Talk to me about PRS guitars

[Zounds Perspex]

I've never had much interest before, but I'm getting a bit interested in a PRS DGT.
My main question is how consistent is PRS quality?
If I play one that I like, can I feel confident that if I order one with a different finish I will likely dig it too?

Chime in! Tell me to buy one, accuse me of wanting to audition for Blues Hammer, I can take either extreme.

[shortyz]

They are about as consistent as they come.

[grungebob]

Yes, every single one I've palyed has been excellent quality and playability.

[aroman]

They sound and play great !!
I have 3.
Custom 24 - Super Strat like.
McCarty - Gibson and Fender had a Baby.
SC245 - LP Killer.

[MKB]

Every one I have seen or played in the last 20 some-odd years has been excellent, including the one I own. However, make sure it is actually what you are interested in. PRS's are very much their own animals, where some folks might think they are either a better Gibson or Fender, or a good mix of the two. They are NOT.

Personally I don't like them (discovered this after buying one), but there are many fans out there, and justifiably so as they are tremendous instruments, with very consistent quality.

That being said, there are significant differences between individual guitars; not that one is better than the other, but they sound and feel different due to the standard variations in wood. It's still best to play the one you may buy in order to see if you can bond with it.

Another caveat; some of the older PRS pickups are not very good. The bridge pickup in my 1990 Custom is very weak, I replaced it with a DiMarzio Fred and it was a vast improvement. I've heard the newer PRS pickups are much better.

[HHB]

bought my first PRS in 35 years of playing last month, a used CE22. I'm blown away by the versatile nature of the thing. I can get most tones w/ just my single channeled amp using the 5 way and volume in conjunction. Its something I never hear mentioned as a PRS attribute but it sold me after 10 min of playing. I left all the pedals save the OD on the last few gigs I've done w/ the CE22, sweet tone in every setting

[wilblee]

Make sure to try the different neck carves so that you can get the one that suits you best.

[cpricecpa]

My main question is how consistent is PRS quality?

lol

[Chicago Slim]

PRS quality and playability are excellent. The thing that really sold me, were the necks. I have large hands, and I actually play better on a PRS neck. However, I didn't bond with the sound of their maple topped guitars, or most of their pickups. It took me while to find plain mahogany or ash PRSi, and find pickups that sounded good, for what I do.

[LAVALLE]

Especially for a large manufacturer, I think their quality is very consistent. I have/had many PRS and in my experience I have had to go through several to find the ones that "spoke to me", and as a result I have wound up with some really special ones. I wouldn't buy any high-end guitar without playing it first unless there was a real good return policy. Good luck with your search.

[Felix Leclerc]

Regardless of brand, it is preferable to play one before buying.

If I understand your question correctly, I doubt you'll receive a guitar with «defects or issues». If by consistent, you mean a better chance that a guitar selected at random will speak to you → not so much.

[Aslan]

IMHO, PRS guitars are very consistent in quality and tone. The newer pickups are really worth listening to, love my 57/08's.

[Seafoam Green]

I had never really played a PRS before but read a lot of great reviews of the DGT. Bought one sight unseen on eBay. It's fantastic.

Having said that, I'd still try before you buy if it's possible. Necks, pickups and other specs vary quite a lot between the different models.

[kleydj13]

PRS guitars are some of the best around as far as build quality. My McCarty Standard is on the 'lower end' of their line in terms of value - but the build quality is really high. That has been true of every PRS I've played.

Tonally they do their own thing, and I had to swap pickups to get it where I wanted it to be.

I also think they have excellent feel with the 25" scale length, 10" radius, true medium jumbo frets, and my favorite neck carve in the business in the wide fat. Then top it off with that body carve which makes me drool. Amazing in my book all around.

[THebert]

Very consistent. Quite frankly, I find different PRS to sound more similar when compared to different models of other brands. Don't know if it is the finish or the heavy maple to mahogany ratio (aint much mahogany on a typical PRS so it makes that maple 'plink' more prominant), but they sound more similar than my other guitars when you run though a few of the same model. So I would say they are very consistent both in feel and in sound.

