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 lineup, but also one of the best-value electric guitars on the entire market. If you're settled on a PRS 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 for most guitar players. But I remember when the first, budget-friendly SE models came out, and I ended up getting one of the 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 electric guitars lines on the planet.
Read the full review: PRS SE Custom 24
Compare the SE Custom 24 to Similar Guitars
Guitar | Name | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | PRS SE Custom 24 | |
 | PRS SE McCarty | |
 | Epiphone Les Paul Custom | |
 | Schecter Hellraiser C-1 |
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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.
The PRS SE Custom 24 electric guitar. It also has a version with a Floyd Rose tremolo and several other colors available.
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 on more rare occasions.
Read more: Best-value beginner electric guitars
It's also a lot 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 sound is.
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.
This reel is from a cover I did with the PRS SE McCarty 594, which is another fantastic SE model.
Read the full review: PRS SE McCarty 594
Where is the SE Custom 24 manufactured?
The entire SE series is manufactured in Indonesia (South Korea previously), 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 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, these pickups are fine to leave in.
Honorable Mentions
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
PRS SE Roundup 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.
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.
More PRS Electric Guitar Content
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Pickups & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Reviews
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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!
Hi Bobby. How about 90s – 2000s era music from GnR, Greenday etc? Are they considered to be modern rocks?
I am also considering between PRS se custom vs epi LP modern or ESP LTD 256 for those kind of music. Any advice? Thanks
I wouldn’t really consider GNR modern rock. Greenday is more punk. But if that’s the era you’re looking for, I’d go with the PRS or Epiphone. Hope this helps! 🤘🏻
What different prs se custom 24 and se custom 24-08
The 24-08 has coil splitting switches.