I'm Done Buying New PRS Guitars...Here's Why
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- Опубликовано: 27 окт 2022
- Today we take a look at why I will most likely never buy a brand new PRS Guitar again …
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My name is Zachary Seif, and I am a professional guitarist from the NYC Metro Area. I teach private lessons, perform in multiple bands, do session work and am the Artist Relations Manager for Quantum Industries. Come join me as I show you what being in the music industry is like on a regular basis.
GEAR USED IN THE VIDEO:
PRS Custom 24-08
Audio Technica AT2020
Focusrite 18i20
All video shot on my iPhone 12 Pro Max
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* Background music provided by Bensounds 
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There is no actual proof that lacquer sounds any different than urethane. It has to do with the thickness of the finish. Lacquer does not breath, it is a sealer just like poly. It was designed to keep car bodies from rusting by sealing out air. Yes it is softer than poly and is more easily damaged. Personally given the same thickness, poly being harder should have LESS dampening effect on wood resonance, something to think about! Poly does protect the guitar much better. Lacquer spays very thin and poly very thick. Lacquer takes many coats, when poly first came out people sprayed it like lacquer making finishes way to thick and it got a bad rep. Paul's poly is very thin so I think going to lacquer is not good. He is just yielding to market pressure. For awhile we had people that said the wood had no affect on an electric guitar, I totally disagree, but guarantee the same guitar finished in the same thickness, NO ONE can hear a difference in lacquer or urethane.
I agree. PRS has historically used the thinnest finishes and they all sound and breath the same.
Lacquer makes zero difference to the sound, neither does the type of wood used.
@@donaldjuan4934 Wood again? I thought that finally was settled. I agree lac or poly won't matter but thickness does.and yes different woods DO yield different character to the tone. Tone wood is a bad term as some might prefer plywood. Anything that affects the strings vibration affects tone, simple physics.
I refinished 5 guitars from poly to nitro. The difference was always CONSIDERABLE. It opens tone, bumps high-mid tone range, cuts down annoying highs. Poly is used out of manufacturer's laziness, not because it's better. In fact, poly is such a crap that I was convinced as a child that electric guitars were made of plastic - cause they looked like toys from toys r us (majority of guitar brands only used poly in 90s).
Nitro is tricky to work with. The instrument gets a more woodier character. If you can't hear it, stick with poly.
Wood can only impact the sustain... but not the way it sounds.
Interesting. I just got a 2017 S2 and was a bit bummed it wasn't nitro, maybe not so much now after seeing this. Out of interest what are you using on the rear of the trem? I'm guessing it's to block it?
It was 3-D printed by my guitar tech.
@@ZackSeifMusic Nice, wish he sold em commercially looks a great idea 👍
I’m probably the odd man here but I love it… it looks killer to me. Nitro is definitely different than poly. My 59 reissue looks like your PRS and I’m easy on it as well. There is nothing cooler than seeing your guitar age rather than a relic job at the factory
I can agree with that, just didn’t expect it to happen so early on ya know? A lot of guitars that we see replicated and relic’d are from the 50s and 60s, not 2019.
@@ZackSeifMusic yeah but they've been chipped and dinged since the 70s. They weren't pristine until yesterday. Is your guitar a nitro finish by any chance?
Hey, I suggest reaching out to PRS support with concerns. To the best of my knowledge, support is super responsive and always interested in player's feedback. A dealer had me send one of my guitars back to PRS years ago to look at a few things... Was the best service and response I've ever received. That was my experience, may not be the same for everyone, but I think it's worth it to send an email to them. Just my unsolicited 2 cents.
Sounds like a good idea, appreciate it Steven.
I've had horrible finish problems on my 2021 Core and sent it to PRS to see if it was a problem the warranty may resolve. It isn't covered. No finish issues are, they quoted me something around $2,000 for a refinish. No thanks
I picked up a Hollowbody II Piezo SE 2020 model that was used for 3 monrhs but mint, and I couldn't find a flaw on it. It was used in the studio only so I guess that's why. I played the heck out it for 9 months and took it everywhere, the MD shore, Killington VT in January, 22 trips in total and maybe 600 hours total. I sold it recently to get a LP Standard and it was in mint condition with only a tiny 1/8" light scratch by the Piezo input jack. I'm thinking it was an all-poly finish so maybe that's more durable than the Core version.
@@RockItTeer yeah their pricing is unreal
@@paulhendershott667 funny enough, playing Wobbly Barn in Killington was where I got my first bit of finish checking on this guitar! I was there in November 2021, and when I got home I noticed the spider webbing near the neck joint.
