PRS SE Paul's Guitar Demo

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In my review of the PRS SE Paul's Guitar, I play in the style of popular songs and highlight the clean and overdriven tones produced by the TCI pickups in both humbucker and single-coil mode. This demo was recorded using a Kemper Profiling Amplifier. Get the complete specs at the PRS website. www.prsguitars...

[@desisernaguitar]

🎸 What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the Guitar Music Theory website and find out. www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?

[@ronhoffman7941]

Desi Serna Guitar practice

[@desisernaguitar]

ron Hoffman Practice what?

[@ronhoffman7941]

Desi Serna Guitar I at this point am up and practicing slide because that’s what I want to play now

[@timwhite5562]

Normal single lead humbuckers they wind each coil, then solder them together and run the lead wire that you wire to the switch. For split coil they don't wrap them after winding, they just give each wire a lead. If you're not going to be splitting, in/out of phase, or series/parallel switching, you'd just twist them together and wire them to the switch. For splitting, you wire them to the push/pull or toggle switch, where they are connected back inside the switch, then you wire it to the rest of the controls. We hen you split it, the coil you're removing gets shunted to the ground while the hot coil stays in the circuit. To do that you need to ground that coil to the back of a pot or some other metal surface. For guitars with a partial split like this, instead of using wire to ground it, they use a resistor from the switch to the ground. Whatever value the resistor is, it will keep that much of the coil's signal in the circuit. If you have a humbucker with an 8K resistance, and each coil is 4K, when you split it, it's a 4K pickup. Normal single coils are typically 5.5K up to 9K+ for high outputs. This is why split humbuckers usually don't sound great; they're noisy, thin and anemic especially if you using something like a PAF with a 7.4K. But if they use a 1.5K resistor to ground it, it'll retain 1.5k in the signal, giving you a 5.5K pickup. I've been doing this for decades, and it works awesome. It doesn't have that huge volume drop, and because you're using some of that coil, it retains more of the hum cancelling. It doesn't sound exactly like a single coil, it has its own thing because it's reading such a wider area of string, so it's a little fatter. I actually find that it sometimes sounds better for some things I'd normally use a single coil for. If you can solder you can install variable resistors instead of a fixed one. That way you can set how much of the coil is retained, it's like having an internal blender knob.

[@jonisaacs6967]

Simply the best demonstration of this guitar - others should watch and learn (I'm actually tempted to but one now!) - well done, sir!

[@Verichai]

Wow. Not only a great review of Paul's Guitar, but this is just a great video for any guitarist wanting a back-to-back comparison of the tonal differences and variety between humbuckers and single coil pickups. Bravo!

[@leomeloguitarrista]

The best Paul's Guitar's review I've ever seen

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad you think so!

[@KingDrachcir84]

This is the best review of this guitar I’ve seen. I just ordered it and was worried it wouldn’t be a fit for me... that’s no longer the case... Thank you for this. You have a new subscriber.

[@desisernaguitar]

Awesome. It's a great guitar. Worth the price for sure.

[@joepershing8573]

I just ordered one today. I've heard such amazing things about them. I play a style which is mostly a suttle metal rhythm. Does it pack the punch I'd need with the original pickups or will I have to replace them.

[@nixc1972]

I’ve been watching a ton of reviews on this guitar lately and this is by far the best I’ve seen and heard. Thank you!

[@desisernaguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@sublyme2157]

"Let's do some John Mellencamp." That's the first time I've ever heard someone say that. Bravo!

[@adamgregory7755]

Great playing and great review. I completely agree with you about the pickups. They sound amazing split. Such a nice Strat/Tele/Hum mix.

[@smflyboy]

Great review! One thing I love about the split coil mode on this guitar is that there doesn’t seem to be any loss in volume when going from humbucker to single coil.

[@desisernaguitar]

Correct.

[@darwinwhitten8542]

Just ordered one. Your review made it easy for me to decide.

[@joshuakincheloe]

You had me at the E baby! Yellow Ledbetter makes people friends for life.

