I have an SE Silver Sky and recently picked up the DGT SE and it is an amazing instrument. The pickup voicing is phenomenal and as you mentioned the coil split brings a whole new tonescape that's Strat-ish as well as as some unique, out of phase qualities as you roll back on the volume knob. It's early for me but I'm very impressed and thrilled with mine right now.
Mike, I’ve owned numerous PRS guitars. My number one go-to is a 1990 Custom 24 Ten Top. I bought it brand new. It was my introduction to the peerless approach to quality that’s included in all things PRS. Since then, I’ve owned numerous PRS guitars, but within the past few months I acquired an SE McCarty 594 and a gold top DGT SE. I’ve found both of them to be among the best I’ve ever owned. I have to agree with you-I think the DGT SE is the finest guitar from the SE line ever produced. I can’t play it enough. Paul Smith and David Grissom summoned up a kind of magic that only comes along once in a while, and they knocked it out of the park with their collaboration. By the way, I really enjoyed your take on “Human Nature.” Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
Love your quick cover of Human Nature! I have the tobacco burst version of the DGT SE and love it so much I want to get the GoldTop too. The build quality is just phenomenal for the price and I love these pickups and the splitting too. The tone of them is just awesome
Excellent rendition of Human Nature. One of my absolute fav melodic themes of all times. It *may* also be because I saw Miles Davis doing this live when I was a kid :)
My first guitar that I’m learning on right now is a PRS SE 594 Zach Myers. I do not regret that choice, it’s a fantastic feeling and sounding instrument.
If i had to guess, i'd say David flip-flopped the volume knobs because he does a lot of swell stuff and general volume tinkering on the fly. Such an incredible player. I'm looking to add one of these to my guitar quiver soon. Love the content and the playing, dude.
Hi Mike, hope you're doing well. Always listen to your program and I really have to admire what you do, sharing your experiences with the guitar community. God bless brother!!
I just got a DGT SE. My number one is a Custom Shop that cost almost six times as much. The DGT hangs with it every step of the way. PRS SE guitars are an insane value.
I have the McCarty SE and love it. Even though I own a few guitars that cost more, I can’t seem to get this one out of my hands. My DGT SE arrives Saturday (after a 7 month wait). Can’t wait to play it. The SE line is incredible!
Right on, I’ve had a Santana SE for a little over a year it’s awesome. Amazing guitar for the price. I think I want the new Swamp Ash Special SE next but I’m fighting myself on so many of their lineup.
SE and S2 guitars actually share a bunch of parts (like bridge/tailpiece, pickups, etc) which is why they feel so similar. Shit, even a nearly $3K CE24 has the same trem as an SE/S2.
Yes, I completely agree, Mike, PRS DGT SE is the new standard. I waited nine months for one, love the whole, and complete exsperiance every time I play.
I’ve had a Core DGT, a few PRS SE’s (Custom 24, Paul’s Guitar) and now own a burst DGT SE and a Silver Sky SE (on the way) You nailed it. These DGT SE are remarkably good. Pound for pound the best value guitar PRS offers. Period.
I second that emotion. I've got Core 10-Tops, S2s, and SEs. Had to grab the DGT SE in both gold top and sunburst. Love 'em all. I have to remember to pull the 10-Tops out of the cases for some air. The wall hangers leave nothing to be desired.
Waiting on my DGT to come, tomorrow actually. I can't wait, I have played many PRS models and hear so much good stuff about the DGT, your review added to my excitement. Thanks for a great video, as always.
@@itsadvmI could not be more happy with this selection. From the smooth clean tones to the aggressive heavy tones, the SE DGT is an easy play, the 10" radius and C shaped neck offer ease of playing chords with my arthritic fingers, the wider string spacing make it easy for soloing, at least for me. The coil tap is awesome, PRS has perfected the humbucker split to an almost perfect single coil sound, making it a versatile choice for most genres. All in all I'd say the SE DGT is a great guitar at this price point.
I'm stoked for this guitar. I own the McCarty 594 and love it. The DGT is a must add for me. I will have her in my hands this weekend. Woohoo. Great video.
Just wanted to say I’m a relatively new subscriber, but I really dig the channel and vibe. Btw I was waiting through the first bit for you to mention the se DGT and then boom LoL like magic it appears. Great stuff! Keep it coming😎👍🎸
Just after Christmas 2023, I played a DGT SE (Gold Top) in a nearby store. I played it through a Fender amp for a few minutes then bought it on the spot. That’s rare for me, but it sounded so *good*. I’ve been playing it with a local band since then and it sounds great. The neck is a little thick but I’m used to it now. The body is a little heavy but I’m used it now. I like PRS Birds but I don’t miss them with this guitar. The three knobs are fine. Months later, I’m still happy with it.
I bought a wine-red SE about 5 years ago. It is so much better than my Les Paul Standard....I sold the Les Paul. By the way, your left hand movement is elegant. It is a joy to watch!
