PRS SE DGT - So Close to the Core Model!

[@coreycongilio]

Get the 14 day free trial to my lesson website WorkingClassGuitar.com SIGN FOR COURSES AND GROUP ZOOM LESSONS! working-class-guitar.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=4024248 Backing Track by @ElevatedJamTracks elevatedjamtracks.bandcamp.com/album/filthy-blues-rock-collection-vol-9 Check out the gear! SE DGT imp.i114863.net/sedgtflame Core DGT imp.i114863.net/dgtcore HDRX 20 Amp imp.i114863.net/prshdrx20 MXR Timmy imp.i114863.net/mxrtimmy

[@jeffconley819]

So I’d be a new player. I just retired would this guitar be new player friendly. Any amp suggestions

[@coreycongilio]

Very much so. Depends on budget and needs for the amp recommendation. There’s lots out there for sure!

[@jeffconley819]

@@coreycongilio I’ll just be using the amp manly for playing at home in the basement. I prefer tube but a quality solid state would work. I’m a b3 player that’s want to play guitar for a long time . Now I have the time to learn a new instrument since retiring . Thank for your advice it’s much appreciated.

[@jeffconley819]

@@coreycongilio btw I’ve been watching your vids for the last month or so since I found your channel. I really enjoy your playing style alot . Then I saw your lesson program and your a real positive influence. I thought I’d try a reach another life goal by learning guitar.

[@tommyguidry1504]

I wish everyone who did a side by side, did it like this. That is how it's done.

[@bmark7951]

Not everyone has both models😬

[@tommyguidry1504]

@@bmark7951 fixed it for ya

[@Plexi417]

💯 this is definitely how it’s done.

[@kaneo67]

ah haha, someone else noticed as well!

[@joedean3263]

@@bmark7951 I would think that those who do a side by side have both models available? Otherwise I am sure it would sound almost identical to itself.

[@zozzyka]

The core sounded brighter to my ears. A more "open" kind of bright. Great comparison!

[@geoffreyalder7275]

But not $3,000 brighter 🤭🤭

[@mrmz3802]

Close to the core model.. the title already told us that 😂

[@AbComp870]

But when you know when one is better by any degree, how do you still choose the other?

[@ScottInk]

One of the best gear demos I've ever watched. This channel is the 10 top of content.

[@coreycongilio]

Thx my man!

[@jeffconley819]

With you on that. First rate for sure

[@boxer4engine]

Wow. That SE is terrific! Kudos to PRS and Grissom for bringing the DGT attainable for most players.

[@scke3717]

Thank you for not insulting our ears by 1) using clean and reasonable drive rather than near-fuzz levels of distortion 2)doing one guitar right next to the other rather than going a few minutes with one guitar and then the next 3) using the same riffs. Its sad how many reviews do not apply the simple approach in this video. Clear to me that the core has better more responsive and "open" sounding pickups but thats to be expected at +$4000 price point.

[@keithhibbitts7506]

Your mention of "snap, snarl and bite" is exactly what I heard. There was a tad more clarity from the SE, even overdriven. Thanks for this comparison, Corey!

[@Texasbluesalley]

An amazing guitar for the price. I watched the "making of" video for the DGT SE and the level at which David is in-tune with his signature instrument is truly amazing. Great video!

[@coreycongilio]

Thx brutha!

[@RobSwain92]

Wow! I can’t believe how close they managed to get those SE pickups to the Core ones.. the SE DGT looks like one of the best-value-for-money guitars on the market.

[@ROKZLEON]

Your core model DGT is awesome!!! Love that color!!! Just wanted to say, I really dig your phrasing. It keeps me coming back for more vids! 👍🏻

[@ToneJunkieTV]

You definitely made me want one of these! Great stuff as always dude!

[@CTripodi1965]

The DGT SE will probably my next guitar. Could hardly hear the difference between the 2 types of DGT models. Very informative demonstration between the two.

[@musicman386]

I can’t wait to get my hands on a burst SE DGT. I have the money to do a Private Stock, and will get one some day when I get the time to go to Stevensville to go thru the details, BUT……. I own anSE Soapbar 2, and a 56 LP goldtop reissue, and WOW!!!! The SE is FLAWLESS!! That being said, thanks for your comments and sound samples. They all ring like bells. You can really tell when you strum it before plugging in!!! PRS struck Gold with these!!!