[@gwbfrench]

I just purchased this model in green and I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into this review. Great playing and I appreciate your impressions of this guitar!

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@briangraham9223]

I watched several reviews of this guitar and liked yours the best. Very objective and useful info. Ended up buying one, so thank you for making this video for this outstanding SE model.

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@tperry5839]

That was so awesome I ordered one great demo and playing

[@glyman1212]

This is the best demo of this guitar. Great playing/recording.

[@desisernaguitar]

Thanks!

[@jamesjones9250]

I recently purchased one, and man, I am so satisfied.

[@pow9186]

This is the easiest video to understand. The sound quality is easy to hear and the explanation is accurate. It was very helpful and made me want to buy this guitar. I'm looking forward to such videos in the future, thank you.

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffjohnson3785]

Excellent review of this instrument.

[@billa6348]

Thanks for validating my decision to purchase this guitar! Excellent tonal review. You features the single-coil performance of this guitar better than anyone! It is my first, non-Fender electric purchase.

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@xyz6865]

best demo of Pauls guitar. thanks

[@darkmoongoddess9791]

Well this demo just sealed the deal. Just bought one for my husband's birthday. Really great guitar & I know he's going to be surprised to get it!

[@desisernaguitar]

You came to KZbin to watch guitar demos so you could purchase a guitar for your husband? You truly are a goddess!

[@darkmoongoddess9791]

Absolutely! And thank you!😉 When I look for a guitar, I always listen to what the guitar can do. I can't play, but I love music & I have to know it'll be a good fit for my husband. Last year for his bday he got the Eric Clapton signature fender strat that I'd been eyeing for a year. This year he's finally getting a PRS I feel is the best value for the money. I'm pretty excited!

[@darkmoongoddess9791]

@@desisernaguitar When he gets it, I'll be sure to show him your video!

[@johnsheehan756]

Thank you for producing one of the best, practical and useful guitar reviews I have seen. So thorough and well thought through. Other reviewers could do worse than to use your review as a template for how to put an instrument through its paces for prospective buyers.

[@desisernaguitar]

Thanks, John! I'm glad you liked it.

[@artecki.songwriter]

Desi this review is fantastic. You convinced me to get the PRS SE Paul’s guitar. Thank you for very helpful guitar lessons.

[@desisernaguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@timothymathew1540]

The best review ever....you just didn't play dirty sounds...love the tones you brought out of the guitar

[@desisernaguitar]

Thanks! I planned the demo that way. ;)

[@mysticmountains5358]

got one today black and gold model im so stoked!

[@desisernaguitar]

Awesome 👍

[@jackieohehir3259]

Great review... I'm very tempted....and I learned a couple of licks😀

[@Blueshack1871]

One for David Grissom fans in the middle straight into some John Melloncamp - I saw what you did there. Great review, thanks.

[@desisernaguitar]

😉

[@chris.honeycutt]

Playing this guitar (in Fire Red) and this video convinced me to order one from Sweetwater. Awesome review!

[@Blackdog4818]

They have 3 at my store, but they're all wide fat necks. Were you able to find one with a thinner neck?

[@lcd1957]

Excellent demonstration, and yes I'm thinking about a Paul's guitar. Well done

[@jakeah1175]

V impressed with that kemper sound

[@desisernaguitar]

The Kemper is amazing.

[@ckfvideo]

I bought one online and it's on the way. I had heard good things but after watching this I am even more excited. Signed up for one of your courses, too.

[@desisernaguitar]

Awesome. What kind of amp will you play it through?

[@ckfvideo]

@@desisernaguitar just picked up a Bassbreaker 15 combo with Greenback specifically for this guitar. I’m looking forward to seeing how the single coil is going to sound. High hopes!

[@desisernaguitar]

@@ckfvideo Nice. The PRS should sound good through that amp.

You've done an excellent work in this review. Congrats and thank you do much.

