It's good to have non-expensive tastes

[Boxcar Willie 84]

I played my next guitar today, something I never in a million years would've thought that I liked-A PRS Santana SE. Had a comfortable body, nice big neck, really light for jumping and thrashing around with, low-profile knobs that my hand doesn't hit, and it was even my favourite colour! All I would do is replace the bridge pickup-it has a nice swing but doesn't follow thru too well(not enough sustain). Oh yeah, the price tag is pretty good too...do any of you guys like these?

[lerxstcat]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I haven't played those, but I have a Hamer Stellar ST-1, which is similar but with a stop tailpiece (I assume the Santana SE has a Wilkinson?). Pretty dang nice Korean-made guitar; I'm sure it's nothing compared to a "real" PRS, but on its own terms, a good looking, sounding and playing guitar. Weak bridge pickup too (Duncan Designeds) but usable with an SD-1 in front. Since the SEs are Korean-made I imagine the two are pretty similar. BTW, is the SE setneck or bolt on? The ST-1 is set-neck, but the neck joint's not the best for reaching the 24th fret. Still, it plays great other than that.

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

You can get the SE with a vintage style trem or with a wraparound tailpiece, sorta like on old Les Paul Juniors and such (I was playing the ones with the wraparound tailpiece). It's got a set neck too...the heel is pretty big, but I did't find it to get in the way any when I played. I just loved the way everything was laid out, and the curves of the body-it was a really comfortable guitar. It's funny though, I play the higher-end PRS guitars and I hate them.

[BTB007]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I tried the Tremonti SE at a store, and I was really shocked how light it was...it really kind of freaked me out. But, I agree, they seem to kick butt for what they are.

Brian

[toejam]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I've never played one of those, but they look pretty cool, and I've heard very good things about them. I like the look of the older ones better without the pickguard, though. The pickguards just look gay on the new ones, IMO.

[etaeniura]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

From what I have read and heard "on the street" those PRS imports are supposed to have major "bang for the buck" appeal. I haven't run across any in person, but was checking out prices for the Santana not too long ago. They turn up used pretty cheap too, so you may get a good bargain on one if you look long enough.

[Number Of The Priest]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

The pickguard shape really is awful. Reminds me of a Line 6 Variax. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]



I do like the look of the non-pickguard Santana SEs though. It would be great for jumping around with... just look at Dave and his synchronized stage jumping antics from Sum 41. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[Twisteramps]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I played one, didn't do a whole lot for me, but if you dig em, that's all that matters. I think the 'PRS' name doesn't really mean anything, and you'd probably get a better deal in a similar model by Samick if you are really looking to stretch your guitar dollar.

Pete

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I didn't really mind the pickguard when I played it today, but I bet it could be taken off without much incidence-it doesn't seem to be covering anything up. I'll look at them used, but I really want to get a Vetta first...

[SARJ]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I'm seriously looking at a Tremonti SE. I want a Les Paul, but don't think I'll ever get one in this lifetime. I've been down the Epiphone road and it was a bumpy mutha. I have played the Santana SE's and loved em. A buddy of mine had one and he put a Seymour Duncan Distortion in the bridge. I can't think of any other way to describe the sound other than awsome. I was set on getting a Santana SE until the Tremonti SE came out. I like the singlecut body. I just wish I knew how light it is. What would you guys compare the weight too?

[surfdork]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

The Tremonti and Santana SE's are both decent little rigs for the bucks. Swap the pickups and maybe the tuners, and you are good to go.

[Twisteramps]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

Agile.

Pete

[toejam]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

Originally posted by Twisteramps:
you'd probably get a better deal in a similar model by Samick if you are really looking to stretch your guitar dollar.

Pete

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The newer Samicks look awesome!

[straycat]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

I installed a 500t and 498r in a santana se mahogony body set neck guitar and it sounded very thick and tight.This one was a stop tail version one of the old ones.Nice guitar.Also replaced the plastic nut with a bone nut.

[Tezifon]

Re: It\'s good to have non-expensive tastes

why not a cort?



pretty good bang for the buck