I usually hit the thumb when a video starts for channels I follow. This one I forgot and hit it again when you started playing, then realised I had in-thumbed it. Good work Mike 🎸
Love your videos man. My first PRS was a 1994 CE-24. I absolutely LOVED that guitar. I eventually sold it to buy a second 2008 Mira (that was the Core version of the Mira pre-S2 factory). I wanted 2 guitars that were exactly the same so if something happened I had the same guitar. I eventually sold one of those and bought a 2017 S2 Vela which has turned into my main guitar. The SE models have come soooo far from when they first decided to come out with the cheaper line. One of my sons has an SE model that is probably 15 years old and it's clunky and just doesn't feel good. But it was great for a 13 year old at the time. It's still at my house and every now and then I think about recording with it, but when I grab it it just feels "bad". So when I grab any of the newer SE models I'm amazed at the craftsmanship on them. They've done such a nice job of making them GREAT guitars at a decent price point. Anyhow now I want one of those gold SE models. That thing sounds fantastic. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
I gotta say I really love this channel. The videography, story telling, lighting, and - especially - the guitar playing are just great. Thanks for making these!
I just got my SE DGT yesterday. I played it for a few hours last night and most of the day today. It is such a pleasure to play. I'm like, "Did I just get 100% better? I think so." It is just so effortless to play and it sounds great.
I have 3 S2. I gutted the pickups , pots , n caps out of them and replaced them with mostly proper PRS USA pickups (and a set of Lindy Fralins) . I’m glad Paul is now putting USA pups in the S2s starting this year
Mike a good while back i had 2 core DGTs and i loved them but had to let them go. So i was excited to try the SE and I got one the first week sweetwater shipped them and I immediately installed SE locking tuners. I have always struggled with humbucker guitars like les pauls and I couldn’t remember exactly how my previous DGT models felt because it had been 6-7 years since I played them. But I immediately felt that the SE felt better than every other humbucker style guitar, and it felt incredibly reminiscent of the core because of the neck. And I have been stunned from day 1 about the sounds. This thing just rocks but it can also be beautiful with cleaner tones. I felt for the price, I have not played a better guitar with 2 buckers. I have put more miles on it this last 6 months or whatever than on most new instruments I have bought over the last 7 years. I don’t impress as easily anymore but it is just a knockout in my opinion. Can’t stop playing it!
Have a Core Custom 24 and Silver Sky. Love them. Waited 6+months for my DGT SE. it is fantastic! Was fortunate enough to try a couple of the SE McCartys - unbelievable guitars. PRS just keeps knocking it outta the park
I've never been a PRS guy. The neck carves generally don't work for me. I am a Gibson guy, and I am used to the Gibson neck carves. So the McCarty never really had an attraction to me. But I did buy a DGT SE, and it is killer. I really wanted the Gold top, but could only find the sunburst. Exactly the opposite of your experience :) Anyway, great great guitar, even for a Gibson guy.
Yep the DGT SE is most certainly the best of the best of all SE guitars , fit and finish and the gold is very vintage mustard like a fifties gold top not the Egyptian gold of the Santana and others … pick ups alone are above and beyond the pay grade !
I tried a McCarty 594 SE a few weeks ago. It was the first time I've tried a PRS and I hope it was a one off: I couldn't clean up the bridge position enough and when I went to split the coils, the knob came right off. I was a little disappointment but I am willing to give it another go. I played it on a Sonzera amp too, great amp.
I just bought that very 594 and I love it. It’s so far beyond the Squiers and Epiphones I’ve owned, and it’s not that much more expensive. Thanks for this video; it’s incredibly validating.
Awesome video thanks for sharing I purchased my first PRS guitar about a yr ago and it’s the Robben Ford signature limited edition and she is the best guitar that I have ever owned and I also named her Maybelline
Nice review, great playing! I bought a used Core DGT for a good price, then shortly after the DGT SE was released. Picked one up just to see if they were comparable, expecting to return or sell the SE. In some ways I actually like the SE better. Are they directly comparable? No, but the differences are less than you'd think. I'm selling the Core and keeping the SE. The Core does feel like a more refined instrument, built with more attention to detail. Those characteristics make all the difference to some players but not to me. The SE simply sounds great and it feels good to play, and it hangs right in there with the Core, very closely.
I really like rhe PRS SE line and its constaly one of the lines I recommend to friends who are looking for their 2nd electric guitar (A Classic Vibe or Anniversary Strat or Tele is my 1st guitar recommendation). But they are not my personal favorite line from PRS, not because they are bad, but because one, seldom talked about line from PRS blows me away every time, and that is the CE line. The CEs slot between the S2s and the Core guitars, and get a violin carve on the top, and have Core pickups and hardware (except for the bridge, that is an import, same as on the S2s and SEs). Every CE range guitar is a bolt on neck, and I'm pretty sure the US Silver Sky is technically a CE range guitar. Basically, I'd love to see more TH-camrs dive into the CE lineup. I think they compete well with the top end of the US standard range from Fender and Gibson at similar price points, and the few models in that range are definitely worth talking about.
I second this. I had some SE models which were great. Got my first CE 24 a couple years ago with 57/08 pickups. Like it so much I sold my SE models and bought a second one in another color. Then got another CE with 85/15s. I no longer own any SE models. I've played quite a few core models thinking they would be a big upgrade, but honestly I preferred the CE. My only wish for the CE line would be a pattern regular neck vs the wide thin. I think a core 594 is in my future but we'll see.
Liked the idea of the Core DGT until I found out they were built with a skinny neck. I'm a big chunky neck player so I avoided the DGT. How is this SE neck carved? You said "C" but is it skinny average or chunky?
