Interesting that Phillip mentions the PRS violin sound. The tones of this guitar remind me a lot of Eric Johnson's sound, who's known for having a violin-like tone.
A lot of the time is also in the fingers ..years ago when I was in a show band I'd get people coming up to me saying " I love that effect your getting . " At the time I wasnt running any effects
I need to stop watching gear videos gear reviews all of it...it takes up basically 80% of my time spent on guitar!!! Lol I need to reverse that pattern. you keep temping me to buy new gear all the time 😁 lately been practicing scales while I watch and listen to u and others!!! Very informative!!!
Phil you've become my favourite TH-cam guitar presenter. I like your style its really down to earth and but ernest and informative. keep it up buddy. Love and respect from England.
Actually CEs always sounded and played better than customs to me, specially the older ones with Black headstocks. Little less sustain. no big deal. Good job man.
I don't like the plastic bird inlays. They look cheap. But I'd certainly own one. I do have a core Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck and I absolutely love it.
He’s exactly right about the fit and finish of the neck and frets. The fret work is arguably the most important aspect of a guitar build. The notes ring out. Every. Single. One. When you’ve played so many guitars, high end ones at that, where you do NOT have that kind of quality, it’s just something else.
You should put in your notes above (in the area you put the link to that other youtube channel) all the equipment used in the video and maybe links to it. I see that on other channels now and it's really handy.
I'm 0 for 2 with gig bags. I had to get Mono cases for both in order to feel like I wasn't going to ruin them. It's weird to pay $2k for a guitar and get a flimsy gig bag. Other than that, PRS wins.
Phillip, thank you for this wonderful review! I have been seriously considering getting the CE 24. When I first started watching and listening to the beautiful tone you were getting, I was asking myself, "I wonder how it would sound through my humble Fender Super Champ X2?" Almost immediately, you said that this is the amp you were playing through, and that blew me away. I love my Super Champ! May I ask which setting you were on? I presume one of the modeling settings on channel 2 - or were you on channel 1/clean and using a high gain/overdive pedal?
I just got one used, a semi-hollow, I love it ! cannot put it down! one of the most versatile guitars i have - and I have many. The single pickup sound is the best split I've heard. I wish they'd offer some more options like abalone birds, vintage neck - maybe?, custom colors. But no complaints...this is probably my best guitar.
Isn't it the other way around about the bridges? They put those bridges on the CE, but they also included them on the SE. You made it sound like they took the lower-quality bridge and put it on the CE.
I played a CE24 in a guitar shop once and loved it! I've been wanting one for awhile now. They are very hard to find in stores though. I've played lots of Custom 24 guitars and I just hate the gloss necks. The satin neck on the CE24 feels like butter. CE24 is about $1500 cheaper and the only meaningful difference to me are the bridge and the tuners which would cost you $200 to replace with USA made parts should you choose to.
My old CE24 had the rotary switch... I had just spoke to my guitar tech about possibly doing a push pull pot and a 3way switch when they announced the ce was coming back. My ce24 is one of my 2 main guitars, so I wonder how different the new pups, finish, weight etc is
Is it just me or does the core sound more Les Paulish, where the CE sounds more Fendery? As in mahogany neck vs maple, as in a little darker vs a little brighter. I may just be imagining this though.. 9:01
I have an Anderson and my biggest hesitation with a PRS was the neck finish. Now that the CEs have the satin finish, I have a ruby and a trampas green one! Love em both almost more than the Anderson. I lied, I *do* like them more than my Anderson.
I pick up a new SE 30th Anniversary Custom 24 this weeks. I'm not a pro player. I just play for my own enjoyment and jam with a few people sometimes. Most of my guitar life I have played acoustic guitars. I pick up a Yamaha RGZ-P321 electric back in the early 90's. I like what Paul is doing with guitars. I will say I have read a lot about SE not stating in tune and nut problems. I have only had this one for about a 5 days now I have not had a problem staying in tune, but I don't use the tremolo. The Yamaha has a Floyd Rose bridge I had to learn how to restring it back then fro a tech. I ended up blocking it off because of doing two string bens and it pulling the bridge up. So when I got the SE that is one of the things I play with to see how it's bridge did. So far good or I was going to block it. Happy with it out of the box. The bird inlay don't bother me. I'm just into more have the plays.
Phil what is your take on the 85/15 pickups? I have them in an SE, S2 and CE...the S2 by far are the best sounding to me even though they are the same G&B made version, odd....overall I don't like the BIG push PRS has made to the 85/15 set...I don't like the mindset they are the "everything" pickup...I don't feel they have the PRS character I have grown to enjoy with the HFS set or Dragon/ Dragon II's Great video as usual!
I would always choose a guitar case over a gig bag no matter the price of the guitar...With gig bags, the thing that goes through my head is: that necks gonna snap right off.
