SE: L 2:19 H 5:07 Brg 6:51 Cln 8:36 Hm 10:35 S2: L 2:59 H 5:33 Brg 7:19 Cln 9:05 Hm 10:42 CE: L 3:41 H 5:59 Brg 7:44 Cln 9:33 Hm 10:48 DGT: L 4:24 H 6:24 Brg 8:09 Cln 10:03 Hm 10:57 Easier to click through and compare. I couldn’t elaborate on the description, otherwise it would shift the text and it made it harder to click and compare. So the description is minimal. I hope this helps. I’ve been debating which PRS to go with (I want a Gibson LP, but the inconsistent build quality, since I’ll need to order online) The SE sounds great to me. I think this helped me decide to go with the SE.
I’ve been exposed to every “level” of PRS at length, so I’ve *really* studied the differences over the years...my number one has been a custom 24 since 2002, I have a ce-24 semihollow that I LOVE and I work on guitars for a living so I’ve had quite a few SE imports come through my shop, private stocks, artists, blah blah. The thing that really stands out about the PRS hierarchy is that every level feels “familiar” and they’re all high quality. I’ve had SE custom 24s roll through that feel unbelievable, several that (superficially) rival my core cu24. They’re very much PRS guitars. So that’s kind of the nice thing...you don’t have to spend four grand to “join the club”. But if you ever do decide to take the dive and pick up a core model, you’ll probably go “whoa...ok, I get it...this is a really, really nice guitar...a legacy instrument”. You aren’t getting ripped off at any level and to be honest, the conversations I have with SE owners are very similar to the ones I have with core owners. I always cringe when a customer calls their guitar “just an SE”. That’s bullshit, man...if it’s a good guitar, it’s a good guitar.
Thank you sir for this! I am very encouraged as a PRS SE owner and someone who feels the notion that I need to have a core! (Even though I tried some already in the states). I am praying and planning to buy a core 24-08 in the far future... (Since 408 has been phased out if I'm not mistaken) I currently own a PRS SE CU24 35TH Anniv in black gold burst. I will be upgrading its parts, (knobs, tuner and nut, probably stainless screws replacements) Killer guitar! I play this more over my US made Strat and Les Paul.
Just ordered a Ce24 semi hollow as a “forever” instrument. Always nice to read when someone else loves the thing you just sunk money into haha. Now it just needs to show up 😂
The fact that PRS has standards so high that even their SE import guitars have better feel and playability than 8 out of 10 American made guitars do, says a lot about the genuine pride that the company still has working within it. Always makes me wonder what the quality of Fender & Gibson would be like if Orville and Leo were alive and still owned what they started. And how fast will PRS decline in quality if Paul sold out or passed away. The only other company making guitars that cares about quality the same way is ESP.
@@hectorjoseaiello7997 i can't give an honest opinion about Music Man because ive never played one either. But i have heard the same thing you have about their quality. And ive always noticed they seem to retain high value on the resale market. But im not sure if they have a secondary line at a lower price either.
I’d like to own a PRS Just had my fourth surgery for retina detachment after my recovery I’m going to focus a lot of my time on guitar to learn to read guitar theory and just play more guitar
I played both when I bought my SE. In my crazy head the SE sounded better. They are comparable at the very least. If your budget only has room for the SE, a person wouldn't be disappointed what so ever.
They’ve improved them since they were launched. The early ones were pretty cheap looking. Totally flat tops, no birds, etc. It’s really because they’re almost entirely made with machines. That’s why they’re so consistent. The difference is the quality/age of the wood, the quality of finishing, neck and fretwork. And the construction of course. While SE bodies are typically 4 piece, the Core are one or two piece mahogany with a two piece book matched maple cap (or one piece). Also no scarf joints used on Core and Private Stock either. The average person doesn’t notice this stuff but you can see it if you look closely. Same thing when you compare American Pro Fender to Custom Shop Fender.
I think there gets a point where you then pay more for the quality (like wood, finish types etc) than better sound. Not that that's bad tho because some people would extra for the better quality and thats fine
My se custom 22 semi hollow is among the nicest guitars I've ever held in terms of fit, finish, and setup. After playing a vintage les paul, I could hear the shortcomings of the SE. Swapped in some SD Pearly Gates pickups, and WOW! For $600, I wouldn't trade it straight up for that gibson now!
I currently own three PRS guitars and have not played anything else since 1990(30 years!). The craftsmanship, build quality, QC, play ability, tones are second to none(not to mention they are works of art). I listened very closely to all 4 guitars in this video. IMHO the DGT is by far the best sounding of them all with the CE 24 in second. The best part of the DGT however is how much happiness it brings you-your passion for all things guitars comes through every video you make but watching you play the DGT is what playing guitar is all about! You will absolutely love the DGT for MANY years to come! The Custom 24 & CE 24 are both great guitars as well. I personally am not a fan of the S2 nor the SE-they certainly have their place but for just a little bit more money the CE 24 is head & shoulders above the S2. The CE 24's are so good that they rival their older more expensive Brother the Custom 24! Great video! Please keep them coming!
I’ve never regretted buying my S2. The thinner neck fits my hand perfectly and the bevel cut is super comfortable. I wasn’t expecting to like it when I first picked it up, but it’s one of those guitars that fit me like a glove and made me play better.
I was in the same boat. Bought my first PRS (S2 594 McCarty, burnt amber). On paper, it ticked all the boxes, comfort cuts, ease of upper fret access, straight type of string pull at headstock, but for the dumbest reason, I was just not a huge fan of the inlays. I know, why buy then, but it was a “smokin’” deal that I couldn’t pass it up. It fits like a glove strapped on or sitting down, I really like it and wasn’t expecting it! I guess I read too much “internet” hate on PRS being cold and sterile, thus my attitude before I owned one.
@@brianmckenzie1318 awesome! I’m not crazy about the bird inlays either. That’s part of why I got an S2 Standard 24. No maple cap, dot inlays, and a pick guard. Fantastic guitar.
