PRS SE Custom 24 Quilt Top Review: Premium Style & Playability on a Budget

PRS SE Custom 24 Quilt Top Review: Premium Style & Playability on a Budget Plug In & Play

Overview

The PRS SE Custom 24 Quilt Top is an electric guitar that aims to bring the iconic PRS Custom 24 experience to a broader audience through its more affordable SE series. It stands out with its striking quilted maple top veneer and matching headstock veneer, offering a sophisticated aesthetic typically found on much pricier instruments. Designed as a versatile workhorse, it caters to everyone from touring musicians to at-home enthusiasts, blending road-worthy reliability with stage-ready style. This model, available at retailers like zZounds, promises a comfortable playing experience and a wide range of tonal options.

Key Features

Professional Reviews Summary

Professional reviewers consistently praise the PRS SE Custom 24 Quilt Top for bringing premium features and aesthetics to the more budget-friendly SE line. Many highlight the guitar's exceptional build quality and finish, often noting that it punches above its price point (MusicRadar). The quilted maple top is a particular point of admiration, giving the guitar a high-end visual appeal ("PRS SE Custom 24-08"). The 85/15 "S" pickups are generally well-regarded for their versatility, offering a clear voice with extended frequency range and the ability to cover various genres when combined with the coil-splitting feature (PRS Guitars). The "Wide Thin" neck profile is frequently cited as comfortable and conducive to fast playing, making it appealing to guitarists across different styles (Sound on Sound). However, some professional reviews, while overwhelmingly positive, occasionally mention that the stock tuners, while functional, might benefit from an upgrade to locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability, especially with heavy tremolo use (Premier Guitar).

User Sentiment Summary

Users are absolutely RAVE about the PRS SE Custom 24 Quilt Top! Many express astonishment at the "miracle of craftsmanship" and sound quality for the price, often stating they were "totally WRONG" to doubt it (Michael A., zZounds). The versatility of the 85/15 "S" pickups is a recurring theme, with players affirming it can handle "any style of music" with the right rig. The comfortable playability, particularly the "Wide Thin" neck, receives widespread praise, making it "addictive to play" (zZounds Product Overview). The stunning aesthetics, especially the quilted maple top, are a significant draw, with users loving its "stage-worthy style." While the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some users, like Michael A., mention that swapping the stock tuners for PRS locking tuners can "make a big difference" in tuning stability, especially for those accustomed to more aggressive playing or tremolo use.

Pros:

  • Stunning Aesthetics: The quilted maple top and headstock veneer provide a premium, visually striking appearance often found on much more expensive guitars (MusicRadar).
  • Exceptional Build Quality: Users and professionals frequently commend the guitar's solid construction and attention to detail, feeling it exceeds its price point (Michael A., zZounds Product Overview).
  • Versatile Tonal Options: The PRS 85/15 "S" humbuckers with push/pull coil-splitting offer a broad spectrum of sounds suitable for various genres, from heavy rock to blues (PRS Guitars, Michael A.).
  • Comfortable Playability: The "Wide Thin" maple neck profile and 25" scale length contribute to a fast and comfortable playing experience (Sound on Sound).
  • Excellent Value: Delivers many characteristics of higher-end PRS models at a significantly more accessible price (MusicRadar).

Cons:

  • Tuners could be improved: While functional, some users suggest that upgrading to locking tuners can enhance tuning stability, especially for players who frequently use the tremolo arm (Michael A.).
  • Gig Bag vs. Hard Case: Although a gig bag is included, some players might prefer a more robust hard case for ultimate protection, particularly for gigging musicians (zZounds Product Overview).

Ideal For

This guitar is perfect for intermediate to professional guitarists seeking PRS's signature blend of playability, tone, and aesthetics without the flagship core model price tag. It's an excellent choice for gigging musicians needing a reliable, versatile instrument and home guitarists who appreciate premium looks and feel.

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Works Cited