Home › Forums › Discuss Your Gear › About to purchase a new PRS CE24, any advice?
Tagged: PRS CE24 guitar
- This topic has 17 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 8 months ago by Brent N.
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May 24, 2020 at 4:52 am #174762
I’m close to pulling the trigger on the purchase of a new PRS CE24 semi- hollow, double cut-away electric. I’ve read through comments on the site and most all are positive concerning the PRS guitars but haven’t found any on this model. I would appreciate any input on this (pro’s or con’s) since this will be be my first and most likely only electric. I currently play on a acoustic electric, mostly blues with some classic rock favorites. Been playing my Martin OMC-16E and really love the guitar both plugged and unplugged but I want to expand to an electric. Can’t really afford to make an unwise purchase, need a keeper! Any help appreciated.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas -
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May 24, 2020 at 8:34 am #174776
I have no experience with that guitar, so I can’t help you there. But are you buying online, or have you had a chance to try one in a store? I strongly suggest getting your hands on any guitar before buying it. If you are buying online, does the seller have a decent return policy? If you are buying from a store, have you played the same songs through other guitars to see if you like them more (or less)?
Also, if you are testing in a store, see if they either have your amp or ask if you can take your amp in. I made the mistake once of testing a guitar in a store, thinking “that sounds awesome”, not really noticing that the store amp was 10x the cost of my home amp. You really want to hear how the guitar sounds through your own gear. A good return policy gives some insurance here.
I know it’s hard to do all these things in the current environment (more or less so depending on where you are), but for what it’s worth, that’s my advice.
Having said that, I am building a HH semi-hollow guitar (a thinline tele kit), so I personally think this can be a good guitar choice for blues. Depending on the pickups.
DC
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May 25, 2020 at 2:58 am #174824
DC, I will be purchasing this guitar on-line from Sweetwater. They have a good return policy and go out of their way to make sure you’re satisfied with the purchase. I’ve used them in the past and have been happy. As far as playing this particular model of PRS I haven’t got the chance yet. Live in a remote part of Texas and will require a 250 mile round trip to get that opportunity but plan on doing that before making that final decision. Waiting for a friend that has more experience with electrics to be able to go with me. Thanks for the advice.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas-
May 25, 2020 at 5:35 am #174837
That’s dedication! Kudos Good Sir, kudos.
And take this with a grain of salt, but the more I read about PRS guitars the more I think you are onto something.
DC
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May 24, 2020 at 11:25 am #174784
Every PRS I’ve tried has been spot on setup wise, thats including the cheaper ones and play well.
They really look nice as well excellent access to the upper frets and balance well on the knee
There just a really well made guitar.
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May 25, 2020 at 3:18 am #174827
I had the chance to play a PRS a while back and although it wasn’t a semi hollow body I really loved the fell of the neck and it sounded great. I play sitting so that is a big concern on how this model will fit. Played a Guild hollow body about 20 years back and remember it being the most comfortable electric I’d ever sit down with but maybe body was a little large- 20 years can warp some recollections. The PRS I’ve got my eye on is a burnt amber smokeburst and I love the looks of it. I’ve studied up on PRS’s history and watched any videos I could find on this model. Trying to do all my homework before jumping in. Thanks for your help.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas
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May 24, 2020 at 11:41 am #174786
Hi Brent, welcome to the AM Forum. Lots of knowledgeable and friendly people here, and lots of different opinions.
Here’s my answer to your question: I have a PRS (Baritone) SE and I LOVE it. However, I don’t use it much because it’s a baritone (tuned down 5 frets) and hard to play with a lot of regular guitar keys.
What i like most about PRS is the feel of the neck and fretboard – you would know a PRS blindfolded just by the feel of the neck. One of the volume knobs is a pull/push toggle that goes from humbucker to single coil so you can get warm fuzzy Fender or more gritty Marshall with a simple pull on the knob. There’s also quite a range of tones from neck to bridge – dark to twangy.
So, great feel, great range of tones, high quality reputation. And I think they’re beautiful looking.There’s lots of demos and comparisons of PRS CE24 semi- hollow on internet to get a sense of the range of tones; worth checking out.
But the bottom line, like DC said, is you should play one in a store to see if it feels and sounds right for you. Use a store amp that’s close to your own (stores usually demo guitars thru top of the line amps), and try all the switches and tones. To me, the most important factor in buying a guitar is how it feels in my hands, and the tones i can get out of it just playing with the knobs and switches; you’re gonna spend a lot of hours with this baby in your hands so it’s got to feel right.
Here’s my Baritone PRS in action. The white 3-way toggle switch is visible, and the Tone knob at the back is a pull/push toggle for humbucker or single coil. The volume knob is also handy for volume swells if you’re into that.