This is off topic, but I wanted to ask you about the bridge block you are using. Is that custom made, or are they available to purchase? Thank you!
If you know someone with a 3D printer you can have them measure the exact distance in both sides of the bridge then make the block as appropriate. Unfortunately it’s not a one-size-fits-all, so my tech makes them for each guitar as needed based on setup etc.
@@ZackSeifMusic Thank you, Zack!
Hey Zack! Informative, as always. One question, though - as you flipped the guitar over, there's a blue plastic-ish trem-stopper you've got in there. I've never seen one like that - what brand and model, and what are your pros and cons with it? Thanks!
Hey Ed! Thanks for watching.
It’s a 3-D printed trem block my tech made. They are made to measure as every cavity is different so you’d need to measure your cavity with precision then ask someone with a printer to make it.
@@ZackSeifMusic I had a feeling it was printed. Very cool. My son is getting a 3D printer soon. Maybe I'll do stuff with it while he's at school 🙂
The finish issues you mentioned is why I get used now. My last new guitar was a Gibson CS336. It was a good guitar, but the frets wore out quick and the finish started bubbling. No more new for me. The SS frets (lack of) is an issue for me too. I fret pretty hard. I just bought a used Paul’s guitar and I’m dreading when they wear down. It already happened on my LP R8.
Yeah my 2015 Custom 24 looked better and that one was on a world tour from the previous owner
My 2010 USA Tremonti has the V12 finish and it is still like new in appearance and I’ve played it a ton over the years. Have they said why they changed to Nitro?
No clue :/ it's always Paul's call though
As a PRS Custom 24 owner, I can strongly relate to this video. BTW, what do you call the plastic piece that you put on back of the trem at @1:35 and where to buy one? Thanks!
It’s a 3-D printed trem block. Since each cavity can vary slightly in size you have to measure the exact dimensions of your trem cavity on both sides of the trem then have someone with the printer make it for you. My tech did mine.
The reason I avoided PRS was because of the poly finishes. I'm actually picking a 2022 Custom 24 up tomorrow, which will be my first PRS. I'm delighted they've 'gone nitro' and I look forward to it growing old with me and looking as beat up as I do!
It will look beat up, I wish mine was poly
What's the blue stuff you blocking your tremolo with? I also have fairly recent PRS (35th Anniversary) and totally on the same page with the finish. This thing dings if you even look at it funny. My 20 years old other PRS looks brand new in comparison. I love this guitar to much to be even remotely upset
What is the piece of plastic you use to block the bridge? Have you made it yourself? Thanks!
It’s a 3-D printed Block that my guitar tech made. Since every cavity is different, and people have different set ups and string gauge preferences, you’d have to measure the exact dimensions of your guitar specific cavity in order to get the proper fit.
@@ZackSeifMusic thanks! Great idea!
1:35 Hi, what is the blue block on the back of the trem bar ?
Hi Oscar
It’s a 3-D printed trem block my tech made.
What is that blue stopper you have in the back cavity?
I would feel the same way! But I wouldn’t necessarily consider PRS a “modern “ guitar as it lacks the SS frets, poly finish, etc. They seem to be reaching for a more vintage ideal. And I wonder if a similarly priced custom shop strat with a nitro finish and nickel frets would show similar wear so soon?
I owned a CS Strat and it played great. Mine was already heavily aged when I got it though so I couldn’t tell you unfortunately.
@@ZackSeifMusic Thanks! That's a good point - typical relicing of the CS strats does make it hard to use as a comparison. I was really just curious about how other new, similarly priced instruments built using "vintage" specs might hold up to frequent gigging/traveling
I was wondering the same this. Would a Gibson have the same level of damage because I bet is it would, or possibly worse.
Good to know this stuff about the new PRS because I don't know if I'm willing to pay about $5000 for a brand new guitar...Do you have any alternatives to someone who wants to buy a PRS custom 24 core? How about Musicman guitars such as the JP15 model?
JP all day. I love Musicman guitars very much. Check out my video on the Majesty and JP15 :D
What is the blue block in the trem cavity. Trem stop of some kind from who?
It’s a 3-D printed block my tech made! Anyone with a 3-S printer can measure your cavity on a properly setup bridge and get it to fit.
Apparently Paul Smith doesn't like the sound of SS frets. Whats the blue trem block ? And where did you get it? Cheers
He doesn't like them despite SS frets being better in every way. The block was 3D printed!
Couldn't agree more SS is incredible stuff, I seen an interview somewhere where he says he doesn't like the sound. Like you say really, no brainer.
Can I ask: what kind of tremolo block are using? Don’t think I’ve seen that before
It was 3D printed by my guitar tech.