[musicofanatic5]

Not a PRS player, but I would guess consistency is a total non-issue with them.

[frankencat]

I have gone from not liking any of them to loving just about all of them. My favorite axe is my Standard 22 that I got from a member here. It's all beat up, been around the block and whatnot but man every time I plug it in I get this huge grin on my face. :D They have a consistency of quality that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else and they really take modifications and "personalizations" nicely.

Like me at first, some folks may not appreciate or "get" PRS but once you do you are hooked. They have become the standard for me.

[Rex Anderson]

When I was shopping for guitars, I tried as many different brands as possible of course including Gibson, Fender, PRS, Grosh, Collings etc.

I tried a number of PRS models. They were not for me. Be sure to play as many as you can before you buy on looks alone.

Feel of the guitar in your hands sitting and standing, neck profile, sound quality unplugged and through your amp etc.

Lots of factors to weigh.

[buddaman71]

Build quality and incredible consistency is a benchmark of PRS entire business model. Whether a particular player bonds with an instrument is a personal preference, but they are built very, very well. I've owned many over the years and my all time fave was the least expensive one I ever owned, a Gretsch Orange CE22 Bolt on that was just a magnificient instrument.

[Dickie Fredericks]

Excellent quality. They really are nice guitars.

That said, I don't like them. The necks are huge.

[big mike]

Huge is a relative term.
A McCarty Wide Fat isn't near as big as a historic LP.

And if you like wide thin (which isn't that wide, and really not that thin) it's another non issue.

Extremely consistant.

The DGT neck is the best they make. It's a bit like an oversized (slightly) Fender C.

They are VERY consistant. I've never played a dog.
That said, I've been through 15 or so? And a couple have risen to the top of the heap.

So if you play one that completely has you over the moon, nab it.
If it's yeah yeah this is what I want but I want X then you'll be fine as well IMO.

[big mike]

Build quality and incredible consistency is a benchmark of PRS entire business model. Whether a particular player bonds with an instrument is a personal preference, but they are built very, very well. I've owned many over the years and my all time fave was the least expensive one I ever owned, a Gretsch Orange CE22 Bolt on that was just a magnificient instrument.

the CE's are VASTLY underrated.

I've let a couple go to get 'better' stuff just to regret it a bit.

I had a regular neck CE24 that was just amazing. And a W/T CE24 all mahogany sparkle that was equally as fantastic.

[HHB]

I cant believe how good the 04 CE 22 I just grabbed is, truly great guitar that happens to have a really cool eastern maple (looking ) top.

[Sweetwood]

the CE's are VASTLY underrated.

I've let a couple go to get 'better' stuff just to regret it a bit.

I had a regular neck CE24 that was just amazing. And a W/T CE24 all mahogany sparkle that was equally as fantastic.
I agree with Mike that the CE's are underrated. The swamp ash models are incredible. Everyone of those I've played have great mojo.

I'm a smaller boutique builder and like everyone else mentioned, PRS quality is very consistent. The new pattern necks are great. I actually think the new PRSs are the best stuff they've ever made. The setups are a little conservative, but if you take it to a good tech, you can get amazing action. The new pickups are great too.

[02Singlecut]

They all suck except the White ones!!!!! :bounce:sarcasm

[AL30]

Not a fan of the sound of them but I can't knock the quality and playability.

AL

[Ivan Durak]

I recently bought a Mira 245. I tried regular Miras in store, tried a 245 too (but wasn't for sale) and then ordered mine of the internet. It was exactly what I expected. Great guitar, great neck, sounds great.

The Gibsons and Fenders, at the price range I was looking at, still had quality issues so I wouldn't order from the internet. You may not get a dog, but you'd probably miss out on the really good Strats etc from the same series.

[Sniper-V]

I'd say, PRS wrote the book for the best quality and consistency.

Especially, for the pure volume of guitars produced.

[grapeshot]

Great guitars! I have three (CU22, SAS, McCarty) and at least one of them gets played everyday.

