Why should I buy a SE Custom 24 Korean when price so close to American Strat? [Archive]

SausageofPower

12-08-2012, 03:14 PM

Eh, Fender's QC has been hit-or-miss to me for the past few years. Not as bad as Gibson, but still...whereas the PRS SE line has always been pretty damned bulletproof.

Two very different guitars though. 22 frets vs. 24, SSS vs. HH, 25.5" scale vs. 25" scale, different neck profiles, bolt-on vs. set neck, alder vs. maple topped mahogany...

Personally, I say go try both. I vote for the PRS SE, though I can respect and love both guitars. It's just a better deal IMHO, but that's just me. Your cash means your opinion is king.

andy474x

12-08-2012, 03:27 PM

Depends on what you want, as said above, very different guitars. I have a Fender Strat, and a SECU24, both are very nice. My advice would be to not judge the guitar by where it's made right off the bat. SE's are made in Korea, but their quality easily surpasses some of the other big US manufacturers. For example, the SE line blows away any sub-$1K Gibson I've tried. When you consider the additional costs of making a guitar in the US, you may actually be getting more guitar for your money with the SE if they sell at the same price.

That being said, I like Fender guitars a lot too. Try them and see what will work best for you. The SECU24 is more of a rock machine, and it has humbuckers. It does a convincing job with blues and other styles too, especially with the new coil taps. But if you want the strat sound (less output, geared for blues etc) go for the strat.

]-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©

12-08-2012, 03:36 PM

Threads like this crack me up. There's no linear path to a logical answer because they're different animals altogether. Guitars have a sound and a feel that has to work for you as a player.

If you would rather have a strat, go buy a strat.

If you'd rather have an SE, go buy an SE.

Bret

12-08-2012, 03:46 PM

John Beef

12-08-2012, 03:51 PM

Strats aren't very good guitars for rock music. The SE Custom 24 is.

An American Strat for $799 is going to be a bottom of the barrel USA instrument. The SE Custom 24 is a top of the line Korean instrument.

Strats are ugly, their pickups are weak, their trems are borderline useless, the controls are poorly laid out, their neck heels are incredibly uncomfortable. They're made up of random parts quickly routed, dipped in finish and slapped together as quickly and cheaply as possible.

I recently looked at some Fenders as an alternative for some lowered tunings that I don't want to sound like heavy metal. 9 out of 10 I picked up needed extensive fret work and a thorough setup before I would consider them a playable instrument. Then I went over and played some SEs and the Fenders simply weren't in the same league.

My wife has a USA Fender P-bass she bought in 2001. It was replaced by a Lakland Skyline in 2005 which was simply better all around and made in Korea. Later that Skyline was only surpassed by a USA Lakland which has a quality level like a PRS or Anderson or Sadowsky or Suhr. Fender's just not that great of a company. I'm sure the custom shop stuff is up there but it's just going to be on a $799 strat.

SausageofPower

12-08-2012, 04:05 PM

Thanks guys. Good advice. Fast too! I just wish PRS had another option. I've always admired Paul and his work. The whole farm it out to Korea thing seems like a bad move. I'm sure he will make lots of money at it. But come on, anybody can do that. The videos I've seen on SE aren't convincing. I think Paul wants to believe it. But it's pretty obvious his guys don't. It seems all too commercial to me. My notion of being a part of the PRS dream doesn't include selling out for a clone. I think Paul could do better. I think he should do better. I mean which do you prefer, Paul Reed Smith or Soul-less Corp. (like Fender or Gibson)
I think I'm gonna wait for a deal on a used good Maryland PRS.
Thanks though, really.
Bret

Well, the SE line isn't new. It's been around for a long time. Besides, the Maryland instruments are alive and well. The SE line is just, as the name implies, for students who can't afford $2-3k per guitar. ;p

Sounds like the same mentality I heard in the 80's when Jackson and the like went to Japan...and those instruments were later revered as being as good/better than their American counterparts.

P.S. - And it's not like these guitars, like some other companies do, are made in India or China and of inferior woods like Cedro and only vaguely look like their American counterparts. You may not get figured tops (they're veneers), but you get the same tonewoods and everything. They're really great guitars, but if you're against imports in general then you've already made up your mind no?

sergiodeblanc

12-08-2012, 04:08 PM

. My notion of being a part of the PRS dream doesn't include selling out for a clone. I think Paul could do better. I think he should do better.

