I had the opportunity to meet and greet with Dave Grissom and his PRS reps at a super small local shop venue (I think there was like 30 people total there). He did not bring any gear with him, so he ended up using some of the shops Core and SE models for the evening through a PRS amp setup. He didn't shy away that he felt more comfortable "out of the box" with the Core, but did enjoy the SE as well. They gave away a couple of the SE models and he laughed that he was jealous they were just giving it away. They sounded slightly different live (both amazing), but he was more playing his jam tracks than a raw comparison of the two. Your comparison here is awesome to take in and process. Thanks for another great video.
Dave Grissom never takes his own guitars with him to demo's. Part of his input with PRS is that each of his core signature guitars should be identical, regardless.
I purchased an SE DGT a month ago, and I'm thrilled with it. Comfortable to play, beautiful to see, and sounds like pure rock and roll! Such a fun guitar! Nice job on the video. Your perspectives were well thought out and expressed.
I absolutely love my PRS Core guitars. I have played a couple of SEs but didn’t get on so well with them. Tone wise they come close but the biggest difference for me is in how the neck feels. I have checked the specs online and they are not all that different, but what makes the Core so much nicer to my hands is the roll on the fretboard edges. I think this is often overlooked as it actually gives the impression that the neck is slimmer than it is! But as hands are so sensitive, I find that 1mm difference that they are feeling on the edges of the fretboard make all to difference to me 😊 so for me it’s the Core series all they way! By far my favourite guitars in my collection. I totally totally love them - tone, feel, look - every aspect feels like perfection to me 😊🤟🏽🤘Is that worth the price difference? To me it is. The SE is incredible value for the price point and a fantastic guitar, me though, I would rather have one core as opposed to 4 SEs 🙏🏽Have an awesome day man!
After seeing that most of your new videos have the PRS DGT Core, I can tell you absolutely love it! I have not played any PRS DGT model but I have had a PRS SE since 2017 and I immediately fell in love. I too purchased the SE locking tuners and it made strings changes so much more enjoyable. I have recently purchased a used 2021 Core McCarty 594 10-Top in McCarty Burst (guitar in my profile picture) and I absolutely love it. I have been enjoying the much chunkier neck profile. The resonance of the Core models is so enjoyable to play plugged in and acoustically as well. I have been following your channel ever since I purchased an FM3. Your videos were the deciding factor on purchasing one since I loved the tones that you created with it. The fact that you explain how you get the tones and which settings you use, make it so incredibly helpful for someone new to the AxeFX world. Thank you for your commitment to your RUclips channel and followers!
I'd held out on getting a PRS for decades... was never a fan of the vibe (which is 100% a dumb thing to be hung up on, but in the interest of full disclosure). And they were always more expensive than I was willing to take a chance on to change my mind with a first-hand ownership experience. But I'd heard so many good things about the DGT, so always kept my eye out for a reasonably priced used one. So, when they announced the SE version of the DGT (and it kept getting rave reviews), I finally pulled the trigger... and I'm SO GLAD I did. Les Pauls are still my main brandy of whiskey, but the DGT SE is hands down the best bang for your buck (I can't believe how good they are, across all measurements, at their price point). I'd already bought mine, but have been waiting for your comparison video to hear your thoughts about the differences!
I avoided PRS for the same reasons as you. I then wanted a well made guitar for rock, with humbuckers and that was easier to play than a Les Paul with easier upper fret access, but not as cumbersome as an SG. I am most comfortable with Strats and prefer the Fender scale length. PRS seemed to tick all the boxes. I tried 5 new core models (Studio, DGT, Custom 24, Special) and none blew me away. My friend then said he was selling his core DGT and it was so much better than all the rest I had played and half the price. I've yet to try the SE, but having played and heard my other friend's SE Silver Sky, Custom 24 and Special, I'm sure it would be great. I won't be buying one though as I don't need another guitar!
9 of 10 of us knew what the conclusion was going to be; buy the best guitar you can afford-- core is better but is it worth it? and so on. One thing that goes largely unsaid with PRS guitars is whether you will risk dinging a core model, thus instantly losing $500-700 in resale. Core model buyers are "condition snobs" and we all know it. With an SE you are more likely to play it/gig with it, unless you are less than the 1 in 10 viewers with big $$ from your inheritance or your gigs. These days I doubt many of us purchase one top of the line guitar, gig the hell out of it for years, and never think about resale. Am I wrong?
I have a Goldtop DGT SE - I recently compared it with the Core in a local music store. I prefer the weight of the SE, it's lighter - also prefer the SE neck too - like you say, slightly chunkier. The main sound difference is the split coil - The Core split coils are more authentically Strat-like and probably to my taste. Whereas the SE split is its own kind of thing. The middle position with both pickups split is the best sound on the SE. Cosmetically, The Core is better finished, prettier, more detailed etc. However, personally, I'll be sticking with the SE as I bought it primarily for the FAT humbucker sounds which are awesome. It's my "Les Paul " but with an additional trem that feels great and really stays in tune.
Great video, thank you. I have purchased two of the SE DGT, the burst and the gold top. In one of the bands I am in we play mostly festivals. My main guitars in that group are a Gibson HP Les Paul gold top and an older LGX Godin. Both great instruments, but I get nervous taking them out on the road due to the expense and difficulty in replacing them if something were to happen. I had heard so many great things about the PRS SE DGTs, I decided to get one. Playability, overall build, and even the stock pickups are great. However, it had tuning stability issues and open chords often sounded out of tune. I figured I could fix that so I bought a second SE DGT - this time a gold top. Both brand new, but from different dealers about 6 months apart. The goldtop had even worse tuning stability! Please keep in mind that I blocked the trems in both guitars and the strings were completely stretched out. So then I bought SE locking tuners for them both - that helped with the tuning stability, but did not solve it. The issue with open chords was still there. Nut lube also helped a bit with tuning stability, but did not resolve it. Open chords, unless I tuned the guitar flat still sucked. I finally figured it out. The stock nuts SUCK! (At least on these two guitars) The nuts were too high on both guitars, causing open chords to be horribly out of tune, unless I tuned flat. They also bound up the strings, even with lube causing the tuning stability issues. Either I got two bad ones, from different dealers, 1/2 a year apart, or the stock nuts plain suck - which none of the online reviews seem to ever mention. I got zero frets installed on them both, and now they stay in tune and open chords sound great. Since my goal was to have a decent, but value priced guitar that would not kill me if it got stolen, I don't know if I accomplished that with the SE DGTs... Price (US) $849, hard shell case: approx $200, locking tuners: approx. $90, and zero fret installed approx. $175. $1,314 in per guitar...... Again, playability, tone, pickups, etc at the base price are great, but if the instrument will not stay in tune, what is the point? Maybe I just go two lemons.
