All user reviews for the PRS SE Santana - Black

I was actually in the market for a new Bass and was going to trade in my Epi Les Paul Pearl, the neck was beginning to bend back and it was making all kinds of noise. While looking through the Basses the sales man showed me a beautiful Vintage Cherry Santana that actuall had mahogany flaming. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL....long story short, I plugged it into a Mesa Dual Rec and walked out with both the ax and the amp...

Warmth when I want it and screams when I need it. I think mine is kind of rare, all the other units had nice mahongnay lines, but some how I got these wonderful looking tiger stripes...

The intial set-up was questionable. I was getting fret rattle on the low E and A, but once the tech took a look at it she sang....the saddles were too low.

Excellent construction, sold! Excellent trem. and stap buttons....nice nut and tuners.

This has got to be the BEST guitar under a grand....I just found out the they are doing some cosmetic work on the second version due out in a couple of months (April/May 2002) where thay are putting bindings on the neck and head, changing to perloid in lays on the neck and adding a pick guard...oh yeah, and changing to open pick-ups....I think I got the better deal.

IT ROCKS!!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I was at GC's "super weekend sale" (which is every weekend) and they said we have a prs santana SE for sale for 150. So i was like, wtp, ill test it out. I bought it mass cheap and it turned out to be a darn good deal.

The setup is great, i love the feel of it. The Pickups sound very good unless you want a dominant palm mute sound for the heavier stuff. This guitar is very versatile for the price.

doesnt have locking tuners. Not many options.

It Seems to be made well, The finish is great and it plays great.

Im going to give it an average score just because 4 is awesome and i dont think i will ever find a 5. Its a decent guitar, i enjoy it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar frm Hubber and Breese in Michigan for roughly 570 US dollars
I bought it because I have been wanting a PRS for sometime but can't afford the customs yet

This guitar is great!
First the luster is wonderful, the guitar looks like a high end guitar. Secondly the sound is killer. The high ends a re great, but the low crunchy ends really fill in the gaps that a cheap fender of epiphone can't do. The PRICE TAG should be enough to get everyone in to one of these. I have been playing it for 6 months now and I love it. Its no Custom 24 but its close enough. It is really like a PRS Standard with out the top!

There is really only on thing I don't like, the fact that the headstock says Santana, I would have left it blank, but now some bands are endoursing them so the name will make more sense

The guitar is a set-neck 22 fret with covers pickeps. The quality of the guitar is almost perfect, a few minor paint flaws, but not bad for an overseas guitar. The neck is very solid, i feel like I am holding a really high end instrument,.

The guitar is perfect for anyone looking to get a better guitar then the beginner lines that are out there now. Also it really helps if you like a wide fat neck.

Bottom line a great guitar for the price, maybe worth a little more, and blows its compitition away!



This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this awsome axe from the Guitar Center in Concord. I wanted a screaming humbuckler and for under a thousand bucks it rocked. I payed 700 bucks, but I got it the weekend it came out. now it is cheeper but I dont care. Me and my band love it.

The pick ups and the guitar are the same as Carlos, but he has a different fretboard. the tremelo system is killer. The simplicitie of onle two knobs is great. You cant beat it. Plus it rarely slips put of tune.

Very hrd question........mabe if it were a bit more flashier.

Awsome. With Paul Reed Smith it is never bad quality.

It was between this and a gibson les paul. Have you felt how heavy those things are? Plus this has a better more useful and diverse tone. you have got to get it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this guitar from a local music store. I was amazed to find a high quality guitar at such a good price. I paid $530. The gig bag was FREE!

I love the action and playability. As with the higher priced PRS models, this guitar makes ANY amp sound better. It doesn't have locking tuners but I have no problems with this guitar staying in tune. It's available in nice colors (I chose the vintage cherry) and has the classic shaped headstock that PRS is known for.

There isn't much that I don't like. The "cosmetics" are the the only flaw I can find. Manufactured overseas, these guitars have minor flaws i.e. glue spots, paint inconsistancies. However, they are all MINOR and you have to really search for them.

The mahogany neck and body are a big plus for a economical axe. The pick ups are great quality and the colors are nice. I found just a few flaws with craftsmanship as stated above.

This is a great playing, wonderful sounding guitar... especially for the dollar. I think I'll buy a second one just for the heck of it!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The PRS SE Santana is another axe that’s made in Korea, Korea has been known to create great guitars and they are well built. The overall, quality of this guitar will amaze you. It is very clean, not a big fan of the standard burnt orange color though. I like simple basic color schemes. But if you can look past the color you will love it.