Call him up on Monday and tell him! but not before you go play a SE Custom, I was a doubter at one time as well.

]-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©

12-08-2012, 04:31 PM

[Face palm]

Of course, I saw that coming. I should have said this up front....

Dont feed the trolls, folks.

CoreyT

12-08-2012, 04:32 PM

I have a new 2012 Gibson '61 SG Reissue that I paid over $2K for, and I will put up any of my three SE guitars against it.
I love the SG for its iconic nature, and it is flawless, and the thin 60s slim neck plays fantastic.

But the SEs play about as nice, and the pickups on them sound great too.

Play both the Strat and the SE Custom 24.
The SE Custom 24 is my next favorite guitar to my SG.

http://www.pnw4runners.com/guitar_stuff/38.jpg

PS, SOP, your inbox is full :D

Mikegarveyblues

12-08-2012, 04:44 PM

No. The SE line is for people who want a high quality guitar but may not be able to afford the US instruments, infact, there's plenty people (On here and elsewhere) who own a good few high end US guitars AND SE's. They may well have started as a budget alternative for 'students', 'beginners', 'amateurs, call it what you will, but over the years they have evolved and are just a fine instrument at a price more people can afford. How much do you think SE's would cost if they where made in the US to the same standard?

Quite simply, you will not find a better guitar at the price many of the SE's go for.

....Just someone who thinks VERY carefully about where and what I spend my money on.

AP515

12-08-2012, 05:18 PM

...there's plenty of people (On here and elsewhere) who own a good few high end US guitars AND SE's. They may well have started as a budget alternative for 'students', 'beginners', 'amateurs, call it what you will, but over the years they have evolved and are just a fine instrument at a price more people can afford.

I proudly have both, but I didn't get the SE's frst. My first was my most expensive , (Cu24 Artist Package). I picked up the SE's later because I wanted something to take to practices, gigs as a back up, and to play in hotels when I travel, and not have to worry as much about them being damaged or stolen. I am pleased with the SE's. The SE Soapy 2 with P90's played and sounded better then my McSoapy so I sold it and kept the SE.

rugerpc

12-08-2012, 05:21 PM

Thanks guys. Good advice. Fast too! I just wish PRS had another option. I've always admired Paul and his work. The whole farm it out to Korea thing seems like a bad move. I'm sure he will make lots of money at it. But come on, anybody can do that. The videos I've seen on SE aren't convincing. I think Paul wants to believe it. But it's pretty obvious his guys don't. It seems all too commercial to me. My notion of being a part of the PRS dream doesn't include selling out for a clone. I think Paul could do better. I think he should do better. I mean which do you prefer, Paul Reed Smith or Soul-less Corp. (like Fender or Gibson)
I think I'm gonna wait for a deal on a used good Maryland PRS.
Thanks though, really.
Bret

It is patently obvious that you haven't spent any time playing either guitar. It is also interesting that you don't say what kind of music you want to play, so no one on this forum or any other could possibly steer you in either direction.

Before you start denigrating any company's products or marketing strategy, maybe you should spend a little time with those products.

If you are buying a guitar to be part of some "dream", then buy whatever pops into your head when you wake up in the morning. If you are truly looking for a new guitar the works for you, you're gonna have to put in some real evaluation time yourself.

Is it really cold and damp under the bridge in Trollville? Not a good environment for a guitar anyway....

sleary

12-08-2012, 05:21 PM

Save up, go buy a USA Prs and save the narrow mindness.

Want a Fender, go buy a Fender. Want a Gibson, go buy a Gibson.

OR..

Go out grab what sings to you, play it and take it home. I myself will not buy what other.people say I should buy. It's my money and I play what works for me.

By the way. Prs over see the Se line so tightly that it might as well be a USA Prs. Like Paul said before, you should be able to take it out of the box and play it.