Sorry to hear about your tuning issues. When I bought my SE DGT it had 10s on it. In the shop the guy recut the nut because I prefer playing with 9s. I didn't ask him to - it was just part of the service. I've had NO tuning issues at all. Stays in tune great = even when I've just put new strings on and when using the term. I would say a good guitar tech could fix the tuning issue. Maybe a recut nut is all that was necessary...? I have the standard factory nut and it's been fine. I gig regularly and it's a killer guitar especially for the price. I also own 2 Suhr guitars - they are not cheap - I don't feel I'm playing an inferior guitar when I switch to the PRS SE DGT.
@@keithalanyoung on both guitars replacing the nut with a new nut/zero fret resolved the issues. I agree they are great guitars, but at the price point, they should not need new nuts. In both cases the nuts were too high causing "cowboy" chords to be out of tune, and the strings constantly binded on the nuts, even after doing some work and using nut lube. Glad you had a great experience out of the box- so to speak!
I love my DGT SE, generally playing it ahead of my Les Paul and Strat. Everything was pointing to this guitar being a great option for gigging. However that was in doubt due to problems with tuning stability. Turned out to be the strings binding in the nut as per your experience. Guitar tech did a great job getting things working freely but not 100% confident. I would definitely buy another DGT SE but that nut is a potential achilles heel - I would have it checked out by the shop straight away.
I get my SE DGT this week. I have owned several USA variants. Core stuff is impeccable but my finish is fading and falling off my 2001 singlecut and I have done nothing but baby it. Still plays and sounds amazing. The Silver Sky SE changed everything for me. It’s incredible. For the money, I don’t think there is a more well made guitar. I still love the comparisons to the Core models because it shows PRS continues to get closer and bring more quality and consistency to a lower price point. They are much closer than previous SE’s five or ten years ago. Take all the money you saved and add a decent setup that will address any fret or nut issues and you still have a better guitar at this price point than anything out there. Great content as usual Leon.
first off, congrats on 100k subs Leon 🙌 well deserved after all these years =) awesome to see i'll take either of these otherwise 😄 core definitely has a fuller tone overall, and the slight neck difference is definitely something to bear in mind, can't go wrong with either in any case
Wonderful, simple breakdown Leon. Both guitars sound terrific plugged in .... DGT worth the money? Yes I think so but no ones really missing out getting the SE. But what I found fascinating was where you gave the unplugged demo using the mic to record the difference acoustically. I have never thought of doing that but it does sound legendary!! Wonderful idea 👌. Everydays a school day when you learn something new. Cheers teach 🤘🤘.
@@LeonTodd Quick question, have you ever played a PRS Dustie Waring Sig model guitar? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I am thinking of getting one. Thanks!
Another great video Leon. The SE DGT was my first PRS. I like it so much I got two core DGTs. I’ve still got the SE and the core models. I think the SE holds its own compared to the cores. The tone is very similar to my ears. The SE is a little brighter than the cores. Note I did upgrade my SE to add locking tuners. They all sound and play fantastic.
I have recently purchased my first PRS and it was the DGT SE goldtop. I have to say the quality, playability, and the whole PRS experience was amazing. I have a few high end guitars and they all play great. However, I have to admit the playability, tuning stability, and the quality experience that I received with this SE was so impressive that I want another PRS. Its a no brainer of a purchase. In my opinion, if you don't have a PRS then the DGT SE is a great "gateway" to get a taste of what PRS can offer you before spending a lot of hard earned cash on the higher end models. Kind of see if it will work out for you and then upgrade to a S2 or a Core series model. Thanks for doing this I enjoyed!
I utterly love my SE custom 24, and after finding the locking tuners and installing them, it took a $1400 guitar that played like a $2000 guitar, to the next level, and yea Leon the split on the pickups definitely has character, your core DGT has almost identical flame as mine.
@ 850.00 here in the States, the SE is a great purchase, I love the gold top too. I would recommend getting it PLEKED along with the PRS locking tuners. That is a great upgrade choice and well worth the investment IMO.
I have the McCarty Tobacco Burst, love it. It has been faultless out of the box, bit I did do a couple of changes, being the block to a solid brass block and brass saddles, and the SE Locking tuners. I didn't have to change these things, but it suits my sound better. The PRS SE DGT is a great guitar 🎸.
Great video already. I agree. Best SE they make and may be the best S series guitar sold in that price range today. I love the fact that they use tall narrow frets and the split coils do sound great. I love a single coil neck tone and they really nailed it. The core is really beautuful.. Just gorgeous. ❤ Cant go wrong with either. I play unplugged all the time as well. ❤ Very cool. Just cool axes man.. I still need that Robotto though. God thats a glorius guitar❤ Be well sir.. Great video. ❤ Tim..
Thank you for the unplugged test! IMO, the SE isn’t brighter. It’s the Core which has more detailed mids! The same is translated to the plugged in tone, if you listen carefully. I’d bet if you swapped the pickups in the Core for the SE pickups, the difference would still be there. Kris Barocsi made a video about that with two Les Pauls, swapping everything: the main differences in tone in the woods were still dominant!