I have an S2. He’s got things a little out of order. The CE is a less expensive bolt-on option The S2 has similar body relief and less extensive contouring work to the top, compared to the Core models, which feature a full carved top. I don’t know about all years, but for my year model, the S2 was several hundred dollars more than the comparable CE model, and more then double the price of the comparable SE model.
@@melvynobrien6193 every company has a lemon. Replacing it would've fixed the problem. I've tried numerous PRS guitars (I own a custom 24 10 top) and they've all been great.
Robert you need to try an S2 Vela from PRS it's a fun offset and a pretty significant departure from what they normally do. It's like a strat, a tele and an SG all had this weird mash up and out came the Vela.
@@jwilder2251 the bridge pickup needed to be tamed (at least to my ear) but that’s what they made a tone knob for, but I’m in the same boat she became my number one immediately. Thinking about getting the semi-hollow too.
PRS produces high quality instruments. I've got a 2008 Single Cut Tremolo and a 2020 35th anniversary Custom 24 and they're both incredible. They're fast and have a ton of tonal options in them. If you haven't played one yet, try it out. There's a lot to love.
I’ve got an SE Custom 22 from Korea and it’s an amazing guitar for the money. It’s probably the nicest playing guitar I’ve owned, and the wide neck just suits my hand perfectly. Since I got it, my LP and Strat are barely getting any use.
Hi! I have an SE. I love it! I especially love the wide thin neck. It gives me room for my ageing fingers! The sound is great and the tremolo stays in tune. You can't go wrong with it for the money!
I have an SE Paul's Guitar in Amber. It is quite expensive for the "affordable " end of the PRS Range. However, when you pick it up play it and just admire the workmanship, it is worth every penny. For a Intermediate Player the SE range is top value.
Dude, this is such a great comparison video, thanks for taking the time to make it! Greatly appreciated, seriously. The first time I watched the video, I was surprised how similar they sound (at least via RUclips and mediocre speakers). The second and third time I watched it, I noticed your familiarity with the CE vs the other models, and how much more fun and engaging your playing was on that particular guitar.
It should have been PMS: Pro Marketing System. Really nice guitars, but the RUclips marketing through influencers is a bit too obvious. I guess Robert still had to deliver some PRS content at the end of the year. Maybe it's me, but in his most passionate vids he never uses a PRS. It's allways about some piece of gear or a guitar player that has a story in it.
@@Jeroen_K I think he is just trying to do something around the giveaway of the PRS. And yes the marketing through youtubers is obvious but it's also super cool what they are doing with creators. Suporting youtubers is cool and its definetly something that more companies should do.
@@_gnthrr_ You're right, it is cool. I just get a little voice in my head to mistrust any content with product placed stuff, but that is not Robert's fault.
The core is the best to me but the CE is just as good in a different way. That's what makes the CEs so good is they are just a different flavor of good.
Agree I have both. I thought I would sell my CE when I bought my core but then realized they don't really sound like the same guitar... both epic and unique... though they look similar. My core is definitely much warmer and can sound more strat like... and my CE brighter with more attack. If I only had one it would probably be my core but the CE is better for certain playing styles... genre's...both better than 99 percent of other guitars out there.
They are all winners! I've got one of the original McCartys....they sure have improved that coil "tap (I think the original had a "split", and the newer versions have a "tap".... BIG difference!)
I have a 92' CE24 and a 05' McCarty model. Totally different sounds but the CE24 sound and plays better than any guitar (Les Paul, 335, Strat)I own. I love the thin neck. Great video!
Is the "amp" your Axe FX? Either they all essentially sound the same or whatever amp used to record them colors the tone so much it's really hard to distinguish between them. And I'm hearing this through my home stereo and not my phone.
I keep going back to PRS guitars like a bad girlfriend. I love they way they look, upper fret access, and fit and finish. the 2 SE's that I have owned just have too low fret heights for me. Not asking for jumbos, just a little more. Not affecting Robert's bending in the slightest, but it's makes bending tough for me.
I LOVE this comment and agree wholeheartedly. I had to leave PRS for awhile and mature as a player mechanically because the wide fat didn't work with my small hands. They're fine now but if I could get taller frets and the thin neck on models I like that don't have it, that would be nice.
Bro, that red PRS is something special man i like the snappieness of the bolt on neck and to me it sounds better than the core when its clean.. That red on is special
All of the guitars are very high quality and the pickups have great tones. The SE Paul’s Guitar just rocks! I cannot believe the sounds emanating from that instrument. There is a clarity and definition to the DGT pickups that stands out. And the maple top on it is killer. I think a DGT may be the “Holy Grail” guitar to my ears. So much time and care has been put into that and David Grissom knows tone. Great video comparison, loved this Robert!
I dig the CE model. I ordered one today in the turquoise finish flame top👍 I had to sell the first one I bought a couple years back. I sure loved it so I purchased one today.
Here's the thing when comparing the different tiers of a low mid and high end guitars. Essentially its like getting a softserve icecream where you have to use the machine yourself as opposed to having someone serve you the ice cream. They both taste the but you have a different experience. When you compare the sound of these guitars, the difference is very sublte. What you are looking for is the feel and the finish of the guitar.
To my ears, the CE stood out in all modes. I think the maple neck made everything “jump” a bit more, Which seemed to bring an extra clarity over the others. I have no idea what pickups were involved, either, but assume none were too extra......
NICE!!! I hope you, Gabby and Mason have great and happy new year!! Have you tried an SE standard? I’ve been thinking about driving down to Sweetwater to try one out.
Wow PRS is really good at designing the different levels! The higher the price, the better it gets sadly for us. I really liked your CE honestly, especially on the first crunch sample. I would say If you're considering the DGT, take a look at the CE and if you're considering the S2, you should reeeaaaally consider the CE. Just get a CE for ***'s sake!