This was the best video I’ve seen for the PRS SE DGT! Thank you. It was between this and John Mayer, Silver sky SE. I Recently Played, John Mayer, silver sky SE , and it was amazing. But really had my eye on this one since one of my favorite guitars other than you, of course lol, plays a DGT gold top Isaiah Sharkey. Just wanted to know how this stacked up against the silver sky SE and this helps me a bunch. Thanks.
I don't think the PRS SE is to PRS S2 and Core what Squier is to Fender. The SE line is more comparable to Fender's Mexican-made guitars, and the price points are more comparable. Squiers top out at around $500 (most are less); you can't get an SE for anywhere near that. And PRS's core models cost more than a lot of Fender Custom Shop guitars; even S2 models are priced higher than many top-end (non-Custom Shop) Fenders. That said, I agree with everything you said about the McCarty 594 SE. I have one and was blown away by the quality, sound, and playability. I've mainly been more of a Fender guy in the 45 years I've been playing. The only PRS I'd owned was an early Swamp Ash Special, which I could shoot myself for selling.
@@Highland_Paddy I agree. That's why it's silly to compare the PRS to Fender to begin with, much less equate the SE line with Squier. But even so, the SE line is costs more on average than the Epiphone line, so that comparison doesn't really work either.
My DGT SE is frustratingly close in playability to my Core Custom24 (Frustrating because of how much I paid for the core vs the SE), I like it significantly better than my S2 Standard, the attention to detail on the DGT SE is unreal, I've had several USA made guitars from different brands that didn't play or sound as good.
I actually had to return 2x se mccartys with faults. One had a faulty tone knob and later the bridge pickup completely dropped out. The next had a incurable truss relief issue. The neck kept bouncing back. Since we have no guitar stores and i was buying sight unseen, i then opted to try the DGT. Got lucky. Beautiful.
Grissom does the knob / pickup configuration because he doesn't use the neck pickup much. It's also why ESP guitars do the same things - most of their artists are primarily bridge players so it makes the most sense to have that volume control closer for volume swells.
What are your thoughts on the fret wire size on the DGT vs Mccarty? Are they different? How does it compare to Gibson medium jumbo? Can’t play one in person, but worried they’ll feel like speed bumps.
I agree with you about PRS and the guitars ( of all price ranged) in that they do put out an Awesome guitar. I do have a PRS SE it is the Custom 24 in a Tobacco Burst finish and I do Love it. Great video!!🎸
Even when the very first SE lines hit the market, the only problems were binding at the nut. The ONLY problem. They put a lot of care into making sure World Music Instrument Co. put instruments out that represented the company well. Paul Reed Smith is the most consistent mass produced marque ever and that includes the SE line. Best guitar I probably ever had is an '89 CE24. That thing was a weapon. Just trust me mike and friends, this is saying a lot. The Core DGT is a beast. One of my friends puts his Parker Fly Deluxe and his DGT on the same level
Nice evaluation. I feel the PRS Zach Myers SE is their best. I had an original 594, and have played the SE and S2 version, but I guess I'm spoiled because neither one stood up to the core model. The ZM has the best balance, satin neck and profile. Many of the SE pickups are quite similar throughout the line. Happy playing!
PRS core is a different level . SE and S2 are great, not just for the money. They are just great. Core are excellent. Paul Reed Smith put a lot of detailing into the neck and frets for a mass manufacturer, they are the most consistent of all the brands
Like your content Mike. I was fortunate to pick up a Wood Library DGT in faded whale blue. It has a korina neck and macassar board. It’s the total package, beautiful, flawless build quality and a killer playing tone machine. I haven’t played an S2 but had an SE 24 for awhile and it was a very nice “budget” guitar.
Hey man. I love your stuff. Just a word on the analogy of Squier to PRS SE. I own an American 1979 Fender Strat, a Mexican Strat and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat (which I modified with SD Everything pick ups), and a PRS SE 24-08. To me my SE (Indonesian PRS) is more akin to the Japanese or Mexican Strat in “step down” (if you can call it that) in quality. As a matter of fact the build, sound and feel on the SE is superior to the Mexican Strat and way better than any Squier including the Classic Vibe. So in summary I think the SE comparison is more between Fender non American guitars and not so much the Squier line which has many levels of quality (some quite poor - see Squier Bullet or Affinity). Thanks for reading and keep up the great vids!!
Hey bud! Love your videos. I have the SE McCarty 594, and my pick up selector is having the same exact problem as your s2 model. How did you fix it? I get crackling noises when I switch my pick ups and the bass pickup sometimes doesn't function properly.
I've always liked the SE line but my favorite in terms of features was the short-lived SE Standard with the contoured body, dual humbuckers, and moon inlays.
My main guitar is a PRS Custom 24 SE with a burl veneer! Super smooth guitar. And Im the same with coil split on mine. I use it more than I dont! And its my only guitar the trem isnt blocked off.
Awesome! I had the Chris Robertson sig SE in red, and it was prob the best or second best looking guitar I've owned. Rivaled my core, so beautiful. But that neck was massive lol so I passed it on. Quality, appointments and sound were amazing for the price point. I also really like your mention of the whammy bar abuse lol. Most guitarist don't realize that they do it: wham it up EVERY single end of phrase, even big shot guitar reviewers for major companies can't finish a lick without the same old whammy pattern. get very tedious, very quickly, and good on ya for being aware enough to notice it in you own playing. I took all my bars off as well and just use the heel of my hand on the trem when I feel it's warranted, saves me from abusing the thing haha. Love the content, all the best!
