PRS SE Santana - Santana Yellow

I already owned an earlier PRS SE Santana model. I have owned it & used it as my main workhorse for over 7 years now, so I already knew about the playability & craftsmanship of the SE line of guitars. I ordered this new one, mainly because I LOVE the YELLOW color, as Yellow is one of my fave colors, and I have yet to own a yellow guitar. Well, this guitar did not disapoint !!!! It came set up & after some minor tuning, ready to play right out of the box/gig bag. MY review: I LOVE THIS GUITAR !!!! It is a Very Beautiful Guitar & plays GREAT !!!! No Complaints from me. Very happy to add it to my guitar collection & it now shares the stage sitting right next to my original Red PRS SE SANTANA Guitar !!!! These guitars are QUALITY Items. If you have been on the fence ... MoreI already owned an earlier PRS SE Santana model. I have owned it & used it as my main workhorse for over 7 years now, so I already knew about the playability & craftsmanship of the SE line of guitars. I ordered this new one, mainly because I LOVE the YELLOW color, as Yellow is one of my fave colors, and I have yet to own a yellow guitar. Well, this guitar did not disapoint !!!! It came set up & after some minor tuning, ready to play right out of the box/gig bag. MY review: I LOVE THIS GUITAR !!!! It is a Very Beautiful Guitar & plays GREAT !!!! No Complaints from me. Very happy to add it to my guitar collection & it now shares the stage sitting right next to my original Red PRS SE SANTANA Guitar !!!! These guitars are QUALITY Items. If you have been on the fence about ordering an SE, well, you need to get off that fence and get one ordered !!!!THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN AMS !!!! YOU are MY HERO !!!!

Coil split, good pickups, great neck and trem: home run.

PRS has been slowly improving this model over time and now, it's as close to perfect as you'll ever see for this price. The "wide thin" neck (10" radius, 1 11/16" at the nut) is very comfortable, the fretwork is immaculate (nothing sharp or sprouted), and although it's a gloss back, it's slick and fast (not sticky the way gloss can sometimes be). The 85/15 pickups are great: they can growl in humbucker mode or quack and sparkle in coil split mode. The coil split is a great feature and you'll actually use it, as it makes a big difference. The tone knob is responsive. The body is super light and very compact, and the ergonomics are great--both larger guys (I'm 6'2") and smaller ones seem to think it fits. And the trem system is much more comfortable and tuning-stable ... MorePRS has been slowly improving this model over time and now, it's as close to perfect as you'll ever see for this price. The "wide thin" neck (10" radius, 1 11/16" at the nut) is very comfortable, the fretwork is immaculate (nothing sharp or sprouted), and although it's a gloss back, it's slick and fast (not sticky the way gloss can sometimes be). The 85/15 pickups are great: they can growl in humbucker mode or quack and sparkle in coil split mode. The coil split is a great feature and you'll actually use it, as it makes a big difference. The tone knob is responsive. The body is super light and very compact, and the ergonomics are great--both larger guys (I'm 6'2") and smaller ones seem to think it fits. And the trem system is much more comfortable and tuning-stable than any Fender six-screw system I've ever played: no sharp edges and it really does float and stay in tune (pop in arm, too). The only reasons NOT to buy this guitar are: you are a shredder who needs 24 frets or a compound-radius neck; you want 25.5" scale instead of the 25" that this has (the difference is noticeable only on the upper frets); you like a heavy guitar (this is light, at 7 pounds even), or you don't like PRS appearance. This is a fancy/pretty guitar, and it's hard to imagine giving it a relic look like an old strat. But really, looking like a strat is the only thing it can't do. It's now one of my two favorite guitars (the other is a self-built strat costing twice as much) and it so thoroughly occupied the niche that my Les Paul had, that I just sold the Les Paul. Sacrilege, I suppose, but the Les Paul felt like a thick rock (it was almost two pounds heavier) compared to this, and the tone was much less versatile than the PRS. Sad but true.