Just my two cents

leeasam

12-08-2012, 06:35 PM

For example, the SE line blows away any sub-$1K Gibson I've tried.

and MOST sub $2000 gibsons.. My Barber had a nice Amaerican strat priced in the $1500 range and the fret started curling on the ends etc. The techs said they could fix that but on a quality guitar ( supposed to be) that should not happen. He has several guitars in the same room and climate even acoustic with no issues. Just confirms another reason I don`t like strats. Although a friend of mine has a Taco-caster( strat) and still feels and plays great after over 10 years! So go figure.

My boy has a PRS SE245 amd t blows away the Gibson Studio I had in ever way.

james

12-08-2012, 06:54 PM

I vote buy both!

Lotta guys that build guitars in Maryland all day that own and love their SE guitars. I still have my first PRS...a SE Soapbar. Great guitars. Still want a SE Korina One

Bret

12-08-2012, 07:45 PM

Dang. You guys are passionate for SE line. (Where should a troll go to buy one?)
Iv'e read the sale literature. Just figured it was smoke. Not all the reviews are as glorious as you guys make it sound.
Guess I'll have to try one. I said I'm easy.
By the way, I like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Stevie Ray Vaughan, All 3 Kings, J.L. Hooker, Albert Collins, Johnny Lang, Robert Cray, James Gang (Joe Walsh for you youngsters), to name a few.
I grew up in the seventies and remember some of it.
Only been playing for 13 months. Have a Yamaha acoustic and a Dot Es-335 clone.
I'm not singing the blues in hundred dollar shoes, as Buddy Guy says. $709 is enough.
I just want value for my investment. Sounds like you all feel you have it.
I'll take your word on it and try to get a closer look at one.
Thanks.

james

12-08-2012, 08:47 PM

you'll find PRS favored answers here, obviously. go play both. i was shopping for a very inexpensive tele to kick around. read a lot on the internet about them. tried them a few out myself and my opinion on what i wanted changed based on actually playing them.*

those two guitars are apples and oranges, but go see how they feel in your hands. one may speak to you more than the other.

*meant to add: i get to play PRS all day. It's always eye opening when you do visit a store and compare with other brands. I think the common theme with all PRS and SE guitars is that they're real instruments. Some other stuff hanging on the wall feel like toys...and some stuff feels good. Go spend an hour in your local shop. You'll see what I mean.

Bret

12-08-2012, 09:11 PM

Thanks

Rango

12-09-2012, 12:02 AM

-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©;33428']Threads like this crack me up. There's no linear path to a logical answer because they're different animals altogether. Guitars have a sound and a feel that has to work for you as a player.

If you would rather have a strat, go buy a strat.

If you'd rather have an SE, go buy an SE.

Exactly :D

Strats aren't very good guitars for rock music.

Really? Did you mean to say that or is that just a typo? ;)
I'm going to go with typo..... LOL!!!

DRM_777

12-09-2012, 05:38 AM

My notion of being a part of the PRS dream doesn't include selling out for a clone. I think Paul could do better. I think he should do better.

I think what speaks volumes is that Fender are selling their flagship American Standards for a similar price to the SE Range however the flagship American made PRS Custom 24's comes in at more than twice the price and so either the PRS SE range is a very high quality guitar and Fenders Flagship American made instruments only just surpass the quality that PRS are able to have produced in Korea......... or the SE models are over priced.

Being an SE owner, I wouldn't say they are over priced and you are getting a very high quality instrument for your money and as you will see from these boards many of the American made PRS owners rate the SE editions very highly as well.

With musical instruments, I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for the large majority of the time and the SE models are VERY popular, even more so than Fender as a whole these days probably..... If the SE models were crap, they wouldn't sell. It's as simple as that.

However, to refer back to the original question of why should you buy an SE Custom 24 when the price is so close to an American Strat? Well the real answer is that it shouldn't even be an option because they as mentioned before, they are completely different guitars with very different sounds and if your main considerations as to why you should buy a guitar is being based on brand name and manufacturing country, then you have missed the point in a big bad way.

Go try one, you won't regret it.

Mikegarveyblues

12-09-2012, 08:11 AM

Mr Beef, Mr Beef...?

We Have a Mr Blackmore on the phone...

Mikegarveyblues

12-09-2012, 08:27 AM

I love Strats... Been around them for years.

As has been said they're different animals.

