SALE: PRS CE @ Davis GMC

Pic: PRS

PRS CE sale is now happening at Davis GMC. This amber version is listing for a neat $2,970. Yes, a bolt-on PRS is not what everyone goes for when it comes to the PRS name but many players become converts once they try one in person.  

Euro satin

OK... PRS CE 24... Standard... in limited edition satin release (125 units only... sigh). Like I've said before, it's always the good stuff being elsewhere & not here. These are Euro exclusive FYI. I have a difficulty understanding how big the Euro market is for such peculiar but desirable models. Hmm...

PIC: Music Radar

T Green

I kept forgetting to update this here - new PRS CE24 model is now available at Davis GMC. Why bother? Two things: 1) If you have not heard a bolt-on PRS in action before, you should take the time to do so. It sounds a little snappier so for those of us who turn down the guitar's volume for tonal variation during play, you'd appreciate the difference. 2) Also, the neck's satin finished for fans of non-gloss playability. This tampas green version is really tempting (since I've called off plans to get the Silver Sky). Hmmm...

Smoke over Europe

Beautiful PRS CE24 satin finished smokeburst guitars- EUROPE only. Bummer.

PRS CE ver 2017: Salute!

Two days ago, I managed to squeeze some time to test out PRS' CE model which was re-introduced this year. At the back of my mind, I was rather upset that PRS is misallocating resources to reinvigorate a done deal. This bolt-on take on the manufacturer's renowned outline was discontinued in 2008 & it wasn't a strong selling point given the different neck-body attachment.

But having played one in person, the CE is indeed worth the resurrection. First up, the satin finish was crucial in both playability & comfort. This somehow managed to supplement the wide-thin neck profile, there's this sublime grip factor going while the instrument was in use. Secondly, the pickups there- a pair of 85/15- are deserving in getting some clarity through. They are great with any amount of drive dialled in but those clean aficionados might find the break-up factor of the neck humbucker a little troubling; it happens too soon so some volume play might be necessary to keep things dirt-free. Is bolt-on a desecrative construction profile for PRS? Not if you are splitting hairs & insists the manufacture should bend only one way for their instruments' tone in general. The increase in snap here is likeable & I personally find it non-wayward in any aspects. Even if it's not a flagship tone for the manufacturer, it's done in good taste.

I'm trying to resist the notion of a bolt-on PRS being 'good' or even acceptable because this will lead to tone dichotomy more than the tone appreciation per se. This CE proves to be difficult because it is good in its own right, regardless of the manufacturer's segue into other construction philosophy in trying to prove a point. Good manufacturers will remain successful regardless of any guitar-making adventure & PRS is one of them. Forking out more than $2K for a bolt-on PRS is quite foolish but we fork out more than that amount for a Fender or a Suhr without batting an eye. Decisions, decisions.

Rating: 80/100

PRS: CE 24 (ver 2016)
Availability: Davis GMC
List: $2,400

CE24- satin(ized)

A Fall PRS release- the CE24 is given the satin treatment; so here's the CE24 Standard Satin. The CE, due to its bolt-on nature has more twangy top end so it might not turn the PRS purists on.

PRS 2016: Bolt (-on) return

About a decade ago, PRS removed the bolt-on CE models from its catalogs & we lived by the PRS staples knowing what the manufacturer is renowned for- their set-in construction. This 2016, the CE-24 is revived with an added touch- a slimmer body, much trimmed compared to its predecessors. I believe this is enough enticement to make us check them out. Once they get here, of course.