PRS gig bags are good but not the same as PRS hard cases. Gig bags are just padding. If you are careful with your guitar they are fine, but the hard case is what you want if you are travelling a lot or don't have a safe place to stow the guitar for any amount of time
I just bought a CE24 Swamp Ash Special. The owner had played it 10 times, then put it away and forgot about it for 5 years. I’ve seen brand new guitars in shops which looked more played than this guitar. It’s mint. It has 85/15s and seems to sound the same as a Custom 24. I also have a Core, and my CE24 feels better and sounds the same. I love the satin neck. I got over the bolt-on neck and the Korean bridge doesn’t matter to me.
I've owned a few PRS since around 1990 and have just bought a silver sky. I tried one of the new CE guitars and was about to purchase, but won't ONLY because of the korean bridge. The tuners are fine but theres no reason to cut that kind of cost. The bridge is integral to the sound and tuning stability and this was enough to put me off. Having said that, they're good enough units for shows and recording. Phillips points with regard the carving and the case are bang on. I agree wholeheartedly. As a footnote, I owned an early alder bodied CE and I miss that guitar. The tone was, in my opinion, far superior to the cores mahogany dense sound. These newer ones have a lot to live up to and if they came with all american hardware, it would be in my house right now. Great review.
I think it would be hard to justify the CE against an S2 given the s2 used market right now. Seems like the one of the biggest differences is having the core pickups.
The CE wins the clean war and the core wins the overdrive war. I just bought a CE and love it. It sounds great through a black face Princeton. Good Review Phil!
I have a CE 24 and a core 24. I thought I would sell my CE when I got my core but they both sound so good and different that I kept both. But I think my core 24 sounds better clean than my CE because it has way more warmth to the tone... but the CE has more clarity I think. I'm not sure which I like better in overdrive... they definitely both sound good and different... but for lead playing in overdrive I prefer the core because it's less fizzy and ice picky. Again both guitars are exceptional. I don't think the core should be double the price...or because it costs more it sounds better...it just sounds different. I don't think they sound that much alike really... though some similarities because it's body shape. The CE is definately one of the most underrated guitars of all time. I would take it anyway over about 95 percent of other guitars out there... That's why I can't depart from mine. It can sound a little sterile and lacking in warmth next to my core but it's much warmer sounding than a telecaster...
So great to see brands like PRS and Gretsch producing guitars that are affordable to mere mortals but maintaining a level if quality that professionals and experienced hobbyists can be happy with. There are some differences between their high end models and these more reasonably priced ones, but compare them to similar guitars in the same price range by their competitors and it's hard to find a better instrument.
Most Excellent video ! I have a 2016 Ruby Red CE love it, absolute a keeper. Can be whatever tone you want it to be. Love it! Saving for a Core PRS McCarty 594.
What a coincidence, I just got my new CE 24 today! I absolutely love it! I shot you an email a couple of weeks ago asking your opinion, but I ended up pulling the trigger and grabbing one anyway. I agree with the comment on the action, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I still might take it in for a setup to get it lower though. Mine has a slightly different finish than the other CE 24s and a matte black neck imgur.com/a/tZEk8
sand the top of your core and refinish it ,,, easy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The bridge is the issue for Me ,, the core bridge is far superior ,,, thats why I passed on this model .. 2500 I expects a core bridge
I've been shopping for a original CE 22 for quite a while (a few years now). I find that most are beat, which means they were actually played unlike the more pricey PRS guitars.
Thanks for the review Phillip! I went out and bought one just like this. She's a true beauty. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Nothing like a PRS in fit and finish. And she sings.....
i like G&L tribute series in that they put american parts (US pickups) but charge import prices. PRS seem to go the opposite direction. Putting in import parts but charging US prices. I don't like that.
I wonder if the korean bridge makes a difference with sustain. Paul often says anything the strings touch affects that. I wonder if the real american bridge has that copper mix in the metal to improve that whereas this one may not.
I am addicted to my 2 PRS guitars. On my S2 22 I installed a pair of Bare Knuckle Pickups and it brought that guitar to life! Such a beautiful marriage with that all mahogany guitar. The 85/15’s’ pickups are, indeed, uninspiring. The American made 85/15 pickups, like those in this video, are so rich, especially on my CE semi-hollow. I couldn’t be happier!
Not a fan of 24 fret guitars nor of Paul Reed Smith wide thin necks . If they made a 22 fret version with a short scale and a pattern neck like my Stripped 58 I'd certainly love one !
Something about that "Santana" note, you're right on. PRS do have a sound! I'm quite interested in the 277 Baritone w/P90's, I meant soap bars. You should review that one!
late to the party but if you really want the core sound with the CE feel then try a second gen CE 24 with the mahogany body. 1995-07 models they have the same features as the core but the difference is the bolt on neck. I pretty much only look for the original bolt ons nowadays.
