First Look - PRS Paul's Guitar and SE Paul's Guitar

We compare and contrast the affordable and upscale versions of the signature axe for the man behind the Maryland gear outfit.

[@Foxman11111gmailcom]

Great review. Your demonstration of the variations is excellent. Your style of playing is awesome. Thanks.

[@Geosguitars]

I Really Enjoy Your Rig Rundowns & Demo's. And Your a Great, Player Bye The Way

[@darrtetzy]

That opening piece was on point - great tone.

[@bull2686]

great review & plays, thanks!

[@jewelthesapphire6984]

This is the PRS to buy!! Some amazing features great demo JB!

[@deeblues1]

Every SE I've bought had brittle pick-ups.....1st thing I change

[@seancronin4010]

Excellent review. Covered both axes, give the tones. Nice job.

[@jeffhughes849]

The Howard Finster artwork is cool! Great video, it was very helpful, thanks!

[@ericjam6346]

What a great guitar. The pickups really are a unique animal. I've heard Paul talk about this pickup in another video. He says the single coil tones are "true" single coil. He said the split coil done on most guitars don't truly capture that single coil. This guitars pickup options make the SE version a tremendous value in my opinion. I need to pick one up. Great review!

[@tonechaser7174]

this is an excellent demostration

[@robertlucas9867]

I like your video on this guitar because you play more familiar styles that this guitar would appeal to versus others that I think don’t capture it’s uniqueness and intentionally make it bland. I have been leaning towards this guitar for over a year now and hope to buy it eventually. Thanks for your time in making these videos.

[@slawsonscot]

That hat on the lamp is such a fire hazard :) lovely guitars, great playing as always!

[@MikeDevo]

Great, entertaining reviews - stellar guitar picking! Already a PRS cultist, but really dug the review of the axes as well as the thorough attention, although to detail - even if a little spacey...kinda' like a buddy that's an awesome guitar player, just talking'' it up about his new axes.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Don't know what the video is going to be about, but I love that intro!

[@martinscholes9314]

What a player....😍🤘🏻 greets from the UK 🇬🇧

[@TheThinker39]

Good review, and very enjoyable playing and comments. I laughed out loud at your last comment, "Let's get filthy!" Hilarious.

[@kaiserthegreat]

Man, everybody loves those DGT guitars. Never seen one with a pin-up decal though, such bravery!

[@scottbakernc]

I have a 408 which is the same switching system with humbucker/single options. PRS put 1500 extra coil winds in the single coil settings so there is zero volume difference between single coil and humbucker settings. It is sublime!

[@TheD33pthawt]

I love my 408 too! A super versatile pickup system.

[@felipousismix]

Aside from the tone coming from the amp when using the crunch, awful, this review is very well done. I still don't get why so many people are biased against "far east" or "asian' made guitars, please remember not everybody can afford a 4K guitar and these more affordable guitars are the option, especially when paying your son's college. The core model is amazing, but the SE is also an outstanding guitar. Cheers John!

[@kilofireb8584]

Great review, I've been waiting to hear these two side by side. You asked what those tones were? Their all PRS being awesome!!!

[@bobboitt3126]

Huge range of tones in those guitars for sure! Nice Demo. The CE is a bargain. Comparing expensive to cheaper is cool. Doesnt prove much except they are different...lol I have a R9 Custom shop Les Paul and a Les Paul standard and play both. The Custom shop is beautiful elegant and has that perfect grit and overtones, but the standard hangs in there for sure and most people couldn't tell the difference. PLAYERS know though...its the "feel" and that extra something we cant explain.

[@user-mx1pu2km3x]

It's truly great review. Can you answer, what gear was used for the distorted sound? I really like the combination of this guitars with that kind of fuzzy-overdriven stuf

[@gerryloughran1676]

Great tones ...sweet

[@johnw5734]

Nice demonstration. PRS guitars are on the expensive side but worth it. After you're gone the kids will be fighting over who gets dad's guitar.

[@douglasvaughn9349]

That tone is thick! Sounds good John

[@doughboy777]

Almost as thick as John's guns. You doing some power-lifting on the side John?

[@talmenik07]

The se sounds really good

[@aquilarossa5191]

I bought a 245 SE to replace my Gibson guitars that I had sold. I tried to gel with it for six months, but it would not work for me. I was playing less and less out of frustration. I sold it and bought a used Gibson Les Paul. I was back in business and could do my thing again. Was the 245 a bad guitar? No. It was a good instrument and had a nice tone. It just was not a Les Paul and I was trying to make it be one. PRS has its own thing going on I think.