I just got an SE DGT. First PRS and it’s amazing. I actually like it more than my Gibsons and I’m a Gibson fanboy. Seriously looking into a core custom 24 now
I love PRS. Had a black DGT with moon inlays for a while. It was very heavy, and I didn't jive with the pickups. It also sounded a bit dull. Ended up with a bunch of other PRS guitars that I am happy with (Core C24, older CE models, S2 Mira).
I ordered a DGT core over the european distributor and could not wait to get it. As it arrived, there were so many flaws with it (yes, core, not SE) that I returned it and also cancelled my other orders. I was told "If you don't take it, I have 5 other people that take it". The flaws: - One block of the trem: the silver/nickel was splitting off, it looked like it was used and heavily pleayd several years - The wood had inpurities in it that just looked like cheap wood selection. I had several custom guitars over the years, never seen anything like that - worst thing: Painting on the cutaway - i thought there was dust there, so I took a cloth and wanted to clean it. but... it was UNDER the paint! looked like 5 white sandcorns or whatever. I would be looking there anytime I play. Absolute nogo! I reported those flaws to the distributor... Nr. 1 would be easily fixed. The rest was "I would take it, another one would take 1 Year to reach you". Is that Premium? Is that what PRS Core stands for? I am done with that brand.
I'm betting they include the locking tuners on a later release with maybe some new colors. Haven't played any of the DGTs but when I got a core, I tried on suggestion of the store owner both the Paul's guitar and the McCarty (non594). The Paul's guitar neck was mostly the same thickness up and down where the McCarty had more of that taper that I like, so I got the McCarty. I've got SEs and S2s as well. They're all great guitars and I think all of them are gig worthy.
The core definitely is a much fuller sounding guitar plugged and unplugged. Also had much more note clarity.... While the SE models are fantastic guitars, own 1 myself. But this is one of those cases where the more expensive one, is more expensive for a reason. I'll add that i do feel the modern day prs core models are insanely priced...
I also own both the Core and the SE versions of the PRS GDT guitar. I typically buy both guitars if a Core and a SE model is available. Why? Because the Core model is a great session guitar used for recording dates where the guitar can be protected from theft and the SE is great for live gigs because it gives me 90% of the sound at 1/4 the cost so if it’s stolen or broken the loss isn’t too hard to recover from. Over the past few years the SE models have become very good guitars at a very good price point.
I wish I got on better with the sticky (to me) gloss neck PRS models, I'd be all over a DGT sE. The black-satin neck on the CE 24 I just got, on the other hand -- slick like an oil spill.🤩
The SE version really blew me away. Love that they chose the goldtop finish as well. The core model does feel like it's higher quality, and there's definitely better wood in there. I prefer the neck carve on the core.
Hey Leon, would you be able to make a few basic DGT SE presets for the Helix/HXStomp platform and put it out there for sale. I'll be the first one to buy it as I'm struggling with getting a good tone out of mine. Cheers : )
Awesome playing Leon !! the core model sounds nicer, , but the SE is one of the best guitar's for that price Range, cheers Leon for the Awesome Demo ❤❤ 🔥 🔥
I’d love to see the Core in a head to head with a similarly spec’d Ernie Ball Music Man. I’ve currently got decision paralysis between piezo models from PRS and EBMM. I feel like Mr.Burns.. “Ketchup? Catsup?”
I like PRS guitars but I wish they offered stainless steel frets, tung oil necks and carbon fiber or titanium neck reinforcement rods as standard options.
I love my DGT SE and it covers all bases, so resonant and huge tonal variation with split coils and 2 volumes. I can’t justify the 3.5x cost for a core for the marginal improvement, possibly if I were a studio/session guy where the margins are important - rather than a basic gigging guy. Has this clip in the acoustic part proved tonewoods exist 😅😅😅
Ok, you say that the neck is Wider on the SE, but what is the curve like? I love my DGT, and would like to get a back up that feels similar. Do you think me having smaller hands with make this not an option for me?
Having played neither of these, I can't speak to the issue of which. But I got a McCarty over 20 years ago, and I can speak to the joy of owning a PRS-- probably any PRS you can afford.
Regarding stock tuners, I agree locking tuners should just become the standard for all PRS SEs going forward. I think they should only sell the non-locking ones separately for replacements on older models but phase them out of ALL newer models. It would be a huge win for the consumer. Sure, prices would increase a little bit, however even though you're getting nicer tuners, you're saving by not having the older tuners. In other words, even though they sell locking tuners separately for around 100 dollars, you wouldn't be paying hundred dollars more for the updated guitar. Idk how much the non-locking tuners cost but let's say hypothetically they're 75. They'd be taking off the ones worth 75 and adding ones worth 100. So the guitar should only cost 25 dollars more than it did before. Instead of buying a CE24 satin for 500 and then buying locking tuners for another 100, costing you 600 total, wouldn't you rather just pay 525-550 right out of the gate and have the locking tuners? Saves you money. It's really the only upgrade some PRS SEs need in my opinion. Maybe PRS is trying to keep the cost down, or maybe it's just PRSs way of getting a little bit more out of you as a returning customer if you choose the locking tuners (which I'm ok with if that's the case, they're a business after all). Maybe they're afraid if they sell you something too good right out of the gate, you'll never return to buy from them or anyone else again lol. Think about it, a DGT SE is really all a gigging guitarist needs unless you need 24 frets, because you can simulate acoustic guitar via pedal/install a ghost piezo pickup system, and the DGT itself is versatile with it's humbuckers and split tones. What else do you need?
Ok thanks. And now you have the Core do you think keeping the SE? Not the same quality but i have a 2009 EVH wolfgang USA and an EVH std asian made and i really love too the Sandard and don't want to sell it.