A lesser carve, no recessed back plate covers (weird and cheap looking), some SE hardware, bolt-on neck and a gig bag for $2000?? For the $2000 pricetag no way it should not include a hard case (even if the gig bags are nice) and USA core hardware components. I don't doubt they are nice guitars but for what is offered the price seems way high.
JB54379 , only SE hardware on that is the bridge...pickups, pots, switch, wiring...all like the Core models. Locking tuners are not the same phase 3 of the core but no SE comes with locking tuners. These are the same of S2. The body is 1 mahogany piece and figure maple top like the cores. Remember, this is 1500 dollars less than a core.
I thought Paul was dead set against bolt on neck's. I could have swore he said that in an interview. I could be wrong but it's a damn nice guitar. It's on my bucket list. Do they have a Patreon bucket list fund? They should.
These are $2000. I think I would save up for a Custom 24 or 22 rather than go with this CE. It seems too much like a Korean SE, especially since they use the SE's bridge and Korean tuners. I have a Tremonti SE and it's worth ever penny ($525 new) and the quality is up there with my Les Paul. But if I'm paying over say $1500, I would hold off, save up some money and go for the best.
I have an older CE 24 and it is nothing like an SE. It's a very solid, very high quality guitar, but i'm not sure about these newer CE's. You might be right. They might not be the same build quality. I love PRS's though, either way.
I have no doubt the build quality on the CE is top notch. It's just that price coupled with SE components that pushes me away. At the price PRS is charging, I think they could still make a handsome profit using higher quality parts.
Tested one of these they where nearly 2200 Dollars in Europe? Playability so so, looks matter of taste..sounds so so..I took a Se Custom 24 stealth quilt nstead .felt looked and all was much better for me sorry! ( I was ready to spend..but then took the Se and 2 other guitars and some loose parts, pick ups etc.. big fun thpugh).. For me that guitar ( and some others much higher price point) gave no wanna have, smell good sound good etc feeling like an LP..do I see touch play an LP I am lost...and being an old guy ignored strats and Teles for most my life ( I was stubborn Now regret it) now these Strats and Teles are magic to me to.? and I can' t stop playing looking at them now..and added an extra signal chain and H&K amp on.. But that does not say that I am neg about the PRS.. I also like to play my PRS s...but those are Ses and it is that what I need max! ( like a Cayman gives you more then enough Porsche feel...you don't need the 918).. Hope you are not annoyed with me, keep rocking
PRS doesn't have a sound? Maybe in the same way that a strat "doesn't have a sound". The thing i've always loved about strats is that their sound always conforms to the player. Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Stevie, Clapton, etc always sound like themselves on a strat. PRS has always had that same quality for me but with a little more balls.
Hey Phillip I thought my volume pot was loose since it feels different than the tone/coil split pot. So is it normal than the volume pot feels different than the other?
I have an anniversary edition CE 24 with a black Limba neck. It’s the best guitar I have ever played. I use it on every electric guitar gig I play. And I use it constantly in the studio. I love that guitar.
I just don't understand how people feel the sound is so different to the core. I hear almost no difference at all.... Which seems logical in how the mahogany vs maple ratio is balanced out with the thinner maple top on the maple neck, vs a mahogany neck but with more maple in the top. Same electronics. Il'd say the sound difference to me is less than 5%. ONLY two things I am worried about: this is the korean bridge, which is also on the S2 and the SE. On my 2007 SE the nickel is coming off... Hope that doesn't happen on a €2k guitar! Second: neck pattern. Il'd love a pattern regular neck on these things, though the flat would probably make thumb chords easier.
As always a straight down the middle review of a really great guitar. I think people really jumped ugly on these guitars because of the bridge and a few other parts but they are really nice to play, are a great value and sound fantastic. Some of the tops are really spectacular as well. I hope they come out with a 22 fret version with a hard tail or blocked tremolo.
I think the issue with these is they're $2k+ with foreign parts. PRS is now offering the USA bridge on the Chinese Hollowbodies, so it'd be interesting to know if they've done the same with the recent CEs.
I just saw this old review and there is something very weird about it. I bought and barely kept one of these because believe it or not, they have plastic, or “synthetic”, birds! They are SO ugly and noticeable and a ripoff-you can NOT miss them. But Phil does! Also, FYI-I upgraded the molded bridge to a machined/solid PRS bridge and it’s worth doing-these are great guitars with the upgrade bridges that they had originally years ago when CE’s were the only PRS’s big name players were playing (except Carlos), so Paul discontinued them. Go ask Alex.
2:20 The thing I've noticed right away is that the grain goes along the neck instead of forming random wooden patterns. Looks like a rift sawn wood which in theory translates to better neck stability although being wasteful and thus expensive. Makes more sense than a single piece neck, but from a plain sawn wood. Some good quality there... Or probably I'm just seeing things, do necks on other CE's look the same way?
