The PRS Mark Holcomb SE Is Not a Normal Metal Guitar

[@andrefludd]

My first metal recording! So much fun, and from here we only get better. Try some new music today everyone!

[@jorgeya2036]

Your metal tone got a lot better than what I hear on the first unboxing video

[@BrettFairchild]

Already way better progress on the metal playing since last video! I recommend trying to get used to picking harder.

[@Alex-pl6bt]

​@@BrettFairchildI agree, he needs more angst lol

[@mike__durrett]

​@@jorgeya2036my boi Tristan did a great job. 🤘

[@dlmyrs]

Finally! Metal! And that opening music was awesome!

[@mike__durrett]

Periphery got me into jazz. Every jazz musician I meet keeps giving me funny looks though. 😢 Thanks for letting me be a part of the video!

[@memocayuna]

Stoked to see you play Periphery songs! Gotta be one of the most influential jazz bands.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

*djazz

[@jordanqueen6897]

I love hearing you discuss Periphery. They're one of my favorites and masters of genre fusion.

[@andrefludd]

I’m going to have some dedicated videos coming

[@arunkarthikma3121]

By fusion, obviously you mean Jazz fusion, right?

[@DavidRFIT]

The blue progress bar was incredibile, couldn't stop watching.

[@andrefludd]

Never heard more romantic words than this

[@adamcogan211]

That intro was hilarious man! Periphery are my favourite band so thoroughly enjoyed this! You played Follow Your Ghost great too! You really did the palm mutes in the verse justice! Fun fact: They actually tune down as low as Drop G on 6-strings (GGCFAD) so you have loads of room for intonation on that guitar (just need a thicker top string)

[@se7enthsoul]

This channel is super underrated. So much detail, quality and dedication put into every video and such crazy variety in what he chooses to review. Also he just introduced Mark Holcomb so holy shit. That is all. Continue watching.

[@andrefludd]

I appreciate you :)

[@eliminatrix]

Ah, I love you covered one of my favourite jazz bands periphery. They are right up there with other bands such as Meshuggah, Erra, and Animals as leaders. Love the killswitch engage as well, another great band. Periphery was better with their double bass player.

[@mike__durrett]

nollynollynolly

[@HugoStiglitz88]

*djazz

[@JeremySchultz23]

That intro track was sick 🔥 I think this is my favorite of the PRS SE guitars you’ve reviewed. I just love the look of it and the tone is totally my style.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you! It’s tied for my number 1 for sure!

[@tristanh.453]

Really enjoyed doing the mix on this for you🤘

[@andrefludd]

I really appreciate it!

[@silas0403]

My Curse!!! Nice metal playing 🤘

[@thisguy2973]

I’ve heard some people complain about the wide flat radius, but I personally would prefer wider radii. It’s a shredder spec. I sold my PRS because I couldn’t get use to the 10” radius. Great review, as always!

[@brandonbryson3317]

After owning a few 20 inch radius Kiesels, I find them very comfortable. I have a lot of guitars ranging from 7.5 to 20 inch radius. I find them all comfortable.

[@sonsauvage]

I don't know how people can bend on a round radius with a low action without fretting out, even with the best fretwork in the land. lol

[@brandonbryson3317]

@@sonsauvage well, the key there is they don’t have low action lol I prefer low medium to medium action, even on 20 inch radius. I like a slight bit of fight and also I like a lot of leverage for bends.

[@thisguy2973]

@@brandonbryson3317 I think most who are used to flatter radii come from a classical background where the fretboards are pretty flat.

[@callmesubby]

i really appreciate you explaining the neck width in that way, my biggest gripe with my ibanez iron label is how damn thin the neck is, ive had marks guitar on my radar for awhile now and knowing that its substantially thicker than wizard necks is something i just didnt know and very helpful

[@JackTaylorGuitars]

Yes duuuuuude! Such a killer guitar but you're 100% right, it should have locking tuners and baffled me too why it didn't. Also, I liked the satin neck a lot. It felt to me like it was a painted neck that had been sanded to create the satin rather than a satin clear coat. I couldn't be sure but mine definitely showed light sanding marks. If it was, it worked really well. Stoked you're happy with it dude. Another great video! And this time round, there's no questioning what the riff was. My core Kid reflexes Suddenly Engage every time. Some might call it my curse but I'd disagree.