I struggle to purchase a guitar made in China, just a personal preference and a desire to support US workers, but they seem to be incredibly well made instruments.
Except for one Epiphone, 1949 Gibson L50 and a Rickenbacker...I own all Fenders. Not counting my acoustic guitars. Guild and Ovation. The one of mine that comes closest to this is the Epiphone. I don't have the money you apparently have. Nor the need for anymore guitars. I like your playing. I need to practice with my old hands. Watching your videos reminds me to get out one of my collection and play them.
Mike amigo, change out the SE knobs with the PRS lampshades. Small change makes a huge difference visually. Just get the right color for your guitar 😊. I’m a Gibson guy but I do have an S2 McCarty 594 and an SE Custom 24 Sweetwater Exclusive. Both are fantastic and to me neither are “better” than the other, but the S2 is slightly more refined in overall build quality. ‘
I feel that the SE line from PRS is causing other guitar brands to step it up! Gone are the days where Squier, and the like, can get by with complete junk and expect to remain competitive. Thanks PRS!!
I'm still waiting to find one in a shop. I'm not in the market. I'm not a collector, and I own a great S2 594 (with some electronics upgrades). But, the standards and customs are SOOO far off from the core versions that I really questioned my sanity when people would praise them. I'm really curious if these hold up to the internet hype.
I had the S2 McCarty 2 yrs ago. I didn’t like. I thought it would it would be better than it was so I sold it. When the SE came around I tried it and I love it. It’s funny how things work out.
I like my SE Custom 24. Its my favorite in feel in comparison to the rest of my collection, but i dont like its pickups. If i changed the electronics in it then it would be my favorite guitar i own. Definitely want to try the McCarty 594 SE Single Cut
The model ranges are Core, the standard American made models, the S2 the more affordable less ornate American made models, the the SE, the Korean made affordable imports. All good guitars, but the Core is the cream of the crop. I say that having owned all the versions at one time or another, and I still own a 2001 McCarty that I have had for years.
One thing to mention is that all PRS SE are the "overseas" models and no one can say nothing but excellent things about them, but still they go for 800+ USD dollars retail. So comparing them to a cheap squier which goes for 250 up to 600 for the high end is not a good comparison. The closest in the Fender range is the MIM entry-level strats. So even though they are "overseas imported models" they shouldn't be considered cheap guitars by any means. My main guitar is a 2009-2008 PRS SE custom 24 which I still play to this day, and a MIM Fender player and both are excellent guitars, but the PRS SE feels and plays better in my opinion, both at the same price range.
"It's a fairly long name"
Ibanez : hold my beer
😂😂😂
I have a PRS SE Standard 24 - the bottom of the line - but it was the most I could afford. I'm very happy to say that it is a fantastic guitar.
I am getting one today, pls wish me luck
I have an SE Silver Sky and recently picked up the DGT SE and it is an amazing instrument. The pickup voicing is phenomenal and as you mentioned the coil split brings a whole new tonescape that's Strat-ish as well as as some unique, out of phase qualities as you roll back on the volume knob. It's early for me but I'm very impressed and thrilled with mine right now.
I wouldn't really say the SE line is equal to SQUIER, SE's are at a higher level of quality and price than that...
Who wants to see Mike‘s guitar collection?
Who wants to see Mike's [redacted]?
Mike, I’ve owned numerous PRS guitars. My number one go-to is a 1990 Custom 24 Ten Top. I bought it brand new. It was my introduction to the peerless approach to quality that’s included in all things PRS. Since then, I’ve owned numerous PRS guitars, but within the past few months I acquired an SE McCarty 594 and a gold top DGT SE. I’ve found both of them to be among the best I’ve ever owned. I have to agree with you-I think the DGT SE is the finest guitar from the SE line ever produced. I can’t play it enough. Paul Smith and David Grissom summoned up a kind of magic that only comes along once in a while, and they knocked it out of the park with their collaboration.
By the way, I really enjoyed your take on “Human Nature.” Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
Love your quick cover of Human Nature! I have the tobacco burst version of the DGT SE and love it so much I want to get the GoldTop too. The build quality is just phenomenal for the price and I love these pickups and the splitting too. The tone of them is just awesome
Excellent rendition of Human Nature. One of my absolute fav melodic themes of all times. It *may* also be because I saw Miles Davis doing this live when I was a kid :)
Lukather
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 ?
My first guitar that I’m learning on right now is a PRS SE 594 Zach Myers. I do not regret that choice, it’s a fantastic feeling and sounding instrument.
Well finally bruh, been waiting on this for 84 years!
If i had to guess, i'd say David flip-flopped the volume knobs because he does a lot of swell stuff and general volume tinkering on the fly. Such an incredible player. I'm looking to add one of these to my guitar quiver soon.
Love the content and the playing, dude.
Hi Mike, hope you're doing well.
Always listen to your program and I really have to admire what you do, sharing your experiences with the guitar community.
God bless brother!!