UTILIZATION

You can reach the frets very easy. You will get a nice sound with out any problems as well.

SOUNDS


The pickups are PRS and it shows. You really feel the sound with any PRS roundness and warmth. I love! The guitar has 2 knobs, 1 volume and bass / treble. Button bass / treble enormously influence the sound and provides access to a very wide range of sounds. The guitar has a 3 position selector:
Micro-position low: wonderful for clean, jazzy enough anyway, but it's not a Start (for those looking for a specific stratum). For saturates, it's a very hot with lots of bass.
Intermediate-position: It's the heat of the micro bass with more acute. Perfect for saturates to be clearer while retaining heat.
Position micro-acute: I use it to saturate only.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, The sound from this guitar is pretty dag on smooth. The clean tones from this guitar are super mellow because of the short scale. With less tension on the strings you get less snap on each note. The pickups help make the notes super fat when you are playing with some drive. The neck pickup has a really vowelly PAF sound to it. Almost like you have a subtle wah on at all time. This gives you really smooth but clear leads in the neck position. The bridge position has a crunchy classic rock voicing. Soloing in the bridge position gives you great bite and attack on the notes. The pickups are like hot rodded PAF's. They give you a great combination of clarity and definition with your overdriven tones.

This review is for the very first series of Santana SE guitars, the ones that didn't even have PRS branded on them yet.

Made in Korea
Mahogany body - flat, not arched like a USA PRS
Mahogany set in neck
22 nickel frets
Diagonal line inlays
2 PRS SE Humbucker pickups
PRS SE Stoptail bridge, one piece
Volume, Tone, 2 way switch


UTILIZATION

The guitar is certainly easy to play, but it's not a shred beast. The neck feels like it is more suited for bluesy riffing and soulful solos. I guess that's fitting with the Santana name! The inlays are a nice touch - they are definitely unique. One thing I'm not a fan of is the bridge - it seems to intonate fine with 9s or 10s, but any hybrid sets, or using 8s or 11s tends to make the intonation suffer. There are no individual saddle adjustments, so the bridge only has a treble and bass side set screw to adjust the intonation. The metal used in the bridge also seems to be a cheaper pot metal, not cast, so it is the weak point of the guitar in my opinion. Another annoyance is the blocky neck heel - no hindrance, but it just doesn't feel like it belongs to a guitar with a PRS name.

SOUNDS

The guitar sounds surprisingly good for the price. The treble humbucker (PRS doesn't use the terms "bridge" or "neck" pickup) has a lot of definition, even on heavy gain settings and complex chords, and the neck pickup does the "violin tone" very well. Thick, ample warmth, and singing sustain are the name of the game here. One way I'd recommend to enhance the overall sound would be to get a PRS USA stoptail, like from the McCarty series, and put it on here instead of the supplied stock bridge. Another modification I'd recommend would be to change the pots, switch, and cap to something higher quality, like RS Guitarworks.

OVERALL OPINION

This review looks like a winning Vegas slot machine - straight 7s across the board. It's better than average, and is certainly no slouch for the price. The guitar is a good candidate for projects - buy it and then mod a few parts, and then you'll have a surefire budget winner on your hands.

Guitar bill Corenne PRS licensed US
22 frets, 2 HB (EMG parat licensed it) and a vibrato
CONTRL 1 volume, 1 Tone slecteur 3 positions
gibson type neck (much less fat)

UTILIZATION

The touch of the handle is enjoyable thanks to the patent
the grip is comfortable, the game pretty easy, Access in acute trs is good
the weight is reasonable (no lumbago after 1 hour at home gibson)

SOUNDS

The sounds of humbuckers are good but be exceptional.
The microphone allows for serious sound good on fender jazz and other roland JC 120 and can be hard to tease no problem with the microphone in an acute branch marshall all lamps
Shame not to have intermdiaires positions (for funkers and fans of SRV)
But tinkering a bit (add some splits), has arranged without problem.

OVERALL OPINION

APRS jou have Ibanez on for 2 years, I finally a (real) guitar but I still think changing pickups (seymour probably).
The report quality price, however trs good (I bought about 850 2 years ago)
It was the sound gibson (I'll do the followers of rler gibson) for two times cheaper and especially for the weight of a fender (yes, they do not care about the world, gibson, on this point- l.
And the finish is trs honnte while on other guitars much Chres and heavier ...