Hey Phillip, thanks for the review! The tone you have on this video REALLY nails the sound i hear in my head. Is that a Fender Super Champ and a stock 2016 PRS CE24 - all run clean? No modulations? Thank you for any replies in advance :)
Phillip, I don't know if you'll answer this message because It's been a year since you released this video but If you do answer, it would be GREAT! I'm going to buy my very first guitar. I'm 43 years old and I do want to buy only one guitar (don't want to buy a cheap one, then change over the years). So I was thinking about a Les Paul standard (Gibson) or a PRS. But the thing is that PRS, if you go Core, they jump to 3000k, nothing in between (Gibson got the classics, the Studio for less money). So that's my dilema. Does a Core PRS 22 Custom worth the money against a Gibson Les Paul Standard? - I'm not a pro musician, so I'll not stuck to one music style (blues, jazz and so) I will play any kind of music such as Metal, Rock, Blues,... so I need something versatile. What would you advice?
It's crazy but I prefer the CE 24 to the Custom 24. The CE has a snap and attack that the CU24 doesn't have. It's not a downgrade from the CU24, or a cheaper version of a CU24, it's a totally different guitar. More Strat like than his other core guitars, but with a singing tone as referenced by Phil.
Hey Phillip, I recently purchased a 2017 PRS CE24 limited edition from Northeast music store and I love the guitar BUT it won't stay in tune (I don't use the tremolo) I tune it and then overnight pick it up and its out of tune.... This is very frustrating and I wanted to know if you have any advice or suggestions?? Thanks for your videos.
Phillip, you talk about swapping out the Korean bridge for the USA-made one, what about alternatives like Mannmade or Wudtone - what are your thoughts / recommendations? I'm thinking it's not solely about tone here, but tuning fidelity also? I have one of these new CE 24s and I am currently thinking of swapping out the bridge so that the whole guitar is US spec. Have you done a sound comparison with the CE24 - Korean vs replacement USA bridge? The Wudtone bridge makes interesting claims, but there seems very little independent empirical evidence to support it?
Interesting that Phillip mentions the PRS violin sound. The tones of this guitar remind me a lot of Eric Johnson's sound, who's known for having a violin-like tone.
absolutely
i think the reverb helps that too
That tone you get at the start of the video is as close as I've heard anyone get to Eric Johnson's sound. Bravo, mate!
How does he get that tone? Is it the guitar or his amp? It’s just a $300 amp
@@noels.8345 guitar+amp+fingers 🤷♀️
A lot of the time is also in the fingers ..years ago when I was in a show band I'd get people coming up to me saying " I love that effect your getting . " At the time I wasnt running any effects
@@noels.8345 u need to turn down your tone knob on the bridge pickup. It’s a trick that Joe bonamassa and Eric Johnson use
I need to stop watching gear videos gear reviews all of it...it takes up basically 80% of my time spent on guitar!!! Lol I need to reverse that pattern. you keep temping me to buy new gear all the time 😁 lately been practicing scales while I watch and listen to u and others!!! Very informative!!!
Mini Surf right?! I just bought a new prs this morning!! Damn these vids!
at least you're doing your scales. that's more productive than you realize lol
I have the same problem !!
I forgot I wrote this comment five years ago 😂 I finally bought this guitar just the semi-hollow version!!!
I just picked up a Trampas Green CE24 a couple weeks ago and I love it. The build quality is exceptional!
Phil you've become my favourite TH-cam guitar presenter. I like your style its really down to earth and but ernest and informative. keep it up buddy. Love and respect from England.
I would be interested in a new CE vs. Old Ce video...
Been wanting a 90’s alder/maple CE for a while now. I hear so many good things about them.
Actually CEs always sounded and played better than customs to me, specially the older ones with Black headstocks. Little less sustain. no big deal. Good job man.
I don't like the plastic bird inlays. They look cheap. But I'd certainly own one. I do have a core Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck and I absolutely love it.
Great video, I've been looking hard at these. I'm torn between saving a few bucks with a CE or splurging for a core Tremonti.
I prefer the ce. bolt on necks are the way to go. they can be replaced If they break. huge advantage.
And to put in a suitcase when you fly just un screw the neckK
lol ^
Brock Adcock Only PRS doesn't sell replacement necks
He’s exactly right about the fit and finish of the neck and frets. The fret work is arguably the most important aspect of a guitar build. The notes ring out. Every. Single. One. When you’ve played so many guitars, high end ones at that, where you do NOT have that kind of quality, it’s just something else.
You should put in your notes above (in the area you put the link to that other youtube channel) all the equipment used in the video and maybe links to it. I see that on other channels now and it's really handy.
The bridge is missing the brass block. Just replace that.
I'm 0 for 2 with gig bags. I had to get Mono cases for both in order to feel like I wasn't going to ruin them. It's weird to pay $2k for a guitar and get a flimsy gig bag. Other than that, PRS wins.
