Is It Worth It? $1549 PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo Vs $4900 Core

As the most expensive PRS SE ever built, we begin a quest to discover the pronunciation of the word piezo and the differences between the new Chinese built SE flagship guitar and it's $4900 USA built Core cousin.
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[@ishguitars]

TIME STAMPS Intro Shred: 00:03 Sound Samples -SE HB II Piezo Direct Into Interface: 01:05 -Core HB II Piezo Direct Into Interface: 01:47 -SE HB II Piezo Acoustic Amp Direct Out: 02:29 -Core HB II Piezo Acoustic Amp Direct Out: 03:11 SE HB II Piezo Control Layout Overview: 03:55 SE vs Core Differences: 06:35 Which One Would We Pick? 13:20

[@gtibruce]

Hi, is that straight blue on the core a standard colour only ive yet to see one here in the UK?

[@anotherstart1]

Really couldn't hear a $2500 difference. The SE is a good guitar. The core is a great guitar. Whichever you can afford. My heart wants the core but my wallet likes the SE.

[@tempesthoughton4441]

The difference is more seen and felt than heard. IMO It doesn't really matter which one someone gets as long as they can play it well.

[@SteveStroud1977]

And certainly not a $3351 difference

[@robertp330]

😊The core is warmer. But I wouldn be able to know for sure if the core is that much better to require $3500 more unless I played them both.

[@mikegibsonincognito4580]

I have both core and SE version. I gig with Core, they are just so much better IMO. If you can afford Core it worth the extra.

[@ryanbaggott4940]

Great info. Loved the good-natured banter at the end. Thanks for the vid.

[@chris.d9594]

I bought the SE model and love it. It’s a great guitar. Especially when running the piezo through a Fishman acoustic amp. Sounds great. If I need a more authentic acoustic sound, I pull out one of my Taylors. The core is nice too. Just not $3k nicer. Just my 2 cents….

[@bradmalinowski]

Hey guys, thank you so much for this video. I just ordered the SE Model from Sweetwater. I sent your video to my sales engineer Cory. He is going to check with the tech department to see if they can do the modifications that you discussed in this video, which will include the "Fun Switch" and coil tapping the pickups. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted and I'll let you know how much it will cost. Sweetwater just discounted the SE Hollowbody Piezo models, so I could not resist. Again, this was an extremely helpful video.

[@BrentAdams]

They are both GREAT! I'd go for the SE. I'd rather play the heck out of a less expensive guitar...and not worry as much about dings on that more expensive one. Sound differences....are virtually non-existent if you dial in what you want to hear from either one on your amp.

[@realtruenorth]

SE sounds muffled in comparison, like it's being choked totally.

[@jordancohen3465]

I just found out my SE (in that same blue!) just arrived after months of waiting. This video helped me feel good about my choices! Were you ever able to mod this with the coil taps? Just curious ... That's pretty much, in my opinion, the only con of this guitar (since other PRS have such good coil tap via the push pull knob).

[@VexxJam]

I love how candid this review was lol 👍 👍

[@burtclarke6942]

IMO, the quality of products coming out of China, Korea and Indonesia is presenting a serious challenge to US manufacturers today. I Pre-ordered the SE with PRS locking tuners today from Sweetwater. I just love the look and the tones. If I need to mix up single coil sounds, I’ll either break out the Tele or my LP with push-pull coil splits. This is the neatest all-around guitar for any genre I’ve found. I love the fact that I can send the under-saddle transducer to the PA system and the Mag/Piezo blend to the guitar amp. This will be my first guitar with a circuit board; I don’t know enough about the circuitry to be confident that changing the impedance with coil-splitting switches wont negatively impact the output frequency response. Everybody knows we’ll never be satisfied with just one guitar anyway. LOL!

[@bassyey]

The custom my luthier made is better than American models of Fender and Gibson lol. US-made Fender and Gibson have trashy necks. People don't realize until they've had a custom for themselves.

[@Rtzaman25]

I'm really glad you guys discussed tapping the pickups here, that was something I was curious about as well. The single coil sound from my SVN is great, I'm sure on a hollowbody it would be amazing too!

[@ishguitars]

Yeah think about it, a single coil neck pup with the tone rolled off would be be a classic jazz box tone - then flip the switch to bridge humbucker and hit it with high gain - then turn of the mag pickups and go straight to acoustic - all in one song with one guitar lol!

[@footcandy]

I've got an original PRS HBII which I had retrofitted with an extra mini toggle for a coil split on the bridge pickup .. sounds awesome and is a great addition to the guitar.

[@neal_laugman]

Thanks. I'm thinking about replacing the PUs on my PRS SE Hollowbody II with a set of 58/15LTs (that are in the core model.) They were $500. This is an older video, but if there is anyone out there with an opinion on this mod I would appreciate the feedback.

[@Angus.Maclean]

Which are you willing to take to a bar gig and which do you keep at home, missing at a gig?

[@footcandy]

I think the issue of the difference is more in feel than in sound. The core models feel a lot nicer than the SE models to me.

[@seikatsu4life]

There is a noticeable difference in sound quality and tone. Partly cause the pickups used are different and partly because of the woods utilized in the cores vs SE line. Whether or not that necessarily justifies the difference in price is debatable and subjective to some degree however

[@realtruenorth]

@@seikatsu4life at least your statement is accurate. If I'm making 5 dollars and hour, it's not worth 6 months wages for me to buy a core. If I make 50 dollars and hour, it's easily worth a couple extra weeks wages to get a core.