He actually has these out of order. The S2 is more expensive than the the CE for a comparable model, at least the year I bought mine. The S2 is neck through body,, like the Core series, but with body relief and extensive beveling, instead of the full hand-carved top of the Core series,. The CE line uses bolt-on necks. I have played CE and S2 models, and I definitely prefer the S2.
Maybe my headphones suck, but I can't really hear a difference between them, so I have to ask: Does the feel of the neck differ the higher you go in price points?
I hear a marginal difference between the standard (the turquoise guitar) and the rest when there is more gain. Still sounds good, but I feel like the rest just sounded more saturated and colorful. I own a PRS standard and it has grown into my favorite guitar in terms of playability and feel.
That's a great question. I've been playing professionally for 25 years and never even gave PRS a second look because all of their necks felt like baseball bats to me. Then they came out with the pattern thin neck on the newer CE models. I coughed up the 2k for a CE24 semi hollow and it's now my #1 guitar. The neck is incredibly fast, the pick up combinations with the split coil literally give me every sound I need to get through a three hour cover gig without changing guitars at all.
@@melvynobrien6193 agree. Go buy Korean made SE and replace pickup and tuners and it’s as good as core except the looks. Or I would just go buy a cheaper Gibson everyday.
@@melvynobrien6193 I have to disagree that the PRS SE feel like crap (at least the Korean ones). I don’t know if you’re just trying to be snobby but I own a Core and SE and they both feel great.
I feel that most people wanting to pull the trigger, on a PRS are going to be drawn to the bolt-on. Great video! I now know which PRS to get onboard with.
Dude they all sound amazing! I have a SE Custom 24 Floyd Rose and it’s my best guitar for 1k. I have Gibson Les Paul’s that are twice as expensive and I always go back to the PRS. The PRS SE 24 Floyd rose is made for war! You can throw anything at it and you can dive bomb on the whammy and she always stays in Tune! Amazing 🤩
Whooo ! I like the SE that green color with two little tiny switch in between the botton , I tried to play one at guitar center, its nice and its comfortable when you slide your bar chords up , its just very playable , and no sharp edges on the frits .easy play and not too heavy of a guitar. I played all kinds of guitars for music ministry in church , and. Nothing beats the clear sound of PRS GUITARS, and clarity of the string , however I wish I can afford one to play for church music ministry , I love PRS SE , they are excellent.
Yeah, those pickups on the CE were hot. I was gonna get an SE just to have a PRS, but I might have to save a little while longer for a CE. We'll see. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever one I get.
I got a CE-24, in satin Angry Larry, as a gift. I play hippie shit, so the 85/15’s are just too damn hot for me to use it, in everyday playing. It was a gift, so it’s mine til I die, but I’ll eventually look to swap the pickups for some 57/08’s. They’re more my style. The guitar is fantastic though. My tech hasn’t done a damn thing to her in 3 years. Always complains that he can’t charge me. Lol. The Silver Sky is awesome too. Haven’t played my Elite Strat in over a year.
I'm surprised at the number of comments saying they didn't hear any difference. I thought each had a distinct sound. I am listening through JBL monitors and not cheap headphones, so that may be why. I like the brightness and clarity of the CE the most. It would come down to the feel and finances for a final decision though. ;) Nice comparison, Robert.
Does anyone really think it is the guitar that is the defining component of the sound? I say the amp and the EFX are much more of what the sound is. I have an AXE FX III and that can make any guitar sound like whatever you want it to be. Am I wrong?
@@JB19504 Generally, I would agree with you, but when you have the same musician playing the same riffs through the same signal chain, as in this case, the variable is the guitars.
I’m using my phone speaker. And it’s correct. All of them have a distinct sound. It’s clear every time Robert changes guitar. However I wonder if by changing pickups the guitars would be closer sounding to each other
Mhmm that SE Paul’s guitar is so beautiful really hope it comes home to me. Thanks for everything Robert been helping me so much lately with my playing
Got my first guitar an schecter demon 6without the floyd on in red. Been learning some cords and loving it thanks all the help at my local guitar center. They understand what sound I'm looking for just love it learn at the age of 34. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up the guitar right way.
I found an SE Akerfeldt (Opeth) at a pawn shop. It had fallen off the wall and had damage, so I was able to snag it for $200. After releveling the neck, putting new frets on and throwing a JB in the bridge, this guitar sings! I'm blown away by the build quality of a supposed "budget import".
I own 2 SE's...both limeted edition guitar's. Both are custom 24's but the one has a roasted maple neck, absolutely love it! The other SE is a 35th anniversary with the duel toggles like the "Paul's guitar " your giving away. Amazing guitar's, especially for the price point! I also have that exact S2, even the color is the same. I think the S2 and your new blue core had the most warmth. But when you start adding delays, reverbs etc. It's all gonna be how the neck feels. Believe it or not..my 1st SE custom with the roasted maple neck is my favorite. I'm sending it back to Maryland to have new electronics, pickups and a core tremola. I have 23 guitar's and that damn thing has bonded with my hands!😁😁great review Robert. Absolutely love your channel!
Man, the dynamics on those CE24 pickups are out of this world. I think the bolt-on neck plays a huge role on it, that would be my no.1 gigging guitar. Sounds so reliable
Sem falar que é o que tem, sem muita escolha. Se você já conseguiu o feito de ter uns 15 a 20 mil disponíveis, vai ser umas poucas das anunciadas no ML e pronto. Se for querer uma de um modelo ou acabamento mais específico, aí vai ter de trazer de fora e conseguir o dobro daquele valor.
I was surprised how good the SE sounded? You have a very bright sound, and I would like to hear different tones that are not so chimey, some thicker tones? But that DGT, lovely!
I have the McCarty S2, same color... The only guitar i have ever purchased without playing it first. No regrets. Showed up in tune with a perfect setup. It's not a gamble or a risk. PRS just outclasses everybody. At every price point.