I get your point but prs gigbags are awesome, not quite as mono but way superior than most gigbags
I'm surprised they don't send a hardshell case for that kind of money.
Phillip, thank you for this wonderful review! I have been seriously considering getting the CE 24. When I first started watching and listening to the beautiful tone you were getting, I was asking myself, "I wonder how it would sound through my humble Fender Super Champ X2?" Almost immediately, you said that this is the amp you were playing through, and that blew me away. I love my Super Champ! May I ask which setting you were on? I presume one of the modeling settings on channel 2 - or were you on channel 1/clean and using a high gain/overdive pedal?
Your review are the best, you are the only one who focus on how a guitar feels... thank you.
I just got one used, a semi-hollow, I love it ! cannot put it down! one of the most versatile guitars i have - and I have many. The single pickup sound is the best split I've heard. I wish they'd offer some more options like abalone birds, vintage neck - maybe?, custom colors. But no complaints...this is probably my best guitar.
Isn't it the other way around about the bridges? They put those bridges on the CE, but they also included them on the SE. You made it sound like they took the lower-quality bridge and put it on the CE.
I played a CE24 in a guitar shop once and loved it! I've been wanting one for awhile now. They are very hard to find in stores though. I've played lots of Custom 24 guitars and I just hate the gloss necks. The satin neck on the CE24 feels like butter. CE24 is about $1500 cheaper and the only meaningful difference to me are the bridge and the tuners which would cost you $200 to replace with USA made parts should you choose to.
My old CE24 had the rotary switch... I had just spoke to my guitar tech about possibly doing a push pull pot and a 3way switch when they announced the ce was coming back. My ce24 is one of my 2 main guitars, so I wonder how different the new pups, finish, weight etc is
Is it just me or does the core sound more Les Paulish, where the CE sounds more Fendery? As in mahogany neck vs maple, as in a little darker vs a little brighter. I may just be imagining this though.. 9:01
I have an Anderson and my biggest hesitation with a PRS was the neck finish. Now that the CEs have the satin finish, I have a ruby and a trampas green one! Love em both almost more than the Anderson. I lied, I *do* like them more than my Anderson.
I pick up a new SE 30th Anniversary Custom 24 this weeks. I'm not a pro player. I just play for my own enjoyment and jam with a few people sometimes. Most of my guitar life I have played acoustic guitars. I pick up a Yamaha RGZ-P321 electric back in the early 90's. I like what Paul is doing with guitars. I will say I have read a lot about SE not stating in tune and nut problems. I have only had this one for about a 5 days now I have not had a problem staying in tune, but I don't use the tremolo. The Yamaha has a Floyd Rose bridge I had to learn how to restring it back then fro a tech. I ended up blocking it off because of doing two string bens and it pulling the bridge up. So when I got the SE that is one of the things I play with to see how it's bridge did. So far good or I was going to block it. Happy with it out of the box. The bird inlay don't bother me. I'm just into more have the plays.
PRS ce24 semi hollow are also good, but I had some problem with mine: after just few months the fingerboard separated from the neck
that thing sounds amazing....if only i had the cash to buy one lol
Went to Michael's channel on your recommendation, glad I did.
Phil what is your take on the 85/15 pickups? I have them in an SE, S2 and CE...the S2 by far are the best sounding to me even though they are the same G&B made version, odd....overall I don't like the BIG push PRS has made to the 85/15 set...I don't like the mindset they are the "everything" pickup...I don't feel they have the PRS character I have grown to enjoy with the HFS set or Dragon/ Dragon II's
Great video as usual!
Your channel is by far the most objective and qualified of all guitar reviewers. Keep it on bro!
I don't believe the CE 24 is 1000$ more worth than the amazing Korean SE.
the se is terrible compared to a ce
Probably the most expensive guitar on the market that doesn't come with a case... a gig bag PRS? really? for this price
I would always choose a guitar case over a gig bag no matter the price of the guitar...With gig bags, the thing that goes through my head is: that necks gonna snap right off.
Have you seen Prs gig bags? Way better than a case Any day!
Yeah, PRS gig bags are great.
A bigger joke is the 3 way switch and the Korean bridge.
PRS gig bags are good but not the same as PRS hard cases. Gig bags are just padding. If you are careful with your guitar they are fine, but the hard case is what you want if you are travelling a lot or don't have a safe place to stow the guitar for any amount of time
I like that exact one except I would prefer having it in a 22.
I often drool at most of the guitars you show in your videos..... Lol... ;0)
A lot of them are really nice.
I just bought a CE24 Swamp Ash Special. The owner had played it 10 times, then put it away and forgot about it for 5 years. I’ve seen brand new guitars in shops which looked more played than this guitar. It’s mint. It has 85/15s and seems to sound the same as a Custom 24. I also have a Core, and my CE24 feels better and sounds the same. I love the satin neck. I got over the bolt-on neck and the Korean bridge doesn’t matter to me.
