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PRS SE CE24 Standard Satin: A Six-Month Review
Teemu Rämö
Overview
This video offers a six-month review of the PRS SE CE24 Standard Satin electric guitar, focusing on its performance in a studio environment for recording short-form videos and writing solos. The reviewer highlights the importance of its 24 frets for accessing higher notes in common keys and its functional tremolo system, which is deemed reliable for both beginners and advanced players. While praising the overall build quality and value for its price point, the reviewer also discusses potential upgrades like tuners and pickups, and notes minor issues with electronics like the coil split and input jack becoming loose. The guitar is recommended for its playability, tuning stability, and suitability for live performance.
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Chapters
- The reviewer has used the PRS SE CE24 Standard Satin for six months, primarily in a studio setting for recording short videos and writing solos.
- The guitar's 24 frets are crucial for accessing higher notes, especially in keys like E, B, and A, which are frequently used.
- The functional tremolo system allows for a return to 'shred roots' and is a key feature for expressive playing.
- The guitar was recently tuned to Drop B and immediately used for riff ideas, demonstrating its tuning stability.
Understanding the primary use case helps contextualize the reviewer's opinions and highlights which features are most critical for specific playing styles and recording needs.
The reviewer demonstrates the tremolo's capability by showing a short-form video performance where the tremolo bar is actively used.
- The tremolo arm (or whammy bar) is reliable and not a 'deal breaker,' making it suitable for beginners and advanced players alike.
- The neck profile is noted as slightly different from a core custom 22, but found to be very comfortable for complex playing techniques.
- The reviewer expresses a desire for a seven-string PRS guitar with a similar neck profile, indicating its high level of comfort and playability.
The reliability of the tremolo and the comfort of the neck are essential for extended playing sessions and executing intricate musical passages without discomfort or technical issues.
The reviewer mentions finding the neck comfortable for 'weird guitar wizard stuff,' implying its suitability for advanced techniques.
- The stock pickups are considered good, performing well with a quality amp profile, though the reviewer hasn't extensively experimented with them.
- A significant point of contention is the 3-way switch combined with coil-splitting, as the reviewer heavily relies on the middle positions typically found on a 5-way switch.
- Potential upgrades include changing the pickups and the switching system to better suit the reviewer's playing habits.
- Upgrading the tuners is also considered, inspired by the superior experience on US-made PRS guitars, for enhanced ease of use.
The choice of pickups and switching configuration directly impacts the guitar's tonal versatility and how easily a player can access desired sounds, influencing the overall playing experience.
The reviewer expresses a preference for the tonal options offered by a 5-way switch, which this guitar's 3-way plus coil-split doesn't fully replicate for their needs.
- The overall build quality is deemed very good, especially considering its price point (around €500 depending on region).
- It's considered a professional-level tool despite its accessible price.
- Minor issues include the coil split knob becoming loose quickly and the input jack also loosening over time, requiring occasional tightening.
- These minor electronic issues are not deal-breakers, with the bridge, sound, feel, and tuning stability being more important factors.
Assessing build quality and identifying minor flaws provides a realistic perspective on the guitar's long-term durability and value for money, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.
The reviewer specifically mentions the input jack becoming loose, requiring manual tightening, as a small but noticeable detail.
- The guitar is recommended for its price point and overall performance, especially for those needing 24 frets and a reliable tremolo.
- It's considered a strong contender for live performance due to these features.
- The feel is comparable to a Custom 22, making it an easy guitar to pick up and play.
- It's described as an inviting instrument that encourages playing, even during casual activities like watching TV.
The final verdict synthesizes the key strengths and weaknesses, offering a clear recommendation and helping learners decide if this guitar aligns with their own musical goals and preferences.
The reviewer states they will likely use this guitar in live situations because of the 24 frets and functional whammy bar.
Key takeaways
- The PRS SE CE24 Standard Satin offers excellent value, functioning as a professional tool at a mid-range price point.
- 24 frets and a reliable tremolo system are significant advantages for players who utilize higher notes and expressive techniques.
- While the stock components are generally good, potential buyers should consider that pickups and switching might be areas for future upgrades based on personal preference.
- Minor electronic component looseness (knobs, input jack) can occur but are typically fixable with basic maintenance and do not detract from the guitar's core performance.
- Tuning stability is a strong point, even with the tremolo system and after significant tuning changes.
- The neck profile contributes to comfortable and extended playing, making it a guitar that invites practice and creativity.
- Always test a guitar in person to ensure its feel, sound, and specific features meet your individual playing style and needs.
Key terms
PRS SE CE24 Standard SatinTremolo SystemWhammy Bar24 FretsDrop B TuningCoil Split5-Way Switch3-Way SwitchNeck ProfileBuild Quality
Test your understanding
- Why are 24 frets particularly important for the reviewer's studio work and solo writing?
- How does the reviewer describe the reliability and suitability of the tremolo system for different skill levels?
- What specific aspect of the guitar's electronics does the reviewer find less than ideal, and why?
- What are the minor build quality issues the reviewer encountered, and how significant are they to their overall assessment?
- Based on the review, what types of guitarists would most benefit from the PRS SE CE24 Standard Satin?