Se to Core?

[Michael Mars]

Need some clarity here.

So let's say I want to get a Core version of an Se I aleady own. I have Tremonti for example, but it could be a Holcomb or whatever. So what does the additional $4,000 get me?

Are the pickups exactly that same anyways? Maybe a better nut? A better finish? Will it sound better?

I just need to understand why I would prefer a core over an Se.

 

[MTB1973]

This may be useful.

 

[mpexus]

So what does the additional $4,000 get me?

An emptier Bank Account.

 

[QQQ]

Need some clarity here.

So let's say I want to get a Core version of an Se I aleady own. I have Tremonti for example, but it could be a Holcomb or whatever. So what does the additional $4,000 get me?

Are the pickups exactly that same anyways? Maybe a better nut? A better finish? Will it sound better?

I just need to understand why I would prefer a core over an Se.

Sort of the same concept of Lexus vs. Toyota. Both will get you from point A to point B. Fit , finish, and accessories will be higher end. Up to you if it’s worth it or not. In my experience, I have greatly preferred the Core PRS models over the SE. The sounds weren’t so much better, but the feel was. YMMV.

 

[Michael Mars]

I guess i get it. Toyota or Lexus. Not sure if the extra $$$ will make the juice worth the squeeze.

The video was very informative. Not much sound difference really.

 

[ABe©eDarian]

I'm sure you wouldn't spend that money then find reasons to dislike it. People like to justify what they buy of course. I've only played SE PRS's but was already enough of a guitar snob when I got them to know I'd dislike them if they were insufficient. And by guitar snob I mean $hi+ has to tune up and intonate well, be responsive, feel good, and sound nice.

Someday if I have the $ to spend I may treat myself to a Core and at that time would love to discern positive superior qualities, which I'm sure exist in those guitars.

Calling my SE's not good enough because they didn't cost $4K+ would be inaccurate. But calling Cores not better than my SE's because I only have SE's I'm sure would also be inaccurate. Nobody's Cores are going to make me not love my SE's.

Maybe if you're enjoying your SE don't spend the Core $ if it's going to hurt to bleed out that $.

 

[Stone]

To me it's cork sniffery blues lawyer stuff, any decent guitar with a great setup will do you just fine, then there is always a pickup swap for tones your looking for if be the case.

 

[DISTORT6]

Epiphone---->Gibson
Squire-------->Fender
Sterling------->Music Mann/EB
LTD------------>ESP/EII

Same basic idea.

 

[Ignoramus]

So what does the additional $4,000 get me?

Something you can brag to your friends (who don't really care or can tell the difference).

 

[Jarick]

Need some clarity here.

So let's say I want to get a Core version of an Se I aleady own. I have Tremonti for example, but it could be a Holcomb or whatever. So what does the additional $4,000 get me?

Are the pickups exactly that same anyways? Maybe a better nut? A better finish? Will it sound better?

I just need to understand why I would prefer a core over an Se.

I caught the PRS bug with a couple of SE's and then ended up getting some S2's and a CE-24. Can't afford Cores though.

To me the USA models are more soundly built and generally are better across the board in most aspects. You have better quality wood for starters, two piece bodies and those with maple tops have a single thick top instead of a top with a veneer. The frets I've found to be bigger and better finished. The tuners are better quality with brass posts and locking screws on most models. Pickups are USA made (in newer models) rather than import made to spec.

SE's are still really good instruments for the money, but it's kind of like Fender guitars. SE's are like the Mexican Player models, S2's are like American Professional models, and Core are more like Custom Shop models. As you move up the price bracket you tend to get better quality components with more attention to detail in the construction and finishing.

 

[CorrosiveMatter]

Watch the know your gear video on his SE factory tour. They are doing some great things for quality.

I have the Tremonti SE from when they were Korean made and it’s really great. I did buy it locking tuners and am thinking about a pickup swap but absolutely nothing else lacking. And the pick ups might be fine for most people, but I like them a little hotter.

 

[Frodebro]

I guess the easiest way to explain it is that SEs are intended to be the best they can be while maintaining a specific price point (with affordability being a primary concern), and the Core models are intended to be the best that they can make, period. Every component in a Core model is top shelf, the wood is higher quality (with no veneers), and obviously the cost of labor in America is much higher. It all adds up.