Paul Reed Smith is the Apple of guitar companies in the bad way
I've owned a few PRS since around 1990 and have just bought a silver sky.
I tried one of the new CE guitars and was about to purchase, but won't ONLY because of the korean bridge. The tuners are fine but theres no reason to cut that kind of cost. The bridge is integral to the sound and tuning stability and this was enough to put me off. Having said that, they're good enough units for shows and recording. Phillips points with regard the carving and the case are bang on. I agree wholeheartedly. As a footnote, I owned an early alder bodied CE and I miss that guitar. The tone was, in my opinion, far superior to the cores mahogany dense sound. These newer ones have a lot to live up to and if they came with all american hardware, it would be in my house right now. Great review.
I think it would be hard to justify the CE against an S2 given the s2 used market right now. Seems like the one of the biggest differences is having the core pickups.
Totally two different guitars tone wise. You will get a unique snappiness from the bolt on vs the custom (core) and S2, se variants
As soon as he said this guitar is $2,000 that was it for me!
exactly....this is cheap!!!
@9:45 that's a Def Leppard riff. Cool!!
The CE wins the clean war and the core wins the overdrive war. I just bought a CE and love it. It sounds great through a black face Princeton. Good Review Phil!
I have a CE 24 and a core 24. I thought I would sell my CE when I got my core but they both sound so good and different that I kept both. But I think my core 24 sounds better clean than my CE because it has way more warmth to the tone... but the CE has more clarity I think. I'm not sure which I like better in overdrive... they definitely both sound good and different... but for lead playing in overdrive I prefer the core because it's less fizzy and ice picky. Again both guitars are exceptional. I don't think the core should be double the price...or because it costs more it sounds better...it just sounds different. I don't think they sound that much alike really... though some similarities because it's body shape. The CE is definately one of the most underrated guitars of all time. I would take it anyway over about 95 percent of other guitars out there... That's why I can't depart from mine. It can sound a little sterile and lacking in warmth next to my core but it's much warmer sounding than a telecaster...
So great to see brands like PRS and Gretsch producing guitars that are affordable to mere mortals but maintaining a level if quality that professionals and experienced hobbyists can be happy with. There are some differences between their high end models and these more reasonably priced ones, but compare them to similar guitars in the same price range by their competitors and it's hard to find a better instrument.
I dig the shape and the sound of PRS, will buy one, one day :)
Most Excellent video !
I have a 2016 Ruby Red CE love it, absolute a keeper. Can be whatever tone you want it to be. Love it! Saving for a Core PRS McCarty 594.
What a coincidence, I just got my new CE 24 today! I absolutely love it! I shot you an email a couple of weeks ago asking your opinion, but I ended up pulling the trigger and grabbing one anyway. I agree with the comment on the action, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I still might take it in for a setup to get it lower though. Mine has a slightly different finish than the other CE 24s and a matte black neck imgur.com/a/tZEk8
sand the top of your core and refinish it ,,, easy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The bridge is the issue for Me ,, the core bridge is far superior ,,, thats why I passed on this model .. 2500 I expects a core bridge
It's surprising how different it sounds from the core
I've been shopping for a original CE 22 for quite a while (a few years now). I find that most are beat, which means they were actually played unlike the more pricey PRS guitars.
Give me a PRS with Gibson pickups and I'm in Heaven!!
Thanks for the review Phillip! I went out and bought one just like this. She's a true beauty. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Nothing like a PRS in fit and finish. And she sings.....
I hear a signature prs sound in a lot of new country. Similar to a Gibby but also very smooth.
i like G&L tribute series in that they put american parts (US pickups) but charge import prices. PRS seem to go the opposite direction. Putting in import parts but charging US prices. I don't like that.
Every time i see the new CE i ask myself, how much money can they save not carving the knobs in the top! It looks so wrong for a CE IMO.
Nicolas Rivera , remember the maple top is a little thinner....so carving that top not only saves money, but it is less risky!
It can’t save that much when all they do is hit the start button on a machine to carve it out.
what is your opinion if you do a comparison between this one and a Fender Stratocaster Elite?
i got mine not too long ago....love it!
When you play the outro "know your gear" theme, it sounded better on the CE 24 than the actual recorded clip! What was the original recorded on?
I wonder if the korean bridge makes a difference with sustain. Paul often says anything the strings touch affects that. I wonder if the real american bridge has that copper mix in the metal to improve that whereas this one may not.
You could be right, I thought the same thing.
love yo videos i wld love to see one where u do a comparision of
different companies version of the strat vs the strat..musicman, prs 305
suhr. etc
when are you going to review the prs se277 baritone?
I've had 2 prs guitars including this one. Super nice guitar. Just they seem so uninspiring when u play them . Maybe its mental .
Kinda lame sound????
