PRS 594 CORE vs 594 SE | pretty close for a fraction of the price?

[@kmw5100]

at the end of the day I understand that the artistry, labor, premium materials, and overall attention to detail is what makes the core models cost what they do, but I appreciate their commitment to making sure that the instruments they make for us average folks and hobbyists are punching well above their weight.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said and agree! I am impressed with SE line.

[@easye9-21]

Absolutely. I have a DGT SE along with a core 594 McCarty SC and it's crazy how good the DGT SE. It plays flawless and is the first guitar I've bought in a long time that needed no setup right out of the box.

[@veeralshah5969]

Can you walk through your signal chain, recording equipment and approach to playing? Seriously some of the most inspired playing, I have seen on here! Legit this channel should have 100k+ subscribers

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I couldn't agree more!!! 😎

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words and interest! I do plan to make videos on the subjects. In the meantime, I do have a couple of videos that touch aspects of my signal chain (“soaring Strat lead tone” and “how I get my lead tone”).

[@Kymerican]

Right before reading this comment I was thinking to myself about how you chose the your sound setup… Was there a ton of study or just playing through what you liked or maybe influenced by someone with ton of experience… Anyway I really appreciate your reviews. Very logical and show what the guitars are capable of.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

This is becoming one of my favorite guitar channels, just for the vibe and smooth playing and killer tone. Keep up the great work man!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement!

[@cmonsterz]

Fantastic video, Jon! The SE does have a maple cap under the figured maple veneer. I actually have a core 594, an S2 594 and an SE 594 and all are thoroughly enjoyable instruments. Each “level” certainly has very discernible differences, but it’s also pretty easy to understand why the core version is so revered! The voice of the core is extremely clear and warm. The voice of the SE is very good, but lacks the note definition.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks as always! Thanks for the info about the maple cap. I haven’t tried the S2, but your experience with the range makes perfect sense to me. PRS really knows what tradeoffs to choose to make the best instrument for the price point. Thanks for sharing!

[@RoloTomasie]

I'm not in the market for either, but I still really enjoyed your review. I hope your YT channel blows up soon. Your production value, playing, and insight far exceed the size of your channel (for now!).

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you for the kind words and wishes - much appreciated!

[@progjsa]

I have six PRS and they are all great. I don’t have a 594 yet, but Core wins......SE models are killer for the price and super solid. Love the channel and your playing is superb! Cheers!

[@ghostierockstar]

Another visually and audibly stunning video with amazing content 🎸🔥🔥🔥

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@lorenzo-agnes]

Thoroughly enjoyed the comparison thank you, but the best part of this video is the music - lovely stuff.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks as always, Lorenzo - glad you enjoyed!

[@geraldpascua8180]

Thank you for video Jonathan! I'm a "long time listener, first-time caller" and I'm always impressed with your smooth playing, killer-style and absolute down-to-earth disposition. Anyway, I own the 594 SE double-cut, but also purchased the PRS 58/18 TCI LT PUPs after watching this video. I figured why not swap-out the original SE with the USA PUPs to get the "best-of-both-world." (I.e., PRS at an affordable price, yet with near-identical full-voicing as the core with the same PUP). Thanks again, Brother! I appreciate you!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for reaching out and for the kind words! That's so cool - I'd love to try an SE with the Core pickups like yours! I've been a big fan of the TCI version of the pickups ever since they came out. Rock on man an take care!

[@ScouseStrat]

My new favourite channel; your sublime playing is matched by the depth and quality of your reviews. Subscribed!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words and sub - glad you’re enjoying!

[@MattRamsey-p7v]

like your reviews bro, nice quality both video and tonewise... you would deserve more subscribers

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I appreciate that!

[@djfuzzystump]

Every time I see your videos I'm impressed by how well done they are - the sound, the visuals, and the playing quality. Shocking you don't have many more subscribers. Great video!

[@abbott287]

Beaitiful clean chords, pretty inversions and playing. Enjoyed the music. Nice.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you - glad to know you appreciate the music!

[@norseman61]

Both are beautiful guitars, and that core model is a work of art. But I must say, that SE isn’t too shabby either. My ears are getting older and are not as sensitive to higher frequencies, so I actually appreciate the slightly brighter tone of the SE. For my money (which ain’t much), the SE is the wise choice. Also, I’ve said similar things before, but I’ll say it again. Your channel is the class of KZbin. Keep up the good work!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the comments, kind words, and encouragement! Well said and agree. I tend to like brighter sounding tones/guitars so the SE’s voice appeals to me as well.