[@andrefludd]

Oh I see what you did there, Jack. There is certainly love burning to find you. I think the locking thing is because it’s the se line, BUT at the same time there is no core model of this so yea. It should have them.

[@musicinsession]

I need to start watching metal reviews from jazz players! That was such a good review! Instead of your standard: "duhhh does it chug? Does it shred, yes, therefore is GoOd". This was a way better review than most metal guys do!

[@voladel]

The progress bar for the demo was *!chef’s kiss!*

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@newmexicosaint]

Great review as always. In a ocean of KZbin influencers doing the same thing you are a standout in how you deliver/execute a review

[@simonpark843]

I liked the clean sounds on this guitar a lot...but I recently bought another guitar I'm really happy with so I won't be getting any of the ones in this experiment - but, as ever, I enjoy your videos a lot and I always learn something from each of them. Thank you.

[@martianmurray]

You really had me confused with that Periphery joke. Of course I’m weird in that I associate flat radii with classical/flamenco guitars so I was kind of expecting to be confused lol. Never played flatter than 12 on an electric so I wanna try this guitar.

[@andrefludd]

You aren’t weird at all! That’s also where I learned about flat radii.

[@user-te3qq1rb7u]

You know it’s interesting you point out the trend of “extreme forearm bevels”. One wouldn’t think extra access would ever be an issue but I agree with your take on it. I had a Suhr Modern that had a really exaggerated forearm bevel and it made the guitar feel very awkward. I couldn’t really get used to it.

[@scaredypicker]

I recently received a PRS SE 594 as a gift from my family, and it’s fast become one of my favourite guitars. Gives me everything I wanted from a Les Paul, except it really likes to be in standard, e flat and drop D. It doesn’t really like C standard and gets a bit squishy with the short scale length. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been looking at this guitar - both because I’ve heard good things about its C standard tuning potential, and also because I’ve fully converted to PRS at this point lol. Nice review man 👌

[@hyperplayability6290]

My favourite djazz band! I actually have this guitar and it's pretty nice ;) (aside from the nut coming out the factor not filed enough - 0.8mm action at fret 1 on the low end...)

[@Mar3K1996]

Periphery's my favourite jazz band!

[@andrefludd]

😂

[@SHARt_murmur]

Been waiting for you to get to this one. Absolutely love mine, and my most used studio guitar for clients. Such a banger instrument for the price point, much better QC than some of my others that were much more in cost.

[@KasbashPlays]

Love this super jazzy review of the Holcomb SE. Just a minor clarification though at 1:37. The SE baritone is the SE 277, not the 227.

[@sauktinis1143]

I have to admit Andre, I fell for the intro. For a second I thought there might be a second Periphery that I wasn't aware of haha.

[@JasonGuitarHand]

I want to take the time to say that this review helped me a lot in deciding to get this guitar. I've been guitar hunting for over a year and was really considering getting a Gibson Les Paul Studio, but after playing PRS guitars, they seem to vibe with me more. But when i found this guitar for £800 brand new, it was an absolute steal... I just think this guitar has the tones and feel I've spent a long time looking for. very happy with it and thank you again for your review!

[@eclipse707]

Very good review! Thanks for letting us hear the clean tones.

[@jameshickson8174]

So glad to see you playing andre! Love your jazz vibes too

[@BecomingProductions]

I'm sure I'll pick one of these up at some stage. Love the looks and love the sound of those pickups. I did briefly own the Holcomb 7 string and I absolutely hated it, which is a shame as I typically really like PRS guitars and own many of them. Everything I normally enjoy about PRS guitars just didnt extend to that extended range guitar. Likely just a personal preference thing as I know others love that guitar. Anyway, great review as always.

[@Ovibos5]

I had the first gen of this, loved the sound and the feel of the bridge. Could not jibe with the flat radius and huge frets.

[@randomcoffeetable777]

I stumbled onto your channel since I was looking at the 7 string variant of these (though it is the last model run with the Alpha/ Omega pickups) and it’s been a joy watching your videos. They’re super thoughtful, insightful, and cleanly done that keeps me hooked even though we have very different styles. I did end up getting the guitar too (yesterday) and it’s really well made and feels great to play. Needs some work since I got it used but they really are incredible guitars. I’d also recommend checking out the Charvel dk24 hh, it’s incredible versatile, easy to play, and might be right up your alley as a less chug focused Metal guitar.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for checking me out man! Glad you like the guitar. I still like mine as well

[@jacobnelson-stone4240]

I love the way you played that intro riff honestly more than the original!!