[@MrStephenlederle]

I had the same experience. I had a Gibson Les Paul and loved it, but fell on hard times and had to sell her. Years later I bought a PRS SE Zach Myers and thought it was pretty good. It was my main guitar for 3 years with minimum complaints. I did change every stock part on the guitar that could be to their USA made counterparts, however. Then in December of 2018, I found a very used and worn Gibson Les Paul Studio for over $100 less than I paid for a new PRS SE ZM and I haven't picked up the PRS SE ZM since. They are NOT the same instrument. Not bad at all, but if a Gibson Les Paul is what you're after then ONLY a Gibson Les Paul will do. It's a harsh but honest fact.

[@ukaszfranc5721]

Same here... I can't play mine too

[@darkstargear]

People tend to forget how much emotion is put into choosing a guitar.

[@GuiitarBilly]

I love my 2007 SC245. I’d played literally dozens of Gibson Les Pauls at several stores during the early 2000s trying to find one that spoke to me. I hadn’t had a Les Paul in many years and just wanted to go there again. Found a Les Paul Standard with 60s neck and Burstbuckers that played well-for me-and sang. I came back to GC next day and got it. It was fine for me until I played /heard the SC245. It fits my hand better and has more howl to the bridge pickup...the good kind of blues-rock howl/scream. I fought the Les Paul more. . Tonally they were similar-in the same ballpark...the but not identical. I wound up covering my “Les Paul’ base nicely with the PRS SC245. And I wound up buying the first SC245 I played, PRS consistency is amazing. I believe the newer PRS 594s are PRS coming even closer to a guitar a Les Paul fan will enjoy, but they’re pricey...and I’m good with the SC245. Ymmv. The guy I sold the Les Paul to still has it and loves it.

[@jerryx2000]

I'm upgrading my SE with Gibson 57 pick ups. The PRS 85s pups have zero sustain. My Les Paul has sustain for years.

[@nevillegreg1]

SE sounds just great.

[@stevengiordano9179]

I agree, FANTASTIC Tone!!

[@chrisrose275]

Wow. That se actually sounds really good

[@calvinwaugh6236]

I luckily found one for 500 at a pawn shop near me. The SE amber. It's beautiful.

[@andrewguttry6886]

The SE has a 1/4" maple cap beneath the figured veneer. The core model has a 1/2" figured cap.

[@MikeRosoft90]

I am not sure if i would like the US Version more, even if I had the money. This funny SE Version has a very special voice. A kind of definition and roundness at the same time, working so nice on the high end. It seems like it never looses its focus always with the right amount of power. Especially for the price it should be an amazing guitar. Hope mine will arrive tomorrow^^

[@stevengiordano9179]

You will LOVE it!!!

[@jjmatashi]

The difference is clear!

[@kevongordon2675]

What pedal are you using f iui r the hot fuzz effect its amazing

[@TeeMeawzilla]

Wowwww I prefer the SE one. Its sounds great , comfortable to my ears.

[@anthonyhnj69]

Tee Meawzilla I agree with you.

[@troywm1016]

@@anthonyhnj69 agree agree

[@Gibbo1050]

Yep

[@Tyler_Wilson]

Tee Meawzilla you think that because your wallet thinks it sounds better too

[@sassycat]

Import < domestic build. The pickups on the SE sound brittle.

[@jasong546]

Yes John it’s in your imagination! But, so what!? If you like that finish, that’s all that matters right?! Good demo thanks!

[@TheBallooning]

Cool Video! Do you know the weight of the guitar?

[@jacttanna2353]

Great playing. I thought the bridge pu sounded better in the SE...single coil and humbucker. By sheer coincidence I will be in the PRS store here in Bangkok today. Hope they have these. Love to try them in person.

[@johntinker3457]

Not to bother you but, I bought an Ibanez Guitar for my Son in Bangkok at CT Music Shop. Lived there for 3 years, back in USA now for a while, but will be back to Thailand again one day with my Thai wife. Did you get the PRS you wanted?

[@frederickthompson8686]

Always like JB's reviews. Thoughtful comparisons, albeit subjective ones. Nature of the beast, I suppose. But in this case, JB wisely emphasized that they are very different guitars. Not trying to make the case that you can get a cheap PRS that's a clone of the core model. All that said, the SE is still an amazing value and maybe the very best of the "better offshore" guitars out there. I'd certainly put my Santana SE in that category. And while I'm at it, I also really enjoy JB's Premiere Guitar column. Who knew guitar players could be literate? Thanks, John...

[@Robstafarian]

Just curious, do you have a Santana SE or an SE Santana?

[@erestube]

@@Robstafarian I've got both!