I just got a DGT SE. My number one is a Custom Shop that cost almost six times as much. The DGT hangs with it every step of the way. PRS SE guitars are an insane value.
I just received my Silver Sky SE about 4 days ago and am blown away by it
I have the McCarty SE and love it. Even though I own a few guitars that cost more, I can’t seem to get this one out of my hands. My DGT SE arrives Saturday (after a 7 month wait). Can’t wait to play it. The SE line is incredible!
Right on, I’ve had a Santana SE for a little over a year it’s awesome. Amazing guitar for the price. I think I want the new Swamp Ash Special SE next but I’m fighting myself on so many of their lineup.
I have a PRS SE 245, i love that guitar. So smooth....so creamy tones, and love the endless playability
SE and S2 guitars actually share a bunch of parts (like bridge/tailpiece, pickups, etc) which is why they feel so similar.
Shit, even a nearly $3K CE24 has the same trem as an SE/S2.
Yes, I completely agree, Mike, PRS DGT SE is the new standard. I waited nine months for one, love the whole, and complete exsperiance every time I play.
I’ve had a Core DGT, a few PRS SE’s (Custom 24, Paul’s Guitar) and now own a burst DGT SE and a Silver Sky SE (on the way)
You nailed it. These DGT SE are remarkably good. Pound for pound the best value guitar PRS offers. Period.
How do you like the tone of the SE DGT vs the Core?
@@onlyguitars I sold the Core. It’s THAT close
@@SamVecchio wow, thats very interesting indeed. makes me want to grab one sE and then see if I sell my core as well ,hehe.
@@onlyguitars you won’t regret getting the SE, I put a bunch of money in my pocket by selling the core. Made $450 more than I paid for it. ;)
I second that emotion. I've got Core 10-Tops, S2s, and SEs. Had to grab the DGT SE in both gold top and sunburst. Love 'em all. I have to remember to pull the 10-Tops out of the cases for some air. The wall hangers leave nothing to be desired.
You have WAY too much money!
Waiting on my DGT to come, tomorrow actually. I can't wait, I have played many PRS models and hear so much good stuff about the DGT, your review added to my excitement. Thanks for a great video, as always.
A review after receiving the dgt se ? 😊
@@itsadvmI could not be more happy with this selection. From the smooth clean tones to the aggressive heavy tones, the SE DGT is an easy play, the 10" radius and C shaped neck offer ease of playing chords with my arthritic fingers, the wider string spacing make it easy for soloing, at least for me. The coil tap is awesome, PRS has perfected the humbucker split to an almost perfect single coil sound, making it a versatile choice for most genres. All in all I'd say the SE DGT is a great guitar at this price point.
I'm stoked for this guitar. I own the McCarty 594 and love it. The DGT is a must add for me. I will have her in my hands this weekend. Woohoo. Great video.
Just wanted to say I’m a relatively new subscriber, but I really dig the channel and vibe. Btw I was waiting through the first bit for you to mention the se DGT and then boom LoL like magic it appears. Great stuff! Keep it coming😎👍🎸
Just after Christmas 2023, I played a DGT SE (Gold Top) in a nearby store. I played it through a Fender amp for a few minutes then bought it on the spot. That’s rare for me, but it sounded so *good*.
I’ve been playing it with a local band since then and it sounds great. The neck is a little thick but I’m used to it now. The body is a little heavy but I’m used it now. I like PRS Birds but I don’t miss them with this guitar. The three knobs are fine.
Months later, I’m still happy with it.
I bought a wine-red SE about 5 years ago. It is so much better than my Les Paul Standard....I sold the Les Paul. By the way, your left hand movement is elegant. It is a joy to watch!
My only PRS is a slightly older vintage burst Zach Myers. I didn't love the pickups but the build quality is unreal and the neck is a dream. So good.
I usually hit the thumb when a video starts for channels I follow. This one I forgot and hit it again when you started playing, then realised I had in-thumbed it.
Good work Mike 🎸
Love your videos man. My first PRS was a 1994 CE-24. I absolutely LOVED that guitar. I eventually sold it to buy a second 2008 Mira (that was the Core version of the Mira pre-S2 factory). I wanted 2 guitars that were exactly the same so if something happened I had the same guitar. I eventually sold one of those and bought a 2017 S2 Vela which has turned into my main guitar.
The SE models have come soooo far from when they first decided to come out with the cheaper line. One of my sons has an SE model that is probably 15 years old and it's clunky and just doesn't feel good. But it was great for a 13 year old at the time. It's still at my house and every now and then I think about recording with it, but when I grab it it just feels "bad".
So when I grab any of the newer SE models I'm amazed at the craftsmanship on them. They've done such a nice job of making them GREAT guitars at a decent price point.
Anyhow now I want one of those gold SE models. That thing sounds fantastic.
Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
I gotta say I really love this channel. The videography, story telling, lighting, and - especially - the guitar playing are just great. Thanks for making these!
I got the gold top prs dgt se... falled in love with it when trying it first Time....forget about birds inlays 😂 🎉
I just got my SE DGT yesterday. I played it for a few hours last night and most of the day today. It is such a pleasure to play. I'm like, "Did I just get 100% better? I think so." It is just so effortless to play and it sounds great.