I've had my 1989 CE24 since 1990. I bought it second hand for $900. Best buy I've ever made. No one picks that guitar up without loving it. It has dot inlays. I did switch out the pickups for Lollars and this thing just sings. I like to say it plays itself. Others scoff at that until they play it.
Great video and comparison. I have a couple Les Pauls, A Fender Elite Tele and a couple others. About a year ago I ordered a beautiful blue PRS SE Custom 24 for $850 from Sweetwater. Right off the bat, I fell in love. It played so nice and the tone....well, to my ears there's just something special here. I took it too my local guru who leveled the frets a bit and set it up. This is now my #1 go to guitar and has been for nearly a year. Now I'm sure the next higher level PRSs are better but I'm finding it hard to believe they are 2 and 3 times the price better. Think I'll stick with this one. As far as the comparisons in the video, there was differences in the tones but to me they were different, not necessarily better or worse. I think the SE held its own just fine.
this is a cool demo, thanks. I own 4 PRS guitars, one custom 24 and 3 SE including the Santana model. they are all stellar guitars. the SE models play so well for their price range but once you step up to the custom 24 it is a different world altogether. heavier for starts, much nicer neck, and far superior pickups. having said that, if all you can afford is a used SE, I guarantee you'll love it.
No joke, the ending track was some of the best tones I’ve ever heard on RUclips. Great job. I’m taken with the DGT. Hope I win the SE. been dreaming about a PRS since the early 90s.
You always make me think back to when I was a child growing up and listening to the radio with my grandmother and she would have a radio station on in 90s/00’s here in the uk called magic and it would play classic songs from the 70’s and 80’s and I loved the tones
I would like a PRS that had 12 inch to 16 inch compound radius and instead of coil taps or splits it had a single coil pickup in between the humbuckers and a 5 way switch. And jumbo frets.
I have a PrS SE, and I had a shecter bass. Both have amazing looks and playability, both were bought used for under $500(ea), and both sounded great. I did not particularly care for the EMG's in the bass. I swapped the SE pickups after several years for some Pearly Gates. It is now a nearly perfect guitar!
But who can name all the riffs and solos I played?
I can't, but I know they are great
I can....but I don't want to show off.... :)
The Hi Gain bridge humbucker riff was Van Halen's 'Man on a Mission' (I'm still missing Eddie, btw) off of the F.U.C.K. album.
What about private stock my man!!!!
Decadence Dance, Is This Love. All sounded great, pickups are definitely different outputs. Are the neck profiles all similar?
SE: L 2:19 H 5:07 Brg 6:51 Cln 8:36 Hm 10:35
S2: L 2:59 H 5:33 Brg 7:19 Cln 9:05 Hm 10:42
CE: L 3:41 H 5:59 Brg 7:44 Cln 9:33 Hm 10:48
DGT: L 4:24 H 6:24 Brg 8:09 Cln 10:03 Hm 10:57
Easier to click through and compare.
I couldn’t elaborate on the description, otherwise it would shift the text and it made it harder to click and compare. So the description is minimal.
I hope this helps.
I’ve been debating which PRS to go with (I want a Gibson LP, but the inconsistent build quality, since I’ll need to order online)
The SE sounds great to me. I think this helped me decide to go with the SE.
Salute to you
The CE would be what I’d go with
I decided to go for an SE (35th anniversary) as well.
If it’s a les Paul you’re after, none other will suffice
The S2's clean tone is so beautiful doe
The fact that you are wearing a 5 Watt World shirt makes me happy.
Great pick-up! Keith is awesome too!
Keith is the man
Great follow, that shirt is on my list to get. 👍🏼
why?
I’ve been exposed to every “level” of PRS at length, so I’ve *really* studied the differences over the years...my number one has been a custom 24 since 2002, I have a ce-24 semihollow that I LOVE and I work on guitars for a living so I’ve had quite a few SE imports come through my shop, private stocks, artists, blah blah. The thing that really stands out about the PRS hierarchy is that every level feels “familiar” and they’re all high quality. I’ve had SE custom 24s roll through that feel unbelievable, several that (superficially) rival my core cu24. They’re very much PRS guitars. So that’s kind of the nice thing...you don’t have to spend four grand to “join the club”. But if you ever do decide to take the dive and pick up a core model, you’ll probably go “whoa...ok, I get it...this is a really, really nice guitar...a legacy instrument”. You aren’t getting ripped off at any level and to be honest, the conversations I have with SE owners are very similar to the ones I have with core owners. I always cringe when a customer calls their guitar “just an SE”. That’s bullshit, man...if it’s a good guitar, it’s a good guitar.
Very well said.
Thank you sir for this! I am very encouraged as a PRS SE owner and someone who feels the notion that I need to have a core! (Even though I tried some already in the states).
I am praying and planning to buy a core 24-08 in the far future... (Since 408 has been phased out if I'm not mistaken)
I currently own a PRS SE CU24 35TH Anniv in black gold burst. I will be upgrading its parts, (knobs, tuner and nut, probably stainless screws replacements)
Killer guitar! I play this more over my US made Strat and Les Paul.
Just ordered a Ce24 semi hollow as a “forever” instrument. Always nice to read when someone else loves the thing you just sunk money into haha.
Now it just needs to show up 😂
I've hand hundreds of guitars touch my hands some worth over 10k. The best was a basic gibson sg standard
I always say guitar nerds are like wine snobs. Nobody really knows what to do with them?
There's a fifth tier, the Private Stock, but they cost several arms and legs
Those private stocks are stunning though
@@trevelyanjoelpakkari1720 I just wish PRS would make a somewhat decent looking bass. Like a vela with the moon inlays and a single pickup
even kidneys lol, for some private stock
Private stock is Latin for overpriced crap.
@@moonchild4806 PRS is like Gibson, in that it has never really made an outstanding bass.
The fact that PRS has standards so high that even their SE import guitars have better feel and playability than 8 out of 10 American made guitars do, says a lot about the genuine pride that the company still has working within it. Always makes me wonder what the quality of Fender & Gibson would be like if Orville and Leo were alive and still owned what they started. And how fast will PRS decline in quality if Paul sold out or passed away. The only other company making guitars that cares about quality the same way is ESP.