[@hawg427]

John, what do you think about the Gibson 59 re-issue VOS Les Paul. Paying too much for the headstock name or do they play a lot different from a new one?

[@kishosoundandvision]

if you play it .....like john :) love and respect bro :) fun to watch videos that you make (or they make)

[@xKISKEx]

Do you prefere this, or the custom 24 made in korea?

[@jonduke3919]

I love them both but the 2nd is a little brighter..

[@Hazardteam]

It's not fair. Sounds tooo goood!

[@itsberto7334]

this is the best JB has ever sounded.

[@dannyrivers3922]

The se is meant to have as much guitar as you can get for 1000 vs the core that's suppose to be the best guitar you can get basically. I get ya John! That doesn't mean the SE isn't any good! I just bought the SE Paul's guitar and fire red! It's supposed to come today!

[@phonyimage9757]

Bought my PRS Se Paul’s guitar about a week ago. Unfortunately it’s on backorder until late May. Must be doing great sale wise.

[@gerryh61]

You will not be disappointed.

[@daveg4236]

I finally got mine and took to rehearsal. Sat there looking at my other guitars thinking some of you won't be here much longer

[@josephcollica1039]

Hoogla Boogla how are the tuners holding up on the SE? That’s the only thing holding me back right now from the Paul’s SE

[@daveg4236]

Joseph Collica they are good. Pulled it out of the gig bag and it was in tune. That was after the cross country shipping. Stays in tune after playing and sitting. Played in rehearsal for two hours and still in tune

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

I bought a core Paul's guitar a few years ago. It's one of the best guitars I've ever played. If the SE had existed two years ago, I'd probably have it instead of the core. I honestly can't wait to try the SE, but I don't expect it to blow me away the same way.

[@sooparticular]

it wont believe me

[@jerryx2000]

I'm upgrading my 2017 SE with Gibson 57 pick ups. The PRS 85s pups have zero sustain. My Les Pauls has sustain for years.

[@DSeN7]

I love watching this guy on Santa Clarita diet!

[@ronnienose8608]

Hahaha, nice one!

[@geraldbrown2875]

DCS Jr He was great in SLING BLADE! “I love them French fried potaters, ummm..mmmm👍🎸🇨🇦

[@dannyrivers3922]

Ha, he does look a lot like that guy but John is way cooler!

[@KalJoao]

Anyone know what year they switched from narrow 408's to TCI's in this model?

[@chrisrose275]

jillo357 2019

[@edwinpringle7342]

I say buy the se and use the money you save for lessons.

[@bmark7951]

edwin pringle wrong

[@Tomekkplk]

@@bmark7951 no, he's 100% right

[@deanallen927]

I'd have to try the Coil tap in person. Honestly I have yet to hear a good one. And I can say that I've been fooled by youtube videos into buying at least ten pedals I ended up hating. John's judgement means a lot though. After buying a PRS amp, they don't get automatic credibility from me. I'd have to try anything by them in person before buying.

[@kdogg7882]

Is the Paul's guitar SE worth it for the money considering at that price you start breaking into the S2 range?

[@paulgee9821]

THAT is really the question ... the Paul's SE brings you the option of indy taps, and I really like that option, but at this price point you can buy an S2, easily mod it, and you have that capability for 1/3 the price of the USA Paul's ... because of that, I think the SE Paul comes in a little too high a price ...

[@MrJPHinkle]

I just bought Paul's se. I have friends that have s2s I'll get back to ya when get mine.

[@troywm1016]

I do like some JB reviews

[@flavionovaes363]

Pickups Paul SE are Mini Humbucker ??

[@1066wastrel]

don`t sound too far apart to me, so it`s the SE for me, hang on, Pauls guitar, man just look at it! all I need now is a lottery win!

[@9unslin9er]

The SE Paul's is like the FFVII remake of the guitar world.

[@pippydog28]

That Bill Cipher back by the couch?

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Nitro looks fine if you take care of it, regardless of how much you play it. If you never do squat, you'll get a worn looking guitar.

[@Mustaine1ify]

11.58s I like guitars too but I've never thought of doing that.

[@darrenmalbut8499]

Hoping they won't want it back?

[@Mustaine1ify]

@@darrenmalbut8499 Do you think that would work in store ?

[@22hojo]

Just FYI for the people who care about country of origin. I've seen some people refer to the SE's as Korean. Past SE's were manufactured by World Music in Korea. Current production is coming from Indonesia. I believe Cort is doing the manufacturing.