[@andrefludd]

Very nice of you to say. Thank you :)

[@devonaupurok6920]

C-Drop tuning LOL. I loved that intro … wish it lasted longer

[@Ygrag9]

The attention extender bar works

[@AfterSimone]

Loved that you played Heavy Heart and Mile Zero. Particularly the former, sucha underrated track and one I think about often. Hope to hear more periphery from you!

[@sonsauvage]

Best thing about the Holcomb is the neck radius, everything else is kind of on the money PRS quality and consistency. But if I'm not mistaken the holcomb neck pattern is one of the few profiles with a radius flatter than 10" and a standard scale length. Maybe the only one with both

[@sonsauvage]

And like you said, it's flat and fast but also substantial

[@andrefludd]

100% nothing else like that by prs or really any other company. It’s special for sure.

[@mike__durrett]

The only other guitars similar are Misha's, but that's really it afaik.

[@SilenceFlightSim]

My man pulled out My Curse! As Daylight Dies is pretty close to my ideal metal guitar sound and that song specifically is my favorite off that record.

[@spncryang]

Thanks so much for doing this, I know there are reviews everywhere, but I need to be able to smash you with a wall and also be able to play lullabies in my band. Thanks so much.

[@andrefludd]

My pleasure

[@oldgoattheantichrist3468]

Thank you for talking about neck profiles and providing measurements. I like a big chunker neck like the Mushok/277. I can get on with thinner necks but not those Wizard types. I think you just sold me the SVN. Thanks Andre!

[@Dolphinado]

This is probably the guitar in PRS's SE lineup I've been most curious about, and your review only has me more intrigued now! Those pickups do sound quite lovely clean, and great with gain too. My only hangups would be that I've gotten maybe a bit addicted to PRS's 25" scale lengths, to the point that 25.5" can feel a bit uncomfortable to me now (but I totally get why you'd prefer 25.5" for all these low drop tunings), and the lack of locking tuners. I like PRS's Wide Thin neck profile, but not as much as their Pattern Thin, which feels just sublime for me and my hand anatomy. What do you think about the fret size on this guitar?

[@andrefludd]

They feel like the standard jumbo frets. Plenty comfy. I just can’t imagine this guitar being less than 25.5 considering they always play in low tunings. Def give it a try before purchasing. But I do love it

[@electrikjam7661]

You had me in the first half.... great review dude!

[@williammazzotta5595]

Great review!! Thinking about adding this to my musical collection.

[@myriad860]

i love your channel, discussion of music and review... its very deferent and unique! super fucking hard to do today! so KUDOS!

[@kentGrey]

DOC! Following all those 'butter notes" with a commercial for the Monster truck rally was so not kool. LOL.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@Harrysound]

Fair review. I have this guitar. I just wanted a PRS but a 25.5" scale and I wanted it for lower tuning stuff. I wish it had locking tuners. I can't believe they don't add them on alot of their guitars. we are litterally talking about a screw. the design is there, its in production, just shut the other production down and put it toward locking tuners. Anyway I haven't played the guitar alot but I've got enough experience to say its a good guitar with many people will be happy with but the neck is really thick compared to my wide fat PRS or my Pattern Thin custom 24. the pickups are articulate and compressed sounding which is great for this kind of guitar. the nut I think might be the problem when it comes to tuning. I was worried about the 20" radius but it really take minutes to get used too and bending is super easy. Oh and I want to add that I bought some locking tuners. cheap but effective locking tuners I have on other guitars but they don';t fit because the screw position is different on this particular PRS. I find that really offensive.

[@wobbolt2729]

That demo track was nasty!

[@adamcastillo1834]

Nice, good review as always. I would love to see more metal guitars on the channel. I highly recommend Esp ltd guitars. I find the Arrow 100 shape to be extremely comfortable and ergonomic.

[@celsopereiramagalhaesjr3216]

The mark holcomb looks great , and migth play superbly well as well! And your metal playing , is superbly well! The only thing missing is an country experiment!

[@HugoStiglitz88]

I love it when Periphery does DJAZZ. My favorite is at the end of Hell Below

[@matthewvalenti1348]

I want the 7 string version eventually. Beautiful guitar.