[crosse79]

The quality is top notch. I just bought a PRS Hollowbody and the the guitar is really nice sounding. Never really cared for their solidbodies though as they sounded thin to me. However the HB is another beast altogether.

[Blue Light]

bought my first PRS in 35 years of playing last month, a used CE22. I'm blown away by the versatile nature of the thing. I can get most tones w/ just my single channeled amp using the 5 way and volume in conjunction. Its something I never hear mentioned as a PRS attribute but it sold me after 10 min of playing. I left all the pedals save the OD on the last few gigs I've done w/ the CE22, sweet tone in every setting


With the stock pups? There has been a CE22 hanging on the wall of my neighborhood dealer for years. I almost bought it, but went for an LP instead. I keep looking at that sombitch.

[LSchefman]

The consistency and build quality are there. But as someone pointed out, they're not identical, as wood will vary from instrument to instrument in small ways, and of course, some will be heavier than others, some will be prettier than others, etc.

If it's your first PRS, find one in stock and make sure it's what you want.

I've reached the point where I can comfortably order a PRS, but I've been playing them for a long time, and think I understand what to expect with each model.

[big mike]

With the stock pups? There has been a CE22 hanging on the wall of my neighborhood dealer for years. I almost bought it, but went for an LP instead. I keep looking at that sombitch.



They're stock pickups are okay. That's a weekness to *MY* ear with most manufacturers.

however I've had my CU22 9 years, and just finally changed to Duncan 59's. My latest is a used McCarty that has 90's McCarty pickups in it.
They won't be getting changed I don't think.

Now if I was buying Custom 24's, I'd be changing pickups immediately.

Different strokes.

[bobcs71]

Huge is a relative term.
A McCarty Wide Fat isn't near as big as a historic LP.

And if you like wide thin (which isn't that wide, and really not that thin) it's another non issue.

So if you play one that completely has you over the moon, nab it.
If it's yeah yeah this is what I want but I want X then you'll be fine as well IMO.
I just got a McCarty wide/fat. I like thin necks. IMO "fat" is an exaggeration. I think "wide" just means 1 11/16" nut width. I've played with it for over 3 hours at a stretch and found it OK.

[HHB]

With the stock pups? There has been a CE22 hanging on the wall of my neighborhood dealer for years. I almost bought it, but went for an LP instead. I keep looking at that sombitch.

totally stock, I played it into a super reverb reissue and whipped out the wallet after 10 minutes, One of those " draw a crowd" moments, one dude wanted it if I passed based on hearing me try it out

[Hulakatt]

The stock pickups are a slightly different beast than almost anything else. They are designed and wired to sound like good, hot humbuckers but also to sound like good single coils when split. I had to back the pickups in mine down from the strings when I got it as it was way too sensitive and harsh. The height change made all the difference in the world but they will never be confused for a lower wind or "cooler" pickup. They just require a little adjustment to get the best out of them.

[Eminor7]

the CE's are VASTLY underrated.

I've let a couple go to get 'better' stuff just to regret it a bit.

I had a regular neck CE24 that was just amazing. And a W/T CE24 all mahogany sparkle that was equally as fantastic.

I still regret not purchasing an all black with masked faux binding CE 24 when they first came out. This particular guitar was in Master Musician's Annapolis store when it was located a couple blocks down from the PRS factory on Virginia Street (a.k.a. Virginia Ave.).

[Eminor7]

They're stock pickups are okay. That's a weekness to *MY* ear with most manufacturers.

however I've had my CU22 9 years, and just finally changed to Duncan 59's. My latest is a used McCarty that has 90's McCarty pickups in it.
They won't be getting changed I don't think.

Now if I was buying Custom 24's, I'd be changing pickups immediately.

Different strokes.

I hated the HFS and Vintage Bass in my Standard 24, but this pickup combination leaves me wanting for nothing in my one-off Custom 24.