Korean PRS 22 frets, finish excellent for the price (800 €).
Pickups: 2 humbucker PRS
Bridge: With or without vibrato to choose from - typical PRS bridge in one piece (the two are the same price).
2 knobs: volume and tone
A micro switch 3 positions: serious, grave / acute, acute.

UTILIZATION

The guitar is light and fits perfectly standing as sitting. It is surprisingly light, although less than SG but is not far away. Access to acute is excellent, with cutting PRS standard at this level.
Nothing to special about ergonomics, classic and flawless.

The handle is 'fast' and a pleasant one! The guitar in its price range is unbeatable if you want a scratch double humbuckers versatile enough to rock. I find it incredible compared to other choices on the market!

For soloists against attentions, nothing to do with a Les Paul sustain level. But it was not named in this direction.

SOUNDS

I use a BOSS GT-6 on different amps (mostly Marshall JCM900 or 2000), and clear the sound is impressive for a guitar in this range. In saturated is very correct. Seriously I do not ever leave it, after more than six months.

OVERALL OPINION

I have the equipment for more than six months, I used every day and it always makes me much tripper until 3am. A marvel for its price in the style of guitar I was looking, well above concurrent. The clean sound is very good, but it also provides in saturated and in the end is quite versatile. And can move with particularly well: it is extremely well balanced and is positioned prafaitement, in addition to being lightweight and therefore easily manipulated.
Before choosing this style I tried everything I could find as guitars of this style 800 to € 1100, Ibanez to Gibson, and by far the PRS stood out by its handle, its homogeneity and its excellent! As for the price, it is one of the lowest face what other brands offer in the face.
So of course if I had the choice again, I always retry as many models, buying a guitar is not made lightly, but for now I know nothing that approaches the quality / price ratio and I would choose again. A big favorite! And to think I almost did not try to name ...

Made in Korea under license PRS
22 frets, 2 humbuckers
2 pots: 1 volume, 1 Tone selector 3 positions + 1
sleeve type Gibson

UTILIZATION

Channel trs enjoyable, though typical Gibson. This can dconcerter beginners to fans of Stratocaster.
Accs ais to acute and excellent ergonomics:
The guitar is not too heavy, and the limited number of pots allows rglages easy (I had an Epiphone Les Paul before, and I've never understood the intrt time controlled theirs!)
It is therefore ais to find the sound you want.
Vibrato.

SOUNDS

I play on a small Marshall AVT 20 and get the PRS with a large variety of sound. it's a guitar ultrapolyvalente. We are two guitarists in my band (taken from Radiohead, Muse, Placebo, Smashing Pumpkins ...) and alternate the parts of lead and rhythm guitar. Well, the PRS is well in the two cases:
In rhythm mode, with a rglage lgrement Crunshy at the amp, it happens to sound like a Tlcaster.
Guitar solo selector in the down position, distal branch was for much less than with Gibson, the "Les Paul", rich and full of sustain. A rgal. It sounds much more "Les Paul" as my old Epiphone Les Paul.
Apart from the rock record in which it excels, it is also convincing in trs things more intimate (sounds of Jean-Louis Murat in Mustango for example).

OVERALL OPINION

Santana SE I use this for almost two years.
It gives me satisfaction Entire. I was looking for a reliable guitar, which does not dsaccorde. In this respect it is the gniale. On lead guitar, I use a lot of notes tires (Gilmour), and my Epiphone lived poorly to such treatment: j'tais obligation to connect the guitar every song (a little Gnant in concert!). L no problem. I think it's the vibrato tailpiece SPECIFICATIONS that makes mcaniques (finely crafted for that matter) are less in demand than a Les Paul MODEL.
For less than 1000 EUR, it is a good value qualitprix trs.
The look is nice, although I remain a fan of the Les Paul shape, so endearing.

It says in the notice dja Previous, I do not see what I could add.

Oh yes, the cover is supplied with!

UTILIZATION

The handle is a little big. I felt ca APRS have played on my Chevy, I felt like taking a pickaxe handle, but c'tait APRS have played on another skyscraper.

Pretty easy to use, one volume knob, 1 Tone 1 3 position selector, there's more complicated as use. Apart from the selector knob up derrire Tone can be a bit far.

A good place for lgret and natural position taken by the guitar, well balance.

SOUNDS

Uh .... I would say the bof. The micro acute lack of personality and bright and then also winning, I'll also change it. The microphone must be serious trs well for clean sounds, I used only for ca elsewhere.
A bad point for the micro acute, not happy

EDIT 20/12/2004:

Since I have a Bill Lawrence L500 mountain top and I have my paufin rglages, it's going much better! I ride a 7 note because I'm in a good mood and what not sound so bad.