[@davegrice3423]

Really nice comparison, was particularly interested to hear how these 2 compare. The 594 Core is probably the best PRS I've had to date. But that SE is nothing to sneeze at, and the price can't be ignored. *Would also really like to see the Private vs Core 594 comparison as well.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks you and well said - agree! Thanks for letting me know your interest in the PS vs Core.

[@ConnerForrest1]

Great comparison and excellent sound and video quality. Big fan of this channel and you’ve earned a new subscriber! I have a core 594 in this same finish and I’d definitely be interested in a Core v Private Stock video.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words and sub! Noted on the Core vs PS!

[@BeastMadeReviews]

yeah! Great video! I have been really pleasantly surprised by the SE line. The shallow carve on SE is something I actually like. I think the full carve is even better, but the shallow carve isn't a deal killer. Unlike the S2 line, which I think is hideous! 😅 I have heard a few different comparisons between various Core and SE guitars, and they sound eerily similar. But there does seems to be a difference. Sometimes, I don't mind the difference (like with this 594), and other times I do. In those cases, the difference is so small but so noticeable, that it bothers me, like a tiny pebble in my shoe. Great video as always!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you as always! Man you nailed it with that pebble in shoe analogy - I can relate about the slight tone difference.

[@stevendurantini7182]

Another awesome video John, spectacular playing and tone as usual!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Steven! Much appreciated!

[@ludvigbydal7812]

About the 594 SE model slightly brighter tone, I believe it has to do with the body 3 piece construction that makes an stiffer or harder wood piece thus the guitar yields an overall brighter tone. When I saw the back of the guitar body 3 pieces, some had very different grain, could also mean any of the 3 glued pieces may have higher density and weight that makes for added brightness. Anyways after listening carefully I believe the tone difference is very subtle, and I'm really impressed with the SE model in general, for the price is a lot of guitar. Thanks Johnny great video this one and all the others on PRS models, some of the best no doubt.

[@Squall6575]

Loved the honesty! The SEs are very impressive guitars. I absolutely loved PRS’s explanation that the SE line isnt just a “core model with compromises to lower price” rather they aim to simply make the absolute best guitar they can at the price point

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! That’s a great quote - it shows!

[@jimwoodard64]

TL/DR at the end. I have the SE and the new S2, which as of 2024 includes all of the electronics, hardware, and pickups of the SE. So barring the violin carve, as the S2 is carved differently, I can speak to the guitars that are priced about $1400 apart. To be specific, the SE I have is a faded blue, which has a $50 upcharge from the other colors, and the S2 I have is lake blue. Both were purchased from Sweetwater. I was able to snag my SE before the price hike and paid $850 whereas the S2 ran a whopping $2349. The SE now sports a shallow violin carve with the 58/15 LT "S" pickups, Kluson style tuners, and 4 speed knobs. The neck carve is identical on all McCarty models, referred to as "Pattern Vintage". The neck/headstock is more specifically 6 piece as the neck is 3 piece with a glued heel and there are two wings on each side of the headstock. The bound fretboard is a 10" radius rosewood. Fretwork is superb with no fret sprout. As mentioned, the finish is poly, and since I'm used to playing Gibson guitars for the most part, I noticed the feel difference immediately, though it's not something that bothers me at all. The body is 3 piece mahogany with a maple cap and a veneer top. The S2 has a bound, carved, 2-piece maple top (though not violin) with a mahogany body (can't tell the pieces because it's a solid color), but it's likely at least 2 pieces. The neck is 4 pieces as it has a one piece neck with a glued heel and the two wings. (The wings are a PRS thing that Gibson also does. A good way to tell a fake.) It sports core Kluson style tuners with the new plastic "tone" wings, core electronics and hardware, and 58/15 LT pickups. The finish is high gloss nitro. The necks feel very similar, as PRS doesn't do the same heavy, hard poly finish many companies do; and the playability of both guitars is hardly worth mentioning. The days of having a different neck for the SE, S2, and core are gone; giving the players of all budgets a very similar feel throughout the line. I remember having a Custom 24 core and Custom 24 SE, and the feel was night and day. So what's the real difference and is it worth the $$ to upgrade? That's really up to the individual. I think the SE is fine for most players, and PRS has finally made it so that the S2 is a fine entry to the core series rather than only being an SE built in Stevensville, MD. I play my guitars live, and the thought of having a $5k core art piece on a stand in a club gives me chills. I play a Gibson Les Paul Custom in alpine white for suit and tie occasions and that's a hard sell and only when I know I can keep it under close watch the whole time. TL/DR: the sound of the SE is slightly brighter than the S2, and this likely comes down to the pickups and electronics. There's nothing wrong with the pickups in the SE, and some people might prefer the tone. In some situations, I know I do. I had intended on purchasing a set of 58/15 LT pickups and core electronics for the SE, but now I'm on the fence. The current cost of the pickups would be $500 and electronics and about $150 in electronics would nearly cost the value of the guitar in the first place. Then should I ever decide to sell it, I would have to return it to stock and I'd have those electronics and pickups to resell. The difference in tone is not worth the headache of going through all that.