Excellent Guitar

Years ago I had a PRS Custom SE model but, the Santana model was always on my want list. Although they were quite similiar there were differences in body design, my older one had a flat body, the Santana has a carved top. Different colors, my older was a vintage yellow flamed top with cherry red back and, headstock, Santana flamed amber top with clear mahogany back and, neck. Pickups and, bridge probably not too much, feel of the instrument pretty close except the Santana has a thicker neck which I like a lot. Carlos Santana has always been one of my guitar heroes even back from the 1st Woodstock in 69. A few months ago I sold that first PRS SE and, it wasn't long after that I started my search for that Santana model. Well I found an older model in mint condition ... MoreYears ago I had a PRS Custom SE model but, the Santana model was always on my want list. Although they were quite similiar there were differences in body design, my older one had a flat body, the Santana has a carved top. Different colors, my older was a vintage yellow flamed top with cherry red back and, headstock, Santana flamed amber top with clear mahogany back and, neck. Pickups and, bridge probably not too much, feel of the instrument pretty close except the Santana has a thicker neck which I like a lot. Carlos Santana has always been one of my guitar heroes even back from the 1st Woodstock in 69. A few months ago I sold that first PRS SE and, it wasn't long after that I started my search for that Santana model. Well I found an older model in mint condition and, now I have what I always wanted. This is an improved model SE than my first one and, the Santana signature model is what I wanted. Thw sounds of this guitar are sweet and, glassy just like Carlos can play but, it is very well at home in most any other genre you may like, overall just an excellent guitar. I have several other guitars from several different makes and, models but, this one is kinda special to me. You'll notice in the picture Carlos's book "The Universal Tone" right behind the headstock. Very good reading. I couldn't resist putting the book up there it just seemed fitting. Very satisfied with this guitar, I would recommend it to anyone.

Great guitar!

I recently purchased an Ibanez am93 semi hollow, but I really did not like the neck on that guitar. So I returned it and ordered this SE instead.The finish is flawless (I got mine in gray black), and the guitar neck feels great. It is a little wider than a Fender neck, but it is thin and easy to play. The fretwork was flawless in my guitar as well.PRS upgraded the bridge to a vibrato bridge. I use the vibrato bar quite often, and it stays in tune.I also love that PRS upgraded the pickups to match the S2 line. Those pickups play really well with the semi-hollow chamber, and the mids cut through as you would expect.I own a Gibson Les Paul and an American Tele. The pickups sound brighter than the Les Paul, but the tone control is very responsive. The coil split is ... MoreI recently purchased an Ibanez am93 semi hollow, but I really did not like the neck on that guitar. So I returned it and ordered this SE instead.The finish is flawless (I got mine in gray black), and the guitar neck feels great. It is a little wider than a Fender neck, but it is thin and easy to play. The fretwork was flawless in my guitar as well.PRS upgraded the bridge to a vibrato bridge. I use the vibrato bar quite often, and it stays in tune.I also love that PRS upgraded the pickups to match the S2 line. Those pickups play really well with the semi-hollow chamber, and the mids cut through as you would expect.I own a Gibson Les Paul and an American Tele. The pickups sound brighter than the Les Paul, but the tone control is very responsive. The coil split is also very responsive, and I have not noticed a great decrease in volume in going from humbuckers to single coil.Finally, the guitar came perfectly set up (I might change the strings to 10's, just my preference), and the action is great. The gig bag is very sturdy and well finished as well.Even though this is an SE guitar, it feels like a much more expensive guitar. I will buy other PRS guitars, and I would buy this guitar again if mine broke.

I really like this new guitar

I've only had this guitar for a week, but that's long enough to give it a fair review. I also own a 1997 PRS Custom 22 Core model for comparison. The new semi-hollow sounds much different, more mid range and crunchy. The coil tap works well. The Wide thin neck is perfect for me; nearly identical to my core model. The hardware, finish and construction is very good. The guitar is well balanced.The most nit-picky things I can find are a small knot (head of a pin size) that is very visible when I look down in a playing position. Kind of like a birth mark. It is smooth and completely finished but visible. The slot for the pickup switch could be sanded and finished a little better; same on the f-hole. But that is really being picky and doesn't affect the tone or ... MoreI've only had this guitar for a week, but that's long enough to give it a fair review. I also own a 1997 PRS Custom 22 Core model for comparison. The new semi-hollow sounds much different, more mid range and crunchy. The coil tap works well. The Wide thin neck is perfect for me; nearly identical to my core model. The hardware, finish and construction is very good. The guitar is well balanced.The most nit-picky things I can find are a small knot (head of a pin size) that is very visible when I look down in a playing position. Kind of like a birth mark. It is smooth and completely finished but visible. The slot for the pickup switch could be sanded and finished a little better; same on the f-hole. But that is really being picky and doesn't affect the tone or playability one bit. At this price point and overall quality, it is more than worth the money. And, the overall fit and finish is quite a bit better than my ES-335 that cost more than three times as much.The PRS soft case is fine for protection at home, but I'll use one of my better bags or hard cases for travel.