[@natesharlette]

I don’t have enough for even the se but I like it a lot and I should probably buy one in the future, also happy birthday

[@ishguitars]

Thank you!!! You'll get there soon enough - couple trades ins, layaway, save up a little, you are capable of anything 👌

[@natesharlette]

Ish Guitars yep

[@CarlyonProduction]

The laminate construction makes the SE sound more like the hollow bodies I love the most. Personally I would get the SE and then her a 594 semi hollow (maybe with a single cut) I would never use the piezzo, so there is that.

[@jacklens7750]

Use the piezo all the time for things like acoustic eagles, Creedence, James Taylor , carol King. Sounds great.

[@vadakim]

i have P24 now and it's a best and most expensive guitar i've ever had. btw after see this video, i would be satisfied with SE version. it has reasonable price and every features i need. Nice comparison video!

[@ishguitars]

Thank you!! P24 is a killer guitar. To me they sound a *touch* less acoustic when on the piezo setting but still so convincing if you close your eyes and realize you are playing a completely solid guitar

[@vadakim]

@@ishguitars yep i agree that P24 is fantastic. i just mean to save money, choosing SE HBII is a very good alternative i think.

[@joshc8061]

Do a Ernie ball majesty piezo vs PRS piezo core video. I'd like to see how they sounds since I'm debating between the two and they're similar price points

[@ishguitars]

Ooooo good call. We are a Music Man dealer too... Honestly, if you want to sounds like an ACTUAL acoustic, PRS hands down. So much so that our next video we are about to release is these HBII's vs a Taylor 317 - make sure to stay in touch to see that one

[@RaphaelLowMusic]

@@ishguitars can't wait for this video!!! T.T can you guys do a shootout with as many different piezo equipped guitars as possible? some models i know off hand are.. michael kelly hybrid special, godin a6, taylor t5z(i think), ernie ball majesty!

[@monkeyshredder.musicismyso3626]

PERSONALLY I THINK THE MAJESTY SOUNDS MUCH BETTER, JUST MY OPINION.

[@ishguitars]

@@RaphaelLowMusic We have a Taylor T5Z coming in soon too, that would be so cool!

[@chrisbraddock2725]

Thanks for the very informative and well-presented video. I think you said the Core version is slightly deeper (front to back) than the SE. But what about overall body dimensions? I read in another review that the SE model is actually a little larger than the Core. Is that correct?

[@mysticsailor9]

its an inch wider..

[@chrisbraddock2725]

@@mysticsailor9 Thanks, good to know.

[@lincolnfromct34]

Happy Birthday Bro! Great video. Awesome playing, too. I just believe a Chinese made guitar costs over $1,500! I’ll stick with my $139 Firefly hollow body!

[@ishguitars]

Thank you!! And props to Scott for the playing. We can do a $139 Firefly vs PRS HBII video next hahahha

[@swazifiction]

Made in China, yes, but Cort is a Korean company

[@daveg4236]

And firefly can't do what the piezo version can

[@mousetransport]

i own the se version aqnd have added the three way toggle to it. For me being an singer/guitarist it only makes things waaaay easier for quickly switching for songs that have both acoustic and electric elements. It cost around $200 to do it, and had to find a competant repairman to do it (I went to third coast guitars in chicago to have it done) PRS does not supply the schematic to have this mod done jtlyk. I have considered doing the split pickups on it in the future. Overall its an awesome guitar

[@letz_getschwifty9785]

The PRS SE hollowbody all day long, I mean if money was not a problem then sure I'd splurge on the core. But value for money and a guitar that's going to be just as versatile especially after a couple of modifications. The SE is the one all the way!

[@JTroskaTV]

The Core does sound slightly better. But I’m wondering if the SE could sound about the same with just a little EQ. Piezos produce a very raw sound and almost always require some EQ tweak to sound good anyway. Guess it’s a moot issue as I’m past the stage of spending Core guitar money to play $100 gigs with. 😅

[@billyscrapper]

ill bet the piezo would sound more similar if the guitars had the same gauge strings.. put 11's on the SE and test the piezos again... makes a big difference. thanx for the review BTW...

[@spartafxrs5]

is the se hollowbody ii piezo a better option than having an se CU24 + a good acoustic guitar? regardless of the price.

[@spartafxrs5]

well, originally, i wanted an se cu24. but the HB ii piezo got my attention hahahaha provided that i'll be going down the route of acquiring all, is the se cu24 a better "initial investment"?

[@DLee1100s]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the Core model has coil tapped pickups either??

[@ishguitars]

It does not, but how EPIC would it be

[@wussie7766]

The core / 10 top Hollowbody II Piezo is my personal dream guitar. I cannot in all honesty ever spend that kind of money for a guitar however. The SE is looking like my next purchase. I actually got an SE Custom 22 Semi Hollowbody simply because I couldn't get my hands on a SE hollowbody II last year.

[@ishguitars]

The semi-hollow and fully hollow guitars are completely different animals. You'll LOVE the fully hollow. Let me know if I can help you get your hands on one :)

[@wussie7766]

@@ishguitars I'm waiting to see if the US Government is actually going to cut another stimulus check, I don't want to b use my savings if they are pushing another out as is rumored in August.

