In the next monthish I will be expanding my arsenal, but it won't be with another Fender.

The models I am looking at are a Gibson Faded Studio LP, a Standard SG, as well a couple PRS SE models...the 25th anniversay SE Custom 24, and the yet to be released new SE Santana. I am also considering a PRS SE Singlecut but it is on the bottom of my list so far.

The reason I am asking for input here is for a more unbiased sample than I could get on the Gibson or PRS forums as well as the fact that I have learned to respect the opinions of many around here.

I have played the Gibsons and other PRS models but I would have to order and pay a small fee for shipping on these particular PRS guitars to try these at my local store. I am looking for opinions on these instruments because as of yet, with only playing for 20 min in a store I am not sure I can get a full opinion on these instruments as well as deciding whether to pay for the shipping to try the PRS's. Although I have purchased a few new instruments over the years, I have never really had this much trouble deciding.

Can anyone share some tales of these guitars, particularly the PRS SE guitars, in thier experiences?

_________________
CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

in my opinion, the PRS SE (student edition) isnt anything to write home about. yes they play nice and some of them even have a nice finish.
they just dont stand out in the crowd visually,tonely, or by playability.
nor do i believe they are worth the asking price, i think they are a couple hundred bucks overpriced. thats just my opinion ok.

now lets take the gibson SG.
here is a guitar that plays really well, the finish is usually ok, but is has a voice all its own. an SG or lespaul is a must have for any guitarist to have in his collection of tools to get the job done. they have the tone thats on the other side of the tracks from a strat. everybody else just kinda falls somewhere in between in my opinion. the strat and the gibson are both bookends on the tonal shelf.

_________________
63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

In addition to my MIM, I have 2 classic MIA Peaveys which both suit their purpose. My 83 Predator has a Kahler and 2 humbuckers for when I go back to my 80's days and play some glam. My T-25 that I put in a Strat tremelo is great for country and blues. My Strat is in the middle of the road, can't really shred with it and the T-25 just has that Tele style twang to it.

I have played several Epiphones lately that were definitely up to and in some cases surpassed Gibsons in every way at a much cheaper price. The Epi '59 and'60 reissues are just sublime examples of the quality that Epiphone is capable of.The Epi Traditional Pro I got this week is amazingly close to the PAF tone and has coil tapping for over $2,500 less than the same Gibson.After buying 6 Epis I find that buck for buck they're a much better way to go than Gibson.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

All I can say about that pic is; WOW

Bought a Gibson Faded SG a bout 3 years years ago. Added good knobs and pup covers and truss rod cover, got a hot setup...

...super guitar. Best of fortune in your shopping!

That is a clean "V".

LP or SG are both good choices. if you don't have any in your collection already try to get them both because if you have them you will use them same as the Strat and Tele you will find songs to fit the sounds they make or write some new songs for them. PRS, I have played a few at guitar stores over the years but I don't think you would use them as much as the LP or SG.

_________________
you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

I'm always up and down with my LP. I never play it live. It's just too darn heavy for me to play, sing, and use a wah all at the same time. BUT the guitar is something I love having for the studio. I can't let it go either.

You could do like I did:


Les Paul Studio with Fender Tele knobs..

_________________

HaleAmano- House Of Sharks (Now On iTunes)
http://www.reverbnation.com/haleamano
http://www.haleamano.com

Yes, you owe it to yourself to at least try an Epi LP and SG if you're near a store that handles them. Close to Gibsons for much less.

_________________
The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars

Part of this is that I finally have the money for something in the 1000$ ish price range and want something that will retain it's value as well.

After having played a PRS SE at the store today I think I have eliminated them and will go with either a Faded LP Studio or SG Standard. I really like the Burstbuckers in the Faded LP but also the beauty and feel of the SG. I was also thinking about a high end Epiphone, specifically a Slash model, preferably the Appetite for Destruction LP. However I want to balance out the value retention as well.

As cool as that V looked, it won't be a V

_________________
CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

if thats the case, drop the studio LP idea.
a standard is the lowest i would go in the chain.
there are sweet deals to be had right now through the end of feb on CL in my area anyways. feb is a great time to be looking at CL. christmas is over and everybody is looking to sell to pay off credit cards lol.
take the potential guitar with owner to a local store and have the LP authenticated before you buy. i have the Vintage guy at my local GC look at one here and there. hes a great help. believeme, the Vintage guy is paid nicely and isnt like the other azzclowns in the store. they have a lot riding on him and his knowledge.
dont believe me, go apply for the job lol.

_________________
63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."