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Is the SE 594 just as good as the S2?
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- čas přidán 22. 06. 2023
- In this video I explore the idea put forth by many that the newest Paul Reed Smith SEs are so good we don't need the PRS S2 models. My examples are the popular McCarty 594s in SE and S2 form. I go over the differences between the guitars and discuss what seems equal and what does not. I play the guitars back to back with identical setups, playing both through my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb without changing any settings on anything. There are no post-production enhancements. I give my final thoughts on the two guitars and offer my perspective.
I played both in the local guitar store, S2 neck profile felt a bit thinner not as chunky as SE model so it seems that S2 carved more asymmetrical and feels a little more comfortable. In fact S2 594 Thinline looks like a perfect guitar for those who like wide thin neck....but they hard to find😒 Thank you for the nice review!
Yes, the Thinline has a slimmer neck, not the fatter McCarty profile of the regular 594. I don’t remember the SE I had being fatter but perhaps those vary a bit whereas the USA stuff is pretty consistent.
Thanks so much for watching.
I have both and while the SE is an astounding guitar for the money, the S2 does have refinements that just aren’t in it’s less expensive sibling. This said, these are refinements that are most likely only going to be appreciated by pretty experienced players. Great vid!
Thank you. I concur on all points. Thanks for watching.
I haven’t had the chance to try an S2 but I own the SE and it’s a dream to play. I gotta agree with you I like the carve on the SE more than the bevel on the S2. The tones are very close, I doubt it would make a difference in a band context. I’m sure the S2 feels better in the hands but it’s just out of my price range. Either way I’m happy with my SE and was able to pick one up for $650. It feels like twice that price.
You’re correct. The S2s feel pretty much the same as the Core models to play. The SEs are great but not quite at that level. Still most of the SEs I’ve reviewed are perfect, great playing workhorse guitars. I can’t remember how much I got into it but I far prefer the SE carve for models with figured tops. The S2’s bevel works great for solid finishes. Also, PRS doesn’t use the best tops for the S2s. It’s solid, not a veneer, but they reserve the nice tops for the Core models. As a result, the veneer on the SEs often looks a lot better. You really can’t go wrong with the SEs. Some of the best under $1K guitars in the market.
Thanks so much for watching and engaging.
Really enjoyed your video and your great playing. Took me months to figure out what guitar to buy and after playing the PRS SE and S2, Gibson Les Pauls and SG's and a Fender or two I landed on the S2. I just bought the S2 McCarty 594 10 year anniversary addition. It is even closer to the Core model with the 58/15 LT pickups that are made in the USA and better than 1/2 the price than the standard S2. I am not a very good player but yet even I felt and heard the difference in the SE and S2 while trying them.
Thanks so much. Yes, I do as well. The SEs are really good guitars, but the S2s are just that little bit more solid and refined.
Thanks again Mr Griffie - I'm persuaded I'd go for the S2 - if the deal was right and I had the ready do-re-mi...oh, and loved the playing as usual!
Thank you my friend. Yes, the S2 is a clear step up.
The biggest difference to me was the neck. The SE is a Multi-Ply which is a composite material. The S2 has a mahogany neck, and it feels worlds different when playing. That is just what I experienced. Also I grabbed a S2 New on Reverb for $1550. Still now you can grab them. That is a good deal on them.
Yes. While the S2 does sound a bit richer, the biggest difference is in the feel. The SEs are a fantastic value but I’d take the S2 every time.
The hanks for watching.
Everybody seems to love the Starla. I guess I need to get my hands on one.
I was a little surprised how much I like it. I took it to a show with the intention of just bringing it out for a song to see how it did in a live setting. Ended up playing it for most of the show. As I said, this one plays nearly as well as my S2 and the pickups are actually quite decent.
Thanks for watching.
I love the SE model so much, that I decided to sell my USA Gibsons just to have all 3 of them. While the S2 is super nice, it just wasn’t more than twice the guitar that the SE is, to me. Great comparison here, Leonard.
Thanks so much. Yes, the PRS SEs are probably the world’s best guitars under $1000, and easily hang with guitars costing 2 or 3 times the price. Thanks for watching.
I have a 594 core 10 top singlecut. I grabbed a SE 594 double cut brand new for $580 thanks to the current sale. I gotta say, I’m selling the USA core. The SE is not better but it’s definitely a lot closer than I thought it would be at $580(usually would be $950). I always swap PRS pickups for Duncans, so I’ll be doing that and I’ll be perfectly happy.
I’d like to also point out I got the core for $2500 used in mint condition. I would never pay 4 - 5k for a guitar….as nice as the core is, it ain’t worth it. The most I’ve ever paid is $2,800 for a used Les Paul black beauty custom. That guitar just has an insane mojo and tone, which is another reason I’m selling the core. The SE just captures about 80 - 90% of what I like about the core, and once i swap the the pickups, it’ll be even closer.