When I compare guitars at certain price bands I tend not to compare PRS & PRS SE to Fender but to Gibson or other companies such as ESP, ESP Ltd, Epiphone, Schecter, etc.

Thinking about the SE's in particular (And the under $1000 price bracket) I honestly (And in my limited experience) think they're the best or amongst the best instruments you can buy. To get to SE quality I was looking at guitar in excess of £1000 and some of those where US built. Infact, my Bernie (I felt) was of higher quality than some of Gibsons lower priced US offerings.

ALL of these companies are capable of putting out great guitars but the QC seems more consistant with an SE. SOme other companies go for bling and fancy hardware over building a good instrument. Lipstick on a pig shall we say.

But bolt on Fenders are a different beast. A more simple beast, but one that is equally as gorgeous to me.

My only slight gripe with Fender is that they've got what seems like a million different versions of what seems the same thing. I kind of wish they'd simplify the line.

Got a Mexican Standard with upgraded pups and nut. Nut was the only fault. Other than that it's been faultless. Love it as much as my Bernie Marsden and (probably) the new SE C24 I got. I'd compare the C24 to the Bernie but neither of those two to the Strat. I just know I like them all.

So, if you're after a Strat or other similar bolt on single coil then go for it. If you're after a glued in neck, 2 humbuckers, etc then i'd give the SE's a whirl.

Ony you can make the choice.

One last note... When it comes to cloning, you could argue that Fender & Gibson have been cloning their former selves for years.

LSchefman

12-09-2012, 10:19 AM

When looking for an instrument, what it comes down to is very simple: there is no "best" anything, other than what's best for you.

Other than having six strings and pickups, a Strat is a significantly different concept in a guitar than a PRS, and it's not just about the bolt on neck and single coil pickups. From wood selection and curing, to single piece mahogany bodies and backs, to hardware. carving, pickup winding, and all the rest, the philosophies between Fender and PRS couldn't be more different. Many of the differences are incorporated in the SEs.

Rest assured, SE guitars are the creme de la creme of the imports.

Now, whether that makes an SE a better buy than an entry-level USA Strat really ought to depend not on the country of origin, but on the objects themselves as instruments. Pick what you relate to best. They certainly are competitive in terms of being good instruments.

I'll add one thing to this post I forgot earlier: Strats really sound different from PRSes.

rugerpc

12-09-2012, 10:58 AM

those two guitars are apples and oranges, but go see how they feel in your hands. one may speak to you more than the other.

I meant to cover this in my last response. Thanks James for reminding me.

Asking whether you should buy a strat or an SE is like asking whether we would recommend fish or steak for dinner. Both are meat and both might satisfy your urges, but the similarity ends there because they are literally different animals.

Go to a store which stocks both. Take a friend. Sit blindfolded and have your friend hand you $200 - $800 guitars back and forth (along with other brands and models) and buy the one that your hands and ears tell you to.

Getting hung up on the brand or the model is the exact wrong way to approach buying a guitar - especially if your are as new to guitar as you say.

rugerpc

12-09-2012, 11:07 AM

If the SE models were crap, they wouldn't sell. It's as simple as that.

I have to play Devil's Advocate here. There are tons of crap guitars out there that are selling well enough... It is on the buyer to make a truly informed buying decision. The sad fact is people are just too lazy to inform themselves and really research things about which they are deciding. And that doesn't just apply to guitars.

Ask 10 people why they bought a particular thing and see how many bought it because they thought it was the popular choice - that is some review or neighbor or family member told them to get it. Ask them if they compared features, appointments, fit and finish, etc. and you'll find out that they only looked at 2 or three things, and only briefly.

Want to be happy in your buying decisions and decrease 'buyer's remorse?' compare, compare, compare.

]-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©

12-09-2012, 11:13 AM

The videos I've seen on SE aren't convincing. I think Paul wants to believe it. But it's pretty obvious his guys don't. It seems all too commercial to me. My notion of being a part of the PRS dream doesn't include selling out for a clone.

I'm one of "his guys". I believe it.

I like my "all too commercial" SE One. I even had it modified by the PTC.

