PRS CE 24 vs CE 24 Semi-Hollow - Do they sound any different?

We get asked ALL the time if there is a tonal difference between the CE 24 and it's semi-hollow counterpart. Today we dive in to see if there are in fact any differences between these two fantastic guitars.
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00:00 - Intro and discussion of differences
02:18 - CE 24 neck pickup
02:31 - CE 24 middle position
02:44 - CE 24 bridge pickup
02:56 - CE 24 semi-hollow neck pickup
03:09 - CE 24 semi-hollow middle position
03:21 - CE 24 semi-hollow bridge pickup
03:35 - CE 24 neck pickup coil split
03:48 - CE 24 middle position coil split
04:01 - CE 24 bridge pickup coil split
04:13 - CE 24 semi-hollow neck pickup coil split
04:26 - CE 24 semi-hollow middle position coil split
04:39 - CE 24 semi-hollow bridge pickup coil split
04:51 - Back to back comparison with light gain
06:48 - Our thoughts on the tonal differences
08:56 - Who is each guitar for?
10:05 - Outro and closing thoughts
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[@aldonapolitano5979]

Good demo. I liked that I didn't feel like I had to sit through someone's demo but really got to hear how the guitars sounded.

[@rhykko77]

Great job guys ! Thanks

[@BAMozzy69]

I think the build style of PRS guitars means that the 'semi-hollow' effect is not as pronounced as other semi-hollows - like the 335. My PRS Special Semi-Hollow is more like a 'solid' body but obviously lighter. PRS Semi-hollows are more like weight relief than a 'tonal' thing - probably because they are using 'solid' wood and not thin 'laminates'. I think PRS Hollowbodies (like my 594 HBii and HBii with Piezo) have much more of that 'airyness' and warmth more akin to a 335. The Semi-hollow cavity on a PRS is carved out of a solid Mahogany body, much like drilling holes for weight relief on a Gibson LP but connecting as many 'weight relief' holes to create a larger cavity. That means the back and sides are all part of the same slab of Mahogany and not that deep so as not to affect the 'strength' of the back so I think that contributes to the more subtle effect of having a PRS Semi-Hollow compared to 335's for example. If I was to recommend a PRS to someone looking for a 335 (or Similar) semi-hollow guitar, I would direct them to the PRS Hollowbody guitars (HBii or 594 depending on whether they prefer Piezo or Coil Splits) and recommend 'semi-hollows' more for those concerned with weight.

[@rhykko77]

Totally agree......more of a weight thing than a tonal thing.....and though I love my lighter semihollow PRS ......I actually am starting to prefer the very subtle amount of greater 'focus' in the sound of the solid guitars........overall though a VERY subtle thing on this type of construction .

[@harpsinclairmusic]

Spot on

[@brandonbryson3317]

I have a custom 22 semi hollow and a custom 24...both with 85/15’s. The semi hollow sounds more mid scooped and a bit darker/smoother. I like the more aggressive mids and brightness of the custom 24, as I mostly play more rock and metal styles...but I def prefer the semi hollow for clean and lighter overdrives.

[@Teletex82]

I have a CE 24 Semi and it is surprising how versatile it is, it can cover a whole lot of ground. If it had a little bit thicker neck it would be my absolute perfect guitar..

[@Tiger1016.]

I feel you on preferring a different neck carve on this guitar. I know the CE24 semi would get me a tone that I am chasing, but I also don't get along as well with the wide thin neck on my older CU24. My #1 is a PRS HB II with maple neck and fretboard, and I could see the tone of this CE semi filling it the #2 spot for me. I just need to get my hands on one for a bit to see if I can gel relatively better with the pattern thin neck carve.

[@AcousticJamDad]

So I extensively researched this topic before finally buying my PRS 22 Semi…I find that the semi hollow offers a bit more resonance and “howl” to it…kind of like a natural reverb effect of sorts. It’s hard to describe but when you sit down with the solid versus the semi and play them, you’ll immediately know what I’m talking about. That said, it’s not THAT drastic of a sound change. If you did a blind test I bet most people couldn’t pick out the Semi hollow from the solid.

[@sipius22]

The CE 24 will compare very well with any guitar.........in any style of music (well almost any)......it is a beast!

[@ryanandring2688]

I remember these guitars last year were a couple hundred dollars less. Unfortunate

[@milliesdad8322]

I believe they call that inflation. PRS is no more immune to that concept than Gibson or Fender is. 👍

[@prcc]

For the love of God PRS, make a CE24 Hollowbody!

[@thadlogan51]

I own a CE 24 solid... and was curious about the semi hollow CE...so I tried one at the guitar store last week... and to tell you the truth I very much preferred the sound of the solid one more ... it just has more life and warmth to it. Something was missing to me on the semi hollow... but I don't care for PRS semi hollow guitars for some reason... I haven't liked any PRS semi hollow I've tried. I even like my epi figured 335 a thousand times more than any PRS semi hollow... but I love PRS solid body... I have a core 24, a CE 24, and Chris Robertson...all of which sound significantly better to me... but everyone has different taste in tone...it's personal...

[@AcousticJamDad]

While I’m on the opposite side of spectrum preferring the semi over the solid, I can relate to what your saying. I feel like the solid body is a bit more articulate and stable in general whereas the semi hollow has a more airy, meshed sound to it.

[@thadlogan51]

@@AcousticJamDad maybe just depends on your playing style and tone you prefer... both good for different styles I guess

[@brandonbryson3317]

But in this video...they kind of sound the same haha

[@ishguitars]

They were a lot more similar than we expected for sure. I'm sure with a bit more testing with different amps etc it could be more apparent. Can't go wrong with either one!

[@joshelmore9089]

Are you using headphones or just your iPhone to watch?

[@nuendo2496]

Sounds terrible....looks cheap.

[@silentbutdeadIy]

Who's ur dealer bro