The one thing I wish PRS would do is SS frets... I have multiple high end guitars. All of the modern ones have SS frets. They're going to last forever and bend easily. If I wanted vintage frets I'd buy an LP. I tend to prefer nitro, but agreed you should get an option to purchase poly. I bought 4 wood library PRS's in the last year, I probably won't buy anymore just due to price alone.
I totally agree with everything you are saying.
Paul won’t use SS. He claims they change the tone for the worse. I think he’s wrong as do most people.
The only reason you would need stainless steel frets is if you play the same guitar hard everyday for like 20 years. If you have multiple and the guitar doesn't get overly played a lot then it's fine. Doesn't need them.
@@brandonbock4763 I think Mr. Smith is right. I only have one guitar with SS frets, and it sounds harsh compared to the identical model it replaced. My guitar tech said it was the SS fret wire, which I found hard to believe. So we swaped the necks (bolt on), it WAS the fret wire.
@@adrianguggisberg3656 there is a difference, but it is so miniscule and so easily changed by just about every other part of the guitar, like the tone knob. there is a difference, but there's just not enough significance to justify *not* doing them now
Im a longtime player of PRS as well. I like the poly finish more as well! Great video man!
Many thanks for watching!
I’ve got a 94 PRs that’s still absolutely perfect. Couple of very small dings however not bad for 30 year old guitar. Does anyone know kind finish they used back then
Better than what they are using today haha
2021
PRS SE Custom 24 DC 2021??? Is this that model I 🤤 ?... Seems in my country prices dropped in Alza to 699€ ,but other music stores have 799 to 1100 €
What is tremolo blue trem locking device u have there
It’s a 3-D printed cavity block
What piece did you use to block the trem?
It is a 3-D printed block that my tech made
Very cool video Zack! I was thinking since you are a huge PRS fan, do you have any recommendations for me? Im playing a 03 artist custom 22 with dragon 2s (drop D alternative rock/metal). I find the pickups really uninspiring, it's just a compressed mess. I don't mind the gain, but it somehow sounds weaker even if I tamper with the pickup height. Have you had any luck with the newer 85/15s or 59/09s or perhaps M or tremonti? Im a bit worried about the latter 2 in standard to drop D since they might turn out super harsh but maybe you have a word or two. Great channel!
This guitar has the 85/15 pick ups, and if you watch my video review of this guitar on my channel you will get to hear how it sounds. I think it’s a very balanced set of pick ups and I think you should check them out.
@@ZackSeifMusic thank you for spending your time on replying to my question. I'll watch the review video! best of success to you! K.
1:34 what’s the blue trem block?
Helpful video and valid points. I only wish my Les Paul would hurry up and start showing signs of aging and use lol
In due time!!
What do you have in the back of the trem is that something to block the trem?
It’s a 3-D printed trem block my tech made
@@ZackSeifMusic is it a floating trem is that why?
@@chrisorrell3066 MOST PRS are trem-equipped and I wanted to make it more stable and be able to drop tune on it so I blocked it
Really appreciate this video. Was looking into PRS as my next purchase….. not anymore!
Just the 2019-2022 models have the CAB/Nitro. Pre-2019 have my full faith. Especially the 2010s. Those are great.
I’m disappointed with my PRS core ,I have problems with static ,which can be annoying.My Se PRS doesnt have static problems. For the price I paid for it now way should it have any problems at all .
I have a set neck Japanese LP copy I bought new in 1982. It has a poly finish and still looks good except for a few dings and scratches.. I'm not into retro distressed finishes or rat rod stuff. I agree with your concern.
have you gotten any experience with their SE model finishes?
I have not owned an SE model in quite some time, but as far as I am aware they still use either a satin or a gloss ploy finish and not nitro.
To each their own! If it's the guitar you play most often, chips & dents happen no matter how careful you are. Consider them a badge of honor!
They are definitely badges of honor, just didn’t expect them so soon haha
2:32 ya dummy
Beautiful guitar! I'm curious, did you reach out to PRS and if so, did they responded either way??
Yes I did, and they basically said "nothing we can do except overcharge for a fret dress and level". So I took the guitar to someone to do a full SS refret at almost the same cost and have been using it ever since.
@@ZackSeifMusic that sux! At least you had someone good to take it to. GOD Bless.
Thanks for the honest review!
You’re very welcome!
what's that blue thing in your tremolo cavity?
3D printed trem block!
What did you block the trem with?
3D printed by my tech.
@@ZackSeifMusic Hard plastic? I have blocked mined with Mahogany and it increased vibration and sustain greatly. I'd highly recommend a Mahogany block. It's like acquiring a whole new guitar.