Well that’s great. Yes, the SEs are incredible value, and even more so with the current sale. Thanks for watching.
What pickups would you swap?
@@gavphil3383 my favorite set is the 59/custom hybrid bridge pickup and the pearly gates neck.
Thanks for making this. I think you have convinced me to spend a little more and get a used S2 594 over a new SE.
Seriously, thanks. Smooth playing as always.
Here’s my take: the SEs are like excellent replicas of the core models, whereas the S2s are more like actual core models in terms of build and playability, just lacking the fancier aesthetics and labor intensive carving.
Thanks for watching.
@leonardgriffieblues5845 thats what I took from it... thanks again and keep up the great vids. You keep it real!
S2 sounds less fizzy and clearer. Thank you for the comparison! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Thanks so much. Yes, I’d say the S2 sounds “bigger” even though the volume is the same.
I’ve owned 4 SEs, and 3 core models. Most of the difference in feel and sound can be fixed with a PLEK and a $50 upgraded wiring, pots, and cap upgrade. 2 SEs had exceptional wood, and two were boat anchors.
I have worn through a set of frets on an SE before, in just two years of gigging and playing when I was actually getting after it years ago.
When it comes to silky playability, the fretwork is the most important thing, and I agree the majority of SEs, while not bad, are not up to most USA PRS models in this regard. So whether it’s Plek, or the hand work of an expert luthier/repairman, yes, some first rate fretwork can have an SE feeling as good or better. It really does make all the difference. Thanks for watching.
All very good and spot on points about the differences!
Thank you my friend. And thanks for watching.
Nice video. I recently got a S@ 10th Anniversary McCarty withthe USA pickups. I actually like the bevel over my Cores. The S2 has become my favoriate. great guitar.
Yes, the S2s are unbeatable. My 2015 S2 Standard 24 (with SD Alnico II Pros) has become my main humbucker guitar. Thing plays itself. Thanks so much for watching.
It really appears to me that you had a more spirited playing style with the s2 in this video. I owned both an se and an s2 so i could compare them. I wound up selling the s2 because i couldnt tell enough of a difference to justify the additional cost. Right now im doing a comparison between the 594 se and the dgt se. Thinking about the nf3, but i prefer a chunkier neck and the profile of the nf3 is pretty slim.
Be sure to catch my video on the SE 594 as well as the DGT. I slightly preferred the 594 overall, though I thought the SE DGT pickups were just a little nicer. It’s hard to go far wrong with either and it’ll probably come down to neck and control layout preference.
Thanks so much for watching.
Can really tell the difference on the neck pickup. S2 shines there
Yes, and interestingly enough, the pickups are identical in both. Pretty much blows the whole "it's all about the pickups" argument. Thanks so much for watching.
So.. you’re right, I’m the mix there isn’t much difference, but not having played either one, maybe the slight differences may not be worth the extra dough. Great comparison, and of course, playing.
Sadly being a Cheap o kind of guy, I won’t be getting either 😪
PRS IS the Stuff!!!
The S2 is a clear step up, but the SE isn’t that far behind.
As through my device the sounds are not very far apart at all. But it all comes down to the feel of it in your hands, i would imagine the S2 would feel more core like
In the room the S2 sounds a little richer. But yes. The biggest difference is in the feel.
Thanks for watching.
@leonardgriffieblues5845 in your opinion, how far apart is the S2 from the SE, as the SE does sound a little darker, but still sounds good.
How do they feel in comparison with each other???.
Thinking of the S2, but unsure
@@PetesGuitar2303 In my opinion, as they come from the factory, the S2 is significantly superior. However, not all players are going to be sensitive to the more refined fretwork and overall solid feel of the S2. Also, a first rate fret level and dress would have the SE playing at least as well, but whether by hand or by Plek, that would likely cost at least $200 to $250. For that much additional money you could probably buy a mint condition used S2. Also, the S2 uses the same fret wire, truss rod, and in the case of the 594, bridge as the core. The SE uses the same pickups and that’s about it. The only knock on the S2 is the flame maple tops aren’t always the prettiest. They’re solid, not veneers and PRS tends to use the nicest tops on the core models. The SE’s veneers actually tend to be prettier on average, so it may take a bit of shopping to find an S2 top you really like if that’s important.
The core guitars have a little bit more note definition if that's the right word. It's minimally richer and it feels like the sound has a extra bit of quality with it.
Though sometimes I prefer the SE tones.
I do appreciate that the American finishes are more top notch and how you get more durable woods.
There is a difference, especially in feel, but also in sound even though the S2 and SE lines share the same pickups. But in real world situations (ie: playing a show), it’s pretty minimal.
I had an SE Starla for review. Just to see, I took it to a club date, planning to play it on a song or two. I ended up playing it at least half the night and barely noticed.
Thanks so much for watching.
