PRS SE Singlecut or Epiphone Black Beauty 3?

[SausageofPower]

I'm looking for a hardtail LP-esque guitar, and I'm looking at these two. I've played Epiphones before, but recently I've gotten an itch to get a PRS. I don't have a lot of cash to get something insanely high end, but something in the SE line would still be a decent purchase.

What do you guys think? I could use some input.

[Nightbat]

My Epiphone LP Custom (Not the cheapest prostitute in Epiphone's brothel) left a lot to be desired, dunno if quality went up in the past few years though

[MetalHeadMat]

I love PRS and I love the SE's.

[Flatpicker]

The SE's are very solid and the last Epi I've played was better than I expected. (Nighthawk Custom)
The SE body isn't as thick as an LP, so it may not have the sound you are looking for.

[MetalHeadMat]

http://prsguitars.com/setorero/specs.php

Christmas list <3

[markD]

having had the epiphone and having played the prs SE, i'd say go for the SE!!!! the sound isn't the same as a "real" LP, but neither is the epi's sound. i found that i really liked the way the "korina" prs SE single cut sounded the best out of all the ones i played.

[Rich#6]

I loved the prs se singlecut I had. the epiphones I've played and put down pretty fast needed a serious setup.

[asix]

epi imo is a lot of badge not a lot of axe.

[Larz]

Do you need something immedately? Almost sounds like you're settling the way you describe it, which often leads you to try and sell and/or trade up later, losing a good deal of the cash you had available to begin with that you could have combined with a few more hundys down the road.

There's a lot of options before you get into the insane $5-$8K PRS range.

Have you been able to try a PRS? At least guitar center usually has tons of PRS to try out.

[SausageofPower]

Do you need something immedately? Almost sounds like you're settling the way you describe it, which often leads you to try and sell and/or trade up later, losing a good deal of the cash you had available to begin with that you could have combined with a few more hundys down the road.

Eh, I'm thinking July is when I'll be looking to throw down. I'm sending the Model 4 off for some work and want to have a guitar to play, and I also want a hardtail so that's where I'm coming from. It's not so much settling, I had wanted to replace an Epi Black Beauty 3 I had ages ago, but I read varying things on the QC end and I started getting interested in the PRS offerings in the same price range. Plus, I've got a connection where I could probably get a decent price.

Have you been able to try a PRS? At least guitar center usually has tons of PRS to try out.

I've messed around on one, ages ago. I intend to hit the local GC's next weekend and play around. Thanks for the input!

[Larz]

I haven't tried one but those PRS models you mentioned do look pretty sharp for the price.