The easy chipping and dinging is just the nature of nitrocellulose lacquer and doesn't have anything to do with the quality per se. Just a thought about price: a nitro finish is harder to do properly, takes longer than a poly finish and hence, is also more expensive to do. So, you are paying a premium for nitro even though it is a finish that gets beat up much quicker than poly
Which is something I don’t care for personally. I think it should be an option, otherwise everyone ends up paying more for something that depreciates faster. And while I’m not a collector I do believe that the more you pay the better the quality should be, as well as the more longevity should get from the tool.
You are absolutly right, well done...!!!
I hope the people at PRS see this video, and give a reaction.
They got back to me saying they do a partial refret at the same price I paid for my full SS refret
I have a PRS SE Standard 24 and the thing won’t stay in tune if I even lightly use the tremolo. Why don’t they make locking nuts standard?
Sounds like you might have to lubricate the nut and saddles, and possibly file the nut.
Isn't the point of nitro to let the wood breathe and also to wear more quickly and naturally?
The tonal difference is definitely debatable. My 2015 Custom 24 sounded just as good as this, and I’ve played Les Pauls that sounded terrible compared to poly coated guitars from other brands. It’s always the sum of the parts, so I don’t buy into the whole “nitro is better” when it’s an objectively terrible finish option. It’s just what they used back in the day and people are afraid of change. Not sure why Paul went to nitro instead of moving forward with something a bit more durable.
Also if the hardware is looking more aged and the frets are wearing then that PRS must be getting more use so that will make it show more body wear. I have a Sunburst 22 (lacquer) and a couple custom 22's (poly) and Paul's poly is so thin it dings almost as easy as my lacquer one.
Yeah they’ve always been known for their very thin finishes.
Have you considered ceramic coating the guitar?
thnks for this insights bro !
You're welcome!
Great honest video. Blessings.
Thank you!
More importantly.... where did you get that trem block locker???!!!!
3D printed by my guitar tech
As for the frets...you could get a shop to replace it qith stainless. Paul has said himself that PRSs will never be built qith them because Nivkel has "better sound"
Which I really don’t buy into considering my Musicman guitars sound incredible with SS frets.
@@ZackSeifMusic Pretty much everything Paul says is marketing :)
Only thing I agree with is they should have SS frets atleast as an option for the same price. The other points are how you feel and I can respect that.
SS should be standard. It's a better material.
My friend has two Prs guitars, and loves them very much. The issue that I have seen with them, is they don't seem to stay in tune. I'm not saying that all them are like this, but it's just my experience. Has anyone else seen this?
Typically a new nut and proper setup can alleviate 90% of tuning issues. I found that mine didn't go out of tune any more or less than my other guitars on the road.
I got a 2021 PRS CE24. Within 1 month the finish started flaking off around the edges. Called PRS. 5 months later guitar was back in my hands, finish repaired, and I had them install the 24-08 switching in the guitar. Great rig now. Not as well wearing as my SE24, but they made the premature finish issue right.
Did they do a whole new finish? An extra layer of clear? Did they say?
@@Scott__C Didn't say. No problems with peeling in the last couple months it's been back. Looks like just smoothed the edges and re-did the clear .
@@shawnmcginnis2508 Sounds like it just didn't adhere in that spot properly.
@@Scott__C agreed. I wish PRS would go with a long wearing finish, which I thought was the benefit to the new finish vs tradional nitro. The guitars are so beautiful I'd want it to be an heirloom piece. That said I love the way mine sounds and plays and would probably buy another some day if I ever had the cash and justification.
@@shawnmcginnis2508 To me the S2 range is the sweet spot for everything they offer.
You have to accept that nitro is softer than poly - that's just the way it is. PRS also apply their nitro very thinly to give their guitars more resonance. However, nitro wears more smoothly in my opinion. Whereas poly chips and looks ugly, plus it leaves sharp edges when it does so. I have an early DGT that's nitro and it's wearing/fading very nicely through normal use. I also have a poly 513 that has chipped/flaked in places and I've had to lightly sand those areas to avoid the sharp edges (along the edge of the neck for example where the poly has lifted), which in turn will chip further or cause you damage if you catch them. So, for me it's nitro every time.
I see your point about the fret wear but changing your frets to stainless will change the tone of the guitar significantly...which you may or may not like.
The problem is that it wasn’t disclosed that with was a CAB/Nitro finish because they were transitioning during 2019 so it’s literally impossible to know until now. Pretty disappointing in my opinion.
@@ZackSeifMusic Normally you can smell if it's nitro (think Pear Drops).
