Are PRS guitars any good?

[K-2]

Loads of models

The funny thing about PRS Guitars, though I would love to own any of their 24 frets, is that they have so many models, check any online shops and you find PRS lists more than most popular brands.

That's really mass production. In the IT world where I work, having too many models quickly means the manufacturer has less focus.

One thing I'd like to say about PRS guitars... For a mass produced brand, they are damn well made. They cost a little bit more than having a custom guitar made by an experienced American luthier, but you don't have the hassle of the wait time. The only thing that bugs me about a PRS is the heel. Why can't they do a small heel? Haiz...

But concept and design-wise, don't make the common mistake of comparing them to a Gibson Les Paul. PRSs are based on a different platform. It's like taking the best bits of a Fender and a Gibson, and moulding them into a new unique design.

As a company, they have a wide selection of choices of formats. You'll be too confused as in which model to buy.

Vernplum is right. It's not like buying a Ferrari as your first car. It's like buying a Mercedes SL as your first car. The private stock custom orders would be a ferrari.

Oh, and PRSs hold their prices well too.

 

[Benster]

to me the Custom 24 with the 5 way rotary is the quintessential PRS guitar. a supremely versatile workhorse underneath the pretty exterior. the in-between positions are extremely useable in a variety of musical situations, especially when recording.

the neck pickup sound of the Custom 24 is thinner and brighter sounding than that of a 22 fretter, but it has its uses - it cuts through high gain better.

here's Scarlett, my workhorse guitar.. she's 21 years old this year..

'Scarlett' - 1988 Custom 24, made back when they were still a small workshop.. bright unfaded scarlet red, ten top, hand-cut birds that are slightly sloppier than the newer CNC ones, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, regular neck shape.. heavily played and naturally relic'd.. can't imagine life without her..

 

[jerryoc221]

As always, it will always be up to the end user itself, try it & if you like it then own it. It does not really matter if everyone likes it or not, even after so many promotion & publicity, it all boils down to the end user which is you.

I only know Santana sports PRS, & other than that I don't have any idea of it until I owned 1, a PRS SE sunburst. It's not the same as Carlos PRS but same as him I love playing my PRS.

P.S. I have 3 guitars (Fender,Ibanez,Peavey) & I love them all

 

[Whitestrat]

That's really mass production. In the IT world where I work, having too many models quickly means the manufacturer has less focus.

That's an interesting point. Perhaps PRSs focus is basically about carve top guitars? But I have to say while the HFS and vintage pups are nice, the dragon pups are awful... I don't know what the original design intent of those pups were, but if they're supposed to be his take on PAFs, then it's an epic fail... But his 57/08 pups are damn nice...:mrgreen:

 

[gsonique]

Solomon’s downfall came in his old age. He had taken many ... wives ..

 

[Whitestrat]

Just want to note: I think the PRS Mira is kinda one cool guitar...:mrgreen:

 

[treason]

I've just got a custom 22 with wide thin neck and dragon I pickups and I'm really happy with it. I think its easily the most versatile I've played....except maybe the vigier shawn lane which was super awesome....and that's what I'll rate it as, a really versatile guitar..i like the different sounds that I get out of it..of course they are not 100% strat sounds or les paul sounds but they do the job....the wide thin neck feels really right for me...plus I've always like the look of a PRS from the first time I laid my eyes on one...love at first sightlah..haha.....

Benster, how come your does not have a sweet switch? Or do they only come with custom 22s or standards? and mine has the winged tuners too....kind off strange to use though..haha

 

[ciel]

never liked em ....just not feelin it !!

Hey bro i second that.. how you doing, your comp is still doing fine on my board =]

 

[jskadiang]

Here's mine, '08 513 in Whale Blue, 10 top. Amazing guitar, well worth the money imo. Also makes every other guitar I have redundant. Plus look how shiny it is!

 

[Whitestrat]

*Sigh...* Everytime I see a 513, I'm so tempted to buy one... Thank God they don't offer it in a wide-thin neck, otherwise I'd be in trouble...:mrgreen:

 

[jskadiang]

You know you want one.. I actually prefer the thick rounded 513 neck, but to each his own. But with looks and sounds like that..how can you possibly say no?

 

[treason]

very nice 513! I love those new lampshade knobs..anyones knows where to get them? Haha

 

[jskadiang]

Thanks! As for the knobs, you can probably get them from prsguitars.com/shop, if the server wasn't down atm.

 

[j_m_s]

Fender has increased all their prices as of late... an American Standard strat costs 2.1 k now. And that is even if you get it from Brendon, forget about Swee Lee.

Yup.. I forgot that. I was gonna get my bro to buy me a 72' deluxe tele when he goes there later this month (that was in end Jan, before the price increase..) it was like i think 750 usd back then now its 939 usd.

DANG!

 

[xklusivly4u]

But his 57/08 pups are damn nice

Are they?

On McCarty or Custom 24? Can you elaborate more?
I heard that limited editon CU24 quilt top, korina back with 57/08 are coming.

 

[penta-tonic]

wow awesome looking prs jsjadiang, that has gotta be my fav prs colour.

 

[MrBukka]

The 513 is easily the best PRS I've ever tried... It's the most impressive one I've tested so far, and even though I didn't like the neck carve, I have to say the whole damn guitar is damn good.

Haha i agree totally, prs should have more options in terms of neck profile for the 513........it woud be befitting for such a good axe!

 

[Ized]

Yup.. I forgot that. I was gonna get my bro to buy me a 72' deluxe tele when he goes there later this month (that was in end Jan, before the price increase..) it was like i think 750 usd back then now its 939 usd.

DANG!

Yeah. Tough luck man but I'm still gonna get my American standard.

 

[MrBukka]

Yeah. Tough luck man but I'm still gonna get my American standard.

Haha fender american is something everyone needs in their collection bro. That i can testify cause i am a proud owner of one. Somehow i feel that the current american standards r not as good as the older ones......it just feels that they r cutting costs yet raising their prices at the same time.......haiz

 

[Benster]

Benster, how come your does not have a sweet switch? Or do they only come with custom 22s or standards? and mine has the winged tuners too....kind off strange to use though..haha

mine had the tone knob instead of the sweet switch when i got it. the electronics aren't stock (Vintage Bass neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge). sweet switch was discontinued in 1989/1990, it came on customs and standards. custom 22s only came out in the mid 90's

the winged tuners rock.. mine are the original ones made by Schaller Germany.. still rock solid after 21 years

nice custom 22 you got there! looks like kryptonite!