[@swazifiction]

I also have an SE Custom 22 semi, beautiful guitar. But it came with a trem, so that's another difference right there

[@ishguitars]

@@wussie7766 for sure, but these HBII's might sell out until the next batch, we have sold about half of the 10 we ordered in about a week... Maybe throw one on layaway just to secure it? Only 25% down and 90 days to pay. Or we could 0% finance too... Trades if you have gear laying around can be combine... We get pretty creative 😉

[@Josh_The_Cat]

No comparison of magnetic pickup tones?

[@mrchrisbeaver]

Forgetting about the sounds, how do the necks compare for playability?

[@daviddawson1718]

Hell yeah, tell me about the real estate

[@ishguitars]

We def should have covered that. Honestly, pretty similar, kind of like the tonal differences. Different, sure, but... not much,

[@tranqbee6543]

J dude I have both those guitars and the core doesn’t scream like SE. the Se has some hot pickups and sound great through all of my heads. Add the NuX air optima pedal (with IR on board) and the piezo sounds amazing

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

Is it worth having both?

[@James-cn9no]

The SE acoustic sounds more authentic to me. The CORE acoustic timbre sounds electric.

[@arvingarrison1410]

Thx for comparing these two ones. Would agree the US model sounds a bit more distinctive or nobel in a way but that in no way justifies a price three times as high.

[@ishguitars]

That's what I'm sayin'!! You are on my team haha. MASSIVE price difference between the two.

[@BurgunndyMedia]

If the piezo is suppose to get more of an acoustic guitar sound, then i think the SE definitely does a better job getting that tone, but it is a bit more harsh than the core because the core is much warmer sounding. The real difference in tone between the core/SE is not worth the difference in prices. but god DAMN the USA core is gorgeous. The body shape on the USA guitars with their 'violin' bodies or whatever they call it, but never any fucking neck binding. Honestly, i think it's crazy that PRS charges as much as they do and you really only find binding on necks from the SE models. I WANT SOME BINDING ON MY USA SHIT GOD DAMNIT, PUT SOME BINDING ON THOSE USA NECKS AND DON'T USE NIBS, LIKE MY FUCKO GIBSON GUITARS, just press them bitches in and LAY THAT FRET RIGHT OVER and into the binding. Fuck i hate my gibson and those nibs... anyway, for 4K i hope that guitar is made out of some ancient dinosaur shit from the fucking mezozoic era. IM ready to take out a loan i cant't afford to pay off if you made a 4k dollar USA hollowbody w/ piezo, neck binding and some wood that belongs to a super rare species of tree, or again, something from the dinosaur era. I wanna fuck up my credit for that. The body shape on the SEs is just such a cop out when its already a 1500 dollar guitar using chinese labor. You guys using that Chicom slave labor and still hitting me with USA prices. PS. Sorry, i went on a bit of a rant there towards PRS, not you. Fucking cocksuckers. GIVE ME A FREE GUITAR OR LET ME RUIN MY CREDIT FOR A PIEZO HOLLOWBODY WITH NECK BINDINGGGGGGGGGGGG

[@alan1340]

Do these SE Piezo type models come in Bass and if so can you please review it.

[@ishguitars]

I see a Bentley Turbo R in your profile pic! I have an Arnage that I bought and drove cross county buying guitars along the way, it was super fun! Sadly not a bass version of these yet but that would be EPIC, I would buy one for sure!! Will report the idea back to PRS.

[@professordeb]

I swear, does no one know it's pronounced "pee-AY-zo"?!

[@ishguitars]

We literally have a "piezo pronunciation challenge video" on our video to-do list 😂

[@professordeb]

@@ishguitars Every dictionary pronunciation I've ever come across is "pee-AY-zo"! Thanks for the video in any case...this is one beautiful instrument. I've been jonesing for the Hollowbody II for years, but I'm not a pro and even used they are very pricey. This SE pee-ay-zo (🤣) is very tempting!

[@ishguitars]

@@professordeb do it!! They have been selling fast, we had 10 and I think we might only have one left... Next batch isn't due until like October iirc

[@Mexxx65]

Thanks, professordeb, I didn't know it's correct pronunciation either.

[@ericbrewerguitar1499]

I know it drives me nuts lol

[@teddnagurski5583]

Happy birthday, Jesse

[@KrlosRodz]

Although I agree that the Core piezo system is a more polished one. I believe some of that warmness that you speak of, has to do with the Core having 11's and the SE having 10's. Such difference might not be as apparent on electric sounds, but on a piezo it will. It would be great if you could put 11's in the SE and retry! Maybe I'm wrong.

[@ishguitars]

Agreed! That's why we mention it in the video. Interestingly, most Core HBII's come from the factory with a wound G string too, although this one for some reason did not, which helped make it a slightly more accurate test.

[@h20s56]

Amazing how much these guitars are now, top 10 $6700

[@RavnerRavner]

the difference is a living wage for the workers

[@user-zl3jt6nq8u]

I agree with you. In china, factory workers earn $15 salary a day. Building this guitar in USA, it will cost you $3000~3500.

[@dragongamer4753]

@@user-zl3jt6nq8u not really since most of the work is done via cnc, at least compared to a fully handcrafted one. The labor per guitar costs 500$ max.

