PRS SE Custom 24 vs Ibanez S420.

[shioks76]

Interestingly none of the replies mentioned anything about versatility.

versatility wise, the ibanez wins hands down. seriously, check out the spec pages on both the prs and the ibanez on their respective websites. The prs has the standard 3 way switching on most 2 humbucker guitars. While the ibanez has the 5 way super switch which allows for single coil type quack sounds. Super cool for certain types of clean applications. Used to own a s320 so i know what im talking about.

Worried about the trem? After getting the guitar back, sit yourself in front of youtube and check out the instructional videos there. In about 20 mins to half hour you should know most if not all that you need to know about trem maintenance.

 

[subversion]

the ibanez is equipped with a 5-way selector to supplement its pickups line-up, ditto the 3-way for the SE. since this isn't a like-for-like comparison, no such higlights were made by the respondents.

in light of versatility, one wouldn't be too deprived should one choose the SE in this case, a push-pull pot/ selector could be installed to manifest some singlecoil tones.

 

[lemonade93]

versatility wise, the ibanez wins hands down. seriously

More switches doesn't mean more versatile. Knowing about your guitar such as volume clean ups, coil tapping and coil splitting. Don't see how the PRS can't be as versatile.

 

[shioks76]

While all that is true, coil splits and taps do require mods to the guitar. Thought that we're talking about them in their stock form. Otherwise it's not possible to make a proper comparison which I believe was spelt out quite clearly in thread title. A vs B. Not that I like the ibanez over the prs se. Just trying to be as objective as possible given what was written in the original post.

Cheerrs hope this discussion does remain civil I'm not upset or anything like that. cause we're all just trying to help out the op as best we can

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Just want to add that PRS guitars excel at heavy music as well, but I'm sure many of us already know that perfectly.

The two guitars in question are very different, it's really down to individual taste in my opinion.

 

[killbil]

actually that's quite true.

Viewing it from stock wise, Versatility in terms of tone-wise ibanez would win as it's got 5 pickup combos rather than on the SE which has three.

But in terms of the ease of changing tunings, I think the SE and the ibanez is quite on a draw as the ZR system doesn't require to remove the back plate to adjust the spring tension, however, I'm not so sure about the SE and how standard 6-point trem works. Although, for tuning stability, the Ibanez wins too as it has a double locking trem.

All in all Bros, all this info is really helpful. It's really making me consider some facts about both guitars that I haven't had my mind on.

Although, any pointers on the kind of effort it takes to maintain a locking trem such as the ibanez ZR?

 

[subversion]

with any locking bridge mechanism, it's about learning & accepting it rather than being frustrated along the way. if you think the latter would happen to you, do reconsider your options.

 

[haikelzambri]

prs se torero!!!! still waiting for davis to restock them though :/
dont like floyds? then slap in the tremol-no and there you go!

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

While all that is true, coil splits and taps do require mods to the guitar. Thought that we're talking about them in their stock form. Otherwise it's not possible to make a proper comparison which I believe was spelt out quite clearly in thread title. A vs B. Not that I like the ibanez over the prs se. Just trying to be as objective as possible given what was written in the original post.

Cheerrs hope this discussion does remain civil I'm not upset or anything like that. cause we're all just trying to help out the op as best we can

I think it mostly depends on the guitarist. Look at EVH with one bridge humbucker. Even just experimenting with the volume and tone controls on a guitar keeps my GAS at bay. THere're so many tonal possibilities from just two, or even one, pickup.

 

[shioks76]

ok lets review.
Changing tunings!!?: If u mean to do drop d or other tunings instantly/constantly. Floyd definitely not recommended.
Unless u plan to leave that particular tuning constantly on the guitar.

maintenance steps:
1) Send it to a reputable place to get a gd setup done, better still learn to do it yourself.

2) changing strings, do it 1 string at a time and u won't have any problems. No need to adjust trem again. First remove all the locks at the nut area. Then tune the guitar with the locks removed!! Then change the string 1 at a time. When i mean 1 string at a time, it includes getting the string in tune and stretching it b4 moving to the next string

3)Never overtighten the screws, doing so will destroy your destroy your floyd parts quickly. Tighten till snug. Thankfully replacement parts are available on the net.