[@jteichma]

Love the way you play Corey! And those guitars are near perfect.

[@jamesburns4363]

There's no better value in instruments than the PRS SE line. They are amazing. I like them more because I'm less worried about hen pecks and dings and more focused on playing. Kudos to Paul and David for giving the masses another great instrument. I love my Bernie Marsden and Custom 24 SE.

[@jmaripen]

Awesome guitar for the price for sure! Oh and ridiculously awesome playing, Corey!

[@kevind3094]

I actually preferred the sound overall of the SE. Thanks so much for the best review I have seen yet on this model.

[@guitaring1]

the core model has that shimmer. it's more alive. it's like the difference between a modeling amp set to a Fender tube amp and a real Fender tube amp. And it's that shimmer that inspires me to play more, to explore tones and the differences from fret to fret on each string. Yes, the SE is good. But the core is excellent. Thanks to the back to back, I now know I really need a core model PRS :)

[@philfyphil]

Your analogy is totally out of kilter.

[@jmar482]

Great comparison vid. Really shows the strength of the new SE. To my ears the core pickups are a little more organic and warm sounding. However once you kick in some overdrive they’re almost indistinguishable. As always PRS knocked it out of the park and brought a truly high end guitar to the masses.

[@allstopblue5717]

I pretty much agree. On the cleaner tones I definitely preferred the core model. But the SE still sounded perfectly fine. But yeah once the overdrive was introduced they sounded very similar. I still preferred the core model tone slightly, but I cannot afford one whatsoever, so I would have go with the SE.

[@rolandguilford8301]

Fantastic demo! Straight to the point, ultra musical, awesome playing and tones. The SE is great value. Thanks for sharing this. First class mate!

[@coreycongilio]

Thanks! My pleasure!

[@Mpcoluv]

Great review as always. I have has the DGT SE for a couple of days. In the past I have owned a core DGT. The SE sounds and feels a lot like the core. I was really surprised how good the SE really sounds.

[@ChandlerBrown]

I feel the same way about my SE Silver Sky vs my Core Silver Sky

[@dbwproductions]

Are the frets on the se the same size as the core? I think the core has jumbo frets but I think the see has the smaller (medium jumbo?) frets.

[@Mpcoluv]

@@dbwproductions the SE feels like 6100 size to me. NOT “medium jumbo”

[@CJZM7777]

Great demo. I think the SE DGT humbuckers sound great and the single coil sounds are the best single coil sounds of any split or tapped humbucker I've heard. Might have to get one of these or the PRS SE McCarty 594.

[@stratman9449]

the McCarty looks great...i'd go for that too....

[@gregorygetable]

Nice playing, nice video, nice guitar, I own 4 PRS S2 594, se Paul's, se245, p90 Soapbar.. I'm old and had many vintage. PRS best of the past living into the future

[@landslug]

Interesting that you mentioned the strings as I was thinking that the minimal difference between the tones is probably less than what you'd get from changing strings. So close!

[@jaltsch1]

Corey always plays great licks but that very first lick in the opening jam - wow!

[@zachsears5719]

that champagne finish is absolutely amazing!

[@TheTerrypcurtin]

That guy from Nashville who has stings across a 2 by 4 has kinda proved that 75% of woods don't matter. Very smart guy and entertaining. I bet some manufacturers don't care for his experiments. A real eye opener. Lol. I wanted to cry on a few. I have some expensive stuff. Speakers are the biggest difference in tone. If any guitar is cut right and has decent electronics it's going to be near impossible to tell the difference between my Mexican tele for example and a $5000 collector Tele. I made a cheap Squire sound like the best Strat made with some lace pickups. Tuners and a bone nut. No surprise a great makers like PRS can make a $1000 guitar sound like an $5000 one.

[@paulx2117]

You are so right on here, I did the same with a Mexican Strat and it plays pretty awesome~~

[@Donfleebie1]

I bought an Affinity Squier Tele for $139 and slapped in a set of Lollar P/U’s (52 vintage), and it sounds like a 52 RI Tele.

[@lesterspirit6440]

you could not be more wrong.

[@lesterspirit6440]

listen ...u can get an excelle t sound from a squire mex or se model...agreed but play a cs model core model etc. its night and day...its the "feel" u get the presence the whole vibe

[@Donfleebie1]

@@lesterspirit6440 That’s the feeling I get when I pick up my Suhr Strat, after playing one of my Fender Strats.