I have the exact same guitar and the finish just feels brittle to me compared to my other guitars. already put a ding in mine and the way it cracked the finish I have never seen before on other guitars.
That was the message I was trying to get across. It just doesn’t hold up.
@@ZackSeifMusic Yeah. I love the sound and feel of the guitar but def doesnt seem like a very good touring machine with how its built. I guess for me since I am just a lowly bedroom player it will probably be ok but I have seen so many used PRS with cracked or weird finish issues over the years its kind of crazy they have that issue given the price point.
Meanwhile my 93 CU24's finish is so thick and so hard. I've beaten the crap out of the guitar in the years I've had it and there are only a handful of dents/dings.
Yeah it’s crazy. I don’t want an Uber thick finish that cakes over the guitar but this is a bit too little in my opinion.
I actually prefer the new nitro. I bought a custom 24 from 2014 that ended up getting water stains because of the prior finish on it. It is more reactive to humidity than nitro from my experience, at least in the area I live in. Sound wise it can affect it as well, many people are opting for Satin finishes with prs now because of how the wood resonates.
I love PRS, but, why not stainless steel frets? and also direct mount the pickups and get rid of those rings and gain some improvements in clarity and phasing of strings/pickups resonance.
Agreed 100%
I dont understand, who was playing the guitar? You right, well i have a 1993 prs custom and i cant seem to see much ageing or dings. That's why the older prs guitars mostly from 1985-1993 are really special.
What trem lock are you using?
Custom made 3D printed block
@@ZackSeifMusic great idea!
Any chance he could make a few more if people were in the market for one? Lol
The Bizarre thing is a friend of mine has a couple of high end PRS Guitar and has the same issues as you, Yet i have 3 PRS SEs.. including a Bernie Marsden Model and a 2013 Angelus Both have "Nitro" finishes and still look amazing.. I can only imagine that Indonesian nitro is more bullet proof than its American counterpart.
Seems like it 😂
absolutely same opinion. i got a new WL made in 2020... the poly over nitro is soo soft. i hate it. screwdriver slipped out of my hand and the handle tapped the body. left a gnarly dent. the smallest screwdriver too. plastic clasp from guitar strap hit the top and left a nice ding. the finish makes dings and marks look 10x worse too
Have quite a few PRSs and have to agree with you. My OG custom 22 is like glass. Flawless ( well sort of). Got 4 new CE 22, 3 with satin finish and a semi hallow with the nitro, was putting a strap on it and i swear man it left the deepest and longest scratch ever. From hard leatherr like wtf?????
Yeah it can be a downer for sure
I totally agree, buddy that is one of the main reasons why I shy'd away from PRS 5/6 years ago. The price wasn't justified to me anymore. It started when I bought my first 5000 series Ibanez prestiges and that was it for under two grand I suddenly had a guitar with SS frets, one of the best bridge systems, Fishman fluence/bareknuckle pups and a killer guitar overall. I still have my older PRS's and still absolutely love them. I had the same with Caparison guitars btw, price isn't justified anymore
After the last round of inflation PRS priced themselves $1,000 above what I paid for this guitar in 2019 and I would never drop that today. I’ll stick with the used market from now on with PRS.
How do nitro finishes from other brands hold up over time? I’ve seen a lot of video evidence that Gibsons often come looking uneven and scratched up as new… how about nitro Fenders? The hardware starting to corrode already is really sad to hear though, on a guitar that expensive you’d think at least that would still look great.
Not too sure! Everything else I own is a Poly, Satin or Oil finish.
Hi, I also bought PRS custom 24 2019 model. I paid 3800€ and after two years of playing guitar is like yours, noticed freet wear, and the finish is super sensitive. I was also disappointed with their quality control and support.. They forgot to solder the bridge pickup on a 5-way switch, so the guitar suddenly died. When I took picture inside unsoldered pickup and tell them that they forgot to solder the answer "great that you fixed it, knowledge is power"... that's it. Maybe I'm to sensitive, but I expected some kind of apology or sorry we will send you t-shirt, or something at the end I have to save money for a long time before I could afford it.
Yeah I’m a bit disappointed overall at the longevity of the guitar especially since I have other guitars I’ve toured or owned for longer that are in much better shape.
You're not alone or imagining things, I just saw 2 identical complaints on the PRS forum this week. Maybe Paul is trying to sabotage the used market by ensuring they'll all be beat to crap in a year. Sorry to hear this is happening, and that it's not being acknowledged by PRS as a warranty issue :)
Yeah I was a little let down when I read through their warranty. In my opinion their warranty doesn’t cover anything unless it’s somehow defective out of the box.