4) Doing normal whammying or all out floyd abuse(dive bombs etc..)? Normal whammying its better to leave the zr system on. Total abuse, take out the zr spring system. The zr system bar holder have been known to break(non prestige models). This is due to the immense force applied by the zr spring in the opposite direction when combining with the normal springs. When taken out, dive bombing becomes a whole lot easier, you can now do flutters like a normal floyd. Cons you lose the benefits of the zr. I did take out mine when i had that guitar.

most common mistake:
Not stretching strings properly and overtightening the screws. This usually go hand in hand. how is this? if string are not stretched properly, the guitar will go out of tune when doing bends and using the tremolo. Then they'll wonder why and think that they did not tighten the screws enough.

 

[lemonade93]

Viewing it from stock wise, Versatility in terms of tone-wise ibanez would win as it's got 5 pickup combos rather than on the SE which has three.

But in terms of the ease of changing tunings, I think the SE and the ibanez is quite on a draw as the ZR system doesn't require to remove the back plate to adjust the spring tension, however, I'm not so sure about the SE and how standard 6-point trem works. Although, for tuning stability, the Ibanez wins too as it has a double locking trem.

Not so sound rude at all, and i don't but thinking that more swtiches = more versatile is just rubbish. We nowadays are very greedy, so we tend to go for the 'more' option such as 3 pickups instead of two. But we usually have to look for what we need. On the point of 5 v.s 3, all I have to say is, Joe Satriani uses 2 Humbuckers where he clearly could have made his signature model a HSH. Santana only needs 2 and as said above, EVH with only ONE Humbucker.

And about tuning stability.... well, if you really are very comitted to maintaining the Edge Bridge then go ahead, but honestly, i'm too lazy and i KNOW i won't be able to maintain it as best as I could, + the fact that the bridges on the PRS's are said to be the best non-locking bridges so i've heard.

 

[killbil]

@ shioks76 :

Thanks bro! that's really indepth instructions about taking care of a floyd-roseptype tremolo. But I think a good set-up for a guitar goes without saying to all guitars be it on vintage trem, double locking trem, tunomatic or fixed bridge. I'll definitely make the time to go and learn to do up a good setup for a guitar. Hopefully youtube has some or any luthier out there. I'll keep it all mind.

@ lemonade93 :

Not rude at all bro, it's opinions that I sought after when the thread was started and please be true to what you wanna say as I welcome all views. What you touched on about those artist is quite true. However I think the S-series I'm looking at is actually a H-H setup but just with 5-way-switching instead of a h-s-h. Besides, we can't forget that satriani, satana or even van halen are professional artist and they have already found their fav tones and they have the luxury of picking from a large menu of guitars on their rack if they would to switch from say a humbucker tone to a singlecoil tone.

I seen reviews saying the trem on a prs trem is one of the most stable in it's range.

 

[shioks76]

im not going to argue anymore about the versatility issue cos its pointless.

However don't want people to have misconceptions about the gear joe satch use. Sorry i like js.

His main touring guitar js 1200

js 1200 switching system

Latest sig model. Using on his recent tour as its his only 24 fret

js 2400 switching system

Interview with js
http://www.ibanez.com/news?ceId=2786&cat=4

All media taken from the ibanez usa site

 

[subversion]

... bout the gear joe satch use.

is joe satriani also known as such?

 

[killbil]

I think He might be known as Satch. As I've seen others refer to him as Satch in other forums, maybe refering to Satch Boogie album. only think so.

 

[lemonade93]

@Shioks

And your point being?

 

[shioks76]

Nothing in particular thought his sig guitars are quite awesome and didn't want people thinking they're you're normal dual hums.

Anyway neither guitar would have been my first choice versatility wise. To the op, before u make your purchase do try a ssh guitar with coil taps. An eg.. Would be yamaha Pacifica 212. Ssh + coil tap + quilt/flame top for $600. Truly hard to beat.

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

So the quilt/flame maple adds to the versatility? 0.0

 

[lemonade93]

Nothing in particular thought his sig guitars are quite awesome and didn't want people thinking they're you're normal dual hums.

The only problem with your statement is.... they ARE normal hums.... it's just how they're wired. MOST humbuckers out there have 4 wires instead of 2. But most stock hums have 4 aswell.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

The flamed/quilted maple top does NOT add to the versatility. Shioks76 is talking about the range of tones the Pacifica's 5-way toggle and coil-tap ability offers, which is quite a wide range of tones and thus it's quite versatile.

Point of note, although I agree that the Pacificas are very versatile, tone-wise, Pacificas tend to be bright and twangy, closer to strats, superstrats and fatstrats. If you're looking for Les Paul-ish tones, Pacificas might not suit you. Of course, your equipment also plays a major part in your sound.