[@michaelschneider7590]

Exquisite playing today. I chose an S2 594 as the best balance, for me, of sound and cost, notwithstanding how gorgeous the core model is. One small difference from your comments is that I didn’t like the feel of the polyurethane finish nearly as much as the nitrocellulose. But I’m less experienced and that could be a placebo effect!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Michael! I’ll have to checkout the S2. It’s funny, 99/100 times I notice and prefer the feel of Nitro over Poly. For some reason it wasn’t that apparent to me among these two examples. Maybe it was just a fluke.

[@ryanvergara3603]

Great work and review. You've got an awesome setup and content. Top-notch. I have been looking forward to your review of a 594 SE because I have been wishing to own one, especially with a Vintage Sunburst color like the one you demoed. It's been a 3-year Christmas wish for me to get one and your review just amped up my longing to finally have one. Thank you Jonathan.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words and it's my pleasure, Ryan! Your patience and longing will be worth it - hope you land one soon!

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

Lovely demo. Great chops.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you!

[@scaredypicker]

Great comparison! 👌 I’ve had a 594 SE since April, and I love it! I never would be able to afford the core model, but this has scratched my PRS itch. It’s quickly become one of my favourite guitars… Only thing I want to change is the stock tuners it comes with. That’s the only part of it that doesn’t perform like a £2k+ instrument in my book

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the 594. I can't imagine a better guitar at the price point.

[@robyates136]

I have the SE. The more I play it the more I'm thinking about a core model as my "dream guitar" instead of a custom shop Les Paul. I have four Les Pauls and still find myself picking up the 594 SE. Arrrgh!

[@geofffield6493]

I love PRS guitars, and own two SE models, a Hollowbody 2 and a 35th Anniversary model. Both are very easy to play and sound superb, but that core model, that you are using, has such an amazing tone and the charcoal cherry burst finish is my all-time favourite. Sadly, my playing ability doesn’t justify the cost of purchasing the core model - yet. 😊

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Keep pushing and get yourself that core someday!

[@MrUltraworld]

The biggest difference is where they are made and the amount of time spent to build each instrument. But I give PRS a lot of credit for building a lower cost instrument to new players. It's pretty smart business sense too, it creates PRS players who will save up for a USA guitar in the future.

[@macschut]

I really like the fuller, warmer voice of the core, more vintagy. And damn good looking too. Still the SE is the smart choice for most. While gigging you won't notice. But man Jonathan, your playing outshines both.🎸❤

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Wow - thanks for the kind words! I agree!

[@Scott__C]

Nice comparison. I've got a few SEs, a few S2s and a few Core models. I have a Core McCarty (non 594) with a wraparound bridge. Fantastic. Don't have other McCartys, but all my PRS guitars are great and I'd play a gig with any of them.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks! Nice collection and would love to try a Core McCarty like yours.

[@Scott__C]

@@RatherBeRiffing Thanks! You've got some nice ones in your stable. I tend to look for some that are are a little different.

[@steved1099]

For me, it's primarily all about playability and sound. Fancy flames and prestige are nice but these are tools. You note a similar sound, dynamic, response and playability... despite the huge price difference. For a direct comparison (sort of) I recently picked up a DGT SE and it is so good playability and sound wise that I could never justify the core DGT at 4x the price. A good guitar setup combined with a good amp / good FX means i can tweak the difference in sound. I have USA strats and LPs but actually play the DGT SE more, simply because it just fits my hand perfectly and gets the tones i like. New to this channel and really like the comparisons and must say you really do have some and the nicest looking guitars i have ever seen 👍👍👍

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the comment and kind words! Well said. It’s hard to put down a guitar that sounds and feels right. I’ll have to try a DGT SE soon!