[@koopaking2201]

I've been excited for this one; Great video as always Dr. F! I've been looking for an extended range guitar and am in a dead lock between the PRS 277 Baritone and the 7 string Holcomb. Never played 7 strings, but the Holcomb has so much going for it. Any opinion after spending some time with both models (albeit not a 7 string Holcomb)? I play mostly rock, blues, metal, some ambient stuff. Appreciate the work you're doing!

[@andrefludd]

It’s hard to compare a baritone to a 7 string. They are totally different instruments. I’d say it really depends on what you are looking to play and if you can get comfortable with a 7.

[@NedJeffery]

I've got the previous gen walnut 7-string. It's my go to practice guitar for drilling scales. Split coil sound is way better than it has any right to be. I've used it to play at church a few times.

[@JonSchiedloJr]

My curse by (Kill-switch engages). Saw this song in concert!!!

[@daniellowry660]

So the good doctor does Djent. Great review sir. Loved and miss my holcomb

[@DonnyZofChaos]

My Curse was the first thing I played on my MH SE !!

[@andrefludd]

Good choice my friend

[@riffworshiper3867]

I have the limited edition Whale blue satin Holcomb SE , with the Alpha/Omega pickups. I love it !! \m/

[@narcostarko]

my man picked the first periphery song i learned as the demo. SOLD!

[@lunamatic9775]

This wins for an early April Fool's video. That tone, however, is no joke.

[@Mezin_covers]

So much attention to details. Great vid!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@benstanfill363]

This thing is really disappointing for me. I have a Misha mansoor Jackson juggernaut et6 and it crushes this. Even the ht6 version (which is a more similar price) is better. 20" radius, roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and truss rod adjustment wheel at the base of the neck. Looks cool but I wouldn't choose this over the juggernaut ht6.

[@tippss3332]

It really is a sick guitar. Love mine. Such a work horse of a guitar. Very versatile. Well done on the vid man!!!!!!!

[@flarespawnkryptgodd3384]

The lack of binding is specifically a "modern" metal guitar trend. More legacy-styled (especially 80s-styled) metal guitars often have binding, like B.C. Rich and Ibanez guitars. To your credit, you regularly specify in the video that features you're referring to are specific to modern guitars, so if I had to guess I'd say the omission in that instance was just a momentary oversight.

[@thomasdinkelspiel1098]

Would love to see your fantastic review/assessment process with a Dunable guitar!! ❤

[@andrefludd]

Me too. I’ve reached out to them. Maybe in 2024

[@ocean-ij8sw]

Would love you see you try a mayones aquila. Great video as always!!

[@picksalot1]

I increased the forearm bevel on my modded Strat. As the saying goes, to each his own. 😎

[@dkuda1221]

KSE! on the Riff...amazing! The "my curse" riff

[@EVH5150iii]

Wow I’m surprised it does not have locking turners! Beautiful guitar

[@Zeus_McGoose]

I got this guitar going on 2 years ago now and it’s amazing. Straight out of the box it’s ready to roll. The only thing iv done is thrown on Gotoh locking tuners. Apart from that it’s perfection

[@AfterSimone]

Hey man which gotoh locking tuners? Did they slide in?

[@Cognitoman]

Yep said the same shit.

[@Cognitoman]

@@AfterSimoneyou can get a pair for like 60-70 dollars

[@Zeus_McGoose]

@@AfterSimone I got the sg381 and from memory they just went straight on

[@DE-GEN-ART]

you could just flip the truss rod cover over and spend absolutely nothing

[@andrefludd]

Genius. Never even thought of that

[@markpell8979]

@CLIPPASCLIPS... You're an original thinker! This gave me an idea for customizing a guitar I'm working on now. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@DE-GEN-ART]

When you are looking for Gibsons sometimes people will flip the truss rod cover for aesthetics, you never know what's going to be on the other side lol

[@mark6302]

this dude thinks out of the box

[@thesmellycatjazz]

This was a great review for something that I haven't gotten to try. After watching this video I can honestly say that this is not for me. I need the contours, smaller body, and the thinner neck. Even though we disagree on ideal specs, I can still appreciate your input. Good stuff

[@drloqutis2492]

NIce way to troll us right at the beginning I loved it. Next time commit to it for the entire video. Keep up the great work!