Good luck with your PRS search.-
May 25, 2020 at 3:29 am #174828
Forgot to thank you for attaching your video. Great playing and great sounding piece. That PRS guitar looked and sounded fantastic. Again, appreciate your help.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas
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May 24, 2020 at 12:41 pm #174791
Hello Brent. While I can’t speak for the simi-hollow CE24, I own a CE24 solid body, Whale Blue. I’ve had it for bout 4 yrs. When shopping I also tried the PRS S2 line, but it just didn’t sing like CE24. The humbuckers sound great and yes there is coil splitting function, which I rarely use. (Got a strat for single coil) Very smooth tuners that make changing strings a breeze! I would look at PRS guitars again if I were in the market for a new guitar. I see more and more of the CE24 and other PRS guitars in the hands of more professional players on stage nowadays. I was told this line is mfg. as “one off”, each one unique. As has already been suggested, I hope you can play it to be sure it’s right for you. I enjoy playing mine! Hope this helps!
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May 25, 2020 at 3:36 am #174829
I won’t be able to play the exact guitar (purchasing on-line) but hope to test drive same model soon and make sure it’s a fit. Thanks for your recommedations.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas
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May 25, 2020 at 2:25 pm #174876Anonymous
I’m a PRS fan. I have not played the CE24, but would not hesitate to do so. I have owned a PRS since I bought my first one in 2006 or so. That one was a 20th anniversary I think. Someone made me a good offer in 2014 and I sold it but I missed it so bad I went out and bought a 2014 model. Generally I go for the singlecut solid body broomsticks. I love the look and feel of their wide fat neck. I think they call it their pattern neck now, but it just clicks for me. I have bought a number of guitars over the years, but the PRS just seems to make me play better. (might be all in my head). I can’t imagine you wouldn’t be happy with yours.
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May 25, 2020 at 3:11 pm #174878
Robert, thanks for the scoop. Feeling more comfortable about letting go of the cash every time I see another reply to this post. All I have to play this guitar on right now is a little Fishman LoudX mini that I use for my Martin acoustic/electric. Hope to be able to get a good Marshall amp in the near future but will have to wait a bit – haven’t got the energy or cash to shop for a new wife at this point. But still, if all goes well, once I get this guitar I will post something of me having a good time with it. Thanks again
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas-
May 26, 2020 at 7:07 pm #174946Anonymous
I’ll be looking forward to seeing you with that awesome axe.
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May 26, 2020 at 6:48 am #174915
Going from what you have to a top grade electric will be a shock to system whatever you buy.
What you get something like the custom 24 it has a real lightness of touch and will represent a real challenge which your going to have to stick with a fair while before you really appreciate its inner qualities.
Think of it in stages
Stage 1 Yea its great wow what action gosh its so smooth
Stage 2 Argh I’m hitting every bum note on the planet I’m not worthy
Stage 3 Come here old friendBy the way don’t forget the most important bit what colour it is, not being factious but these tend to be long term purchases so don’t get swayed by an online deal on a colour your not 100% on.
My last purchase an eric johnston strat I paid 100 more for the cream (vintage white) colour over the sunburst which looked way better to me.
I’ve a Les Paul with a lovely Lemon Burst with the maple showing through and canada moose has a darker burst earlier on in the post.The thing is the more you connect with it the better you’ll play it.
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May 26, 2020 at 7:45 am #174921
I remember the first time I played an electric (a late 70s red tele) after spending a year bashing away on acoustic. I was freaked out by all the noise every time I so much as touched or looked at the strings. Of course, now I rarely play anything except my electric.
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May 27, 2020 at 8:05 am #174960
I haven’t ever owned an electric but have been fortunate to have some friends with really nice ones. Have got to play on some Fenders, Gibsons, Guild and Epiphones. Years back had a friend loan me his Les Paul and a amp for about 6 weeks (he was trying to convince me to buy it) and I would play until I started driving myself nuts then pick my acoustic back up so I could wander back to sanity. I know that was mostly because of my in experience with the equipment. I didn’t buy the guitar because I couldn’t afford it but sure enjoyed messing with for a while. That was before internet and on-line lessons. Now I have so much material that I would like to work on with an electric that I can’t wait to get started. Thanks for your insight and recommendatios.
Brent
Permian Basin, Texas
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June 6, 2020 at 5:54 am #177633
Brent first, welcome to am , As for PRS semi or acoustic Suggest read ratings first..PRS are quality instruments as any well named brand.. but besides ratings ,, what tones you after etc.. not to mention you are not sure.. best to try the guitar first and only other is used guitars are much btter bargain than new guitars gl
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August 5, 2020 at 3:47 am #186078
Ended up purchasing a new G&L Tribute series ASAT Bluesboy semi-hollow natural finish for about 1/3rd the price of the new PRS. Love the guitar, I’m far from an expert on electric guitars but this G&L is super fun to play and does everything I need. Thanks for everyones input.
Brent
Permian Basin, TexasAttachments:
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