What about Music Man? I heard their quality contol is very strict. Never played one though...
@@hectorjoseaiello7997 i can't give an honest opinion about Music Man because ive never played one either. But i have heard the same thing you have about their quality. And ive always noticed they seem to retain high value on the resale market. But im not sure if they have a secondary line at a lower price either.
@@hectorjoseaiello7997 Yeah but Ernie’s import line is trash compared to the SE line.
One of my fav thing about this Chanel is those random cool riffs and licks I get to hear in every video 😤🤘🏾
I praise his intros
CE is still my favorite. The feel, the satin neck, and splitting the CE.
I’d like to own a PRS
Just had my fourth surgery for retina detachment after my recovery I’m going to focus a lot of my time on guitar to learn to read guitar theory and just play more guitar
Man, that SE sounds fantastic! The import line has come a long way! Thanks for all the great content!
I have the PRS SE, and I love it. But it sure doesn’t sound like that when I play it. Perhaps if I keep practicing, it might.
You'll get there man, just keep at it.
Amp quality is really important too
@@vladstepanov9767 don’t forget cab. The cab and speakers are a massive influence.
What amp are you using? And pedals?
@@astro2069 I just have a prs se and a fender mustang 2. Looking to get a nicer amp
It’s amazing how good the SE’ s are compared to the USA made ones considering the price difference
I played both when I bought my SE. In my crazy head the SE sounded better. They are comparable at the very least. If your budget only has room for the SE, a person wouldn't be disappointed what so ever.
They’ve improved them since they were launched. The early ones were pretty cheap looking. Totally flat tops, no birds, etc.
It’s really because they’re almost entirely made with machines. That’s why they’re so consistent. The difference is the quality/age of the wood, the quality of finishing, neck and fretwork.
And the construction of course. While SE bodies are typically 4 piece, the Core are one or two piece mahogany with a two piece book matched maple cap (or one piece). Also no scarf joints used on Core and Private Stock either.
The average person doesn’t notice this stuff but you can see it if you look closely. Same thing when you compare American Pro Fender to Custom Shop Fender.
@@agentorange2554 Price difference is because of labor costs in different countries. Still the same guitars for the most part.
I think there gets a point where you then pay more for the quality (like wood, finish types etc) than better sound. Not that that's bad tho because some people would extra for the better quality and thats fine
My se custom 22 semi hollow is among the nicest guitars I've ever held in terms of fit, finish, and setup. After playing a vintage les paul, I could hear the shortcomings of the SE. Swapped in some SD Pearly Gates pickups, and WOW! For $600, I wouldn't trade it straight up for that gibson now!
I currently own three PRS guitars and have not played anything else since 1990(30 years!). The craftsmanship, build quality, QC, play ability, tones are second to none(not to mention they are works of art). I listened very closely to all 4 guitars in this video. IMHO the DGT is by far the best sounding of them all with the CE 24 in second. The best part of the DGT however is how much happiness it brings you-your passion for all things guitars comes through every video you make but watching you play the DGT is what playing guitar is all about! You will absolutely love the DGT for MANY years to come! The Custom 24 & CE 24 are both great guitars as well. I personally am not a fan of the S2 nor the SE-they certainly have their place but for just a little bit more money the CE 24 is head & shoulders above the S2. The CE 24's are so good that they rival their older more expensive Brother the Custom 24! Great video! Please keep them coming!
After coming across your channel about a month and a half ago all I want to do is get back into playing again, Thanks and a big thumbs up
I have to say that they all sound great. Cosmetically the core is a standout.
It's cos of that flame carve top
No kidding leave some bare wood and it looks great seems none of the popular brands care for a good wood grain
I’ve never regretted buying my S2. The thinner neck fits my hand perfectly and the bevel cut is super comfortable. I wasn’t expecting to like it when I first picked it up, but it’s one of those guitars that fit me like a glove and made me play better.
I was in the same boat. Bought my first PRS (S2 594 McCarty, burnt amber). On paper, it ticked all the boxes, comfort cuts, ease of upper fret access, straight type of string pull at headstock, but for the dumbest reason, I was just not a huge fan of the inlays. I know, why buy then, but it was a “smokin’” deal that I couldn’t pass it up. It fits like a glove strapped on or sitting down, I really like it and wasn’t expecting it! I guess I read too much “internet” hate on PRS being cold and sterile, thus my attitude before I owned one.
@@brianmckenzie1318 awesome! I’m not crazy about the bird inlays either. That’s part of why I got an S2 Standard 24. No maple cap, dot inlays, and a pick guard. Fantastic guitar.
I have an S2. He’s got things a little out of order. The CE is a less expensive bolt-on option The S2 has similar body relief and less extensive contouring work to the top, compared to the Core models, which feature a full carved top. I don’t know about all years, but for my year model, the S2 was several hundred dollars more than the comparable CE model, and more then double the price of the comparable SE model.
Even the cheapest prs, feels like a guitar that’s worth over a thousand
I have one of each of the 4 levels of PRS .. all are special, yes even the SE
8:36 best power balad ever with one of the best guitar solo
The thing about PRS is that you can't go wrong with either!
I went wrong buying a Myers SE; pickup selector didn't work when it arrived, and the pots were noisy. So much for QC. Piece of crap.
@@melvynobrien6193 every company has a lemon. Replacing it would've fixed the problem. I've tried numerous PRS guitars (I own a custom 24 10 top) and they've all been great.
I concur.
Stérile for me ! Nice but sterile sounding
Nothing special.
Robert you need to try an S2 Vela from PRS it's a fun offset and a pretty significant departure from what they normally do. It's like a strat, a tele and an SG all had this weird mash up and out came the Vela.