I "[sold] out for a clone". :hello:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd272/hansomatic/Collection/SE_One/SE1_Starla.jpg

prscat33511

12-09-2012, 11:18 AM

Consistent quality
More of more and less of the same old same old
You could buy a strat of many different flavors of pickup configs from me, that way I can get closer to buying another PRS for myself!
I'll give you 2 Strats for 799! They're special because they too, are made overseas, just like the Fender specials are

I can buy an "American Special" Strat for $799, or a SE Custom 24 for $709.
Wouldn't that be better value? Aren't SE models actually dolled up American clones like say Oscar Schmidt or the like?
I'm an easy sell. Sell me!

Brewer

12-09-2012, 12:22 PM

Each guitar adds a different voice to your music. Strats produce an iconic sound that is essential for some types of music. I assembled a nice strat made just the way I like them from components I selected. That's something you can do with Fenders, and it's a lot of fun. That said, I almost always play my PRS guitars for recording and for live shows. I play better on them. I love the tone, and the quality of them. I love how they stay in tune. They are really great guitars.

I would really recommend to anyone who is serious about being a good guitar player to seriously consider buying a higher quality guitar at an affordable price by buying a used instrument, at least until you can afford the new ones. You will never regret buying a quality instrument.

Besides, there are a lot of fickle guitar buyers on this and other forums providing a steady supply of good used PRS guitars. They are hot to buy the latest and greatest, and frequently dump exceptional instruments at bargain prices in order to fund the next round of GAS in a seemingly never-ending tone quest. Make their losses your gains.

LindseyP

12-10-2012, 10:38 AM

I can buy an "American Special" Strat for $799, or a SE Custom 24 for $709.
Wouldn't that be better value? Aren't SE models actually dolled up American clones like say Oscar Schmidt or the like?
I'm an easy sell. Sell me!
Two different guitars.
I have Strats AND CU24s, so trust me, you're talking about two different guitars. Buy the one your ears like the best.

David

12-10-2012, 09:58 PM

FWIW the SE Wide Thin neck is in my opinion the perfect neck carve ever. I put a set of locking tuners, Tusq nut and a Duncan JB/Jazz set and it sounds great. SE's are great guitars. Like someone said, they aren't made of basswood and bolt on necks. Your gonna get a mahogany body with a set neck and I challenge you to find a flaw on a SE. I am shopping for a USA PRS too but I'll never sell my SE.

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac257/XxDBENCxX/0c36f4bcb81d5dda6a3bf2eb54782e4b.jpg

John Beef

12-11-2012, 09:58 AM

Mr Beef, Mr Beef...?

We Have a Mr Blackmore on the phone...
Imagine how much better he would have sounded with a PRS!

slang05

12-11-2012, 10:11 AM

garrett

12-11-2012, 10:14 AM

A lot of people thought the SE line was a bad idea in the beginning, which was what 9-10 years ago? I think Paul has proved them wrong. I don't look at it from an "I can't afford a US model, so I'll settle for an SE" standpoint. They are different offerings which serve different needs.

The best thing to do when trying to find The Guitar For You is to discard brand, place of manufacture, and (to some extent) price. Play a bunch of guitars, research, and find what features you want and get the guitar meets that need. You may end up like me and own both a USA Fender and an SE...

slang05

12-11-2012, 10:19 AM

Hopeful Sinner

12-11-2012, 10:41 AM

My SE Santana was a great guitar right out of the box. Played great, looked great and sounded great. I ended up upgrading it to the point it's more of a hybrid Maryland/Korean guitar now. All US components with only the wood remaining from stock. And with all that done I still paid less than a decent US Strat and I have a guitar that is a contender when played back to back with my Made In Maryland PRSi... It's not hype, the SE guitars are not just great guitars for the money, they are just great guitars.

RafRey

12-11-2012, 01:52 PM

Either way you are getting a cheap version of the original.

But you will be happier with the SE, or any other Korean made guitar at this price point.

]-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©

12-11-2012, 02:15 PM

Either way you are getting a cheap version of the original.

Let's be clear about that. Your comment only applies to a few guitars, like the CU24. In fact, there are some guitars that are ONLY available as an SE.

There is no US made version of the SE One. SE only!

How about a US made baritone that isn't Private Stock? Nope. SE only!