The PRS SE DGT is the only PRS SE guitar for me because it is the only one with a neck I can use and humbuckers. It is a crying shame that PRS links nut widths to neck profiles and neck profiles to bridge types. I dearly want a PRS SE with a 42mm nut, Pattern Vintage profile, and the plate-style hardtail from the SE Mark Holcomb (or the PRS SE vibrato bridge as a compromise) for a flat neck pitch.
I think it’s remarkable how good they’ve made the SE’s. That said, I have a Core McCarty from the late 90’s and I’ve been weird about not wanting an SE because of what I’ve already got?.? FOMO is a weird thing.
They sound virtually identical plugged in, but the Core is acoustically Fuller. Both are Badass tho... I'd get the SE DGT and do the usual upgrades... And do my Custom Switching Mods that my other PRS SE's have.
SEs are superb guitars at their price point. No doubt about it. However I'd always prefer the core models, which can be had at more affordable prices on the used market.
@@LeonTodd thanks for the response. Interesting. I was shocked how different they were. Love PRS and have a few cores and SE’s but DGT’s keep calling me 😂🤣
It's like an LP tribute/studio vs Custom... All great guitars... But if you can get a custom then get a custom 😁. I went and tried an se.. pretty nice guitars. The core looks the goods tho. And if I were to go just by the sounds in the video.... The core all the way 🤘 ... And always remember... Divide the years of joy by the cost of the guitar... The longer you have it the cheaper it is... So they eventually work out to be basically free... So another one is always ok to buy 😅
With Leons tastes he needs something thats satisfys a double tastey from PRS and both those actually do more than the trick doubly so in such well fashion.. id love one in tasty gold and end up justifying the 3 more .. 😅 or more... Not one less which could fall under the tasty category of more is more..lol 😅 🌏🦘🦘🦘 💕 😺
I own the SE version ands it’s really helluva guitar BUT the quality regarding little important things, mostly the nut, wasn’t great. I’d recommend buying it in a shop and take one which is made properly. Mine was mail ordered so this is maybe on me, not wanting to send this otherwise insanely good axe back. As my wife repeatedly tells me: don’t buy the cheaper versions, just get the real one (after saving up of course). I might later acquire the emerald green version if it, if money and guitar are available at the same time…
The se could be okoume or palaquium... and since none of those are as stable like african mahohany or fiji or brazilian, the neck its gona move. People that dosent hear a difference or play since ages should be happy with a se. Either way, i find them way to expensive...
Can’t argue with you there .. that’s for sure .. I do have the dgt se and love it but can’t argue … I have plenty of high end guitars and plugged in the dgt se is just fabulous still
You will never hear the difference in a mix. I will never buy a guitar at $4000 dollars. I will take the DGT SE and you won't be able to tell the difference listening to the band. I have 2 Sires, one Fender Strat 2006, and an PRS SE. I had a hand signed PRS, one of the first ones and sold it for 5 grand 10 years ago. That same guitar would go for $20,000 now. I don't get the hype in expensive guitars that is mostly hype. To me the best guitar out is the Tyler guitars, but no way I am paying $5,000 for one. You can built that guitar from a Sire guitar, add a mid boost, and put all Humbucker in them and do a parallel split on them. It is crazy what people will pay for guitars. I bought a top of the line Strat in 2006 for $800. If people would stop paying huge money for them, the price would come down.
I dont get on with my DGT SE, the action is quite high, the 3 way switch is dodgy I need to replace it. This is my 2nd SE the first went back because the neck was put on in the factory so you couldnt adjust the action. Both are poorly built me thinks compared to say a Mexican fender or Chinese Epiphone. I have put locking tuners on the SE, which makes it better. The frets are quite high which means it forces me to change my playing style. All in all disappointing compared to say my Mexican strat. I think the QCing in Indonesia is pants!! You may have been lucky and also the people who say they are great on YT. I read many people have socket, switch, neck, fret, etc etc problems, need I say more. No more PRS for me. I disagree strongly with you its badly built 😂😂
@@LeonTodd yeah, i‘m still looking for one but they‘re pretty rare on the used market here in germany and even finding a new one in the „right“ colour or the right specs. is not easy as maybe in the us…by the way, i really like yours (moon inlays!👍🏻) or i‘d love to have a goldtop.i do have a nice collection of guitars myself these days…fancy ones, even vintage stuff, but prs and david grissom created a MONSTER with that guitar.desert island guitar 100%💪🏻
I had the opportunity to meet and greet with Dave Grissom and his PRS reps at a super small local shop venue (I think there was like 30 people total there). He did not bring any gear with him, so he ended up using some of the shops Core and SE models for the evening through a PRS amp setup. He didn't shy away that he felt more comfortable "out of the box" with the Core, but did enjoy the SE as well. They gave away a couple of the SE models and he laughed that he was jealous they were just giving it away. They sounded slightly different live (both amazing), but he was more playing his jam tracks than a raw comparison of the two.
Your comparison here is awesome to take in and process. Thanks for another great video.
Dave Grissom never takes his own guitars with him to demo's. Part of his input with PRS is that each of his core signature guitars should be identical, regardless.
I purchased an SE DGT a month ago, and I'm thrilled with it. Comfortable to play, beautiful to see, and sounds like pure rock and roll! Such a fun guitar! Nice job on the video. Your perspectives were well thought out and expressed.
I absolutely love my PRS Core guitars. I have played a couple of SEs but didn’t get on so well with them. Tone wise they come close but the biggest difference for me is in how the neck feels. I have checked the specs online and they are not all that different, but what makes the Core so much nicer to my hands is the roll on the fretboard edges. I think this is often overlooked as it actually gives the impression that the neck is slimmer than it is! But as hands are so sensitive, I find that 1mm difference that they are feeling on the edges of the fretboard make all to difference to me 😊 so for me it’s the Core series all they way! By far my favourite guitars in my collection. I totally totally love them - tone, feel, look - every aspect feels like perfection to me 😊🤟🏽🤘Is that worth the price difference? To me it is. The SE is incredible value for the price point and a fantastic guitar, me though, I would rather have one core as opposed to 4 SEs 🙏🏽Have an awesome day man!