Owned one of the 1st runs with birds! It was awesome. Lost my job lost my Vela. 😭😭😭
My S2 Vela was my first PRS and it instantly became my #1 on feel alone
@@jwilder2251 the bridge pickup needed to be tamed (at least to my ear) but that’s what they made a tone knob for, but I’m in the same boat she became my number one immediately. Thinking about getting the semi-hollow too.
They all sounded phenomenal, I’d be happy with any of them.
Last riff was slow dancing in a burning room. That SE is gorgeous, someone will be super lucky.
PRS produces high quality instruments. I've got a 2008 Single Cut Tremolo and a 2020 35th anniversary Custom 24 and they're both incredible. They're fast and have a ton of tonal options in them. If you haven't played one yet, try it out. There's a lot to love.
I’ve got an SE Custom 22 from Korea and it’s an amazing guitar for the money. It’s probably the nicest playing guitar I’ve owned, and the wide neck just suits my hand perfectly. Since I got it, my LP and Strat are barely getting any use.
Hi! I have an SE. I love it! I especially love the wide thin neck. It gives me room for my ageing fingers! The sound is great and the tremolo stays in tune. You can't go wrong with it for the money!
I think that S2 is my favourite!! The cleans sound better than the rest, to my ears anyways
I have an SE Paul's Guitar in Amber. It is quite expensive for the "affordable " end of the PRS Range. However, when you pick it up play it and just admire the workmanship, it is worth every penny. For a Intermediate Player the SE range is top value.
The S2 looks sooooo good with the pickup covers
It was cool to see them all together like that. They all sound great. Thanks for the video Robert.
Dude, this is such a great comparison video, thanks for taking the time to make it! Greatly appreciated, seriously. The first time I watched the video, I was surprised how similar they sound (at least via RUclips and mediocre speakers). The second and third time I watched it, I noticed your familiarity with the CE vs the other models, and how much more fun and engaging your playing was on that particular guitar.
prs actually stands for
professional rocking system
It should have been PMS: Pro Marketing System. Really nice guitars, but the RUclips marketing through influencers is a bit too obvious. I guess Robert still had to deliver some PRS content at the end of the year. Maybe it's me, but in his most passionate vids he never uses a PRS. It's allways about some piece of gear or a guitar player that has a story in it.
@@Jeroen_K I think he is just trying to do something around the giveaway of the PRS. And yes the marketing through youtubers is obvious but it's also super cool what they are doing with creators. Suporting youtubers is cool and its definetly something that more companies should do.
@@_gnthrr_ You're right, it is cool. I just get a little voice in my head to mistrust any content with product placed stuff, but that is not Robert's fault.
@@Jeroen_K well, if you can hear the guitar you can have your own opinion
@@Jeroen_K fender does it too and gibson too. It's what you get with the big brands, and I own both of them
loving that 5 watt world tshirt! you n keith both do great stuff 👍
Your perfect guitar, the blue one in the intro, is now named Riviera from the song Riviera Paradise. My mind can not be changed reeeeee
The core is the best to me but the CE is just as good in a different way. That's what makes the CEs so good is they are just a different flavor of good.
Agree I have both. I thought I would sell my CE when I bought my core but then realized they don't really sound like the same guitar... both epic and unique... though they look similar. My core is definitely much warmer and can sound more strat like... and my CE brighter with more attack. If I only had one it would probably be my core but the CE is better for certain playing styles... genre's...both better than 99 percent of other guitars out there.
I actually bought a CE based on the videos of your CE, amazing guitar. The SE and S2 sound the same to my ears.
White snake - is this love. The only song I recognized. Love watching you play, keep up the good work. Liked all those prs guitars.
The SE has a strong Van Halen tone
Nothing wrong with that!!!!!
Ngl the SE Paul's Guitar is actually value for money
I absolutely agree. Best guitar under 1000 dollars.
They are all winners! I've got one of the original McCartys....they sure have improved that coil "tap (I think the original had a "split", and the newer versions have a "tap".... BIG difference!)
I love listening PRS demos because they sound the best to my ears in all levels of production.
I have a 92' CE24 and a 05' McCarty model. Totally different sounds but the CE24 sound and plays better than any guitar (Les Paul, 335, Strat)I own. I love the thin neck. Great video!
That lick at 0:13 was tasty as hell. Gonna try and learn it but the frame rate in this videos is kind of odd lol.
Is the "amp" your Axe FX? Either they all essentially sound the same or whatever amp used to record them colors the tone so much it's really hard to distinguish between them. And I'm hearing this through my home stereo and not my phone.
I keep going back to PRS guitars like a bad girlfriend. I love they way they look, upper fret access, and fit and finish. the 2 SE's that I have owned just have too low fret heights for me. Not asking for jumbos, just a little more. Not affecting Robert's bending in the slightest, but it's makes bending tough for me.
I LOVE this comment and agree wholeheartedly. I had to leave PRS for awhile and mature as a player mechanically because the wide fat didn't work with my small hands. They're fine now but if I could get taller frets and the thin neck on models I like that don't have it, that would be nice.
Try the s2 Satin standard 24. It can be had for 600-700 used. Regular USA PRS Frets. Nitro finished.
I found this to be a slight problem on my 594 as well. I wish the frets were bigger.
Bro, that red PRS is something special man i like the snappieness of the bolt on neck and to me it sounds better than the core when its clean.. That red on is special
All of the guitars are very high quality and the pickups have great tones. The SE Paul’s Guitar just rocks! I cannot believe the sounds emanating from that instrument. There is a clarity and definition to the DGT pickups that stands out. And the maple top on it is killer. I think a DGT may be the “Holy Grail” guitar to my ears. So much time and care has been put into that and David Grissom knows tone. Great video comparison, loved this Robert!
I dig the CE model. I ordered one today in the turquoise finish flame top👍
I had to sell the first one I bought a couple years back. I sure loved it so I purchased one today.
The blue of the giveaway guitar really makes those inlays pop
Wow, you sounded really at home on that CE for the lead portion.
Thanks!