US made 7-string? Unless you go Private Stock... SE only!

aristotle

12-11-2012, 02:18 PM

I agree with about everything said here. I do not have an SE, been impressed every time I've picked one up, just have never bought one. As far as strats go, I love strats and teles. But they are like picking fruit, you gotta find a good one. I would never order a strat of the internet. They have to be played to find a good one. I mean, an american made instrument for $799..there has to be some shortcuts to get to that price, where as a Korean made guitar for $709 is luxury! lol.. Personally, I have never played an american standard strat that I thought was worthy of $800..the deluxe strats are another story though....

My opinion may be in the minority, but I've never found that "bad strat". In fact, the MIM ones are so indistinguishable, to me anyway, that it makes it hard for me to justify the cost of an American one.

Since the original poster seems a bit new to all this, the real question is if you want the sound of a strat-like guitar, regardless of cost and manufacturer. Strats have a certain "quack" to them, which is great if that's what you're looking for, but not as great if you're not. For me, I don't play enough "Sultans of Swing", or "Lay Down Sally" for it to be important to me. I'm, generally speaking, happier with a humbucker trying to sound like an out of phase single coil when it needs to than the reverse.

So, if you like the strat type of sound, then the question for you is what manufacturer.... PRS has great strat-quack options (not as familiar with them in the SE line, but I'm sure that they exist, and are reasonably price competitive). To me, MIM strats are just fine, look like a strat, quack like a strat, and are a good option. Unless you're a high-gain shredder though, it doesn't seem likely that you'd find a ton of sililarity in your two choices regardless of cost....

DRM_777

12-11-2012, 02:31 PM

I have to play Devil's Advocate here. There are tons of crap guitars out there that are selling well enough... It is on the buyer to make a truly informed buying decision. The sad fact is people are just too lazy to inform themselves and really research things about which they are deciding. And that doesn't just apply to guitars.

Oh, I agree, there are tons of crap guitars that sell by the truck load, there is no doubt about that.

But the point I guess I am trying to make is that that there seems to be a general perception that SE models are to PRS what Squire are to Fender and what Epiphone are to Gibson, yet given the price point and overall quality of the SE range, it's clear to me that SE's are far superior guitars to almost all of the above, aside from the American made PRS guitars of course.

I know loads of people who have one Les Paul, or one Fender Strat......... yet most people I know who own an SE, own two or three...... which brings me round to my original point, if the SE's were crap, they wouldn't sell. And they wouldn't sell as well as they do!

I've owned two SE's over the years and regret selling the first one I had (old Santana SE) and absolutely love my 25th Anniversary Cu24. I've got an order placed for one of the new SE 24 -7's as soon they become available in February. If I can make my budget stretch, I'll be picking up an American Custom 24....but if I can't stretch as soon as I'd like, you can bet I'll be picking up another SE, either a 245 or a 2012 Cu24 and even then I am sure it won't be my last SE either!

RafRey

12-11-2012, 02:58 PM

-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©;34036']Let's be clear about that. Your comment only applies to a few guitars, like the CU24. In fact, there are some guitars that are ONLY available as an SE.

There is no US made version of the SE One. SE only!

How about a US made baritone that isn't Private Stock? Nope. SE only!

US made 7-string? Unless you go Private Stock... SE only!

He specifically mentioned the SE Custom 24, which is what I was referring to. It is a cheap version of the original Custom 24. (Cheap in $$$, not intangible guitar loving value)

12-11-2012, 03:08 PM

He specifically mentioned the SE Custom 24, which is what I was referring to. It is a cheap version of the original Custom 24. (Cheap in $$$, not intangible guitar loving value)

Fair enough. :) And welcome to the forum!

CoreyT

12-11-2012, 03:20 PM

Here are two independent reviews on the new 2012 SE Tremonti Custom, SE 245, and the 2012 SE Custom 24.
These guy's do great reviews, and they are honest about them.

I own two of the guitars they are reviewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLdU1ITvkzI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gJiR0Y6Cf8

RafRey

12-11-2012, 03:23 PM

-[ @ n $ 0 |v| a T ! ©;34055']Fair enough. :) And welcome to the forum!

Thanks I was lost after Birds&Moons disappeared!