I am addicted to my 2 PRS guitars. On my S2 22 I installed a pair of Bare Knuckle Pickups and it brought that guitar to life! Such a beautiful marriage with that all mahogany guitar. The 85/15’s’ pickups are, indeed, uninspiring.
The American made 85/15 pickups, like those in this video, are so rich, especially on my CE semi-hollow. I couldn’t be happier!
I just got an S2 Standard 24 and the neck and frets are amazing. Perfect fret ends. Perfect fretwork. No buzzing.
The less aggressive carve is probably to do with it being a bolt on, as I am guessing that it has 0 neck angle like a Fender?
love mine I have an original CE....really you can feel the difference to other guitars PRS is the bomb
That sustain us amazing! What would it do through your bigger amps?
Were you playing Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson? Well, bits of it anyway?
No just the pentatonic scale
But you did play old Def Leppard! Well done Sir.
Man, your playing\touch has improved tremendously.
Not a fan of 24 fret guitars nor of Paul Reed Smith wide thin necks . If they made a 22 fret version with a short scale and a pattern neck like my Stripped 58 I'd certainly love one !
Charles Kerr 594.
I just became the proud owner of a prs se custom 24 and I love it the store I got it from is doin a full setup for me can’t wait to get her back
I've got two. One with a Floyd
why do you prefer a gig bag over a case? that's interesting.
Should i get prs ce24 ( middle ground between strat and a les paul ) or get both a squier classic vibe strat n an epiphone les paul instead?
Something about that "Santana" note, you're right on. PRS do have a sound! I'm quite interested in the 277 Baritone w/P90's, I meant soap bars. You should review that one!
I love my s2 and I am considering getting a CE as my main semi hollow. Phenomenal guitars.
I love playing my CE better than my custom butttt the sound is not as appealing for my genre of music. Both amazing crafted beauties.
late to the party but if you really want the core sound with the CE feel then try a second gen CE 24 with the mahogany body. 1995-07 models they have the same features as the core but the difference is the bolt on neck. I pretty much only look for the original bolt ons nowadays.
Phil: 9:35 in, Let it go by Def Leppard?
A lesser carve, no recessed back plate covers (weird and cheap looking), some SE hardware, bolt-on neck and a gig bag for $2000?? For the $2000 pricetag no way it should not include a hard case (even if the gig bags are nice) and USA core hardware components. I don't doubt they are nice guitars but for what is offered the price seems way high.
JB54379 , only SE hardware on that is the bridge...pickups, pots, switch, wiring...all like the Core models. Locking tuners are not the same phase 3 of the core but no SE comes with locking tuners. These are the same of S2. The body is 1 mahogany piece and figure maple top like the cores. Remember, this is 1500 dollars less than a core.
I prefer an 11 Guage guitar strings and high action. Fuller and more sustain.
Am I the only one who hates the look of a maple headstock on a PRS?
I thought Paul was dead set against bolt on neck's. I could have swore he said that in an interview. I could be wrong but it's a damn nice guitar. It's on my bucket list. Do they have a Patreon bucket list fund? They should.
These are $2000. I think I would save up for a Custom 24 or 22 rather than go with this CE. It seems too much like a Korean SE, especially since they use the SE's bridge and Korean tuners. I have a Tremonti SE and it's worth ever penny ($525 new) and the quality is up there with my Les Paul. But if I'm paying over say $1500, I would hold off, save up some money and go for the best.
I have an older CE 24 and it is nothing like an SE. It's a very solid, very high quality guitar, but i'm not sure about these newer CE's. You might be right. They might not be the same build quality. I love PRS's though, either way.
I have no doubt the build quality on the CE is top notch. It's just that price coupled with SE components that pushes me away. At the price PRS is charging, I think they could still make a handsome profit using higher quality parts.
+RKDriver tried a CE yesterday and it was immaculate. the neck profile was great and can do metal (im a metal player) perfectly
except the old ce, 2009 or below ce is so fkin good, not like this
which amp are using their brother that sounds amazing
Ok if you had a choice of a Silver Sky and one of the CE24. Which one and why?
awesome videos! keep it up!
Tested one of these they where nearly 2200 Dollars in Europe? Playability so so, looks matter of taste..sounds so so..I took a Se Custom 24 stealth quilt nstead .felt looked and all was much better for me sorry! ( I was ready to spend..but then took the Se and 2 other guitars and some loose parts, pick ups etc.. big fun thpugh).. For me that guitar ( and some others much higher price point) gave no wanna have, smell good sound good etc feeling like an LP..do I see touch play an LP I am lost...and being an old guy ignored strats and Teles for most my life ( I was stubborn Now regret it) now these Strats and Teles are magic to me to.? and I can' t stop playing looking at them now..and added an extra signal chain and H&K amp on.. But that does not say that I am neg about the PRS.. I also like to play my PRS s...but those are Ses and it is that what I need max! ( like a Cayman gives you more then enough Porsche feel...you don't need the 918).. Hope you are not annoyed with me, keep rocking
PRS doesn't have a sound? Maybe in the same way that a strat "doesn't have a sound". The thing i've always loved about strats is that their sound always conforms to the player. Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Stevie, Clapton, etc always sound like themselves on a strat. PRS has always had that same quality for me but with a little more balls.