[@aliengrey6052]

Brilliant video. Some of these reviews sound muddy on these guitars, I think it’s down to the amps being used and the recording. Those single coil sounds are a strat when you close your eyes.

[@kungfumonkeyfluff]

What a great sounding guitar!

[@vonpeedler]

I just bought one tonight. Thanks for your demo!

[@desisernaguitar]

vonpeedler Awesome 👏🏼 Let me know how you like it.

[@vonpeedler]

@@desisernaguitar I will finally receive the Amber SE, from SW...... R, this coming Tuesday. Very hard to find. I'll have time for your course very soon!

[@adampennington8954]

Absolutely killer guitar. I've owned a handful of SE guitars including a couple 245's, a Tremonti, Custom 24, 594 SC, and the Paul's is EASILY my favorite to play. It just feels right. SEs seem to be hit or miss for me. My 594SC is an absolute turd. Dead 3rd string, frets were completely eff'd (needed a plek), plus a complete setup. Was the worst SE I've bought by a mile. Custom 24 needed a complete setup. The rest were serviceable. But damn, that Paul's is the hotness!

[@daleandkorinna]

I just bought one of these, should be here any day. Excellent and very useful demo. Thanks!

[@desisernaguitar]

Awesome. Come back and let us know what you think of it after it arrives.

[@allweathergrease_8640]

Demos an awesome guitar plays some bits of some my favorite tunes, awesome!

[@Buzzode]

Great Demo ,Great Guitar , and Fantastic Playing !!

[@aaronp6426]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't say it enough. This demo is perfect. After seeing this I ordered mine in the black/gold. The way you demonstrated this guitar practically had me foaming at the mouth. Great 👍 job sir. You should work for PRS. I am in love with this guitar. It plays and sounds like no other guitar I own. I actually like it more than my S2 Mccarty. It might be that it's brand new but I dont remember feeling this way about that one. Great job! I also signed up for some lessons from you so I'm looking forward to them as well. Thanks again, lol 😆

[@desisernaguitar]

Thanks, Aaron! I'm glad you found this video helpful. I appreciate the feedback.

[@im58woody]

You are without a doubt one of the best reviewer of guitars that I have come across!! Excellent, excellent work. I subscribed.

[@desisernaguitar]

Thank you!

[@TylerLL2112]

I just bought the SE HBII because I have a USA one and wanted an SE version. But, in hindsight for the same price, this is ridiculous. The tonal variety is amazing. Considering how many different Genres I’ll go through, this would be a better choice IMO. I’ll just sell one of my USA PRS that don’t really get play time. And buy a car with the rest. (Kidding)

[@trl6913]

Oh sure! Just yesterday I decided nahhh...I'm EXTREMELY OVERJOYED with my S2 594 so I won't get an SE Paul's Guitar....BUT NOW....this 68 year old, ol' 60s Blues kid ....yep, I'm gonna order a SE Paul's Guitar, Tobacco Burst,...that neck p/u indeed sounds more like a single coil than ANY coil split or tapped I've ever heard so now I'll be ordering MY Pauls SE, Tobacco Burst, to compliment my 594 Thinline that I love so much..... Thanks, Man.... LOVE PRS!!! (I'm sick or something...a guitar addict... I NEED REHAB FOR GUITARISTS...GPA, Guitar Players Anonymous or something....agghhh)

[@MianQin]

Appreciated for the review!

[@bobbyparks801]

They should have given it to you, I have seen so many reviews on this "Paul's Guitar" I'm crosseyed !😂 YOU made the best one in my opinion. I really heard the versatility in the pickups, most of the other 'influencers' didn't capture that, actually is pushing me to start my own channel!! And kind sir, mine is coming tomorrow from AMS.... 760 blemished 😮 Doesn't matter, I'm blemished too!! Keep rocking brother!!