[@LowCoSuzukiGuitar]

@@user-zl3jt6nq8u different quality pots and electronics and soldering as well?

[@Zebop45]

So if a guy who works at the job in China tells you it’s the best job he ever had and pays twice what his other options are, what do you plan to say to him?

[@Ilicet]

@@Zebop45 do you realize how cheap it is in china vs the US? A bottle of soda is 1 yuan.. That's 1 Chinese dollar.. About 20 cents USD... That's just one example... US stuff costs more because our government has decided printing money is a good thing... Just like Germany did after WW1. Also the chinese generally play chinese brands, which are often made at the same place as the "foreign" brands.. So.. Yea

[@fucanaoasis2000]

Anyone know what song is being played starting around 1:15 ?

[@christianbroussard9072]

I think he just improvised it

[@rots4me]

I’m not hearing $3350 worth of difference

[@StratsRUs]

I'm sure with subtle and well-judged use of eq, reverb etc , the SE is more than good enough !

[@TylerRolloGuitar]

This man's out here sayin Pie Zoe

[@mmiller6873]

Happy Birthday 3 years later bro :)

[@nigelbarnes818]

I would love to hear the piezo through a Zoom AC-2 (approx. $200). Yes, I have one. Then I could run it straight to FoH, audio interface or to the power amp of my Catalyst 100.

[@Scott__C]

Both guitars sound great. I thought the piezo on the SE sounded better for a band situation, while the Core piezo sounded better for the solo/duo acoustic performer. PRS makes great guitars and so does Cort, who builds most of the offshore PRS stuff. The SE being able to play magnetic outs if the battery is dead is great.

[@ishguitars]

Super agreed! On the new video we just posted of the SE vs Taylor 317e vs Core some people were commenting how you could really use the SE and Core in different tonal settings - I agree, SE for live band where you need to cut through.

[@realtruenorth]

Cortek is in indonesia, they makes the SE line. This guitar is made in Cortek China. Different plant. I feel like the Indo plant puts out better quality.

[@Guitar6ty]

The SE sounds better more acoustic. The down side is the battery compartment/holder is a bad design as the battery is a pain getting it to fit and take out.

[@samuelj.rivard]

with coil split it would be what i would dream for... iam a huge Trey Anastasio fan and that would be the most affordable option close to languedoc guitar (unless anyone have a better option)

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

Look at Godin - the old LGX had piezo pu in bridge

[@samuelj.rivard]

@@JamesThomas-zl9er ill check this out... even if iam out of budjet right now for a new guitar lol (btw godin guitar are made not really far from where i live (iam from quebec)

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

@@samuelj.rivard you’re looking for an original LGX - they did a synth access one LGX SA etc but the acoustic p/u predates them

[@JoshuaC923]

Happy belated birthday!

[@ishguitars]

Thank you!!!

[@ZKStone]

I’ll take the SE, just go ahead and send it to me haha. All seriousness, I think I like the SE better.

[@h20s56]

Now it's like, I will take the SE and buy me a Two-Rock as well.

[@RaphaelLowMusic]

now that you say it's tappable.. i know what i'm gonna be doing when i get mine. TAP IT

[@ishguitars]

That's what she said

[@marcgattuso6129]

Buy the Core Model! I have a Custom 22 with the Piezo. It’s worth every penny!

[@akarjoo]

So....Did you mod it???

[@ransombaggins9301]

Good stuff! Can't go wrong with either. Not trying to be "that guy" but since I'm just learning about this stuff... you mean coil splitting, not coil tapping, right?

[@ishguitars]

Yes, technically, coil splitting... But the word "tap" sounds so much nicer than "split" 😂

[@ransombaggins9301]

@@ishguitars 🤣 I gotcha. I just watched the CSGuitars video on the topic where Colin explains it and wanted to make sure I was "getting" it. 😃

[@ishguitars]

@@ransombaggins9301 interestingly, do some research on the 408 and Paul's guitar, they use some funky coil tap/split methods where they are able to preserve the volume even when tapped... Or split... Or whatever 😂

[@ransombaggins9301]

@@ishguitars Sweet! Will do.

[@conartist267]

Piaaaazo. Would’ve been nice if you had’ve compared strumming with strumming and picking against picking. Can’t really understand why the Core comes with Rosewood fretboard. I love ebony. Most top end arch tops are laminate anyway. The thickness of the carved maple on the top minimises any vibration. I own the Godin Jazz and it has solid top back and sides where is the core is solid top and back with laminate side. It doesn’t do much to help the sound even with the piezo. It’s all going into to saddles anyway…

[@wattsupwiththat1463]

Hate to brag (not really). Picked up an SE for $1332 after taxes form MF and they gave me $129 in reward money. It was an open box and they applied the generic 10% code I gave them. I think their software didn't recognize that it was a PRS because it was Open Box. So far I'm having a blast with it.