[keepingitweird]

I got my PRS a few years ago (custom 24) and as a result, several of my other guitars got sold off. As mentioned, not a revamp of F or G...it is it's own thing. I really like PRS

[Boomdoggy]

My SC245 is probably my favorite guitar.The DGT is very close.They are wonderful guitars,but definitely try a bunch.The quality will always be there,but with the many models and options ,one might be better than others for you.

[Powerslave214]

I'd like to try one one of the Toreros, but I'm not sure I would get along with the EMGs they use in that model.

[Eminor7]

I'd like to try one one of the Toreros, but I'm not sure I would get along with the EMGs they use in that model.


In my humble opinion, EMGs have an undeserved bad reputation. This guitar has an EMG 81 in the bridge position, and it is not a metal machine.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv356/tonestack/Partsocaster3.jpg

[jamdogg]

They sound and play great !!
I have 3.
Custom 24 - Super Strat like.
McCarty - Gibson and Fender had a Baby.
SC245 - LP Killer.

LoL @ McCarty description. I love mine, that must be why!

[jamdogg]

Great guitars! I have three (CU22, SAS, McCarty) and at least one of them gets played everyday.

And i have one of your retreads! Best guitar i ever played - tone of the highest order.

[XKnight]

PRS guitars are the most consistent, high quality, mass produced guitars available today.

I have also recently found that the 57/08 pups are fantastic for PAF style tones. They are the most clear and articulate PAF style pups I've tried to date.

[simplecomplexity]

everytime i pick up a singlecut.. (one that is not mine), i'm amazed at how "at home" i feel....

[BUFFALO BOB]

When prs first started i had a couple of them ...they always had a mid-rangey tone that i didnt really bond with ..so now ,many many years later i found myself buying another prs.. 1980 west street LTD..the body is one piece mahogany and the tone is great ..it just sings...my 2nd favorite guitar...next to a james trussart steeldeville which i use most of the time..two very different guitars...prs has excellent production quality ,to me way better than over priced gibsons....if you like the tone & neck you cant loose.

[arfalax]

I just recently jumped into te PRS game. Bought a singlecut SE from Mickey who put his Manlius Asphalt pickups in it. Wonderful guitar. Then traded my R7 for a PRS Ted McCarty SC 245. I was a PRS doubter, no more.

[fox5150]

I joined the PRS family last year and am very fortunate that my local guitar shop is a main dealer for PRS and so had most of the mainstream versions in. I'd arranged to go in one afternoon and play everything they had, which I did. I also had a preconception over which one I would buy and ultimately that one didn't do it for me.

The irony is the one that I ended up buying was the one I said at the start that I didn't even want to try as I didn't like the lookup of the pickups. I am now the proud owner of a PRS 513 and have been gigging with it for 18 months straight and I couldn't be happier.

If I so choose I can go all the way through the gig without switching guitars, just changing the pickup configurations. My Strats, Les Paul and Tele still get used, but the 513 is definitely my main instrument.

[straycat113]

PRS guitars are still an enigma for me. The one thing I can say is that the quality may be the best in the business as that is where I really believe he made his mark and continues to do so today. On the other hand after 25 years I still cant put my finger on what the signature PRS tone would be.

[LSchefman]

>>On the other hand after 25 years I still cant put my finger on what the signature PRS tone would be.<<

I love PRS guitars, and honestly I think PRS has several signature tones, depending on the model. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up to the player.

A stock CU24 is not going to sound like a semihollow 22 with 57/08 pickups, or a DGT. For a long time I felt that the McCarty was really "the" PRS sound, but there's too much variety to pigeonhole PRS these days.

Hey, is a Lester "the" signature Gibson tone, or a 335? They're quite different. Same with Strats and Teles.

[Alandalton]

I Just got the new Studio.
It's my favourite out of the three I have - custom 24 and 513 swamp ash being the other two.
Amazingly rich sounds.

[franksguitar]

PRS QC is the best in the business constantly evolving. Every guitar you pull off a rack the neck feels like its a well broken in guitar and brand new, fretwork is tops. Few can top PRS in workmanship.