[@steved1099]

@@RatherBeRiffing you should definitely try one… certainly won’t be as nice as the core you have 😂 that one is beautiful, but the DGT SE are great (even David Grissom said he could easily tour with it) I will qualify my last post as well by saying that if I were a studio or recording musician making my living from playing then I would get the best I could as the fine margins there really count. For standard bar gigs, the DGT SE is perfect… and easily replaceable if stolen /damaged

[@samz9121]

I own 2 Zach Myer SEs. one from the World music Korean era and a 2022 Cort era model. (pre 594 scale length upgrade) The 594 from what I can tell, like the ZM is indeed a maple cap with a flame veneer and not a veneer on a mahagony body. I'm a tinkerer by nature so the first things I would do to mine would be to get a logo repro, a headstock veneer and have the headstock resprayed and redone, the wiring redone, have parts upgraded to switchcraft, and get aftermarket lampshade knobs. That would bring it more in line visually with the Core model sans violin carve.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I played the recent Myer SE was impressed! I love the tinkering ideas!

[@samz9121]

@@RatherBeRiffing Thats pretty much exactly what I did. Some of the comments I get are people who actually thought mine was a private stock build. XD For me, I'm the odd one out that isn't a fan of the violin carve, so what I ended up doing with my ZMs were essentially taking a stock model that got me pretty darn close to what I would like ideally, and taking matters into my own hands. Now, if I was a collector looking to continually keep the collection moving, I wouldn't do this, but my line of thinking was more of "I'm going to arrive to this point with a private stock build anyway. Why not just heavily mod a SE platform?" MY ZMs literally dethroned most of my now non-existsant collection.

[@claudialuciano3033]

Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy... I find the 594 SE sound a little brighter than the core... and a little less warm... but the main reason to buy 594 SE Is the price... (athought is a little high for an asian made)... As ever i find Paul Reed Smith got a gorgeous job with both models

[@aro8338]

Hi Jon, another great video! The production, sound, and execution are impeccable, as is your guitar collection. I've watched all your videos and really like your playing style. Do you happen to offer private guitar lessons?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words - much appreciated! I don’t do lessons at the moment, but will circle back if that should change in the future.

[@drewbarries]

Great content as always Jonathan! I think I also noticed the volume and tone knobs on the SE were not recessed like on the core. As far as aesthetics go the core is just on another level, no contest. I think that as far as the violin carve goes, while I love that on the core, an argument can be made that the sharp edge can dig in to one’s arm more than on the SE. Now concerning tones, I preferred the core in every example better, found it like you described, fuller and had more openness and more harmonic content, whereas the SE I found to be also a bit warmer. The SE reminded me of Alnico 3 whereas the core sounded more like Alnico 2, 4 or 5. I did find the middle position with the Chorus a bit harder to choose a winner. Again I think the warmer SE may have had a combined effect with filtering some of the brighter aspects of the chorus which I liked. If I had to choose one, it’d would be the core, all day long.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks as always! Great catch about the recessed knobs. The price premium goes into those core aesthetics, which I love. Great analogy about magnets. Now I’m wondering if the magnets are different in the pickups.

[@drewbarries]

@@RatherBeRiffing So to your credit, the SE, which you thought sounded brighter agrees with the differences. I need to go back and listen again because through my AVR and Martin Logan floor speakers, I thought the SE sounded warmer. According to what I found the core 58/15 LTs uses Alnico 2 but their “S” line typically uses Alnico 5s which would go hand in hand with brighter, but because PRS uses .44 gauge for the tap, this causes some serious loss in high end, but that should have affected both PUPs equally. Anyway, long story long, cool video, thanks for the riffing!