[@timwhite5562]

The larger body of the SE definitely makes it sound more acoustic. I can be fooled with the SE, the Core defining sounds like an electric with a piezo. Honestly I think PRS would be wise to make an American model, either core or S2 in this other body scale, not to replace the current Hollowbody, but along with it. I've played many of the different Hollowbody in the repair shop, if I was in the market for a Semihollow or hollow, it wouldn't be a PRS. I never thought the small body lends itself well for traditional hollow/semi sound. The only one I ever played that I would consider is a later 90s,I think it was called an archtop, it looks like a typical Hollowbody 2, but it's twice as thick front to back, more like a 000 size acoustic. The laminate body is actually what attracts me to the SE. The more rigid top and back to fight feedback and add some presence. The main issue to me with both of these is the Master volume and tone. I've owned many Semihollow either Gibson or copies, 335 and 339.i do the same mod to all where I turn the neck tone into a master tone, and the bridge tone into a high pass filter so I can roll off bass. You'd be amazed at how much more ground you can cover when you can roll off bass. It works well with clean tone, but Really becomes worth the price of admission with higher gain. I've run into the issue before of limited controls, where I'd use a fender TBX control so I can remove treble and bass with a single control, but You're limited to one or the other, and only have half as much taper to dial in what you'd have the entire turn of a normal pot. That mod is a big deal for me that if I could only choose one or the other I would get rid of the normal tone control and just use a high-pass filter. I honestly can not remember any time that I was playing a Semihollow that I thought "you know, I wish I could roll off even more treble.

[@ishguitars]

interesting thoughts, and agreed on the mod ideas, love the high pass filter. I would love if they bought the Archtop II back but I think you and I might be the only ones that would buy it lol

[@timwhite5562]

@@ishguitars Probably. Like I said I've been repairing guitars for years and have only held 1 in that entire time, the only other one I've seen was in a photo. The high pass is a killer mod, I would take it over any other including coil taps. On solid bodies l like going with a master tone and replacing the other with a coil blender pot to set how much or how little of one the coils is running with the other. I still prefer the high pass on the semi/hollow body. I hear a complaint is that it removes a lot of volume if you take off too much bass. This can be an issue, but personally I don't find myself ever removing so much as to make this an issue, usually I'm doing just enough to add some presence. I can see this being an issue more now than in the past. So many players set their rig up where they keep their amps clean and use pedals for dirt. The problem is that when players use this setup, they tend to set their Master volume on the amp really low, sometimes down to 1 or 2, and have everything else so that they normally just keep the volume on their guitar at 10 the whole time. Many times i find that the result is that the amp's output section is set way too low and it doesn't even get closer to the sweet spot. I like to set it so when my guitar volume is at 5 or 6, it's like when they have it at 7 or 8. I turn my to around 7 and I can control the overdrive with just pick attack, and at 8 or 9, it's comparable to theirs at 10. The end result is I always still have a little left under the hood if I want to go just a little harder, but also it lets me compensate for any volume loss from rolling off bass.

[@troyjones2358]

Core piezo is warmer than SE, that being said I just ordered the SE last week and I’m waiting for delivery from Sweetwater. At that price you can’t beat it and I’m not into spending 5k for any guitar.

[@69madcow69]

Dude he's right, spend a little more and you will be happy with it for life.

[@ishguitars]

You are team Scott!

[@albertorivera7937]

A little?

[@ishguitars]

@@albertorivera7937 lol a whole guitar collection's worth more money

[@moimeme7839]

I try to but I can’t get paid for it🤷🏻‍♂️😎

[@seikatsu4life]

Guess I'm in the team Scott line up as well then lol. Having owned several SEs and cores I can honestly say that the natural intonation and resonance of the core lines, as well as the quality in craftsmanship is in my mind worth the cost. They just seem to feel, look, and sound better then their cheaper counter parts but I'm probably a bit biased. Theres also something to be said about the quality of craftsmanship at some point it isn't just a tool but a piece of art. Why drive a 100$ beater when you can drive a decent car for 10 times as much, they both get you from point A to point B, get my drift?

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

Nice, but very expensive for a Chinese built guitar though. I think I'll check Aliexpress to see if the nightshift guys are flogging them there ;0)

[@ishguitars]

whos nightshift?

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

It's "pee-eh-zo". What I don't get is _really_ expensive instruments not offering a laughably cheap pickup split option on their humbuckers. Even the cheapest Harley Benton clone of this guitar features a coil split, and it gives you twice as many sound options to choose from. I mean, how much can the split switch and cabling cost? $5?

[@kenmasters007]

That's because PRS needs to sell this for a few more years... you may get that in year 3 :)

[@milliesdad8322]

Can you adjust the EQ of the Piezo on the core model?? The Piezo I found on the SE is very trebly, had to back off the Piezo quite a bit on the controls. Not sure I'll be holding on to mine.

[@ishguitars]

I don't think you can on the Core but now I'm second guessing myself and don't have one handy to check at the moment. Could always mod it or use a different channel/amp on the Piezo output so that you can seperatly EQ the tone

[@larryh.3173]

@@ishguitars Or, on the way to dedicated acoustic amp or even a second amp channel... put the SE's acoustic output thru, say, an EQ stomp of some kind (ex. Boss GE-7?) -or- maybe even an acoustic preamp stomp made to process piezo (ex. Yamaha AG Stomp). Either outboard modifier type will give you more adjustability than simply having a piezo tone knob added to the guitar.

[@highrollerdiscs805]

happy birthday

[@eternalharvestfarm]

Can def hear the difference in the tone. That warmth and fullness is totally lacking in the SE. Probably a lot to do with the laminate and missing that rear bulge. I'd say that sound difference is worth the difference in price. I'll also say I'm probably about to get the SE, because I would be sleeping on the street if my wife knew I brought home a now $5,300 core.