[@andrefludd]

I thought of doing that lol but I didn’t wanna be too annoying

[@carpoo]

1 minute in the video; Thank you for the progress bar

[@coffeedudeguy]

The forearm contour bevel will definitely be more comfortable for standing up and performing live. As much as I like my core Custom 24, I don’t like the violin carve, same with Les Paul style carves as they kinda dig into your forearm

[@XMetalChefX]

Misha Bowen and Holcomb are very inspired by Alan Holdsworth. They combine a lot of other music with their style. Also My Curse.

[@Levelity]

I have the 7 string version and it’s well worth it.

[@kevinp_25]

Such a sick guitar. My Curse of course! Great Follow Your Ghost section too! And that clean riff....hmm...definitely familiar.

[@andrefludd]

I jumped between a few different periphery songs and chords :). Thanks for your comment :)

[@pablorar]

Congrats on the metal intro 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@joshbittner]

I know it’s frustrating and an added expense, but it’s at least possible to order a set of the PRS SE Locking tuners for $105. Definitely worth it if you plan on keeping an SE guitar awhile. I did this for my PRS SE SVN (they told me to order the 6 set and an additional bass side tuner) a couple years ago

[@joshbittner]

I suppose it’s worth mentioning that they have basically all their other tuners available for sale, but it’s more of a replacement for damaged ones than for upgrades besides the SE locking tuners, haha

[@RogerSanderson]

The extreme forearm bevel i think is meant for those modern players who wear the guitar high. Not a big fan of it since i wear mine rockstar low. Feels like I’m playing on a ramp. Love the PRS SE bevels

[@binkywarren21]

Really thorough, thanks! If I may, I would recommend you listen to Cynic's first album called Focus.

[@cuckfonformity]

Odd that you mentioned schecter as different feeling pointy/thin guitars as I have an old C1 hellraiser from the 00s that feels more similar to my custom 24 in body shape and neck than any other guitar. They definitely make Ibanez feeling models as well though.

[@selfsatisfiedred]

I’m pretty sure it’s spelt like “djazz”

[@angrychivafan]

Great video. Do you recommend any upgrades? I would like to order it from Sweetwater but read some reviews that it could use a few upgrades like the plastic synthetic tuning nut. What changes would you make? Thanks

[@elevenAD]

Great review of a cool guitar!

[@devonaupurok6920]

Also, thank you for playing big chords with gain.

[@CFChristian]

Not sure if it was your playing, the guitar, or a combination of both.... But the tones, especially the neck, were beautiful!

[@andrefludd]

Mostly the guitar I’m sure lol. Thank you!

[@Mixa_742]

That bar on 0:50 got me

[@matt_kaefer]

2:37 THERE IS LOVEEE

[@andrefludd]

Burning to find you!!!

[@UltraVarietyChannel]

​@@andrefluddWILL YOU WAIT FOOOOOR MEEEEE

[@BillySoundFarm]

The bar was a nice touch

[@sgraider2425]

You can actually just flip the truss rod cover upsidedown and screw it back in if you don't like his signature on it. Saves a few bucks :)

[@armanborloza7981]

Mark Holcomb's riffs travel from neck to headstock in a quick progression and satin helps the guitar even more playable. Glossy finish is sticky. Not recommended if you play Pheripery songs.

[@garytinkler4337]

Just wondering how it compares to PRS SE custom Floyd. Forgive me if you already have a video with that. I'm just curious as I know specs are different, but some rate it more.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

2:39 bro i had that one after the first half second of playing lol My curse killswitch engage. I actually know how to play that one on every instrument KsE and Periphery are my 2 favorite bands other than tool

[@MysticArchmage]

If it keeps in tune perfectly, then why would you need locking tuners? Just a nice to have ??

[@radfury23g32]

ohhh you're playing the Mile Zero riff...me likey

[@danparry834]

Good video, I have major hair envy!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@joeyvpoisonfree]

I bought the 7-sring version of this and the first thing I did was replace the truss rod cover and get locking tuners lol I also ended up getting a bone nut.

[@claudeman]

I have been wanting to play one of these for so long cause I kind of want it but I have never found one to try out :(

[@andrefludd]

Sweetwater! They have great returns check the video description

[@deeem-tee799]

nice explanation!! Does this guitar have an angled neck? If so, how does the angle compare to other PRS models? Thank you!