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Over YT I can tell that the SE is Brighter like you mentioned. ( you mentioned that the Pick-Up Height & Screws were different height & position) You didn't mention the TYP of PIC-UPS used on both GTr's. Im sure there is where it can make a difference in Tone? Thank you for making this Video Jonathan, George :)

[@MichaelNeumeyer-n6q]

I have the SE 594 and love its sound. I hear the difference between the two and think your core model sounds better. But not 4K better.l guess I will stay with my SE

[@leonbrownmusic]

What pickups are in them. Are they the same model?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

They have the stock pickups. The core has 58/15 LT. The SE has 58/15 LT “s”. I’m not sure what the “s” means but I think it signifies that the pickups are somehow different (e.g., in material, where manufactured, spec, etc, to meet the lower price point). Would be great if someone who knows for sure would chime in!

[@robertlucas9867]

SE has maple cap with flame maple veneer. I was surprised by playability and sound and grew to love my SE McCarty more than other guitars. I have the blue they just discontinued and I’m thinking of buying another blue if I find one since I love that color but the vintage burst and charcoal looks awesome as well.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I was surprised as well - great guitars!

[@johnnybillyeager6703]

Same situation I have, I have guitars worth triple what the McCarty SE, I’ve got the charcoal version and it’s so good that I don’t even wanna touch any other guitars.. it can do any tone and it’s very comfortable to play.

[@paoloelicano]

Another great review thank you. Man you're playing is excellent! Especially how you take your pick before hitting a high note. 🎉

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you and my pleasure! That tremolo picking leading to the high note is a lot of fun (I must thank EVH for that inspiration).

[@tymanngruter1808]

I think that the SE series are taking over the core and custom series, the valeu is prominent! ♨️

[@KevinAReynolds_Author]

Oh my goodness - that's exactly the sound in my head!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Seems we have similar tastes in tone!

[@KevinAReynolds_Author]

@@RatherBeRiffing Indeed, I believe we do!

[@SimonAndersson-j8i]

What a video! 🙏 Are you using an amp simulator since you’re using headphones? I live in an apartment so unfortunately I can’t play with a real amp. How’s the sound and what do I need to get to have the same rig as you? Amazing video!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I’m using a real amp but with a Suhr reactive load so I can record silently. I use a 4x12 cab impulse response for speaker simulation in Cubase. For info on my gear, check out my video called, “my guitar signal chain and lead tone breakdown”.

[@piemmetubo]

I'm a happy owner of a SE, same as the one you demonstrated. I also had the chance of playing the Core model (alas not in A/B situation). What struck and gripped me was not so much the sound, but the sense of pleasure that the Core model gave me. And while I consider the SE to be an excellent tool, it still gives me the impression of being "just a tool", the Core gave me the impression of having soul. The question I can't answer is: if I had it, would I spend all that extra money to buy that feeling?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said! I know what you mean.

[@ShamanicSavant]

For people that think core models are just for rich guys, I'm as blue collar as it gets and I own one. I gave up a weed habit for a year to pay for mine. I grow my own, but selling what I would have smoked to friends instead paid for my 594 WL :)

[@WeldmanJones-gj7dl]

Imo the SE could cost a thousand more and the core should cost a thousand less. There is at least 90 percent of the sound quality in the SE and if they were both core models I would attribute the difference to just being two different guitars. Thanks for the video!

[@SpnkyMcGee]

As the Core was way more guitar than I needed I bought the 594se Single Cut and upgraded all of the internals to get as close to the Core as possible. This included the wiring harness, switches, pickups, plastics and bone nut-all done by PRS here in the USA. Does it sound like the Core? I have no idea. 1) I don't own a PRS Core guitar and 2) I am not a good enough guitarist to play well enough to really know the difference. Would love to see you compare it though.

[@kloudtunes]

I‘m totally happy with my two SE guitars (594 and Custom 24). While the core being a piece of art is attracting me nevertheless. I remember somebody online comparing both ranges and was even preferring the SE because of the its shallow violin carve and the improved comfort for his right arm resting on the body. Would you agree or does this difference not really matter to you. Thanks for the review. Both guitars look and sound great!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I see the lure of the core - the temptation is real! I didn’t notice any comfort differences between the top carves. I’ve played various carved top PRS’s for 25+ years and never experienced any discomfort personally.

[@jesusisking33ad]

Nice video! Are you planning on doing a comparison for the s2 version? Since, they now come with american pick ups.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I would love to, but don’t have access to one. I will if that changes.

[@jesusisking33ad]

@@RatherBeRiffing if your local dealer has one. I would strike up a deal for free promo in exchange to view the guitar but yeah great videos man!