12-11-2012, 04:09 PM

Thanks I was lost after Birds&Moons disappeared!

May it rest in peace... :(

Mikegarveyblues

12-11-2012, 04:13 PM

He specifically mentioned the SE Custom 24, which is what I was referring to. It is a cheap version of the original Custom 24. (Cheap in $$$, not intangible guitar loving value)

I guess it depends on the definition of 'cheap'.

I just got the SE C24 for Xmas. Considerably cheaper than the US version for sure but to me it certainly wasn't cheap. Semantics, I know! :)

You made a very good point though. "Tangible guitar loving value". I think that;s the most important point. Find a guitar you love. if it turns out to be a Fender or Gibson or any other brand including PRS so be it. Forget how much it cost because that isn't important. What is important is that you find a guitar you bond with and enjoy playing. Can't put a price on that!

garrett

12-12-2012, 09:49 AM

He specifically mentioned the SE Custom 24, which is what I was referring to. It is a cheap version of the original Custom 24. (Cheap in $$$, not intangible guitar loving value)

I'd still argue that the SE Custom is different enough that it's more than a cheap version of the original. The SE body thickness and the flat top give it a different feel and sound. Upgrade everything on it to USA parts and it will still be its own beast. Price is obviously a factor, but it's a great option for those who don't like carved tops.

DRM_777

12-12-2012, 10:15 AM

I'd still argue that the SE Custom is different enough that it's more than a cheap version of the original. The SE body thickness and the flat top give it a different feel and sound. Upgrade everything on it to USA parts and it will still be its own beast. Price is obviously a factor, but it's a great option for those who don't like carved tops.

While it's not a full on carved top, the 2012 SE Cu24's have a bevelled edge to put them that little bit closer to the American guitars in terms of shape and feel.

CoreyT

12-12-2012, 10:27 AM

Yep, 2011 was the last year of flat tops on the SE Custom 24.
My 2012 has some nice curves, and she ain't flat.

garrett

12-12-2012, 11:32 AM

While it's not a full on carved top, the 2012 SE Cu24's have a bevelled edge to put them that little bit closer to the American guitars in terms of shape and feel.

Yep, 2011 was the last year of flat tops on the SE Custom 24.
My 2012 has some nice curves, and she ain't flat.

Interesting! Didn't know that.

CoreyT

12-12-2012, 11:39 AM

Check out the YouTube video I posted above.

Bret

12-13-2012, 10:36 PM

Wow! Lot's to consider. Thanks.
I want both. I'm thinking used is better way to leverage my buying power. At least on a Strat. I'm looking at American Deluxe with the soft v neck. I can step up a little and get a lot more. Like would I rather drive a used Caprice Classic or a new Chevette. (Showing my age) I'll take the used Caprice.
The next thing is as to PRS. I'm pretty sure I can put my hands on both Maryland and SE and consider them both. You guys make some really good points. And I really appreciate the challenges of considering them.
A lot of the music in my head is Strat. (Jimi, SRV, Ronnie Earl) It doesn't sound like quack to me.
There is some Les Paul and ES-335 in there too. (Warren Haynes, etc) A fling V (Albert King) A Tele (Albert Collins) I love Satriani and Steve Vai but don't want an Ibanez. (Maybe I'm a guitar racist)
PRS is said to be both worlds together. Like one guitar does it all. The new 2012 Custom 24 SE is coil tapped for single coil or humbucker sound. They represent it as such a universal instrument.
I'm sure in anything, guns, vehicles, etc. there really is no such thing as one unit for every purpose. Hopefully I can come to appreciate the differences that each offers. Some of you guys have a lot of guitars!
Money doesn't allow me to get more than one every now and then. I've bought 3 in the last thirteen months. (one mini strat for my 8 year old son) As a newer player I'm still working on getting around the fret board and getting my fingers to obey me. My Yamaha acoustic turned down a half step with slinkys on it has gotten most of the action so far. I love the guitar and intend to continue and upgrade. The acoustic is great though as it seems harder to make it sound good than an electric. The realness of it seems fundamental to becoming a player. Electrics are fun! I like both.
My initial interest in PRS SE line was the Angelus SE custom. After serious consideration I'm looking elsewhere than the SE line for an acoustic. That's what brought me to considering the whole Korea thing and naturally, SE electric line.
Circular logic maybe. I've got more time than money so knowledge can't hurt. At any rate, I think I want a Custom 22 or 24. I'd prefer a used Maryland product. (PRS offers a coil tap upgrade.)
At any rate, guys, thanks for all the input. It's all good. My imaginary future guitar wall has a Custom 22 or 24 on it. Maybe it's SE. We'll see.
You guys are great. Thank you.