The little things add up hey!
After seeing that most of your new videos have the PRS DGT Core, I can tell you absolutely love it! I have not played any PRS DGT model but I have had a PRS SE since 2017 and I immediately fell in love. I too purchased the SE locking tuners and it made strings changes so much more enjoyable. I have recently purchased a used 2021 Core McCarty 594 10-Top in McCarty Burst (guitar in my profile picture) and I absolutely love it. I have been enjoying the much chunkier neck profile. The resonance of the Core models is so enjoyable to play plugged in and acoustically as well. I have been following your channel ever since I purchased an FM3. Your videos were the deciding factor on purchasing one since I loved the tones that you created with it. The fact that you explain how you get the tones and which settings you use, make it so incredibly helpful for someone new to the AxeFX world. Thank you for your commitment to your RUclips channel and followers!
Congratulation for your 100k subscribers ! Thank you for your videos.
Thank you very much!
I agree, and the biggest difference is articulation and clarity, IMO.
I'd held out on getting a PRS for decades... was never a fan of the vibe (which is 100% a dumb thing to be hung up on, but in the interest of full disclosure). And they were always more expensive than I was willing to take a chance on to change my mind with a first-hand ownership experience. But I'd heard so many good things about the DGT, so always kept my eye out for a reasonably priced used one.
So, when they announced the SE version of the DGT (and it kept getting rave reviews), I finally pulled the trigger... and I'm SO GLAD I did. Les Pauls are still my main brandy of whiskey, but the DGT SE is hands down the best bang for your buck (I can't believe how good they are, across all measurements, at their price point). I'd already bought mine, but have been waiting for your comparison video to hear your thoughts about the differences!
They really hit a sweet spot with the SE hey!
I avoided PRS for the same reasons as you. I then wanted a well made guitar for rock, with humbuckers and that was easier to play than a Les Paul with easier upper fret access, but not as cumbersome as an SG. I am most comfortable with Strats and prefer the Fender scale length. PRS seemed to tick all the boxes. I tried 5 new core models (Studio, DGT, Custom 24, Special) and none blew me away. My friend then said he was selling his core DGT and it was so much better than all the rest I had played and half the price. I've yet to try the SE, but having played and heard my other friend's SE Silver Sky, Custom 24 and Special, I'm sure it would be great. I won't be buying one though as I don't need another guitar!
9 of 10 of us knew what the conclusion was going to be; buy the best guitar you can afford-- core is better but is it worth it? and so on. One thing that goes largely unsaid with PRS guitars is whether you will risk dinging a core model, thus instantly losing $500-700 in resale. Core model buyers are "condition snobs" and we all know it. With an SE you are more likely to play it/gig with it, unless you are less than the 1 in 10 viewers with big $$ from your inheritance or your gigs. These days I doubt many of us purchase one top of the line guitar, gig the hell out of it for years, and never think about resale. Am I wrong?
I have a Goldtop DGT SE - I recently compared it with the Core in a local music store. I prefer the weight of the SE, it's lighter - also prefer the SE neck too - like you say, slightly chunkier. The main sound difference is the split coil - The Core split coils are more authentically Strat-like and probably to my taste. Whereas the SE split is its own kind of thing. The middle position with both pickups split is the best sound on the SE. Cosmetically, The Core is better finished, prettier, more detailed etc. However, personally, I'll be sticking with the SE as I bought it primarily for the FAT humbucker sounds which are awesome. It's my "Les Paul " but with an additional trem that feels great and really stays in tune.
For 1/4 of the price it's unbelievable!
Great video, thank you. I have purchased two of the SE DGT, the burst and the gold top. In one of the bands I am in we play mostly festivals. My main guitars in that group are a Gibson HP Les Paul gold top and an older LGX Godin. Both great instruments, but I get nervous taking them out on the road due to the expense and difficulty in replacing them if something were to happen. I had heard so many great things about the PRS SE DGTs, I decided to get one. Playability, overall build, and even the stock pickups are great. However, it had tuning stability issues and open chords often sounded out of tune. I figured I could fix that so I bought a second SE DGT - this time a gold top. Both brand new, but from different dealers about 6 months apart. The goldtop had even worse tuning stability! Please keep in mind that I blocked the trems in both guitars and the strings were completely stretched out. So then I bought SE locking tuners for them both - that helped with the tuning stability, but did not solve it. The issue with open chords was still there. Nut lube also helped a bit with tuning stability, but did not resolve it. Open chords, unless I tuned the guitar flat still sucked.
I finally figured it out. The stock nuts SUCK! (At least on these two guitars) The nuts were too high on both guitars, causing open chords to be horribly out of tune, unless I tuned flat. They also bound up the strings, even with lube causing the tuning stability issues.
Either I got two bad ones, from different dealers, 1/2 a year apart, or the stock nuts plain suck - which none of the online reviews seem to ever mention.
I got zero frets installed on them both, and now they stay in tune and open chords sound great.
Since my goal was to have a decent, but value priced guitar that would not kill me if it got stolen, I don't know if I accomplished that with the SE DGTs...
Price (US) $849, hard shell case: approx $200, locking tuners: approx. $90, and zero fret installed approx. $175. $1,314 in per guitar......
Again, playability, tone, pickups, etc at the base price are great, but if the instrument will not stay in tune, what is the point? Maybe I just go two lemons.
Sorry to hear about your tuning issues. When I bought my SE DGT it had 10s on it. In the shop the guy recut the nut because I prefer playing with 9s. I didn't ask him to - it was just part of the service. I've had NO tuning issues at all. Stays in tune great = even when I've just put new strings on and when using the term. I would say a good guitar tech could fix the tuning issue. Maybe a recut nut is all that was necessary...? I have the standard factory nut and it's been fine. I gig regularly and it's a killer guitar especially for the price. I also own 2 Suhr guitars - they are not cheap - I don't feel I'm playing an inferior guitar when I switch to the PRS SE DGT.