I have 3 S2. I gutted the pickups , pots , n caps out of them and replaced them with mostly proper PRS USA pickups (and a set of Lindy Fralins) . I’m glad Paul is now putting USA pups in the S2s starting this year
Love your videos…i’ve recently bougth the SE DGT…best product in the SE Series❤️🎸! Cheers from Italy 🇺🇸🇮🇹
Mike a good while back i had 2 core DGTs and i loved them but had to let them go. So i was excited to try the SE and I got one the first week sweetwater shipped them and I immediately installed SE locking tuners. I have always struggled with humbucker guitars like les pauls and I couldn’t remember exactly how my previous DGT models felt because it had been 6-7 years since I played them. But I immediately felt that the SE felt better than every other humbucker style guitar, and it felt incredibly reminiscent of the core because of the neck. And I have been stunned from day 1 about the sounds. This thing just rocks but it can also be beautiful with cleaner tones. I felt for the price, I have not played a better guitar with 2 buckers. I have put more miles on it this last 6 months or whatever than on most new instruments I have bought over the last 7 years. I don’t impress as easily anymore but it is just a knockout in my opinion. Can’t stop playing it!
Great video. Right now, my favorite PRS se, is the "Paul's Guitar" model.
Have a Core Custom 24 and Silver Sky. Love them. Waited 6+months for my DGT SE. it is fantastic!
Was fortunate enough to try a couple of the SE McCartys - unbelievable guitars.
PRS just keeps knocking it outta the park
I've never been a PRS guy. The neck carves generally don't work for me. I am a Gibson guy, and I am used to the Gibson neck carves. So the McCarty never really had an attraction to me. But I did buy a DGT SE, and it is killer. I really wanted the Gold top, but could only find the sunburst. Exactly the opposite of your experience :) Anyway, great great guitar, even for a Gibson guy.
Beautiful playing, sound and guitar!
Yep the DGT SE is most certainly the best of the best of all SE guitars , fit and finish and the gold is very vintage mustard like a fifties gold top not the Egyptian gold of the Santana and others … pick ups alone are above and beyond the pay grade !
My PRS Tremonti SE is 11 years old now, still my favorite guitar to play. I try other brands but they just dont feel the same. Saving now for a S2
My brother in law brought a friend of his by that has an SE McCarty Hollow Body that blew me away. Outstanding guitar.
I tried a McCarty 594 SE a few weeks ago. It was the first time I've tried a PRS and I hope it was a one off: I couldn't clean up the bridge position enough and when I went to split the coils, the knob came right off. I was a little disappointment but I am willing to give it another go. I played it on a Sonzera amp too, great amp.
I just bought that very 594 and I love it. It’s so far beyond the Squiers and Epiphones I’ve owned, and it’s not that much more expensive. Thanks for this video; it’s incredibly validating.
I just picked up my new 594 SE and I love it!! It’s my new favourite. I’m not a big fan of trems. But I have one on a telecaster.
Awesome video thanks for sharing I purchased my first PRS guitar about a yr ago and it’s the Robben Ford signature limited edition and she is the best guitar that I have ever owned and I also named her Maybelline
Ur killing it with the videos bro!! Always so fun and interesting to watch these!
The bridge volume knob is closer for volume swells. Makes sense. Volume swells on bridge pickup sound better
Nice review, great playing! I bought a used Core DGT for a good price, then shortly after the DGT SE was released. Picked one up just to see if they were comparable, expecting to return or sell the SE. In some ways I actually like the SE better. Are they directly comparable? No, but the differences are less than you'd think. I'm selling the Core and keeping the SE. The Core does feel like a more refined instrument, built with more attention to detail. Those characteristics make all the difference to some players but not to me. The SE simply sounds great and it feels good to play, and it hangs right in there with the Core, very closely.
Hey Mike great show a kid starting out has a lozza resources don't listen to the ole farts
Hey Mike, the volume knob placement is likely for being able to use the pinky to do volume swells on the bridge. The faux lap/pedal steel sound yno?
I really like rhe PRS SE line and its constaly one of the lines I recommend to friends who are looking for their 2nd electric guitar (A Classic Vibe or Anniversary Strat or Tele is my 1st guitar recommendation). But they are not my personal favorite line from PRS, not because they are bad, but because one, seldom talked about line from PRS blows me away every time, and that is the CE line.
The CEs slot between the S2s and the Core guitars, and get a violin carve on the top, and have Core pickups and hardware (except for the bridge, that is an import, same as on the S2s and SEs). Every CE range guitar is a bolt on neck, and I'm pretty sure the US Silver Sky is technically a CE range guitar.
Basically, I'd love to see more TH-camrs dive into the CE lineup. I think they compete well with the top end of the US standard range from Fender and Gibson at similar price points, and the few models in that range are definitely worth talking about.
I second this. I had some SE models which were great. Got my first CE 24 a couple years ago with 57/08 pickups. Like it so much I sold my SE models and bought a second one in another color. Then got another CE with 85/15s. I no longer own any SE models. I've played quite a few core models thinking they would be a big upgrade, but honestly I preferred the CE. My only wish for the CE line would be a pattern regular neck vs the wide thin. I think a core 594 is in my future but we'll see.