[@desisernaguitar]

Thanks, Bobby! PRS have been very kind to me.😊

[@maxhighstein]

On a totally irrelevant note, that shade of red shirt is the exact right color to set off the saturated yellow color of the guitar. That couldn't have been a random decision. Good wardrobe choice! Also, excellent demo - thank you! I had one of these (same color, the guitar, not the shirt) and loved everything about it, except for the fact it would slide off my thigh when playing it seated without a strap. So, I sold that one, and ordered another. We'll see. Seated balance seems to be a common issue with the PRS solidbody design.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Really great demo of the guitar but I’m subbing now just to get some knowledge as well. Nice job!

[@nachingou]

I bought it. Fantastic tones. Just one detail: no locking tuners

[@ralex3697]

Which is why I returned mine, it did not stay in tune

[@lehmusic2675]

Great review, local shop has one used...think I need to go check it out!

[@calvinwaugh6236]

I picked this guitar up at my local pawn shop. 500 with the 100 dollar gig bag. Very happy

[@desisernaguitar]

That's a steal. Hopefully, it wasn't literally stolen!

[@calvinwaugh6236]

@@desisernaguitar lol that's what I thought too. It is flawless. Still had the oxygen absorbers in the pockets of the gig bag. I've played Strats almost exclusively but I love this guitar.

[@jerrycook3273]

I have one and it’s cool ❤❤❤thanks nice demo

[@jammusique]

Great demo !!

[@symonjamesmusic]

Extremely good representation and some lovely playing. A guitar like this sounds great in the hands of folks like you and Jack Pearson (albeit he plays squire bullets). Thanks for a great video where you get to hear the guitar not the fuzz.

[@desisernaguitar]

You're welcome and thanks!

[@ferox965]

The only PRS I've liked.

[@Jonathan-tn7id]

Just rips out a jimi track spotlessly. Fair play and well Played :)

[@desisernaguitar]

Haha. Thanks.

[@Alanoffer]

Thé SE guitars from PRs have to be the best value on the market .

[@BLUEASHESMUSIC]

Lovely tones here! Great player!

[@desisernaguitar]

Thank you!

[@madduey6155]

Liked, subbed, ordered one 👍🎸 thanks for the great tones

[@desisernaguitar]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@grantgre]

Nice Jimi Hendrix interpretations and Stevie Ray Vaughan studying

[@daveg4236]

I have one coming to me in charcoal burst. Been on back order since the summer. Was shocked when I got the email that it shipped. Forgot all about it

[@joeyoung3319]

I bought this exact guitar for my son and I hope he likes it because I have not given it to him yet!

[@desisernaguitar]

Let us know what he thinks of it.

[@manuedwards6959]

Great tone and playing.

[@wolverine3344]

Fantastic demonstration Desi, yes, now I want one too, my other split coil hum buckets sound nothing like a real single coil, but Paul’s SE certainly does. Thank you.

[@desisernaguitar]

If you're looking for an all-in-one guitar, this guitar is great. And you would be hard-pressed to find an inexpensive single-coil guitar that sounds this good.

[@Baci302]

The single coils sound tremendous.

[@desisernaguitar]

Yup

[@marybethhempel9101]

Awesome video Desi! :)

[@MrMikeInNH]

Great demo and awesome playing. It's just too bad there aren't individual volume and tone controls so one could blend how much of each pickup was desired.

[@desisernaguitar]

Ya know, my preference is a single volume. I rarely find myself wanting to blend pickups. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@MrMikeInNH]

@@desisernaguitar Fair enough. I just like to blend for rhythm parts mostly. Great demo again though!

[@ejan8088]

Great!

[@p.s8950]

Thanks for the very good video review. My only bummer about my SE Paul's (in fire red) is the crappy tuners.

[@keithowens2554]

I want one

[@stevenloffredo2037]

Sorry that I just got to this video and your excellent review. My only question is whether you have any concerns with the wrap around bridge vs a "tune-o-matic" with respect to intonation. Thank you so much for any input.

[@desisernaguitar]

I never had problems with intonation.

[@DanielFerrellMusic]

OMG THANK YOU FOR GIVING US CHICKEN PICKERS AN IDEA OF WHAT WE CSN SOUND LIKE ON THOSE!