Phil.. have you looked at any Godin guitars?
Im buying a Godin A 6 this month.
I shall be looking forward to your review.
When you play the core vs CE 24, you can clearly tell the Core has much for output...
RockFour1 - that’s subjective.
Hey Phillip I thought my volume pot was loose since it feels different than the tone/coil split pot. So is it normal than the volume pot feels different than the other?
I have an anniversary edition CE 24 with a black Limba neck. It’s the best guitar I have ever played. I use it on every electric guitar gig I play. And I use it constantly in the studio. I love that guitar.
Love that tone 🤩
Core sounds better to me.
Start saving your coins boys
I just don't understand how people feel the sound is so different to the core. I hear almost no difference at all.... Which seems logical in how the mahogany vs maple ratio is balanced out with the thinner maple top on the maple neck, vs a mahogany neck but with more maple in the top. Same electronics. Il'd say the sound difference to me is less than 5%.
ONLY two things I am worried about: this is the korean bridge, which is also on the S2 and the SE. On my 2007 SE the nickel is coming off... Hope that doesn't happen on a €2k guitar! Second: neck pattern. Il'd love a pattern regular neck on these things, though the flat would probably make thumb chords easier.
I don't like that you don't have dot inlay option. (I really don't like those birds)
Older models have the dots
As always a straight down the middle review of a really great guitar. I think people really jumped ugly on these guitars because of the bridge and a few other parts but they are really nice to play, are a great value and sound fantastic. Some of the tops are really spectacular as well. I hope they come out with a 22 fret version with a hard tail or blocked tremolo.
I think the issue with these is they're $2k+ with foreign parts. PRS is now offering the USA bridge on the Chinese Hollowbodies, so it'd be interesting to know if they've done the same with the recent CEs.
I just saw this old review and there is something very weird about it. I bought and barely kept one of these because believe it or not, they have plastic, or “synthetic”, birds! They are SO ugly and noticeable and a ripoff-you can NOT miss them. But Phil does! Also, FYI-I upgraded the molded bridge to a machined/solid PRS bridge and it’s worth doing-these are great guitars with the upgrade bridges that they had originally years ago when CE’s were the only PRS’s big name players were playing (except Carlos), so Paul discontinued them. Go ask Alex.
2:20 The thing I've noticed right away is that the grain goes along the neck instead of forming random wooden patterns. Looks like a rift sawn wood which in theory translates to better neck stability although being wasteful and thus expensive. Makes more sense than a single piece neck, but from a plain sawn wood. Some good quality there... Or probably I'm just seeing things, do necks on other CE's look the same way?
Hey Phillip, thanks for the review! The tone you have on this video REALLY nails the sound i hear in my head. Is that a Fender Super Champ and a stock 2016 PRS CE24 - all run clean? No modulations? Thank you for any replies in advance :)
Phillip, I don't know if you'll answer this message because It's been a year since you released this video but If you do answer, it would be GREAT! I'm going to buy my very first guitar. I'm 43 years old and I do want to buy only one guitar (don't want to buy a cheap one, then change over the years). So I was thinking about a Les Paul standard (Gibson) or a PRS. But the thing is that PRS, if you go Core, they jump to 3000k, nothing in between (Gibson got the classics, the Studio for less money). So that's my dilema. Does a Core PRS 22 Custom worth the money against a Gibson Les Paul Standard? - I'm not a pro musician, so I'll not stuck to one music style (blues, jazz and so) I will play any kind of music such as Metal, Rock, Blues,... so I need something versatile. What would you advice?
It's crazy but I prefer the CE 24 to the Custom 24. The CE has a snap and attack that the CU24 doesn't have. It's not a downgrade from the CU24, or a cheaper version of a CU24, it's a totally different guitar. More Strat like than his other core guitars, but with a singing tone as referenced by Phil.
Hey Phillip, I recently purchased a 2017 PRS CE24 limited edition from Northeast music store and I love the guitar BUT it won't stay in tune (I don't use the tremolo) I tune it and then overnight pick it up and its out of tune.... This is very frustrating and I wanted to know if you have any advice or suggestions?? Thanks for your videos.
Phillip, you talk about swapping out the Korean bridge for the USA-made one, what about alternatives like Mannmade or Wudtone - what are your thoughts / recommendations? I'm thinking it's not solely about tone here, but tuning fidelity also? I have one of these new CE 24s and I am currently thinking of swapping out the bridge so that the whole guitar is US spec. Have you done a sound comparison with the CE24 - Korean vs replacement USA bridge? The Wudtone bridge makes interesting claims, but there seems very little independent empirical evidence to support it?