@@keithalanyoung on both guitars replacing the nut with a new nut/zero fret resolved the issues. I agree they are great guitars, but at the price point, they should not need new nuts. In both cases the nuts were too high causing "cowboy" chords to be out of tune, and the strings constantly binded on the nuts, even after doing some work and using nut lube. Glad you had a great experience out of the box- so to speak!
I love my DGT SE, generally playing it ahead of my Les Paul and Strat. Everything was pointing to this guitar being a great option for gigging. However that was in doubt due to problems with tuning stability. Turned out to be the strings binding in the nut as per your experience. Guitar tech did a great job getting things working freely but not 100% confident. I would definitely buy another DGT SE but that nut is a potential achilles heel - I would have it checked out by the shop straight away.
I get my SE DGT this week. I have owned several USA variants. Core stuff is impeccable but my finish is fading and falling off my 2001 singlecut and I have done nothing but baby it. Still plays and sounds amazing. The Silver Sky SE changed everything for me. It’s incredible. For the money, I don’t think there is a more well made guitar. I still love the comparisons to the Core models because it shows PRS continues to get closer and bring more quality and consistency to a lower price point. They are much closer than previous SE’s five or ten years ago. Take all the money you saved and add a decent setup that will address any fret or nut issues and you still have a better guitar at this price point than anything out there. Great content as usual Leon.
first off, congrats on 100k subs Leon 🙌 well deserved after all these years =) awesome to see
i'll take either of these otherwise 😄 core definitely has a fuller tone overall, and the slight neck difference is definitely something to bear in mind, can't go wrong with either in any case
Thanks brother!
Wonderful, simple breakdown Leon. Both guitars sound terrific plugged in .... DGT worth the money? Yes I think so but no ones really missing out getting the SE. But what I found fascinating was where you gave the unplugged demo using the mic to record the difference acoustically. I have never thought of doing that but it does sound legendary!! Wonderful idea 👌. Everydays a school day when you learn something new. Cheers teach 🤘🤘.
Interesting comparison, thanks for putting this together. Totally dug the Michael Schenker lick BTW!!!
Schenker forever!
@@LeonTodd Quick question, have you ever played a PRS Dustie Waring Sig model guitar? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I am thinking of getting one. Thanks!
Another great video Leon. The SE DGT was my first PRS. I like it so much I got two core DGTs. I’ve still got the SE and the core models. I think the SE holds its own compared to the cores. The tone is very similar to my ears. The SE is a little brighter than the cores. Note I did upgrade my SE to add locking tuners. They all sound and play fantastic.
Good choice!
I have recently purchased my first PRS and it was the DGT SE goldtop. I have to say the quality, playability, and the whole PRS experience was amazing. I have a few high end guitars and they all play great. However, I have to admit the playability, tuning stability, and the quality experience that I received with this SE was so impressive that I want another PRS. Its a no brainer of a purchase. In my opinion, if you don't have a PRS then the DGT SE is a great "gateway" to get a taste of what PRS can offer you before spending a lot of hard earned cash on the higher end models. Kind of see if it will work out for you and then upgrade to a S2 or a Core series model. Thanks for doing this I enjoyed!
Well said!
I utterly love my SE custom 24, and after finding the locking tuners and installing them, it took a $1400 guitar that played like a $2000 guitar, to the next level, and yea Leon the split on the pickups definitely has character, your core DGT has almost identical flame as mine.
@ 850.00 here in the States, the SE is a great purchase, I love the gold top too. I would recommend getting it PLEKED along with the PRS locking tuners. That is a great upgrade choice and well worth the investment IMO.
THIS
I have the McCarty Tobacco Burst, love it.
It has been faultless out of the box, bit I did do a couple of changes, being the block to a solid brass block and brass saddles, and the SE Locking tuners.
I didn't have to change these things, but it suits my sound better.
The PRS SE DGT is a great guitar 🎸.
Great video already. I agree. Best SE they make and may be the best S series guitar sold in that price range today. I love the fact that they use tall narrow frets and the split coils do sound great. I love a single coil neck tone and they really nailed it. The core is really beautuful.. Just gorgeous. ❤
Cant go wrong with either.
I play unplugged all the time as well. ❤
Very cool. Just cool axes man..
I still need that Robotto though. God thats a glorius guitar❤
Be well sir.. Great video. ❤
Tim..
Thank you for the unplugged test! IMO, the SE isn’t brighter. It’s the Core which has more detailed mids!
The same is translated to the plugged in tone, if you listen carefully. I’d bet if you swapped the pickups in the Core for the SE pickups, the difference would still be there. Kris Barocsi made a video about that with two Les Pauls, swapping everything: the main differences in tone in the woods were still dominant!
I just got an SE DGT. First PRS and it’s amazing. I actually like it more than my Gibsons and I’m a Gibson fanboy. Seriously looking into a core custom 24 now
😍
I have an SE, and for me, I'd still get the SE and 2 higher end Ibanez axes and still have money left over for a few good steakhouse dinners.
I love PRS. Had a black DGT with moon inlays for a while. It was very heavy, and I didn't jive with the pickups. It also sounded a bit dull. Ended up with a bunch of other PRS guitars that I am happy with (Core C24, older CE models, S2 Mira).
CE24 is a vibe!
The solo for Skies Limit is one of my favorites🤟🏻the song itself is killer and the solo has a lot of feeling and soul man I love that song !
Thanks bro! All about the grease
I ordered a DGT core over the european distributor and could not wait to get it. As it arrived, there were so many flaws with it (yes, core, not SE) that I returned it and also cancelled my other orders. I was told "If you don't take it, I have 5 other people that take it".