[@predator12212112]

22hojo hey man, the newish SE ‘standard’ range is being made in Indonesia, the higher tier SE range is still being made in Korea as far as I know, the standard series are still really good though from what I’ve heard

[@kentbernard9842]

Wood body does not effect an electronic signal. Electronic signal effects the sound. SE pickup are a 98% copy or the US made. Most ceiti al are the pot and filters. The are not the same. Change the pots and they become near twins in tone. That's very different for other PRS SE pickups. Other SE pickups are good but as close of a match to the US original. Pots and electronics upgrade will still make big difference towards getting the most out of the other SE pickups. But there will still be a gap between them and the US pickup tone.

[@daveshort6568]

SE. All day.

[@vintagetone22]

i just bought an se pauls guitar and i tell you what i put it in the jcm800 and an old japanese sd1 and god help me im on fire .god damn it the se is really good .oooohhh yeah i forgot to mention i got the gold ond black colour .ooooohhhhhhh sir

[@blewzman]

So here is the question. 999.00 for the se or 3890.00 for the real deal? Over three times cost? I would be nervous taking a 3900.00 guitar to a gig. A set of locking tuners s all I would need to be happy.

[@TheSammyreynolds]

guitars are meant to be played. For goodness sake Joe Bonamassa takes 59 Les Pauls on the road.

[@lnugent1000]

@@TheSammyreynolds he is rich! Lol

[@bretschwartz]

Does it have the single coil “quack” ? Also, what happens to intonation when u decide to use heavier or thinner gauge strings and can’t adjust scale distance (rhetorical question). Yeah, I know u can buy an adjustable tail, but for 4K u should get lots of flexibility and not be limited to Paul’s string gauge of choice. While I’m on my soap box, I thought Paul was a staunch 25” scale and 24 fret player, isn’t that PRS’s claim to fame, “the best of both strat and LP worlds “???

[@sebidoo69]

You can intonate for other string gauges, there are 2 screws (one for each post) at the back of the wraparound stoptail to adjust it back and forth.

[@crow63]

👍👍👍👍

[@gmichaelhall]

If choosing a guitar tone based on function and usable tones in studio, the SE version would be a feasible consideration. The polyurethane finish on the SE is truly unfortunate and really wish guitar builders would move completely away from those types of chemicals, for more reasons than just tonal , it's a dirty footprint I think will soon become an unsustainable environmental impact. And the polyurethane looks awful no matter how well its done..Cort/PRS have really built an undeniably fine guitar. But the more comparisons I see between the SE and the Core, the more inclined I am to grab an SE. I just think it would sound better in an ensemble where the Core sounds remarkably powerful when playing alone. Just an opinion..✌️

[@SteveAaron]

This SE sounds way better to me.

[@bluehappyscrap]

AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁

[@iklimhunianrumahbordil9375]

paul used to be 80s true gen

[@erickleefeld4883]

Maple is environmentally abundant and renewable. But all of that high-end flamed and quilted maple? Not so much. The good news is that all that fancy decoration has no impact on the sound or feel of an instrument. So quality guitars will still be around. But you'll just have to get used to things looking a little bit different, more plain and with a barebones appeal.

[@prsmantse1]

These are veneers

[@Alanoffer]

I’m going to buy a Harley Benton les Paul copy . Fed up with big name guitars ..

[@honnaconna7312]

reffoelcnu alouncelal funding terrorism brah

[@sugarlife485]

they sound like shit ...but if you can come up with the 40 dollars...go for it!!!!

[@tippss3332]

Harley Benton-hot now gone tomorrow!! Trend/fad brand. They'll die off. Reconsider

[@Utubewrk123]

SUGAR LIFE lol

[@Guitaroverkill]

You know David Gilmour and Eric Clapton use like two settings.

[@BoozyBeggar]

Yeah. Call me a simpleton, but give me a 3-way toggle, 2 volumes, and 2 tones, and I've already got more options than I need.

[@sugarlife485]

@@BoozyBeggar dats right!!!

[@benxie5624]

why i feel SE is better? probably my ear's problem

[@RATCLIFFE-LISTENS]

If your Parents had as their last present given you a Guitar with love and acknowledged your ability... finally ..or if you were able to acquire a known player player’s axe ... Most would play these instruments with pride and make them work thru amplification or modification. Great players are able thru technique or ability to make any Guitar sound great. Proof of this lies in the fact Guitarists play countless models and brands making them their own. I have listened to a Silvertone blow the doors off s PRS or Gibson. Please do blind comparisons between really inexpensive Guitars and really expensive ones with the intention of all sounding their absolute best. Can you viewers tell the difference?