Here's the thing when comparing the different tiers of a low mid and high end guitars. Essentially its like getting a softserve icecream where you have to use the machine yourself as opposed to having someone serve you the ice cream. They both taste the but you have a different experience. When you compare the sound of these guitars, the difference is very sublte. What you are looking for is the feel and the finish of the guitar.
Look at that beautiful SE with that wrap around bridge!!!!!
I contacted PRS where they suggested changing my pickups and nut would give me same as core.
The bolt on CE has the snappiest attack and punch simply a set neck will never ever have 👍🏻love the Giant Dan Huff lick too
To my ears, the CE stood out in all modes. I think the maple neck made everything “jump” a bit more, Which seemed to bring an extra clarity over the others. I have no idea what pickups were involved, either, but assume none were too extra......
The ce most likely has 85/15's in them. I agree with your assessment of the ce. I notice that in my ce's too
NICE!!! I hope you, Gabby and Mason have great and happy new year!! Have you tried an SE standard? I’ve been thinking about driving down to Sweetwater to try one out.
I love my Tremonti PRS (the cheaper one 😉😬), can’t go wrong with them really.
Wow PRS is really good at designing the different levels! The higher the price, the better it gets sadly for us. I really liked your CE honestly, especially on the first crunch sample. I would say If you're considering the DGT, take a look at the CE and if you're considering the S2, you should reeeaaaally consider the CE. Just get a CE for ***'s sake!
He actually has these out of order. The S2 is more expensive than the the CE for a comparable model, at least the year I bought mine. The S2 is neck through body,, like the Core series, but with body relief and extensive beveling, instead of the full hand-carved top of the Core series,. The CE line uses bolt-on necks. I have played CE and S2 models, and I definitely prefer the S2.
Wow! I was surprised. The S2 was my preference in every style, by some margin. I did not expect that. Great comparison vid, Thanks Robert.
I got a 2014 SE 245, all I did was change the nut to Tusq and set it up. It plays great. It’s vintage yellow and looks beautiful.
Maybe my headphones suck, but I can't really hear a difference between them, so I have to ask: Does the feel of the neck differ the higher you go in price points?
indistinguishable in a live mix; if you want to buy some PRS crap, buy the cheapest.
I hear a marginal difference between the standard (the turquoise guitar) and the rest when there is more gain. Still sounds good, but I feel like the rest just sounded more saturated and colorful.
I own a PRS standard and it has grown into my favorite guitar in terms of playability and feel.
That's a great question. I've been playing professionally for 25 years and never even gave PRS a second look because all of their necks felt like baseball bats to me. Then they came out with the pattern thin neck on the newer CE models. I coughed up the 2k for a CE24 semi hollow and it's now my #1 guitar. The neck is incredibly fast, the pick up combinations with the split coil literally give me every sound I need to get through a three hour cover gig without changing guitars at all.
@@melvynobrien6193 agree. Go buy Korean made SE and replace pickup and tuners and it’s as good as core except the looks. Or I would just go buy a cheaper Gibson everyday.
@@melvynobrien6193 I have to disagree that the PRS SE feel like crap (at least the Korean ones). I don’t know if you’re just trying to be snobby but I own a Core and SE and they both feel great.
I feel that most people wanting to pull the trigger, on a PRS are going to be drawn to the bolt-on. Great video! I now know which PRS to get onboard with.
SE is great value for the money. I like the S2 or the Core. Sounds richer to me than the bolt on necks the SE and CE have.
your clean riff sounds almost like " What is love " by whitesnake
Dude they all sound amazing!
I have a SE Custom 24 Floyd Rose and it’s my best guitar for 1k.
I have Gibson Les Paul’s that are twice as expensive and I always go back to the PRS. The PRS SE 24 Floyd rose is made for war! You can throw anything at it and you can dive bomb on the whammy and she always stays in Tune! Amazing 🤩
Whooo ! I like the SE that green color with two little tiny switch in between the botton , I tried to play one at guitar center, its nice and its comfortable when you slide your bar chords up , its just very playable , and no sharp edges on the frits .easy play and not too heavy of a guitar. I played all kinds of guitars for music ministry in church , and. Nothing beats the clear sound of PRS GUITARS, and clarity of the string , however I wish I can afford one to play for church music ministry , I love PRS SE , they are excellent.
Yeah, those pickups on the CE were hot. I was gonna get an SE just to have a PRS, but I might have to save a little while longer for a CE. We'll see. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever one I get.
I got a CE-24, in satin Angry Larry, as a gift. I play hippie shit, so the 85/15’s are just too damn hot for me to use it, in everyday playing. It was a gift, so it’s mine til I die, but I’ll eventually look to swap the pickups for some 57/08’s. They’re more my style. The guitar is fantastic though. My tech hasn’t done a damn thing to her in 3 years. Always complains that he can’t charge me. Lol. The Silver Sky is awesome too. Haven’t played my Elite Strat in over a year.
I had an SE and didn't love the pickups. Traded it for a ce24 with 85/15s and it had waaay more clarity than the SE.
Love my Custom 24 SE❤️ PRS guitars are great and the SE line makes them affordable 💵
I'm surprised at the number of comments saying they didn't hear any difference. I thought each had a distinct sound. I am listening through JBL monitors and not cheap headphones, so that may be why.
I like the brightness and clarity of the CE the most. It would come down to the feel and finances for a final decision though. ;)
Nice comparison, Robert.
Does anyone really think it is the guitar that is the defining component of the sound? I say the amp and the EFX are much more of what the sound is. I have an AXE FX III and that can make any guitar sound like whatever you want it to be. Am I wrong?
@@JB19504 Generally, I would agree with you, but when you have the same musician playing the same riffs through the same signal chain, as in this case, the variable is the guitars.
I’m using my phone speaker. And it’s correct. All of them have a distinct sound. It’s clear every time Robert changes guitar.