The flaws:
- One block of the trem: the silver/nickel was splitting off, it looked like it was used and heavily pleayd several years
- The wood had inpurities in it that just looked like cheap wood selection. I had several custom guitars over the years, never seen anything like that
- worst thing: Painting on the cutaway - i thought there was dust there, so I took a cloth and wanted to clean it. but... it was UNDER the paint! looked like 5 white sandcorns or whatever. I would be looking there anytime I play. Absolute nogo!
I reported those flaws to the distributor... Nr. 1 would be easily fixed. The rest was "I would take it, another one would take 1 Year to reach you". Is that Premium? Is that what PRS Core stands for?
I am done with that brand.
That sucks to hear man. I've never seen a core PRS like that at all
@@LeonTodd Seems this is a prob of the european distro...
I'm betting they include the locking tuners on a later release with maybe some new colors. Haven't played any of the DGTs but when I got a core, I tried on suggestion of the store owner both the Paul's guitar and the McCarty (non594). The Paul's guitar neck was mostly the same thickness up and down where the McCarty had more of that taper that I like, so I got the McCarty. I've got SEs and S2s as well. They're all great guitars and I think all of them are gig worthy.
The core definitely is a much fuller sounding guitar plugged and unplugged. Also had much more note clarity.... While the SE models are fantastic guitars, own 1 myself. But this is one of those cases where the more expensive one, is more expensive for a reason. I'll add that i do feel the modern day prs core models are insanely priced...
I also own both the Core and the SE versions of the PRS GDT guitar. I typically buy both guitars if a Core and a SE model is available. Why? Because the Core model is a great session guitar used for recording dates where the guitar can be protected from theft and the SE is great for live gigs because it gives me 90% of the sound at 1/4 the cost so if it’s stolen or broken the loss isn’t too hard to recover from. Over the past few years the SE models have become very good guitars at a very good price point.
Leon, have you tried the SE McCarty 594?? Be interested to see your comparison with the DGT
Only briefly. Would be cool to demo one side by side!
I wish I got on better with the sticky (to me) gloss neck PRS models, I'd be all over a DGT sE. The black-satin neck on the CE 24 I just got, on the other hand -- slick like an oil spill.🤩
The SE version really blew me away. Love that they chose the goldtop finish as well. The core model does feel like it's higher quality, and there's definitely better wood in there. I prefer the neck carve on the core.
I'm not 100% sure, but i think the resistor on splitcoils is to avoid volume difference between pickups when split/full rather than changing the tone
For me , your the most trusted source of Axe Fx3, pedals and guitars.
🙌
@@LeonTodd By the way, your one hell of a guitarist.
Hey Leon, would you be able to make a few basic DGT SE presets for the Helix/HXStomp platform and put it out there for sale. I'll be the first one to buy it as I'm struggling with getting a good tone out of mine. Cheers : )
Awesome playing Leon !! the core model sounds nicer, , but the SE is one of the best guitar's for that price Range, cheers Leon for the Awesome Demo ❤❤ 🔥 🔥
Good video buddy. Yes I agree the Core has a fatter , deeper sound. Very nice. looks like you get what you pay for 👋✌️🎸🎸
100k 🎉😎🍻🎸
Cheers!
Have you tried an Adam Jones Les Paul Signature yet? I do recommend it.
A mate has the Epi version and it's the best Epi I've ever played
I’d love to see the Core in a head to head with a similarly spec’d Ernie Ball Music Man.
I’ve currently got decision paralysis between piezo models from PRS and EBMM.
I feel like Mr.Burns..
“Ketchup? Catsup?”
I like PRS guitars but I wish they offered stainless steel frets, tung oil necks and carbon fiber or titanium neck reinforcement rods as standard options.
Stainless would be HUGE
I love my DGT SE and it covers all bases, so resonant and huge tonal variation with split coils and 2 volumes. I can’t justify the 3.5x cost for a core for the marginal improvement, possibly if I were a studio/session guy where the margins are important - rather than a basic gigging guy. Has this clip in the acoustic part proved tonewoods exist 😅😅😅
Ok, you say that the neck is Wider on the SE, but what is the curve like? I love my DGT, and would like to get a back up that feels similar. Do you think me having smaller hands with make this not an option for me?
Having played neither of these, I can't speak to the issue of which. But I got a McCarty over 20 years ago, and I can speak to the joy of owning a PRS-- probably any PRS you can afford.
The McCarty is one of the best guitars released in the last 50 years IMO
Regarding stock tuners, I agree locking tuners should just become the standard for all PRS SEs going forward. I think they should only sell the non-locking ones separately for replacements on older models but phase them out of ALL newer models. It would be a huge win for the consumer.
Sure, prices would increase a little bit, however even though you're getting nicer tuners, you're saving by not having the older tuners. In other words, even though they sell locking tuners separately for around 100 dollars, you wouldn't be paying hundred dollars more for the updated guitar. Idk how much the non-locking tuners cost but let's say hypothetically they're 75. They'd be taking off the ones worth 75 and adding ones worth 100. So the guitar should only cost 25 dollars more than it did before. Instead of buying a CE24 satin for 500 and then buying locking tuners for another 100, costing you 600 total, wouldn't you rather just pay 525-550 right out of the gate and have the locking tuners? Saves you money. It's really the only upgrade some PRS SEs need in my opinion. Maybe PRS is trying to keep the cost down, or maybe it's just PRSs way of getting a little bit more out of you as a returning customer if you choose the locking tuners (which I'm ok with if that's the case, they're a business after all). Maybe they're afraid if they sell you something too good right out of the gate, you'll never return to buy from them or anyone else again lol. Think about it, a DGT SE is really all a gigging guitarist needs unless you need 24 frets, because you can simulate acoustic guitar via pedal/install a ghost piezo pickup system, and the DGT itself is versatile with it's humbuckers and split tones. What else do you need?
I have a SE, upgraded locking tuners... after your video.. is good investment to get the core bridge... almost US 400?
Try the mannmade ones - www.johnmannsguitarvault.com/mannmade-usa-tremolo-bridge-nickel-fits-prs-style.html
Superb demo!