[@bailey.matthewr]

Happy Birthday Dude!

[@ishguitars]

Thank you mucho!!

[@TerrapinStation]

I don’t know... if you blindfolded me and told me to play both, and I had never played either before... I’d be hard pressed to pick out the expensive one. Just my opinion.

[@ishguitars]

I'm with you! Its cloooosseeee

[@alfreddocs7622]

I think the SE piezo sounds a little less warm.

[@ishguitars]

Agreed - less warm is a better way of me saying "harsh", I need to use better words next time lol

[@bartvansliedregt5482]

Happy birthday

[@ishguitars]

HEY there's one! Thanks!!

[@19DoubleG80]

They both look and sound awesome, reminds me of the Harley Benton CST series.

[@joshuaevensen7647]

Well its says this came out 6 months ago, so happy half birthday i suppose

[@SmashSquatch30]

Whelp, time to add another item to the ol' wishlist. Although I prefer the Black-Gold burst on the SE over the blue.

[@ishguitars]

We have one in stock 😉 hope you are doing well!!

[@SmashSquatch30]

@@ishguitars doin' alright. But wouldn't you know my birthday is coming up...lol

[@moimeme7839]

Of course it’s worth it

[@cellulose6322]

The main differences between the se and core models are the pickups and the frets. The feel and the sound are better on the core but not worth the $3000 difference. You could get a whole studio worth of post processing for the difference in price. I'm not a fan of Indonesian Guitars and I don't like how overpriced American PRS' are. The Original Korean SE's were much better than the current Indonesians

[@ishguitars]

Good idea for a comparison video, Korean SE vs Indonesian. To be honest having sold 100's of both, the new Indonesians are better once they got over a few hickups at the new factory in the very beggining.

[@marcpernia8487]

What would you do with a coil tap?

[@ishguitars]

Get more tonal options

[@daveg4236]

If you have to ask....then this isn't for you

[@marcpernia8487]

@@daveg4236 Do you understand the difference between a coil tap and a coil split? If they are tapping the coil(s), what is the intention? This is exceedingly rare, particularly on a pair of humbuckers.

[@daveg4236]

@@marcpernia8487 rare?hmmm. No it's not. And yes I understand and guess what...I know how to do it.

[@aliengrey6052]

Coil tap!!!! It really is a waste of time. Just get out a tele. On gibsons and prs they are just a damp squib.

[@BAMozzy69]

I think the difference in the output arrangement comes down to the battery on the Piezo. Without the switch, you can plug the guitar in to the Mag only and it won't drain the battery but with the switch, you don't drain the battery if the switch is set to Magnetics only. If the Volume is slightly on for the Piezo, if you plug into the Mix the battery is on too on the SE but its only on if the switch is set to engage the Piezo on the Core - even if you can't hear the Piezo because its quiet. So its all about saving the battery charge and as a lot will be using the HB with Magnetics, Its a way to save battery from draining unnecessarily without needing the Switch on the SE. I like having the separate 'Piezo' out and having the switch to ensure the battery isn't draining unnecessarily - rather than having to make sure the Volume is right off when using it 'mixed' in. I guess the different output doesn't make that much of a difference really as the result is the same - but I do like having the switch and not having to constantly adjust the volumes to blend and can leave the volume on for the Piezo without draining the battery and just switch it on with the mini toggle

[@ishguitars]

Ahhhh very interesting, thanks for the input! I agree the switch is a nice feature of you are using the piezo a lot

[@BAMozzy69]

@@ishguitars Even if you don't use the Piezo a lot, the Switch can be set to Magnetic only so you don't waste the battery either. Because the SE doesn't have the Switch, if you don't turn the volume right off, the battery is active so it makes sense to have a Magnetic only output so the battery isn't draining accidentally.

[@MOAB-UT]

Nice looking guitars but very expensive. It also seems a big missed opportunity not to include a tone pot for the SE piezo. My Godin has a full eq and volume on-board and it sounds incredible. It also has synth input and electric. The fit and finish are top notch. I think these are extremely well marketed guitars but far too pricey for what you actually get. The 10-top models do look great though. Should be around $1,000. I would say in general they are about 4x's over priced. If I were to get one, it would likely be an SE and I would mod it with better pups.

[@jonathonvargas3476]

You can just get a used musicman jp6 with piezo option for a similar price as the SE. $1500 for a guitar not made in the USA or Japan seems like a reach.

[@sccanj]

USA has been making guitars for like what 200 years? Other countries have been making guitar like instruments for a thousand years or more A quality instrument can be made anywhere, it’s all about specs, parts and skill

[@ishguitars]

@@sccanj much agreed

[@ishguitars]

You are completely correct, but its like comparing a used Ferrari to a new Porsche, there are good reasons why to buy the new car (warranty, reliability, etc) but also good reasons to buy used (save money). Whatever is better for your situation is best :)

[@jonathonvargas3476]

AndreaJane Mass production guitars made with cheap labor in Indonesia and Korea do not have skill or quality parts. Using Ibanez as an example, would highly advise getting a made in Japan guitar by FugiGen over a guitar built in a shop that’s been around for a decade in Indonesia with better specs.