@@ZackSeifMusicthats exactly how the epiphone warrenties are
Well nitro finishes are known to wear that's why people like it.
I am surprised they don't use SS frets but naturally worn down guitars with scars are kind of nice to have around
I personally hated the old finish. Felt like the South Korean guitars (Samick, Cort, WMI) and certain Japanese ESP brands that are in a candy coated shell of polyester. I don't really mind if it comes off more easily, it feels miles better to me. 🤷
Nothing worse that a guitar that feel like a plastic toy
Hi Zack, I love watching your videos! In my opinion, I think your battle scars make your PRS unique to the other guitars in your touring lineup. You mentioned in your video that you like natural road wear, so my advice is to just accept it for what it is and what it has become. Looking forward to more videos as always, take care!
Hey Joe ! Yes I totally agree with you on that and I’m totally fine with natural where overtime, I’m just surprised that it happened so soon. I also wish the frets were a bit tougher, as I don’t feel that I should need a fret job after only two full years of playing the guitar.
@@ZackSeifMusic maybe it’s just a sign that you poured a lot of love and playing hours into this guitar, perhaps more than your other guitars. I definitely understand the frustration about the re-fret, but maybe your initial expectations were just too high and unattainable for a guitar without stainless steel frets? Food for thought, I guess. I still really enjoyed watching this video, and hope you have a good weekend, buddy!
I find strange you say "most" builders use SS frets nowadays. That might not be the case. Also, nitro breaks easier, but the only true reason that builders use Poly is because it is easier and cheaper to apply. I own a couple of cool guitars, but Nitro, one has stainless steel. Both superb. PRS guitars are on my radar and I think they are great instruments.
Over the last fortnight I've looked at PRS's and Suhrs and ultimately Suhr won out two nights ago. I still want a PRS but the stainless steel frets on the Suhr Standard Legacy I bought are going to last a very, very long time.
SS is the only way to go these days.
I got a PRS Silver sky lunar ice limited 2 years ago that I barely played and stayed most of the time in the soft case. Basically without even playing it, some finish wear started to show 4 months after i received it, I was so upset that I sold it as fast as possible because who knows what it would look like after 1 or 2 years. Paint cracks and I could see that the guitar was made with 3 parts as the lines where the body was glued started to be visible through the paint. I also decided to stay away from PRS. Just to be clear I have other guitars that are stored in the same room and no other had any of these issues , so it's not the humidity or temperature variations that did this. And the shop where I got it from (in switzerland) refused to do anything. So much for the service, they just said "play it it's still a good guitar". First and last time I buy from them. For the price of a high end PRS, I prefer to go to Collings, Nik Huber which quality is really impeccable
I have a chameleon Brian Moore custom shop super strat. Nobody seems to know about them anymore since he went direct. But they’ve been around before a lot of big names like Suhr etc or maybe at least the same amount of time. It’s in perfect condition and has 4 colors. Purple, teal green, blue and copper. Also several others that rival PRS tops. Bengal stripe, tobacco burst curly maple and a Korean one. All have stayed in great condition. The Bengal stripe is absolutely beautiful the weird thing is I connect more to my Fender that’s a lot less money special limited. It’s not the tiny one. It has two high gain humbuckers and it’s really my main guitar.
I'm curious if anyone else has encountered your brand new 5k 594 not having level frets? I wish it was just a rare duck however, when the 594's first came out I did all kinds of fanageling to finally acquire one. Upon setting it up with new strings, truss rod etc....uhg, buzz with low action - nothing crazy low either. Ok, onto the workbench. Neck is all set straight with the proper tools - rock the frets and they're out all over the place. Once leveled the action was low and beautifully buzz free. I was so frustrated and disappointed by the whole thing that I sold it and figured that was it for me with PRS. Through various trades and circumstances I was in a position to get a nice new guitar about a month ago. Once again the 594 was clicking all the boxes for what I desired.
Once again - brand new, same deal with the frets. Maybe Paul should invest in a Plek machine - especially if he ever does the right thing and goes stainless. Honestly, I've had both great and crap fret jobs on all price level guitars....but c'mon, shouldn't 5k should be a promise of level frets to the consumer. Guess not.
Hmmmm…my 35th anniversary from the exact same time (got mine in November of 2019) still looks great and shows little to know signs of wear. It’s seen maybe somewhere around fifty live live gigs and countless hours of rehearsal / practice time, everything is holding up great.
I have the same issue with my prs. It sucks
Very disappointing for sure
Dude what is that trem block, brilliant piece!
3D Printed!
#1 touring guitar
nitro finish
maybe spec a wood library and get the frets and poly paint you want
They don’t do stainless steel frets at all. I would still have to pay to get that done and that’s not very cheap either.