Have an SE Hollowbody, and an S2 CU24. They are both practically equal quality, the finish is a little different, but they're both pretty much perfect
Liked the idea of the Core DGT until I found out they were built with a skinny neck. I'm a big chunky neck player so I avoided the DGT. How is this SE neck carved? You said "C" but is it skinny average or chunky?
This was the best video I’ve seen for the PRS SE DGT! Thank you. It was between this and John Mayer, Silver sky SE. I Recently Played, John Mayer, silver sky SE , and it was amazing. But really had my eye on this one since one of my favorite guitars other than you, of course lol, plays a DGT gold top Isaiah Sharkey. Just wanted to know how this stacked up against the silver sky SE and this helps me a bunch. Thanks.
I don't think the PRS SE is to PRS S2 and Core what Squier is to Fender. The SE line is more comparable to Fender's Mexican-made guitars, and the price points are more comparable. Squiers top out at around $500 (most are less); you can't get an SE for anywhere near that. And PRS's core models cost more than a lot of Fender Custom Shop guitars; even S2 models are priced higher than many top-end (non-Custom Shop) Fenders. That said, I agree with everything you said about the McCarty 594 SE. I have one and was blown away by the quality, sound, and playability. I've mainly been more of a Fender guy in the 45 years I've been playing. The only PRS I'd owned was an early Swamp Ash Special, which I could shoot myself for selling.
But they're not really competing with Fender for sound. More like Epiphone or Ibanez.
@@Highland_Paddy I agree. That's why it's silly to compare the PRS to Fender to begin with, much less equate the SE line with Squier. But even so, the SE line is costs more on average than the Epiphone line, so that comparison doesn't really work either.
@@donkeninitz4590 I just meant in terms of being the second-class Gibson; but they also have humbucking pickups at least.
David mostly lives on the bridge pickup, that is why the reverse volume control.
Love the resonator in the background! Please play it!!
My DGT SE is frustratingly close in playability to my Core Custom24 (Frustrating because of how much I paid for the core vs the SE), I like it significantly better than my S2 Standard, the attention to detail on the DGT SE is unreal, I've had several USA made guitars from different brands that didn't play or sound as good.
I actually had to return 2x se mccartys with faults.
One had a faulty tone knob and later the bridge pickup completely dropped out.
The next had a incurable truss relief issue. The neck kept bouncing back.
Since we have no guitar stores and i was buying sight unseen, i then opted to try the DGT. Got lucky.
Beautiful.
Really good review Can you do a Stranderg? You give the vibe review that others don’t! Keep it up!
Santana SE is amazing too, it’s a workhouse. Add distortion or overdrive or both, and you’re a guitar God. So fun to play.
Grissom does the knob / pickup configuration because he doesn't use the neck pickup much. It's also why ESP guitars do the same things - most of their artists are primarily bridge players so it makes the most sense to have that volume control closer for volume swells.
What are your thoughts on the fret wire size on the DGT vs Mccarty? Are they different? How does it compare to Gibson medium jumbo? Can’t play one in person, but worried they’ll feel like speed bumps.
I agree with you about PRS and the guitars ( of all price ranged) in that they do put out an Awesome guitar. I do have a PRS SE it is the Custom 24 in a Tobacco Burst finish and I do Love it. Great video!!🎸
Just a cool SE Grissom review! Thanks.
I love my SE Pauls Guitar. After replacing the pickup, it can easily keep up with S2 models.
Lol i went in the opposite arch. I preffered lacquered necks, now i love satin necks too. Same. 50/50.
Even when the very first SE lines hit the market, the only problems were binding at the nut. The ONLY problem. They put a lot of care into making sure World Music Instrument Co. put instruments out that represented the company well. Paul Reed Smith is the most consistent mass produced marque ever and that includes the SE line. Best guitar I probably ever had is an '89 CE24. That thing was a weapon. Just trust me mike and friends, this is saying a lot. The Core DGT is a beast. One of my friends puts his Parker Fly Deluxe and his DGT on the same level
Nice evaluation. I feel the PRS Zach Myers SE is their best. I had an original 594, and have played the SE and S2 version, but I guess I'm spoiled because neither one stood up to the core model. The ZM has the best balance, satin neck and profile. Many of the SE pickups are quite similar throughout the line. Happy playing!
PRS core is a different level . SE and S2 are great, not just for the money. They are just great. Core are excellent. Paul Reed Smith put a lot of detailing into the neck and frets for a mass manufacturer, they are the most consistent of all the brands
I recently got a Silver Sky SE maple neck and it is phenomenal.
Thanks for another great video Mike!
It would be awesome to see you review an SE Paul's Guitar.
05:28 perfect tone to play “Shivers” by Rowland S Howard
Like your content Mike. I was fortunate to pick up a Wood Library DGT in faded whale blue. It has a korina neck and macassar board. It’s the total package, beautiful, flawless build quality and a killer playing tone machine. I haven’t played an S2 but had an SE 24 for awhile and it was a very nice “budget” guitar.
Hey man. I love your stuff. Just a word on the analogy of Squier to PRS SE. I own an American 1979 Fender Strat, a Mexican Strat and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat (which I modified with SD Everything pick ups), and a PRS SE 24-08. To me my SE (Indonesian PRS) is more akin to the Japanese or Mexican Strat in “step down” (if you can call it that) in quality. As a matter of fact the build, sound and feel on the SE is superior to the Mexican Strat and way better than any Squier including the Classic Vibe. So in summary I think the SE comparison is more between Fender non American guitars and not so much the Squier line which has many levels of quality (some quite poor - see Squier Bullet or Affinity). Thanks for reading and keep up the great vids!!