[@desisernaguitar]

You're welcome. I think this guitar could work well for some country because the pickups are not dark at all and they have a little snap.

[@gt7058]

Great video, & Dude, U-Rock!😃

[@morganbucks8423]

Nice

[@straight8ight]

I think tone comes from the player. Nice job...from you other videos you are a great player.

[@desisernaguitar]

Tone is in the hands! Kinda. Tone is actually a combination of hands + guitar + amp + post production. But I appreciate the compliment.

[@gmichaelhall]

Just guessing but I think swapping out the pots and switches would bring that bridge pick up out and shine. Upgrading that tail piece to the PRS tailpiece with brass saddles be awesome ✌️

[@desisernaguitar]

The SE Paul's Guitar already has the very same tailpiece as the American made version. I would assume they didn't skimp on the wiring either. The bridge pickup sounds good in both humbucking and single-coil mode. In hindsight, I think what the split bridge pickup was missing to my ears was more Tele quality. But a lot more goes into a Tele's sound that just a single-coil pickup.

[@gmichaelhall]

@@desisernaguitar I believe that the wiring harness is identical to the S2, which is also imported bits. On their own they sound great but if there was an area to contemplate squeezing more tone out the setup. The Indo SE pots feel too sloppy to me and the jack input are indicative of cost effective input jack, without hesitation that would be swapped for a decent jack not constantly in need of tightening. Neither observation is a deal breaker, it's actually reassuring that the one area of cost over quality is really simple to rectify, if it bothered someone. Excellent demo Desi, thanks for putting the effort into a really balanced review. ✌️

[@superking7135]

I wish the tone knob would have been adjusted at some point during the demo.

[@desisernaguitar]

Sorry about that! I'm usually a tone knob on 10 player. I'll keep this in mind for future demos.

[@superking7135]

Desi Serna Guitar no worries! And you’re not the only one who keeps it at a 10 lol!! I’ve watched a dozen reviews for this guitar and still wonder abt tone range

[@ConnyConrad]

I played her already in an Guitar store... definitely my next go to Guitar :) which Kemper profile was it, if I may ask?

[@desisernaguitar]

I used a free rig exchange profile called TA-30 Tweed Crunch+ and a paid Plexi profile from Top Jimi.

[@warburgaby]

how many guitars INSIDE that PRS? 😱😍

[@desisernaguitar]

Two and a half to be precise. It's a Les Paul, a Tele, and a bit of a Strat.

[@warburgaby]

@@desisernaguitar ok thanks! ☺️👍👍

[@bricevillota7772]

Seems to be a great guitar! How is the neck profile? like a slim taper 60's Gibson like or more bigger?

[@desisernaguitar]

Yes, I think the neck is similar to Gibson's slim taper.

[@aaronsteele9936]

Sounds like it has the USA pickups rather than the "S" pickups.

[@Blackdog4818]

I want to buy one, but the 3 they have at my local music store all have wide fat necks. I need a thinner profile.

[@desisernaguitar]

I don't think they make any with thinner necks. You might try the SE Mira.

[@jimistephen]

WHAT'S THE FIRST SONG? IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY I CAN'T REMEMBER IT!!!

[@desisernaguitar]

"Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqSbqmaho8qkqNU

[@jimistephen]

@@desisernaguitar Man thank you. It sounds so much like a Hendrix tune but I knew it wasn't it was driving me crazy.

[@grantgre]

yeah but a lot of that sound that that is generated is made from the amp settings or pedal. I wonder what he was using to break up the sound and overdrive pedal or the amp settings? I wish you would tell us

[@desisernaguitar]

I used a Kemper Profiling Amplifier.

[@enisdesevic8277]

Bro you re killing me ,power cords ,really? :D I dont even know if you are using gane xD I am leaning to no now ,when you played some single notes xD

[@enisdesevic8277]

Okay so it was clean xD ps. 5:30 am here ,bored musisan slolly going insane :D

[@ralex3697]

I purchased this guitar but returned it, the fretboard was not very comfortable for me. I prefer a real Strat

[@desisernaguitar]

The neck on this guitar may be too chunky for some people. FYI, this isn't a "Strat" guitar. It's designed more like a Les Paul.