Why don't you upgrade the SE DGT with a USA Tremolo? Maybe a little better résonance with? Or not? Lol
Thanks man
I've thought about it - my CE24 has the same bridge and could probably do with the same upgrade
Ok thanks.
And now you have the Core do you think keeping the SE?
Not the same quality but i have a 2009 EVH wolfgang USA and an EVH std asian made and i really love too the Sandard and don't want to sell it.
I actually got the SE after the core! Both great guitars
The PRS SE DGT is the only PRS SE guitar for me because it is the only one with a neck I can use and humbuckers. It is a crying shame that PRS links nut widths to neck profiles and neck profiles to bridge types. I dearly want a PRS SE with a 42mm nut, Pattern Vintage profile, and the plate-style hardtail from the SE Mark Holcomb (or the PRS SE vibrato bridge as a compromise) for a flat neck pitch.
I think it’s remarkable how good they’ve made the SE’s. That said, I have a Core McCarty from the late 90’s and I’ve been weird about not wanting an SE because of what I’ve already got?.? FOMO is a weird thing.
I brought the SE DGT, great guitar, my only complaint, I had to change the input jack straight away, but that's not a big deal. Awesome Demo Leon 👌
They sound virtually identical plugged in, but the Core is acoustically Fuller. Both are Badass tho... I'd get the SE DGT and do the usual upgrades... And do my Custom Switching Mods that my other PRS SE's have.
Yes
SEs are superb guitars at their price point. No doubt about it. However I'd always prefer the core models, which can be had at more affordable prices on the used market.
I've bought all but one of my cores used. Worth hunting around for the right deal!
@leontodd were the same strings fitted to each please?
Yes, Elixir nanoweb 10-52's on each. Action and pickup heights set as close as possible on each guitar.
@@LeonTodd thanks for the response. Interesting. I was shocked how different they were. Love PRS and have a few cores and SE’s but DGT’s keep calling me 😂🤣
It's like an LP tribute/studio vs Custom... All great guitars... But if you can get a custom then get a custom 😁. I went and tried an se.. pretty nice guitars. The core looks the goods tho. And if I were to go just by the sounds in the video.... The core all the way 🤘 ... And always remember... Divide the years of joy by the cost of the guitar... The longer you have it the cheaper it is... So they eventually work out to be basically free... So another one is always ok to buy 😅
This
The se DGT is the monster tool live!
mate! 99.9 subs!!
I love my SE Starla i bet the price has already gone up considerably
Yes.
With Leons tastes he needs something thats satisfys a double tastey from PRS and both those actually do more than the trick doubly so in such well fashion.. id love one in tasty gold and end up justifying the 3 more .. 😅 or more... Not one less which could fall under the tasty category of more is more..lol 😅 🌏🦘🦘🦘 💕 😺
I own the SE version ands it’s really helluva guitar BUT the quality regarding little important things, mostly the nut, wasn’t great. I’d recommend buying it in a shop and take one which is made properly. Mine was mail ordered so this is maybe on me, not wanting to send this otherwise insanely good axe back. As my wife repeatedly tells me: don’t buy the cheaper versions, just get the real one (after saving up of course). I might later acquire the emerald green version if it, if money and guitar are available at the same time…
TOAN WOOD !!!
I don't hear 4 times the quality at all, so I assume one would be paying the extra for the finish?
Is the brass block
The se could be okoume or palaquium... and since none of those are as stable like african mahohany or fiji or brazilian, the neck its gona move. People that dosent hear a difference or play since ages should be happy with a se. Either way, i find them way to expensive...
Just upgrade the pickups and the SE will be better in every way!
TLDR; Yes it is.
Buy the Core pup set up n save millions.
No comparission! The core sounds so much better - unplugged.
Can’t argue with you there .. that’s for sure .. I do have the dgt se and love it but can’t argue … I have plenty of high end guitars and plugged in the dgt se is just fabulous still
The SE is a better sounding guitar!
No. Next question.
Well, it's $3500 better.
You will never hear the difference in a mix. I will never buy a guitar at $4000 dollars. I will take the DGT SE and you won't be able to tell the difference listening to the band. I have 2 Sires, one Fender Strat 2006, and an PRS SE. I had a hand signed PRS, one of the first ones and sold it for 5 grand 10 years ago. That same guitar would go for $20,000 now. I don't get the hype in expensive guitars that is mostly hype. To me the best guitar out is the Tyler guitars, but no way I am paying $5,000 for one. You can built that guitar from a Sire guitar, add a mid boost, and put all Humbucker in them and do a parallel split on them. It is crazy what people will pay for guitars. I bought a top of the line Strat in 2006 for $800. If people would stop paying huge money for them, the price would come down.
I dont get on with my DGT SE, the action is quite high, the 3 way switch is dodgy I need to replace it. This is my 2nd SE the first went back because the neck was put on in the factory so you couldnt adjust the action. Both are poorly built me thinks compared to say a Mexican fender or Chinese Epiphone. I have put locking tuners on the SE, which makes it better. The frets are quite high which means it forces me to change my playing style. All in all disappointing compared to say my Mexican strat. I think the QCing in Indonesia is pants!! You may have been lucky and also the people who say they are great on YT. I read many people have socket, switch, neck, fret, etc etc problems, need I say more. No more PRS for me. I disagree strongly with you its badly built 😂😂
i‘ve played a used dgt coulple years ago in denmark street and really its haunting me since then🫣
The first one I played haunted me until I tracked mine down!
@@LeonTodd yeah, i‘m still looking for one but they‘re pretty rare on the used market here in germany and even finding a new one in the „right“ colour or the right specs. is not easy as maybe in the us…by the way, i really like yours (moon inlays!👍🏻) or i‘d love to have a goldtop.i do have a nice collection of guitars myself these days…fancy ones, even vintage stuff, but prs and david grissom created a MONSTER with that guitar.desert island guitar 100%💪🏻
One of them is with a real Maple top