So unfortunately the only option is to just not buy a PRS brand new again; just have to stick to used models from before 2019.
WL guitars are only for signature dealers unless they've changed something recently. I believe the minimum order is 10, or at least it was when I got my 594 from a run Eddie's did in back in 2017. This isn't the first complaint I've seen on this issue, just saw a couple on the PRS forum this week. PRS has a history of adopting new finish formulas that develop issues not revealed in testing. The V12 finish comes to mind and I believe there was another a few years before that. I'm thankful my 2017 was made during a "good finish" era :)
Yep, their finish is so brittle IMO. I owned one with satin finish (those CE24 ones), I only rested my picking hand near the volume and its finish is kind of cracking and dried. Happened in the 2-3 years of playing. BUT, that's my battle scar and I embrace it. But compared to my other satin finish guitar, PRS wore out quicker, dunno why.
I find the same true with all the PRS I’ve owned over the years. It’s a shame because they are beautiful when new but just don’t last.
Have you made your concerns known to PRS? Perhaps your story will clue them in to the pitfalls of the finishing changes.
I emailed them and they said "looks like normal wear and tear, can't do anything except charge 3x normal rates for basic setup work"
yep i sold my ce24 semi hollow because of the finish marked so so so easily was a joke you just look at it and it would mark etc i sold it because of it. Ive had nitro guitars and still do and they don't mark like the pre did mine was a 2021 model Im with you very disappointed that its that soft.
It's a shame that they switched to Nitro. Their finish was already only 3 human hairs thick to begin with. The guitars they make today aren't meant for gigging :/
Some of the most desirable guitars ever like vintage Strats,Teles,Les Pauls,SGs ect all age that way and the wear on them makes them come alive...hence why the relic thing is so popular in how they try to mimic that feel and vibe.There is nothing wrong with maintaining your guitars but understand that a well played and loved guitar will acquire all that patina and character.I own guitars with both Nitro and Poly and love them all but when I see a new ding or wear spot on my Nitro guitar my first thought is 'cool!!'.It doesn't bother me.I don't like my guitars to be trashed either like Rory Gallagher's Strat but some light wear 'in all the right places' is fine with me.Just keep playing your PRS and let it age gracefully....it looks fine in this video.
I like the switch to nitro. It feels better and looks better over time. I know it wears more but that doesn't bother me.
It’s nice to have options in the market
I agree. In 2021 I bought a brand new CE 24 from sweetwater. In shipping the guitar already came with small paint chips exposing wood. I called sweetwater and they knocked off $200 from the price. I totally agree that I'm fine with chips and wear ect.. but as long as they are my own!! Not from shipping from a $1,999+ guitar At the time , now it's a 2,499+ guitar.
Didn't read all the comments but ... why not go with an SE - poly finish and costs 1/4 of a core?
Because of three reasons. The first was that as I stated in the video, there was absolutely no way to tell if this guitar had a nitro finish or a poly finish at the time. The second is that this model did not exist as an SE model at the time and I wanted to specific switching options. Also, at the time the SE models did not have the carves that they do now so I find those guitars to be more uncomfortable because they don't have any figuring on the body.
@@ZackSeifMusic ... those old reasons no longer exist - so no reason not to buy a brand new PRS guitar 🙃
I would be longing/buying new PRS guitar exactly for the things you mention - the easy to wear nitro finish and the lack of stainless steel frets which sound I am not a fan of :)
Then it would be the perfect guitar for you! Seems to check all of the boxes.
@@ZackSeifMusic To be honest I am already looking into getting one :) I have owned two older CE24, but it is not the right model for me.
@@murky9554 I enjoyed my CE as well, but the Custom line just fits better in my opinion.
@@ZackSeifMusic Depends on the player, I don’t actually aim for the Custom :)
Interesting I have a 2004 CU24 and the way the wear looks on it vs my LPs has always aggravated me. Also, some people feel like SS frets have a "ping" sound to them and that's the preference for nickel. I have to admit I was ambivalent to the SS used on Ibanez Prestiges but don't think I'd like it on a PRS with the high mid push they seem to have. Different strokes for different folks though.
Coincidentally, I had completely ruled out PRS because I assumed the finish was too tough, would not "relic" naturally like a classic nitro finish, and basically last like a poly finish would. If it wears this fast, I might actually consider PRS again. From what I was reading on forums, their new CAB over Nitro is extremely durable. So there's a good chance this example is just an anomaly.
PRS finishes have historically been very thin (only a few human hairs thick). Guitars made post 2019 will wear faster.