However I wonder if by changing pickups the guitars would be closer sounding to each other
Mhmm that SE Paul’s guitar is so beautiful really hope it comes home to me. Thanks for everything Robert been helping me so much lately with my playing
Got my first guitar an schecter demon 6without the floyd on in red. Been learning some cords and loving it thanks all the help at my local guitar center. They understand what sound I'm looking for just love it learn at the age of 34. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up the guitar right way.
Always enjoy and look forward to your videos. Thanks for the content and the lessons. Keep up the great work. Peace
I like the red PRS the best. It has the warmest and brightest tone! 🌞
I like the tone of the S2z
That outro is fantastic. Thanks again.
I own 2 PRS guitars. Have had a few others. Currently own an older custom 22 and a Zach Myers SE. the DGT is my dream guitar.
I found an SE Akerfeldt (Opeth) at a pawn shop. It had fallen off the wall and had damage, so I was able to snag it for $200. After releveling the neck, putting new frets on and throwing a JB in the bridge, this guitar sings! I'm blown away by the build quality of a supposed "budget import".
That white snake part sounded really really nice on the red guitar
The surprise is how versatile of a guitar player you really are..great guitar playing. Do you have any guitar material out?
I own 2 SE's...both limeted edition guitar's. Both are custom 24's but the one has a roasted maple neck, absolutely love it! The other SE is a 35th anniversary with the duel toggles like the "Paul's guitar " your giving away. Amazing guitar's, especially for the price point! I also have that exact S2, even the color is the same. I think the S2 and your new blue core had the most warmth. But when you start adding delays, reverbs etc. It's all gonna be how the neck feels. Believe it or not..my 1st SE custom with the roasted maple neck is my favorite. I'm sending it back to Maryland to have new electronics, pickups and a core tremola. I have 23 guitar's and that damn thing has bonded with my hands!😁😁great review Robert. Absolutely love your channel!
Man, the dynamics on those CE24 pickups are out of this world. I think the bolt-on neck plays a huge role on it, that would be my no.1 gigging guitar. Sounds so reliable
Amazing maple cap and sustain on the DGT!
All of them are as expensive as a kidney here in Brazil, but they sound amazing...
Essas taxas...
Sem falar que é o que tem, sem muita escolha. Se você já conseguiu o feito de ter uns 15 a 20 mil disponíveis, vai ser umas poucas das anunciadas no ML e pronto.
Se for querer uma de um modelo ou acabamento mais específico, aí vai ter de trazer de fora e conseguir o dobro daquele valor.
Same story in Bangladesh bro.
What's the reason why Brazil seems to be really expensive place to buy music gear. (According to youtube comments)
@@a.krawion1872 importation taxes, bro. They're too high
My prs se just came in today! What a coincadink!
Congrats man!
I've got an '08 semi-hollow se. I love that guitar.
I was surprised how good the SE sounded? You have a very bright sound, and I would like to hear different tones that are not so chimey, some thicker tones? But that DGT, lovely!
I have the McCarty S2, same color... The only guitar i have ever purchased without playing it first. No regrets. Showed up in tune with a perfect setup. It's not a gamble or a risk. PRS just outclasses everybody. At every price point.
I've had my 1989 CE24 since 1990. I bought it second hand for $900. Best buy I've ever made. No one picks that guitar up without loving it. It has dot inlays. I did switch out the pickups for Lollars and this thing just sings. I like to say it plays itself. Others scoff at that until they play it.
Prs are some of the best guitars out there, even the les expensive ones!!! Can't go wrong with any of em
Great video and comparison. I have a couple Les Pauls, A Fender Elite Tele and a couple others. About a year ago I ordered a beautiful blue PRS SE Custom 24 for $850 from Sweetwater. Right off the bat, I fell in love. It played so nice and the tone....well, to my ears there's just something special here. I took it too my local guru who leveled the frets a bit and set it up. This is now my #1 go to guitar and has been for nearly a year. Now I'm sure the next higher level PRSs are better but I'm finding it hard to believe they are 2 and 3 times the price better. Think I'll stick with this one. As far as the comparisons in the video, there was differences in the tones but to me they were different, not necessarily better or worse. I think the SE held its own just fine.
this is a cool demo, thanks. I own 4 PRS guitars, one custom 24 and 3 SE including the Santana model. they are all stellar guitars. the SE models play so well for their price range but once you step up to the custom 24 it is a different world altogether. heavier for starts, much nicer neck, and far superior pickups. having said that, if all you can afford is a used SE, I guarantee you'll love it.
No joke, the ending track was some of the best tones I’ve ever heard on RUclips. Great job. I’m taken with the DGT. Hope I win the SE. been dreaming about a PRS since the early 90s.
Everyone of those is a thing of beauty and in the right hands sound amazing too.
You always make me think back to when I was a child growing up and listening to the radio with my grandmother and she would have a radio station on in 90s/00’s here in the uk called magic and it would play classic songs from the 70’s and 80’s and I loved the tones
Great Sound what amp were using for the distortions? Amazing.
I would like a PRS that had 12 inch to 16 inch compound radius and instead of coil taps or splits it had a single coil pickup in between the humbuckers and a 5 way switch. And jumbo frets.
Personally i prefer prs ce the most for prs type guitar
i have wanted to get an electric guitar for the longest time, when i do ,i will seriously consider a prs
I would also recommend that you look a Schecter guitars, as they have a much wider range of choice and are all very good guitars.
@@rootinteuton966 thanks
@@siddhantraju4708 I have a Schecter Diamond Series C-1 E/A. Great guitar!
I have a PrS SE, and I had a shecter bass. Both have amazing looks and playability, both were bought used for under $500(ea), and both sounded great. I did not particularly care for the EMG's in the bass. I swapped the SE pickups after several years for some Pearly Gates. It is now a nearly perfect guitar!
Trying to understand difference between PRS models. So far I have : SE, S2, CE, Custom, DGT. Would have helped if you identified everything played.
Hi Robert! I also have a dgt, it's a great guitar! What string gauge are you using?