[@adamrowan-lovell6051]

Just a fantastic video! Thanks so much. So nice to see a video with just enough talking and killer playing. I find there is a lot of reviewers who talk a lot in their videos and then when they play, they aren't the best players. I want to hear the guitar played with dynamics and skill and you have that I spades! Best review so far for me!

[@danbrooke8626]

Both sound awesome! The single coils ring out great on the SE. I’ve wanted a custom for over 20 years but this sounds amazing! Great demo, thank you! And thanks for all the lessons over the years!

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I really like that take on a line cliche that you opened with.😊

[@bill.clifford.59]

I bought one just like the one you're playing! So happy with it! It was worth the wait!🎸

[@Oldistrue]

100% agree with you. For me, the gold top SE DGT is the first PRS I’ve ever considered in my life. I think this one changes the game a bit. At that price it’s a lot of guitar. Love your Core in that custom color! Like the extra clarity from the pickups. Great demo. Thanks!

[@skye7690]

SE DGT sounds great, ordered one yesterday.

[@jwhitty14]

After seeing this video I now know the DGT punches well above it's weight class. I can't justify the core's price. Thanks Corey

[@LuisMorales-xr1gm]

Great job on the way you compared the two quickly so the previous sound stayed fresh in our ears . Every other comparison waits too long between sounds and you lose it. Amazing job. The biggest sound difference to me was the hunbuckers. To me, the core humbuckers were noticeably brighter but the single coil tones were pretty darn close. Again, the way you did it is how comparison vids should be done I ordered the tobacco burst SE DGT and if I love it, I'll order the Goldtop too

[@BigPhi84]

Wow, great video and awesome playing! I’m really blown away! As far as the tones go, perhaps I’m a bit biased because this isn’t a double-blind test, but I really liked the Core model when it came to both the clean and overdriven humbucker tones. The Core model just felt more “alive” and “open”, with some tasty heft in the midrange. Surprisingly, when it came to the split “single-coil” tones, I preferred the biting treble peaks of the SE model. I’m not really in the market for a new PRS, but if I see this DGT SE in my local stores, I’ll definitely have a go with it! Again, thank you for a great demonstration! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@douglennon]

I used to own 4 DGTs but sold them all because I thought they had too much low end. Now the DGT SE has the SE trem with steel block and saddles, I actually like the SE better from the comparison!

[@johnpaulsecond4626]

first off a brilliant exhibition of the quality of PRS shining through your gifted hands! the sound of the core is a quality stage voice reminiscent of the greatest i've heard for all round tone eg mayall, santana, and that purity that goes all the way back which PRS have perfected at core level; to be honest, i can hear the difference in voice coming through the core because i have purchased two core prs guitars and that voice is hard if not downright impossible to equal, even with your very high skill level (only saying that's my take on the comparison); both instruments are very high quality indeed; that is the best dgt voice in both the core and se models that i have heard, and has not a little to do with the amp configuring and the guitarist; mate, i was trying to pick which you were playing with my eyes closed and then again with both eyes and ears wide open and it was very encouraging to hear the closeness of the two; at the end of the day being totally honest the zing that comes off the core is incomparable, you know what i am talking; but i am not taking anything away from the se because i have an se santana prs and she's my baby; my prs custom 24s are my other babies, and to be totally honest, i'm in love with each of them; so, Corey, you're the man; God bless you and may you make those little birds zing till the last day comes; please take this away: NEVER EVER sell a PRS that you own; it's almost as bad as selling your mother;

[@tinman8014]

Cool demo! I thought I could hear more of a difference clean (clearer and more 3D on the Core) but it seemed closer with more gain. Very tempting.

[@nicholasjsanchez]

My McCarty Sunburst DGT SE was delivered on Friday. I am digging it big time. I have three other PRS guitars. A 1993 CU24 10Top a 2016 CE24 and an SE CU24-08. The 22 fret configuration on my DGT makes it a different animal than the other three right off the bat. The pickups and neck shape make you want to play the hell out of it. PRS knocked it out of the park with this guitar. Kudos to Jack for making this happen.

[@jasong546]

Arriving today…I am all nerves and excitement today.

[@arottie4097]

Thanx for the demo. They both sounded fantastic! I'm still holding out for my PRS Corey Congilio Signature series!! Thanx again.

[@gerardedit]

Cory rippin it up! Great tones and licks. Thanks for the vid!

