY nice review and video Phillip. I'm very impressed with the CE after watching this. Love your obvious passion for guitars too. Thanks mate :)))
Hey Phillip, thanks for the review! The tone you have on this video REALLY nails the sound i hear in my head. Is that a Fender Super Champ and a stock 2016 PRS CE24 - all run clean? No modulations? Thank you for any replies in advance :)
Thanks for the overview. Search for Paul Reed Smith Tedx if you want to hear him talk about his philosophy for building guitars.
I have seen them. But I have also sat in office and heard them as well. I love him he is a great guy.
PRS doesn't have a sound? Maybe in the same way that a strat "doesn't have a sound". The thing i've always loved about strats is that their sound always conforms to the player. Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Stevie, Clapton, etc always sound like themselves on a strat. PRS has always had that same quality for me but with a little more balls.
The bridge is missing the brass block. Just replace that.
When you play the outro "know your gear" theme, it sounded better on the CE 24 than the actual recorded clip! What was the original recorded on?
i got a prs custom obsidian 24,and it s the nicest of my four guitars. very easy to play and sounds wonderful.My other guitars are. A schecter platinum c 1 Gibson les paul studio pelham blue 2012 and a fender stratocaster classic player exclusive japan 68.
And thanks for your Demos, they are great.
regards from sweden :)
I owned a SE Standard for a few weeks but I liked the bridge. The nut was pretty crap tho, it needed to be setup because it was pinching the low strings hard enough to throw them out of tune when using the whammy.
These are $2000. I think I would save up for a Custom 24 or 22 rather than go with this CE. It seems too much like a Korean SE, especially since they use the SE's bridge and Korean tuners. I have a Tremonti SE and it's worth ever penny ($525 new) and the quality is up there with my Les Paul. But if I'm paying over say $1500, I would hold off, save up some money and go for the best.
I have an older CE 24 and it is nothing like an SE. It's a very solid, very high quality guitar, but i'm not sure about these newer CE's. You might be right. They might not be the same build quality. I love PRS's though, either way.
I have no doubt the build quality on the CE is top notch. It's just that price coupled with SE components that pushes me away. At the price PRS is charging, I think they could still make a handsome profit using higher quality parts.
+RKDriver tried a CE yesterday and it was immaculate. the neck profile was great and can do metal (im a metal player) perfectly
except the old ce, 2009 or below ce is so fkin good, not like this
nice to see another McKnight jamming out the guitar
why do you prefer a gig bag over a case? that's interesting.
Phil: 9:35 in, Let it go by Def Leppard?
love yo videos i wld love to see one where u do a comparision of
different companies version of the strat vs the strat..musicman, prs 305
suhr. etc
I just got a semi hollow in flame Red
fender super champ is a great little amp... i love these prs..
Been a subscriber for years. Love your videos.