[@JakeHunter2010]

Nice strings #Jakehunter88

[@yvandewever6518]

A blind shootout wil tell the real difference IMO.

[@tysonrinker5958]

never been a fan of prs. im sure there great guitars. i think its the shape and headstock doesnt appeal to me

[@ralex3697]

I can’t hear the guitar properly, sounds like noise

[@tysonrinker5958]

i love my 60s nitro strat. i think nitro looks better, sounds better, wears cooler.

[@shawnbenz]

My Paul’s se weights 6.8 pounds

[@meraxesrex6982]

the veneer tends to thin the tone of the guitar.

[@troywm1016]

I like the Valvetrain better than those two guitars :)

[@wrooster13]

Why would you say that the maple tops are not going to be around for long??? The maple is a tree. A renewable resource. Have you heard Rush's "The Trees"? The maples are going to be fine!!!

[@benlogan430]

Older growth tree are not renewable. Mahogany is harder to come by now too. Many makers use African mahogany now.

[@honnaconna7312]

When the se looks the better guitar....

[@BoozyBeggar]

dat amber finish doe

[@dannyrivers3922]

There's no way I could justify that much money for a core when you can get so close to a core series for ⅓ to ¼ the price buying the SE.... Unless I was a famous rock n roller, which I'm not 🤬

[@lnugent1000]

I agree 👍 💯

[@carlosholguin3519]

Hi John Hay its Not A Veener its a Real Carved Figured Maple Top

[@sbouffleur]

It's a veneer over a maple cap - specs. www.prsguitars.com/index.php/electrics/model/se_pauls_guitar

[@WarriorOfGhengisKhan]

11:55 Wtf!

[@ChrisLeggUK]

😂🤣

[@gazzy_burns]

😂😂😂😂

[@markgowans]

Yeah I heard that too. I hope wanking means something else in America compared to us here in the uk :p

[@ChrisLeggUK]

Mark G it’s a nice guitar and all, but not THAT nice 😂

[@abradfordajb]

Why do so many players feel compelled to constantly compare LP's with PRS's? They are simply different builds. Different guitars. Even PRS single cuts are different. They play different, sound different. The solution is to own BOTH. Then you've got both bases covered. See .... so now, you'll never have to compare Mcintosh apples to golden delicious apples ever again. ..... You're welcome.

[@daveg4236]

Andrew Bradford you're welcome? Didn't ask. Didn't want.

[@MrStephenlederle]

To me, the Korean guitar stands out like a sore thumb. PRS SEs look cheaper than they play for sure, but the veneers look so dead and obvious. I own two myself.

[@TheSammyreynolds]

You're comparing a $3900 guitar to a $1000 guitar. Most SE's are between $500 to $1000. Of course they aren't going to look as nice as the core. BTW SE's aren't made in Korea anymore.

[@MrStephenlederle]

@@TheSammyreynolds Well obviously.

[@troywm1016]

Fender makes affordable Lacquer guitars

[@JG-ib7xk]

And people wonder why the guitar business is dying. Same old same old.

[@BoozyBeggar]

Well, stop ADDING things to the guitar, and start giving guitarists a better deal. People buy used cars for less than these modern guitars, and personally, regardless of how wealthy I was, I'd just as soon get a used McCarty or Les from a working musician who feels like they have no further use for their old model. 2-vol, 2-tone, 3-way switch, good pickups, and solid construction and fit and finish is all you need on a hum guitar.

[@JG-ib7xk]

@@Charlee_Murphee where did i say they should add things?

[@sugarlife485]

its actually never been better

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

You are a phenomenal musician man, but the tone coming out of that amp is horrible.

[@marike1100]

Grating tone, and the playing was a bit sloppy considering it was a simple blues progression. Great guitar but I've heard him sound better. Idk, the flawless guitar demos on MusicForce set a pretty high bar.

[@jasong546]

There are some about these guitars by PRS and a couple others, with different sounds out there. And some of Paul himself playing in his band maybe? They can sound quite a bit different than this demo. I would really like to try the SE in person, I am betting it can sound great when you are in the room.

[@JWCFB]

That SE doesn't sound near as good. In fact its sounds bad. Very distinct difference. That warmth is so important.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Regardless of how good PRS guitars are to play they always look like bad copy guitars from the mid 80's to me. I would never play one on stage even if I was given one.

[@felipousismix]

Have you played them? I switched from Jackson and Ibanez to PRS because of the comfort when playing. Cheers!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@felipousismix Yes I have played 2 and yes they were very comfortable to play but as I said I've always thought they look like bad mid 80's cheap copy guits.

[@wallsofjericho6616]

worst tone!!!!