S2 surely looks better with the solid top,as usual nice playing
Thank you so much, and thanks for watching.
Good video and comparison. These guitars look nice and the S2 is one I'm really considering. I just wish it came with a real case instead of a dust protector. If I gigged all those years with one of those things they call a "gig bag" all my guitars would be destroyed lol. There might not be any less gig worthy piece of gear out there imo. But it is what it is. These guitars sound great.
Thanks so much. It’s funny. I toured all over the US, Europe, and Canada with what is essentially a high priced, extra heavy gig bag (a Mono double bag) without incident. But I get it. If you prefer hard cases it’s nice when that’s what’s provided. To be fair, gig bags are all over the place in terms of protection. Everything from the ultra high quality of the Mono bags to the thin things you get with a lot of Gibsons and Fenders. PRS USA bags are some of the nicer bags that actually come with the guitar.
Thanks so much for watching.
Man I love that brown burst on the S2! Trade ya for my Faded blue 🤣🎸 both great guitars but I am old school and have a thing for American made things 🇺🇸
It is very nice, and while the SE is nice as well, the S2 feels significantly more “pro”. One of my main stage guitars is another S2, my Standard 24 with Duncans. Thanks for watching.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845I ended up loving the McCarty so much I now own 3 including a core model. They are hands down my favorite guitars and I was a hardcore Strat guy(still love them)
@@ggreloaded5269I agree. One of my favorite PRS models.
Even in the mix, the SE sounds like a light blanket has been tossed over the amp speaker.
The blanket lies in your ears 😛 In fact the SE has more treble and less bass, whereas the S2 is just bigger in sound!
I found the S2 to have a richer, more robust tone. It’s also just smoother to play. Small margins, but meaningful. Thanks for watching.
The S2’s have the same pickups, electronics and hardware as the SE.
I got conflicting information regarding the hardware, so I compared them directly and they aren’t the same. For one thing, the saddles and adjustment wheels are thicker on the S2, and the proportions of the saddles in general are a little different. They appear to be made in different factories so I’m inclined to believe the report that asserted the SE bridge is made to PRS specifications, but isn’t the USA unit. PRS themselves is hazy on it, say only that it’s a PRS 2 piece bridge.
Buy the SE period! The $5400 core model is for lawyers and doctors who don't actually play guitar, they just wanna buy them to live our their fantasy of a life they never had since they were in medical and law school throughout their 20s. I've seen plenty of amazing musicians bringing PRS SEs to gigs. And if you travel and don't want to or can't bring a guitar, you can confidently pickup a PRS SE at any guitar store and know it'll feel and play almost 99% the same as every other PRS. I think thats the real value of PRS, their quality control. You gotta find the right gibson and fenders vary a lot between squiers to mim to american pros to custom shop, but PRS is pretty consistent, doesnt matter if its Indo, Korea, or Maryland.
First, regardless of how I or anyone else feels about your thesis, understand I wasn’t comparing the SE to the Core. The comparison was with the S2 version, which is only a few hundred more than the SE, and therefore, a very different proposition.
I agree the SEs are really good, and sure, I could make one a main stage guitar no problem. That said, I do feel the S2 is a little nicer. Not much, only a little. They essentially feel very much like the Core for literally thousands less. While they use the same pickups and usually some of the same hardware as the SEs, the necks, bodies, frets and fretwork, etc. is all done in Maryland and for me, it does feel a touch more refined than the SEs in general. Not much, just a touch.
Thanks so much for watching.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 if you compare the highest price solid body SE ($849) to the lowest price S2 (1499), the price is nearly double. If you compare the SE McCarty 594 ($759) to the S2 McCarty 594 ($1999) it is nearly triple the price according to Sweetwater. The S2 uses Import pickups but everything else is American. All the hardware is the same as the Core line. If you get the 10th anniversary S2, it's all American (US pickups). If you really care about having American and don't mind paying 3 times the price, then go ahead buy the S2, it's less than half the price of a Core and only different cosmetically from a Core. Personally, I don't think anyone should be buying a Core, you are paying custom shop prices for a production guitar. You could get a really nice R9 for not much more than a Core.
The s2 does sound better
I tend to agree. Thanks for watching.
PRS guitars have absolutely no mojo.
Mojo’s a little too woo-woo for me. Why not just say you prefer other brands?
These people always say "mojo mojo mojo" parroting that one particular youtube, mojo is nothing that something in your head justifying your $$$$$ Les Paul. For us commoners, working guitarist, consistency, robustness, and performance-price ratio is what matter, you can change electronics, but a good neck and fretboard? You can, but it will be costly and time consuming.
@@dadanardi5541 “Mojo” doesn’t exist any more than magic crystals. Choose the guitar that performs well for you and your playing provides the “mojo”, or so you hope.
Thanks for watching.
That kind of thing comes from the player, not the instrument.