[@redfox8626]

great comparisons! The way you mirrored one to the other quickly really highlighted the differences between the models or should i say lack of differences. Great Job

[@PetesGuitar2303]

Awesome comparison Corey, great playing as always, looking forward in getting my MTS prs se dgt

[@foxyfoxtrot4233]

Great video! Also cool colour on your core DGT! I have an all mahogany DGT standard (limited run from 10 years ago) and it‘s my favourite allround guitar. The specs on these are very well thought out from the frets to the control layout to the bigger strings etc.

[@jeffreyreid7036]

Great demo! Very close and lots of bang for the buck with the SE IMO the core sustained a little longer and was smoother the SE had more treble.

[@kevinedgeman4259]

PRS is making a guitar light years better than the competition for under $1000.00

[@PhapT86]

You’re my favorite teacher and now with youtube channel!! Please make more videos, be healthy and stay safe

[@ParaBellum2024]

I predict this is going to be one of the best selling guitars of 2023. The social media marketing has been second to none.

[@classicaxe1]

Open and clean notes from this PRS !

[@michaelrpark]

Thanks Corey. Fantastic comparison. I’m interested in your thoughts on this vs the SE McCarty 594 in terms of the tonal differences.

[@jeffreyvanhorn1996]

Corey, this was badass great. Exceptional, crisp, delineated segments for tonal differences. I have a couple of your courses, and these licks for the demo are as good as it gets. A great, no BS straight shooting HELPFUL demo. Thank you!!

[@rayboyle1511]

Dang those tones are almost identical 😮🤙🤙😎

[@lesterspirit6440]

not even close!!! the core smokes it...play it in person

[@erwinvelasco5883]

This is an amazing demo it captures the depth of my ears!! Great playing too, wow!! Thank you!

[@adamkrauss303]

Great comparison and love David Grissom and always am blown away by his live tone. Therefore, I am hopeful this DGT will bring the goods. Would like to hear people talk about fit and finish of both models though.

[@paulcasilio1119]

Corey, I have to hop on with all the others here. Holy mackerel, dude, this was one of the best side by sides I’ve ever seen done. Admitted long time fan, but no difference, as the praise for this one was well earned. Good stuff, Sir. Thank you.

[@thebigleone1066]

Hmmm, I will definitely try out this guitar when it shows up at my local Guitar Center.

[@realtruenorth]

Love that finish,, much better than gold top.

[@stephendunnegarcia4030]

Thanks, glad you did the comparison this way.

[@Pantalooj]

Confession. I watched your Short comparing the 2 first a day or so ago, before I watched this. I had not seen you play your core DGT before, so I assumed the SE in that video was the goldtop ... and that the lighter gold was the SE take on a goldtop. I finished that video thinking that the 2 guitars sounded very close, but the "real" DGT was a little bit fuller sounding ... in a good way ... "I can tell a core from an SE". Wrong! Amazed to discover in THIS video that the goldtop was the core ... went back and double-checked the short, and my ears cannot deny ... full marks to the SE!

[@brian91145]

The Gold top DGT SE is awesome! I just changed the knobs and put in locking tuners and it’s perfect now!

[@almadera]

Great comparison as always, Corey! I found the core model pickups more rich in the humbucking mode, but surprisely I liked more the coil tap of the SE...

[@BillFowler-kk7xr]

I have a Core 2015 SC 245 in Champagne Gold Metallic.

[@Ray-um3if]

Hi Corey, great demo and fantastic playing, that’s how a comparison should be done. I have owned 2 core PRS’s, a McCarty and a CE 24. Now instead I have 2 SE’s and I love them more. That is mad I know, but true. I think part of it is because I am not as worried about them getting damaged or stolen as I was with the core ones also they play beautifully.

[@gardnercalibuso]

Wow! I'm sold, thanks for your review sir

[@coreycongilio]

No problem 👍

[@bill.clifford.59]

I just sold my PRS 2015 30th Anniversary S2 CUSTOM 24 to buy this model se dgt, can't wait to it gets here!

