Updated by Danielle
Updated on May 5th, 2023
Updated the list of PRS guitars in the pricing table for availability that has recently changed. All recommendations are still the same. Enjoy!
What is the Best Guitar from the PRS SE Series?
Our pick: The PRS SE Custom 24
Within the SE series (the cheaper line of PRS guitars) the SE Custom 24 is not only the best of the SE lineup, but also one of the best-value electric guitars on the entire market. If you're settled on a PRS SE electric, you can't really go wrong with any of them - but the SE Custom 24 is at the top of the pile.
When I was just getting started on guitar, PRS was exclusively a high-end brand that wasn't affordable or practical for most guitar players. I remember when the first SE models came out and ended up getting one of the old Santana SE models. It was an absolutely fantastic guitar and I still have it.
Since then, the SE series has developed into one of the highest value and most popular line of electric guitars on the planet.
The SE Custom 24 leads the charge from this group of guitars.
While there are plenty to choose from, the SE Custom 24 is going to have the most appeal and best value to the largest number of guitar players.
We'll cover some additional honorable mentions from the SE line and other brands as well.
Read the full review: PRS SE Custom 24
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Compare the SE Custom 24 to Similar Guitars
In this section we've added some comparable guitars from various brands that are all more or less at a similar price point. Use the compare buttons to look at them side by side or launch the comparison sidebar with the blue button below the table.
Guitar | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRS SE Custom 24 | 89.8 | |
 | Gibson Les Paul Tribute | n/a | |
 | Epiphone Les Paul Custom | 88.1 | |
 | Schecter Hellraiser C-1 | n/a |
COmpare More Electric Guitars
If you want to compare the SE Custom 24 to other SE models or other electric guitars not in this table, use the compare bar search tool and search our database. We have many of the most popular electric guitars and are adding to our database on a regular basis.
I started this project in 2012, with a couple of my own PRS guitars. Me and those who help with the GC project are all musicians and real people. Hopefully that helps you out, and makes our content better. Thanks for trusting us.
Watch the article with just bullet points
The PRS SE Custom 24 electric guitar. It also has a version with a Floyd Rose tremolo and several other colors available.
Pricing Tools
You can checkout our full PRS SE Custom 24 price guide, though we have that information here as well. One of the most attractive aspects of the SE Custom 24 (and the SE series in general) is its pricing. It's really inexpensive compared to electric guitars of similar quality.
Amazon Pricing
Pricing from Multiple Vendors
Price Alert (lowest price among listed vendors)
Is it a good beginner guitar?
The PRS SE Custom 24 is just outside the price scope of what we'd consider a beginner guitar.
Typically those are more in the $300 to $600 price range - maybe $700 in more rare occasions.
Read more: Best beginner electric guitar
It's also a good bit nicer than what a beginner would typically need, more solidly in the lower to mid tier of intermediate level players. That said, it can work for literally any skill level.
We like it for just about any situation, without regards to age or musical style.
Is it good for metal?
One of the strengths of the PRS SE series is that they have a lot of flexibility. They can handle many different playing styles and genres, including metal. However, it's important to mention that the rest of your rig will have as much or more to say about how metal your rig sounds.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Amplifier and its onboard distortion
- Distortion pedal if you plan to use one
- Thickness of strings and picks
- Pickups/humbuckers (see paragraph below on humbuckers)
So yes, this guitar can handle metal. But to really get a strong metal tone you need to surround this guitar with the right type of gear.
It's most comfortable in the modern hard rock space, with a thick and percussive tone. That intensity can be bumped up to metal status with the right tools.
Where is the SE Custom 24 manufactured?
The entire SE series is manufactured in South Korea, which is part of the reason these guitars are so much cheaper than the mainline PRS models that are made in Maryland.
What kind of pickups does the SE Custom 24 come with?
The 85/15 "S" humbucker set in the SE Custom 24 is a cheaper version of the nicer 85/15 TCI-tuned humbuckers in the mainline Custom 24. It's not as big a difference as you'd suspect, comparing a $900 guitar to a $4000-$5000 guitar. Unless you want a dramatically different style, they're fine to leave in.
Honorable Mentions
Like I said earlier, the entire SE series is really solid. Here are a few additional options we'd recommend after the SE Custom 24:
- PRS SE Hollowbody II
- PRS SE Silver Sky
- PRS SE Mark Holcomb
- PRS SE Custom 22
Conclusion
When PRS started putting a lot of work into the SE series they really took off as a popular brand. And if you can't afford one of the mainline PRS models, the SE series is a fantastic option to fall back on, even if they're manufactured overseas. You lose the body carving that you see on the nicer PRS designs (which actually adds a ton of cost to these guitars) and the nicer pickups/electronics. But the tone of the SEs is exceptionally good and better than a lot of guitars in a comparable price range.
I recommend the PRS SE Custom 24 without hesitation. It's just my opinion, but I've played a lot of these so hopefully it's worth something by now.
If you have questions about the SE Custom 24, feel free to get in touch via the comments section below.
I'll do my very best to help out.
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Written by Bobby on Pickups and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Electrics and Reviews
I’m looking for my first electric guitar. I’m a much older beginner at 59 snd have only been playing for 8 months.
I’m considering the PRS Custom 24 and the Epiphone Les Paul Modern for blues/bluesy rock. I understand they are two very different guitars but which would be the better choice? Thanks for any advice.
Hey Frank – are you into more classic rock or modern styles?
Hey Bobby,
I’m only 8 months into learning guitar but I like blues, classic rock and some modern country. Nothing real heavy.
Thanks for responding:)
In that case I’d go with the Les Paul. The PRS – in my humble opinion – is less of a classic rock guitar and more modern. Hope this helps!