[@David01.d]

My ears heard the prs core captures more of the airyness of the playing and sustained longer. The SE loses some of the sound quality when the note rings out. But that's all I could hear. I just ordered a Eastman PCH1 gace acoustic guitar, so excited to see how this affordable acoustic holds up

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for your observations. I hear that too. Let me know how the Eastman is. I've handled a few of their electrics and liked them all.

[@nobodyimportant76467]

I’ve been very impressed with all of the SE models I’ve played. Put some locking tuners on them and why spend the extra money other than because you can?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I’ve been impressed as well!

[@mikeybeazley3]

With the core being out of my reach, I’m very happy with my SE and tonally it’s definitely close enough for me. That core is a thing of beauty though. Btw the SE also has the full maple cap, but with the veneer. It’s probably a little thinner because of the shallow carve. As for the different look of the mahogany, it’s likely they are using an Asian alternative to mahogany to keep the price down. There are multiple wood species that are marketed as “mahogany,” and I highly doubt they are using Honduran mahogany on non-USA models.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the additional info. Makes sense regarding the different wood species.

[@youKnowWho3311]

Distinct audible difference in Core vs SE. I prefer the core. Not sure if the difference is as impactful in the mix. By themselves though, I prefer the Core. As most of us spend time outside a mix, it's probably something to be considered in the decision.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Personally straight into an amp with no effects and no mixing the SE models pickups are not good at all. Swap the 58-15 S pups for the American Made 58-15 pups. It’s a MASSIVE difference. There’s no way anyone can say the pickups sound and feel the same. But the SE is a great offering.

[@anyway4ever]

We need the private stock vs the core!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Noted!

[@lbarmusic89]

Core wins, but for 5x the price the SE really shines for value

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Agree!

[@NINEWALKING]

Well after listening this on my best setup conclusion is the same. Lack of details on SE that I can hear on Core. Especially on low strings. SE has that low end but it sounds like it plays on rubber strings and Core sounds like acoustic standup bass wit hall details in it. On top end there is this top end thing on SE that is just not nice and it covers all the details. There is a top end but it is not refined. While that Core is a good one. Ten top? Anyways it looks and sounds great.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the observations! I favor the core myself, but couldn’t believe how good the 594 is. The core is a 10 top.

[@matthewladerwager]

The SE model has a maple cap with a flame maple veneer on top of it.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the info!

[@SurviveTheDay]

Just imagine if the PRS 594 CORE were built in Indonesia? Guitar manufacturers know offshore luthiers can make great guitars with great components. The same guitar built part-for-part in the USA and Indonesia will cost YOU the customer so much less $$$$ built in Indonesia. My '80s MIJ Charvel guitars are unbelievable. And that's why Japanese-made guitars are highly sought after. Give a luthier the right stuff and limited cost restrictions and you've got diamonds.

[@Dominik2811East]

It’s a shame that you don’t have 100K or more follower

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! Someday!

[@hamerray]

The SE does have a veneer top.

[@ShamanicSavant]

Not much of a top carve on the SE compared to a core model. Same tuner buttons... kind of a major knock against the post 2019 core models. My 594 DC is a 2017 and I'm glad I bought one before the downgrades. The Phase III tuners are like fine jewelry, the new ones are more like a cheap plastic ring from a gumball machine. Mine is also a WL with upgrades they haven't offered since 2019. The original 58/15LT pickups are sweet and articulate. Some of the best stock pickups ever put in a guitar... right up there with Custom Buckers. Never tried an SE, but they seem nice for the price :)

[@RealROCKnROLLA]

For me the guitars are like furniture. Sure IKEA chipboard table and wardrobe will get the job done and will probably look nice enough from far away, but it can't compare to a real solid wood furniture. Same here: if you're only starting out or going on tour and need a beater, I can't see how an SE will fail you. But if you want to get a treat for your hands and eyes, why not wait for a little longer and get the real deal?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said and great analogy! I personally would personally budget for the core for those reasons. However, I didn't expect the SE to be near as good as it is.