@@ZackSeifMusic
The V12 finish was super thin, prior to that it was thicker. My 2001 McCarty has a heavier finish. It’s not a big deal to me because it’s how a guitar plays that matters to me. The finish is somewhat inconsequential unless having it look like it’s never been played is important.
Not at all, i think they have this philosophy “thin coat = sound great”. I have a 509 WL 2021 flame maple neck and finger board. the wood is puffy because humidity (Thailand). I just refinished the neck with oil now
Sounds like u are not happy with PRS. I was just about to by the se 24 custom. I might reconsider now.
It's just the nitro finish and lack of SS frets on their core models.
The SE line is most likely still Poly and therefore a bit tougher of a finish. They are still versatile and well made, I just won't be buying any American Core models off the shelf anymore and sticking to used models Pre-2019.
Hey I demoed a PRS yesterday. You wouldn’t happen to know the difference between there 85/15 and TCI pickups?
The thing that turns me off of PRS is the gloss finish, almost all I find seem to have gloss and I don't like gloss finish but I like the neck shape :(
The gloss wears off rather fast in my experience. Just like everything else on the guitar 🤣
That’s how nitro finishes are. They’re much softer and less forgiving. You could always get the guitar refinished with polyurethane.
I like the review with straight forward opinion.
Yes! I hate the nitro finish on my Mccarty 594, it chips and marks really easily, so poor I wish it was poly finish like my mint Fenders
It just wears too fast for the price 😢
It's sort of funny that what you're unhappy about is the very thing Gibson enthusiasts love! Put poly finishes on Gibson's and the watch the torch and pitch fork crowd surround the Gibson factory...
But that is the appeal of Gibson and their finishes. PRS weren’t using this finish till recently and it wasn’t well known until after I bought mine.
@@ZackSeifMusic Yes, I agree, that's what why I find this so interesting. Is it that PRS enthusiasts prefer poly finishes over nitro? I don't really know, but one of the criticisms of PRS was that they seem "sterile" compared to nitro finished guitars. I don't necessarily believe that, but it could be a reason PRS decided to change. Until the last few years I really didn't think it was a big deal. Apparently to many players, it is.
@@superlead1002 I think it’s mostly the vintage crowd that prefers nitro. Every company that makes a modern style guitar uses something more durable than Nitro so it’s really only for companies trying to make a vintage spec or looking guitar.
my thoughts exactly. Maybe he should just be a little more careful with his guitar. Who wears belt buckles behind any guitar?
Are guitars for playing or keeping in perfect condition ? Looks like minor wear. Keep making memories......
I'd expect a $4,000 guitar to last long than 2 years though. I have older guitars in much better shape with equal or greater playing and touring time. It's a poor finish, poor fret decision, and I felt like it wasn't worth the price I paid.
I agree with you man. Folks can say what they want about it being "a tool and not a museum piece," but when it comes right down to it part of the appeal of PRS guitars for ME is that they are beautiful-looking. If I've had the thing for several years I can deal with a little wear, but anything THAT expensive should be expected to hold up a bit longer.
100% agree!!!
my 2004 Custom 22 in Blue Matteo has picked up a good few knocks over the years of gigging it. My LP thats full nitro hasn't worn as much, but in all fairness I don't play it as often as my PRS - thats still my no.1. But even poly finishes whilst undeniably tougher still take dings and scraps/scratches. A nitro finish will wear more easily but I think it looks more natural than when a poly guitar gets dinged or chipped. My CU 22 has a few small chips to the edge, like the finish has blistered slightly and chipped off. When seeing some of these for the first time i'd be miffed about it...but you get over it and like your newer guitar from a distance i still looks like brand new. At least a nitro guitar at least all these relic'd Fenders look good with their aged look, and then if you get a ding or scratch its just another one of the many already there and you don't even notice it. I wasn't ever really into the relic'd guitar or at least i'd never pay the silly money for them that they cost. But a partscaster with a nitro nitro body finish will age nicely and probably fairly quickly with regular useage.
Honestly I love when guitars personalize.. easy to pick out in a lineup if it got stolen by the dents n dings that are as unique as a fingerprint
That is very fair!!!
Those are some pretty deep scratches... are you sure it's the manufacturer's fault?
The wear on the frets is fast, especially if you’re bending on certain spots
Yeah it's faster than any guitar I've ever owned
Man, you just saved me 4 large! Thanks. I will stay with my custom shop 68 reissue L.P.
Find a pre-2019. My 2015 Custom 24 was a lot nicer and held up much longer.
Good to know. Thank you
Just bought a new Ibanez John Schofield Japan made model. Not as pretty as the PRS, but it still looks good. Built great, and the tone is wonderful!