[@wrigman]

Had a core/standard DGT in 2012-2014. It didn’t have the snap I wanted because of the lack of the maple top. Guess that’s why I traded it off. The neck I was in total love with. Fast forward to 5/2023…. I bought a SE DGT with flame veiner and maple top. The snap I was looking for IS there. The pickup’s are SO close I do not feel the need to replace them with the core model. The fit and finish on mine is perfect. The fret dressing is spot on. Since retiring, I don’t have the money to spend that I did when working. The SE was just right on the price point. I’m very happy with this guitar! If you are on the fence, and can’t spend the $3000 to $4000 on a core, jump in the water IS fine!!!!

[@clintcoen3605]

Great video, thank you.

[@denmar355]

If they nail the consistency that they’ve reached on the Silver Sky SE this guitar will hit it out of the park. Likely to be the number one seller of 2023 imho. PRS is making the other two major companies try harder.

[@fin.d7725]

I got my first PRS this weekend after watching you play them for so long in this channel. You inspired me.

[@coreycongilio]

Hey thx! I hope you enjoy it. What did you get?

[@fin.d7725]

@@coreycongilio I traded an Orange 30w Combo I didn’t have use for and received a Cherry Satin finished S2 Standard with 24 frets

[@troykelso]

Wow - fantastic job with the quick-cut comparisons.

[@stevejcurtis]

Superb A/B comparison. Thanks for doing that. I have ordered one.

[@billknudson7895]

Great demo as always. You sound great on whatever instrument you play.

[@anthonydavella8350]

Sir, the jam at around 5:10 kicks ass! Love your playing and teaching Corey

[@Scott__C]

Sounds are great. To me, the SE neck hum was slightly darker and the SE bridge hum had more mids. The core pickups generally were a little brighter and a hint more scooped.

[@ClintCurtis]

Core sounds brighter and more articulate, open - the SE sounds really good, but more compressed, like there's less separation between the notes.

[@markyoung4549]

Have a blessed day Corey! You’re awesome!

[@mikegreenguitar]

Nice vid Corey, they're pretty doggone close my ear. Both sound great. Thanks to PRS for proving that you don't need to spend over $1k for a great sounding instrument.

[@erkanerken95]

Well, sure core sounds a bit better and brighter, and looks a bit more handsome. But as an amateur/garage player with limited budget, I've got my eyes on the SE. Thanks for making this all clear for us Corey!

[@berndkiltz]

Perfect Comparison! This is the way ;) I would NOT survive a blindtest on this one!

[@Freedum_Fries]

You're a great player man! just subbed. Also bought a new DGT se like you have in this video

[@Prajnana]

They both sound equally fantastic!

[@azizaziz7007]

Hands down, best demo of DGT... Corey, you nailed it! Now you just need to post a lesson on the performance @ 5:13 ( Pretty plz :) )

[@coreycongilio]

I'll try to transcribe that stuff. Thanks!

[@azizaziz7007]

@@coreycongilio ❤️❤️❤️

[@jerrycook3273]

Great demo thanks I do hear tighter more focused compressed sound on the core I have the se dgt live my solos are bright snappy and cut through the mix for under a $1000 won't complain I do wish it was a tad bit warmer sounding I don't think pickups would change that it's a wood thing😊

[@slpc30]

WOW that's awesome

[@Tomekkplk]

JUST noticed this, awesome Sopranos reference shirt

[@Cursedcatal]

Although the core in this demo sounds a little tighter and brighter adding something as simple as an eq pedal would bring the time of the SE into the same zone

[@alansamsmusic]

Very eye opening video, thank you for posting it!

[@coreycongilio]

My pleasure!

[@markjohnson6485]

I have the DGT se mine is awesome

[@adhaskym.a9536]

All is super nice. Perhaps a brass block and saddles will dampen the attack a little bit.

[@ianskelding5493]

The middle position on the humbucker sound was brighter on the champagne coloured guitar, bit more chimey

[@GeeMuffs]

incredible guitar!

[@bison2022]

Damn you just made me go buy one. I just got back from the PO and picked up my prs 245. Sweet!

[@fredn2735]

Awesome demo Corey! I ordered mine a week or 2 ago can't wait.

[@scottsguitarbasics8451]

Sweet!!! Thanks for the demo

[@timothy5974]

Would love a lesson on this rhythm you play. Thank you, great demo.

[@luispaxtor2680]

The PRS SE DGT is very tempting.

[@johnmac8084]

Great comparison Corey. Negligible difference in sounds, and I bet it feels great to play as well? Yes I love SEs, and they're getting better all the time. This one's on my list as it sounds like it may be the best yet.

[@vitorhugo1723]

loved this guitar model