[@NINEWALKING]

I need to listen to it once more on my studio monitors setup. But already now I hear way more details on Core. Pickups on the SE sound plain Nd harsh. Almost as ceramic magnets while Core has all the details even on higher gain and even in the mix. Do not get me wrong, for the price SE is a monster. But to go further you will be hit by diminishing returns. That’s how it always goes. Yeah laminated wood is more stable, never made me want to have it though 😂😂😂

[@NINEWALKING]

BTW forgot to mention that even Some Gibson USA come with a pickups that are not adjusted. Even when you buy Gibson pickups they do not get with pickups poles adjusted. They used to. One school of thoughts states they do not know what guitar you might use them in and what radius will it need to have but for me it is just lack of interest to help out the clients. If it sells like this why spending more time on it? That attitude is what ruins the world. Client ain't a king anymore. Especially on guitars. Like you pay 2 grands for a guitar and they do not even setup your pickups? Seem it on new SG model '61 USA of the friend of mine. I was pretty disappointed. Tbh I am sort of disappointed to see this on the PRS SE as well. PRS SE ar great and I haven't seen lack of attention on them before. Actually they were saying those guitars get sent to USA and setup and controlled there as well? Maybe this one is just a fluke.

[@christianboddum8783]

The SE sounds flatter to me.

[@whocareswins1]

Andy Timmons and Eric Johnson had a baby… they gave birth to this guy 🤌

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! Incredible players!

[@IndyRockStar]

I think PRS made a big mistake making their down line so good. I owned the 594 Core. I just felt like I overpaid for it. I also had the S2 594. Half the price just as good.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

From a business POV, I would love to analyze how incremental/ cannabalistic the SE line has been vs the US counterparts. I assume the SE line has had a net incremental impact on sales/profit considering how aggressively they expanded the range over time.

[@IndyRockStar]

@@RatherBeRiffing I haven't owned an SE, but I've been tempted. The S2 line is still American made, and starting this year the S2 line has the Core electronics. It's 1/2 price of the core. Far as I can tell you're paying double for figured wood. I've been looking at a 594 Private Stock. It's beautiful. I can't justify the $10K for a guitar I can get for $2,500 only without the bragging rights.

[@idontgrillonwed]

I’ve had 7 SEs, and 5 core models over the last 15-20 years. I still have 3 core models, but that is largely because I love what Paul has done to the industry and just really vibe with the original factory made guitars. The SEs are just great, especially for new or gigging players, and can be made to be about 95% of a core if you run the racks, do just a touch more fretwork, replace the nut, and sometimes pickups. Honestly, the last run of SEs (this one and the DGT) don’t even need new pickups. I play the cores because I can, and because of sentimental value. Thanks for posting videos like this! Would love to see the custom shop in the mix!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure and thanks for sharing! Well said and agree! I can especially relate to the sentimental POV. When I saw Santana play one in the 90’s I was like what is that and I need one! Their guitars have only gotten better and better since.

[@michaeljoyce3286]

The se the price point to be honest. For me to drop that much money it really has to be that’s much more

[@MsOZ79]

A good looking guitar is nice, but you not buying a piece of fourniture, it’s all bout the mojo, playability and the feel, how far that guitar despite its value will take you.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Agree - but if it’s beautiful too, then even better!

[@hofaichung4572]

I love your licks can I have the tab ?🙇🏼

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I don’t have tabs yet, but plan to.

[@hofaichung4572]

@@RatherBeRiffing thx for reply. Your licks are so amazing. Looking forward to seeing it. Btw here from Hong Kong.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@hofaichung4572 my pleasure - glad to know!

[@dennyclosser8456]

As an owner of one of the first SE Korean made, best of 24, which still plays absolutely beautifully. And sounds really really good. I am an owner of an original Gibson, Les Paul, and know that that sound is hard to duplicate, but I think the 594s come damn close. They’re also exquisite instruments. And the SE range, you can tell that they keep an eye on the productivity and quality of the product. It comes out. Especially for underground.

[@dennyclosser8456]

That was supposed to say under a grand not underground. As always, beautiful playing and well appreciated.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Agree - well said!

[@davidschaub3423]

I own the McCarty se. I will never part with it. My favorite.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I can understand why!

[@nickh1933]

For me its not the tone or playability in this comparison, its the fact that after I play the core, the SE feels and looks cheap by comparison. Especially when you can get a used core for the price if a new SE.

[@AutopsySuiteable]

You can’t get a used core for $900…

[@brianhensien]

Agreed. The attention to detail is inspiring in the core models. The SE’s are a hell of a deal though.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said. I find the the extra quality of the core to be worth it, but if I only had budget for SE, I would be very satisfied with the SE.

[@schrom81]

The SE is far more compressed sounding