Hey bud! Love your videos. I have the SE McCarty 594, and my pick up selector is having the same exact problem as your s2 model. How did you fix it? I get crackling noises when I switch my pick ups and the bass pickup sometimes doesn't function properly.
Might be a bad solder from the pickup selector.
I've always liked the SE line but my favorite in terms of features was the short-lived SE Standard with the contoured body, dual humbuckers, and moon inlays.
Would love your opinion on the Zakk Meyer PRS SE signature. I have one and like it but am intrigued by all the positive DGT SE reviews.
My main guitar is a PRS Custom 24 SE with a burl veneer! Super smooth guitar. And Im the same with coil split on mine. I use it more than I dont! And its my only guitar the trem isnt blocked off.
Awesome! I had the Chris Robertson sig SE in red, and it was prob the best or second best looking guitar I've owned. Rivaled my core, so beautiful. But that neck was massive lol so I passed it on. Quality, appointments and sound were amazing for the price point.
I also really like your mention of the whammy bar abuse lol. Most guitarist don't realize that they do it: wham it up EVERY single end of phrase, even big shot guitar reviewers for major companies can't finish a lick without the same old whammy pattern. get very tedious, very quickly, and good on ya for being aware enough to notice it in you own playing. I took all my bars off as well and just use the heel of my hand on the trem when I feel it's warranted, saves me from abusing the thing haha.
Love the content, all the best!
Mike, I'm a big fan and enjoy your videos immensely. But that aside, I'm wondering what you do for a living in addition to your TH-cam channel?
Just got a prs se standard 24-08 tobacco burst, love it my favorite guitar.
Can you post any video of you playing these live at gigs ? Great review!!
You really gotta try the SE Standard 24-08. EIGHT pickup configurations! And I think a few of those are right up your sonic alley.
Have you ever played a maton? Their acoustics are incredible
My first and only PRS is the Grissom SE and it's AMAZING.
What’s the song at 4:10??
RIP Uncle Phil?
I struggle to purchase a guitar made in China, just a personal preference and a desire to support US workers, but they seem to be incredibly well made instruments.
SEs are made in Indonesia.
Except for one Epiphone, 1949 Gibson L50 and a Rickenbacker...I own all Fenders. Not counting my acoustic guitars. Guild and Ovation. The one of mine that comes closest to this is the Epiphone. I don't have the money you apparently have. Nor the need for anymore guitars. I like your playing. I need to practice with my old hands. Watching your videos reminds me to get out one of my collection and play them.
Mike amigo, change out the SE knobs with the PRS lampshades. Small change makes a huge difference visually. Just get the right color for your guitar 😊. I’m a Gibson guy but I do have an S2 McCarty 594 and an SE Custom 24 Sweetwater Exclusive. Both are fantastic and to me neither are “better” than the other, but the S2 is slightly more refined in overall build quality.
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Low gain of DGT SE sounds fantastic, but the drive tone is a bit lost some of clarity or string separation. BTW, your playing is fantastic too
Nice review. Love my burst se dgt. And only 6.8 pounds!!
I have SE McCarty and a CE24. Love them
I feel that the SE line from PRS is causing other guitar brands to step it up! Gone are the days where Squier, and the like, can get by with complete junk and expect to remain competitive. Thanks PRS!!
Squire classic vibes are some of the best cheap guitars out there.
I'm still waiting to find one in a shop. I'm not in the market. I'm not a collector, and I own a great S2 594 (with some electronics upgrades). But, the standards and customs are SOOO far off from the core versions that I really questioned my sanity when people would praise them. I'm really curious if these hold up to the internet hype.
I had the S2 McCarty 2 yrs ago. I didn’t like. I thought it would it would be better than it was so I sold it. When the SE came around I tried it and I love it. It’s funny how things work out.
I like my SE Custom 24. Its my favorite in feel in comparison to the rest of my collection, but i dont like its pickups. If i changed the electronics in it then it would be my favorite guitar i own. Definitely want to try the McCarty 594 SE Single Cut
Mighty fine. Thank you.
brody rly opened the pearly gates of PRS for me with this one
Awesome videos man!
The model ranges are Core, the standard American made models, the S2 the more affordable less ornate American made models, the the SE, the Korean made affordable imports. All good guitars, but the Core is the cream of the crop. I say that having owned all the versions at one time or another, and I still own a 2001 McCarty that I have had for years.
One thing to mention is that all PRS SE are the "overseas" models and no one can say nothing but excellent things about them, but still they go for 800+ USD dollars retail. So comparing them to a cheap squier which goes for 250 up to 600 for the high end is not a good comparison. The closest in the Fender range is the MIM entry-level strats.
So even though they are "overseas imported models" they shouldn't be considered cheap guitars by any means.
My main guitar is a 2009-2008 PRS SE custom 24 which I still play to this day, and a MIM Fender player and both are excellent guitars, but the PRS SE feels and plays better in my opinion, both at the same price range.
I mean, compared to Ibanez, the naming schemes for PRS seem brief and concise.