OVERALL OPINION

I do not think I would do this choice, for her, otherwise I like the color and shape. In addition to mine the volume knob a squeaky, guitar control by PRS?? I have a doubt ...., surtoutq hether a continuous crack APRS change, finally, the sav that merdouille. I'm on the wrong tomb SERIES of knobs.

For the next three times I would take my time to choose!

EDIT 20/12/2004:

In fact it is not bad, but thinking has to change the micro acute if you want to do more than rock!

I think I love him well in the end ... I would put samples of my stuff the day I realized how Tracktion!

Against it by a hair remains CHRE ...

I think the features have already been properly documented by the manufacturer (see website PRS).

UTILIZATION

The handle is very, very nice. The comfort and simplicity. This is also what makes me a guitar. The guitar is very well balanced (the center of gravity is located at about the level of micro bass), and is very slight. It is a pleasure to handle.

SOUNDS

The pickups are PRS and it shows. You really feel the sound with any PRS roundness and warmth. I love! I plug the guitar on a PC with cubase. I use plug-ins such as amp simulation Simulanalog etc ... The result is really very good.
The guitar has 2 knobs, 1 volume and bass / treble. Button bass / treble enormously influence the sound and provides access to a very wide range of sounds. The guitar has a 3 position selector:
Micro-position low: wonderful for clean, jazzy enough anyway, but it's not a Start (for those looking for a specific stratum). For saturates, it's a very hot with lots of bass.
Intermediate-position: It's the heat of the micro bass with more acute. Perfect for saturates to be clearer while retaining heat.
Positioin micro-acute: I use it to saturate only. Enough rock type.

OVERALL OPINION

It was exactly the guitar I was looking for. A very versatile guitar, but while having its own character. I really like the PRS tone and wanted to make nice clean. I played before on a fender and I was looking for a guitar instead of saturated clean and warm but in a different style than the fender. That's what I had.

In one sentence: it is an easy guitar, with very pleasant and beautiful sound.

And all this for one low price! A strong recommendation.

Manufacturing Corenne in CONTRL amricain course
Body and mahogany neck
I "ve the model with vibrato
A volume a tone slecteur three positions
and of course two pickups prs

UTILIZATION

The handle is very enjoyable
the access to even more acute is That a les paul
the sound is very good

SOUNDS

I play more punk kind of sum 41 blink 182 ...
but the only default for me it did not asser his teeth to level solo

OVERALL OPINION

I play it for 1 year
is that these m'nerve that I took in black and she very quickly claw

the price is RAPORT Calita

Manufacturing Coren (in CONTRL amricain (like bombs from Saddam, what))
Body and mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard
22 frets two PRS humbuckers two drivers (ie not and split)
MODEL I chose the quip of a PRS tremolo
A volume a tone slecteur three positions
The handle is wide enough and profile plutt round (Les Paul as plutt Start)

UTILIZATION

The handle is a delight for aficionados of Gibson, but will scare users strats or Musicman thinner sleeves and flat
Access in acute facilitated by a heel and a little pais dcoupe profile in the Horn infrieure
Ergonomics is tudie, for my part I find the game sitting is possible, easier than a Les Paul for example. The weight is relatively consquent, but it's lighter than a Les Paul (it still!)
The sound is the dpart Submitted, trs hot on the grave, and trs prcis in intermdiaire edged sharp!

SOUNDS

I play bluesy rock accents, so it suits me really well
I play with my usual set, three amplifiers simultaneously and moults effects
It sounds warm and round trs in the Hot Rod Deluxe, and much more aggressive in the JCM 900 is what I was looking for!

Last day 06/05:
I just change the pickups for a PRS Vintage Bass neck, which provides an even more hot rocks 70's. PRS HFS treble and a bridge in giving a true power riffs and solos in a micro killer!
Using the possibilities of the two microphones splitage gives a greater range of sounds is that of happiness!

OVERALL OPINION

APRS one year of use even when I should put a BMOL on my opinion on this guitar.
I MODEL with vibrato, and playing with ropes pulling 12/54, and despite a change in the spring vibrato guitar do not want the agreement with such a firing (though the guitar can quip es a vibrato by the way), so I tried 11/52 but the problem remained, so I ended up blocking my vibrato!
Conclusion: those who use strong string ties, should select the MODEL without vibrato.