[@nhlanhlajonathanmasuku3650]

I like more the SE, because it’s the one I can afford 😂

[@mariorojas3724]

I think 5 grand it's a LOT for any guitar....

[@IamMusicNerd]

The core is clearly better, but it is not $2000 better. I would take the SE and save the $2000.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

The USA version sounds slightly better to me.

[@ishguitars]

Scott and I are still arguing if it's $3350 better though 😂

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

@@ishguitars A good setup on the SE would help with the string buzz and maybe changing strings would sweeten the sound a bit. I don't pay $4900 for guitars. The most I have paid is about $1500.

[@ishguitars]

@@DesertScorpionKSA Bing bing this sounds like the perfect guitar for you then!

[@13bluestars]

@@ishguitars Needs a Bagg's DI box

[@ishguitars]

@@13bluestars Oh yeah it would sound killer with one, just for this video we wanted to give people a bare-bones tone example

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

It's "pee-eh-zo". What I don't get is _really_ expensive instruments not offering a laughably cheap pickup split option on their humbuckers. Even the cheapest Harley Benton clone of this guitar features a coil split, and it gives you twice as many sound options to choose from. I mean, how much can tha split switch and cabling cost? $5?

[@philipmuns3615]

The PRS pot taper IMHO negates the need for splitting the coils. When rolling the volume off, as you get to “6.5” and lower, the oomph of the humbucker gets rolled off and it sounds like a great single coil, but without the 60 cycle hum.

[@elevationblue]

PIE ZOE makes my eardrums bleed

[@ishguitars]

Agreed although we just had a Harley Benton through the shop and it.... Wasn't great, lol

[@teerexness]

What I don't get is a $4900 guitar without a bound neck and headstock.

[@ishguitars]

@@teerexness I mean, going out on a limb here, but I know of many guitars over $5000 without bound necks that plenty of people buy

[@llamont2336]

Great review and nice guitars but $1,549 for an SE is a stretch. You can get into number of solid (new and used) American made instruments for that price. I don’t doubt that the SE Hollowbody II Piezo is a great guitar but to up the retail price of a PRS consumer model during a time when an unprecedented number of people are experiencing financial hardships seems a bit off kilter. Just my $.02.

[@ishguitars]

Thank you!! Quite a few people agree with you but we have also been selling a TON of these guitars so the market must be there, what will really tell us is where these land price wise on the used market. Also on our new video we just posted comparing the SE, Core, and a Taylor 317e in a blindfold test a lot of people have been thinking the SE sounds better than the Core which is interesting (although I prefer the Core slightly more, personally).

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

In Australia the guitar retails for $2,500 and that is a bit of a stretch for a "budget" guitar line made in China! And no toggle and two outputs, bad, bad, design. Imagine having two outputs on stage and trying not to trip over yourself on needing two wireless transmitters

[@ishguitars]

@@vaughanmacegan4012 $2500 AUD comes to about $1750 USD from what I just looked up, is that what you meant?

[@homeslice1479]

@@vaughanmacegan4012 I don't understand your gripe. If you don't want to use two wireless transmitters, just use the mix output and one wireless system. Nobody's forcing you to use two wireless systems, but if you want the piezo to go to an acoustic amp and the mag pups to a tube amp, that's what your life is gonna be lol

[@romeou4965]

Ish Guitars - Appointment Only $799 used on proaudiostar website...probably the demo units sent to youtubers/influencers

[@chemmii]

The diff is one's made in China...the other one here...!!! If it were made elsewhere I would but it.!!

[@daveg4236]

No you wouldn't or you'd own one

[@conartist267]

Oh boys, it’s phoenetically pee etzo not pie zo. Dude in the black shirt is correct ☑️

[@ginho69]

I prefer to buy a prs piezo 2 and a taylor kkkk not a core

[@ishguitars]

Wait for our next video to come out, you might not even need the Taylor ;)

[@TheClassicQ]

SE with locking tuners, tap the coils add the switch. Spend the mods cash save the retail cash get a world class player.

[@bcapper]

PEE AY ZO GOD DAMMIT

[@M3RRIH3W13]

Happy belated birthday, Ish. The Core guitar is a special guitar, the tonewoods, construction, design, and tone were made to be special. The SE is ply, no arch, and doesn't sound special. For years, I've been hoping for this guitar to come at this price (and made in Indonesia). It sounds "boxy" like a few guitars in the early 00's. And, like Scott, I wouldn't be happy buying the SE. I would be trying to fix the tone and going mad scientist on it. The modding ideas are great ideas, but the tone isn't there, and I think it is significantly different. So, no to Paul and hope for a $6K windfall or going to law school. PRS may fix the issues next year or whenever. I think any that cares about the tone of an instrument will not want this guitar.

[@ishguitars]

Thanks for the B-day wishes! You're on team Scott for sure hahah. Def understand where you are coming from. A couple trade ins and some creative financing can get you to a Core sooner than you might think ;)

[@paulkline3011]

China made. I have a tough time with negative to that. I have a really good paying job which pays for my house, my cars, my bills, my food for my family. All of our products are made in China. Not my choice because I'm not the owner of our company but it does give me my livelihood.

[@paulkline3011]

@@omnicognatesnr5947 ok?

[@edmundoespinoza9573]

Pareciese que tu compa te va a prender un besote. 🤣 ¿ que pedo con la sana distancia? Jejeje.