RafRey

12-14-2012, 12:21 PM

Here's another one to consider: the new SE Santana. With a 24.5" inch scale, will give more of the Les Paul growl, and of course the Carlos scream! And still in your price range. But not as versatile as an HSS strat or Custom 24.

I've owned several SE models and a few US models. The great thing about the SE line is that they are quality instruments that you won't have to baby or be afraid to gig with, and with the extra $$$ you save, you can get a nice amp!

But if you want high quality wood, finish, constuction, electronics, a hand-written serial number, retained $ value, and a heightened sense of paranoia (ha!), save up for a Maryland model. They really are works of art.

As long as you are able to express yourself with music, any choice is the right one!

In2Blues

12-15-2012, 02:28 PM

LSchefman

12-15-2012, 05:41 PM

As long as you are able to express yourself with music, any choice is the right one!

Abso-effin-lutely!

kd5qld

12-31-2012, 06:00 PM

I can buy an "American Special" Strat for $799, or a SE Custom 24 for $709.
Wouldn't that be better value? Aren't SE models actually dolled up American clones like say Oscar Schmidt or the like?
I'm an easy sell. Sell me!

i have owned numerous fender strats over the years and many other usa made guitars and just purchased a PRS SE Custom 24 and love it.
The only guitars i've owned that i can honestly say surpass it are my Melancon classic artists.

The playability of the SE and sound are the best bang for the buck in my opinion. Not to mention it looks killer as well.

Every Fender i've ever owned i've had to change the pups in. I have no plans on changing the SE pick ups.

i have never received the compliments on a Fender as i have with this guitar.

Dont get me wrong i only play Fender amps at the moment and honestly am a Fender strat fan. at the same time i had to have my Fender American Deluxe strat w/S1 pickup system set up when it arrived from American Musical because the action was so bad.
The SE was playable off the rack and one minor DIY tweek at the house made it play better than the Deluxe!!!!!!!!!!!

your choice on tone but bang for the buck go with the PRS

guitar history: w/ pup changes
Encore Les Paul copy
Fender Squier Bullet 1985 changed pups to Seymour Duncan
Kramer Striker
Fender Strat Elite 1983 model changed pups to EMG
Washburn Nuno Bettencourt model N4
Fender Strat Plus 1997 changed pups to EMG then Dimarzio
Schecter Diamond Series 7string
Carvin DC127 changed pups to Dimarzio
G&L Legacy changed pups to LACE holy grail
Melancon Classic Artist s/n 505 Dimarzios & Duncans
PRS SE Singlecut
Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 2010 oops i said above changed all Fender pups never did on this one
Fender Telecaster (korean with dimarzio buckers)
Fender MIM Strat 2006 Changed pups to Bill Lawrence
Melancon Classic Artist s/n 905 Bill Lawrence and Suhr pups
Fender Aerodyne Strat 2007 changed pups to Dimarzio
PRS SE Custom 24

hippietim

01-01-2013, 11:31 AM

Strats aren't very good guitars for rock music.

Umm...seriously? That is literally the silliest thing I've read today. I hope you're yanking everyone's chain.

hippietim

01-01-2013, 11:43 AM

Regarding the quality of these things. I've played those $799 Strats and they're just fine. I was actually at GC a couple of days ago checking out an amp and played the USA Tele at that price point and a couple different SE's. All of them played less than ideal - hanging at GC over the holidays did not help them out at all. They all needed a setup. Big whoop. I thought the Tele was a nicer guitar - the eye candy details were better on the SE's but the Tele felt and sounded better to me.

Comparing PRS and Fender in general will never make sense since they are quite different guitars and Fenders are more affordable. The SE's are a great value in the PRS line but you pay a premium for the PRS brand - it's up to you to decide if that premium is worth it.