[@sgguitar]

I thought this guitar would be beautiful, but it's the most ugly guitar, I have ever had. It plays really good, and I love the tones. I will change the design on my prs.

[@xKISKEx]

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

[@desisernaguitar]

I prefer the SE Paul's Guitar over the SE Custom 24s I have played, but they are both great instruments and a tremendous value at the prices. It really depends on whether or not you want a tremolo system.

[@TJ-Dives]

That's a lot of guitar for the money. I'd put that against a Fender Player or even a Fender American anyday. I don't even look at Gibsons so cannot fairly compare.

[@pkmagic6497]

My concerns are about setting the intonation with this bridge. No problems with that?

[@desisernaguitar]

I didn't need to make any adjustments.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

I think the particular guitar destroys any Strat HSS axe trying to be the "do anything guitar". I think it also destroys any true Les Paul. It is that good of a design. You are getting a legit $3000 guitar for 1/3 the price... one that is better than any custom shop crap costing over 10k. If you are a headstock snob, you will disagree. Let's blindfold you and see what's up lol

[@johnpaulsecond4626]

would be more convincing if you let the instrument do all the talking because its the beauty in there we want to hear;

[@vudoochile1]

I think this one coming out of pawn

[@enisdesevic8277]

If you please could unswer me ,begginig of the video ,when you split humbucker ,how much gane was there? I am 1:29 into video and I am hoping to here this guitar singlecoil comleatlly clean ,mabe some reverb and touch of a delay.Its at my shopping bag to buy it ,but I am studio guitarist ,that is out of work for a long time (COVID) and god knows whats gonna happen ,so I amreally torn ,its 800 euro guitar ,thats nothing to me ,when I work its a week tops ,but now.....And Honestly I have 2 US made PRS s ,and ofc there are no comperisment ,but I am 34 YO ,and I am playing for around 20 years ,from what I can here over the headphones and hi end ish epeakers I cant justify paying 5k for 3% better tone.This troully brings you 97% there ,and again I am playing for bunch of studios ,if its a solo singer relising song ,or for what ever reason...For last few years ,PRS SE line ,to be cleare since they made factory in Indonesia ,SE I barlly even look Gibson and Fender... Have to have couple of Ibanez guitars ,and telecaster ,my strat is Seth Mayers ,and I have 4-5 PRS s (yeah I became fan boy ,I admit) And now I need Pauls guitar ,and piezo.And again really looking for advice here ,because I live at Montenegro ,there is a store that buys gutars that I ask ,but when I order it I have to buy it...And I am not moaning we are all in the same boat here ,dont get me wrong please ,I am not sure I should give 1500+ euros ,when I cant work it off. Its a summer ,if I am not in the studio I am at some beach bar playing acoustic with one friend,but this year nothing... longes coment I ve ever made ,what I am asking if someone forgot xD how split humbuckers sound live? thank you ,and sorry for longest comment ever. Kind regards Enis

[@desisernaguitar]

My clean tone at the beginning was not completely clean. If I dig into the strings, I get a bit of break up, more so with the higher output humbucker.

[@enisdesevic8277]

@@desisernaguitar Thank you

[@errriss]

Dose the fretboard radius suits small hands for fast playability?

[@desisernaguitar]

I don't think so. It felt a bit chunky to me.

[@apexiblaster]

why does the video feel like 1998?

[@desisernaguitar]

Are you talking about the video image quality?

[@tompelham7035]

Got to get me one o dose “

[@pronumeral1446]

YELLOW LEDBETTER noice

[@flavionovaes363]

Mini Humbucker pickups ??

[@desisernaguitar]

Nope. Full humbucker and true single-coil in split mode.

[@JakeSavich]

🌟🌟🌟🌟