[@andresmosqueda3946]

Que te valga verga a ti

[@edmundoespinoza9573]

@@andresmosqueda3946 y pa que te cagas?

[@edmundoespinoza9573]

@@andresmosqueda3946 que le valga verga compa.

[@Mexxx65]

Why does everyone when they pick up an F-hole guitar, start noodling Folk/Indie music on it?

[@3cardmonty602]

I’m never buying another Chinese made guitar, and the U.S. model is way out of my price range, so I’ll just stick to my Tele

[@ishguitars]

Did you have a bad experience? What guitar was it on?

[@kennygee83]

I respect everyone's choice to decide what they want to buy and play. I own the Singlecut Hollowbody Ii and its a great guitar, but the rest of my guitars are all Chinese and Japanese made, and they are all fantastic. Absolutely amazing stuff made all over the world.

[@jessehoopes7042]

There's some u.s. made stuff that if you dig for you'll find they're aforable, this isn't a fact but I would venture to say you could find a carvin semi hollow body guitar somewhere on one of the main sites like Ebay or reverb or just on line , I wouldn't be surprised if peavey had something similar they made at some point(they made surprisingly cool and well built guitars in the USA before they moved completely to China) you would be looking in the used market that doesn't bother me I tend to shy away from the latest and greatest cookie cutter stuff but I don't fault anybody for only wanting new gear and guitars, I'm just thinking on the keyboard. But there is stuff from the 80's, brands you may not of heard of that were made here that if you pick up you might be pleasantly surprised. Fenders are legendary, great playing and sounding guitars I'm just offering info if you were searching for a semi hollow made here. Without knowing I would put money on a nice semi hollow carvin or 2 that's a great price is out there. I had an old carvin x100b head that was less then 500 bones and that's just a great amp made right here. A guitar I started to learn to play on technically not my very own first guitar but I spent alot of time on it , was a peavey t-15 at the time it seemed to be nothing special but now it's got a cult following they were made here and built great they have great maple necks the fret work was right and they made these pickups that were in between a p90 and a humbucker (That's how I've heard people describe them) AND THE PRICE varies they came with a case that had a peavey practice amp built into it I'm guessing if I found one with the case intact it would still be less than 500 bones. I'm rambling sorry just love the topic.

[@ishguitars]

@@kennygee83 I agree, manufacturing standards have changed, there are good guitars everywhere

[@Ryan_F.]

FYI these are made in Korea as far as I know, and the Korean factories supposedly do a great job (haven’t owned an SE myself, but people love them)

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

C’mon, it’s pee-ay-zo

[@renmad0078]

I never understand why in some videos test fir a guitar they do it with the gain at first and push too much at this level. I'm sorry but I can't hear well like that the real sound of the magnetic pickup. I'm sorry but for me it's not a good video. I prefer to hear first a real clean sound for all pick up one by one and after hear some more few gain push litle by litle. In your first test you don't say nothing about all the pickup you use on guitar and another time the gain is not well adjust to hear well the pick up clean and it's always too much for me. Thanks for your kind efforts but you should better work on what we need to know well for the sound of a guitar.

[@PhilCurrieMusic]

Good video but it's "piezo" pronounced "pietzo", not "pie-zo"!

[@ishguitars]

Look, I've tried to tell him..he's too far gone.

[@mysticsailor9]

Pee-ay-zoh.. but tone wise.. the core kills it...

[@Ry_Valz]

repeat after me... PEE-YEZO'

[@Francob78]

A guitar made from plywood out of china...that sure justifies the 1549 price range

[@ishguitars]

Most the money here is in the electronics system - but - I hear you!

[@guadalupeperales5725]

"Made in China" does not necessarily mean bad quality. Products made in China have really come a long way, and sure, because many products are made there, of course we can also find bad quality items. But it's not always the case, not anymore; and it surely isn't for a brand with such quality control as PRS.

[@Francob78]

@@guadalupeperales5725 i have to agree with you on that one, prs are great instruments. I've owned an SE model and it was superb... But still... The plywood thingy slightly pokes my mind.... I have cabinets build with better woods...... The just dont sound this good 😜

[@sccanj]

Does a $5k USA made guitar justifies it? I doubt it

[@Francob78]

AndreaJane have you ever held one in your hands? Then you know the build quality, playability, feeling and finish is top notch, however same can be said about all high end guitars, does being made in america justifie the price tag? Doubt it....but i can say this, holding a guitar made with the best materials and finished the best possible way adds a lot of joy to playing guitar. And that is worth something to me.... You can buy a cheap guitar and put the best hardware on it and it will still be a cheap guitar.....Ps, sorry i my english is a little difficult to understand. Not my first language

[@kojakkojak3665]

Pi-e-zo

[@gmichaelhall]

a real shame that the presenter has a lazy approach to the English language, and makes up words rather than learn to pronounce piezo. Saying "pizo" just arrogantly dumbs down the video and reflects poorly on both presenters. Further, hollowbody guitars are traditionally made of laminate, it's the go. And in closing, this PRS SE is built by Cort, PRS has no factory in China, they hire a capable subcontractor for the build. Information in this video is hit and miss, tall, guy seems like he's got it together, the short guy just seems to like the sound of his own uninformed voice.

[@MACKHAWKSS]

pie zo