I would definitely buy this guitar again!

I've played a strat for over 25 years now. I have always LOVED the sound of a Les Paul but hate the body shape and weight. I've always wanted a Les Paul Special double cut away but they don't make them with humbuckers so what's the point. The Santana SE is that guitar only better. Its quality is up there with just about any guitar I've owned (and I've owned a lot over the years). I'm shocked that they can provide this level of quality in a guitar this inexpensive.The wood quality is wonderful and the build is impeccable. Having owned a Les Paul and played a ton of Gibson guitars over the years this SE Santana is higher quality than anything I've seen from Gibson.The electronics (pots and wiring) components are cheap but the rest of the guitar incredibly well ... MoreI've played a strat for over 25 years now. I have always LOVED the sound of a Les Paul but hate the body shape and weight. I've always wanted a Les Paul Special double cut away but they don't make them with humbuckers so what's the point. The Santana SE is that guitar only better. Its quality is up there with just about any guitar I've owned (and I've owned a lot over the years). I'm shocked that they can provide this level of quality in a guitar this inexpensive.The wood quality is wonderful and the build is impeccable. Having owned a Les Paul and played a ton of Gibson guitars over the years this SE Santana is higher quality than anything I've seen from Gibson.The electronics (pots and wiring) components are cheap but the rest of the guitar incredibly well made. I put in some CTS pots and orange drop caps and set it up for the way I play. It feels and sounds like a $2000 guitar easily now.

Incredible guitar for the money!!!

I'll admit, I don't play out much and haven't played this guitar out yet, but, the tones I get through my small boutique from these pick ups blow me away. It's easy to get great sounds from this one. I like where the volume and tone controls are located, I won't be hitting them while playing hard. As mentioned, the three way switch rattled, it seemed the hole that the hinge pin on the lever itself was too large. The switch functioned perfectly, but I replaced it myself. The fit and finish is otherwise outstanding! Fret work is great, Trem works flawlessly. The wide/fat neck shape matches my Singlecut Trem core model in shape and feel. It is nice that it came with a quality gig bag, many guitars at this price point do not.If you are looking to get started with PRS ... MoreI'll admit, I don't play out much and haven't played this guitar out yet, but, the tones I get through my small boutique from these pick ups blow me away. It's easy to get great sounds from this one. I like where the volume and tone controls are located, I won't be hitting them while playing hard. As mentioned, the three way switch rattled, it seemed the hole that the hinge pin on the lever itself was too large. The switch functioned perfectly, but I replaced it myself. The fit and finish is otherwise outstanding! Fret work is great, Trem works flawlessly. The wide/fat neck shape matches my Singlecut Trem core model in shape and feel. It is nice that it came with a quality gig bag, many guitars at this price point do not.If you are looking to get started with PRS quality, this is a great place to start. If you are looking for a worthy addition to the collection, look no further, this one will not dissipointed!

PRS SE Santana as good as Core Model

Overall:Sometimes the effort to produce a less expensive or entry level, parallel product must back fire, for I have never found a core (USA-built) PRS Santana which plays, sounds and performs as well as my SE, now over 7yrs old. I bought one of the first Korean SE Santanas, and have gigged with it hard, four to ten sets on most weekends on the Nor. Cal Casino, brewery and Festival circuit, for all that time. It's never let me down, sounds great, sustains forever, looks good in itsflame maple veneer and stays in tune all night with moderate trem use. (No one can tell the maple top is dressed with a veneer instead of a solid flamed maple plank available on the Core Santana for a $2,000 upcharge) , and there is no perceptible effect on the voicing or tone) It's ... MoreOverall:Sometimes the effort to produce a less expensive or entry level, parallel product must back fire, for I have never found a core (USA-built) PRS Santana which plays, sounds and performs as well as my SE, now over 7yrs old. I bought one of the first Korean SE Santanas, and have gigged with it hard, four to ten sets on most weekends on the Nor. Cal Casino, brewery and Festival circuit, for all that time. It's never let me down, sounds great, sustains forever, looks good in itsflame maple veneer and stays in tune all night with moderate trem use. (No one can tell the maple top is dressed with a veneer instead of a solid flamed maple plank available on the Core Santana for a $2,000 upcharge) , and there is no perceptible effect on the voicing or tone) It's lighter than any LP (though the weight varies among individual guitars) I eventually purchased a second, backup SE Santana a few years ago which is a bit heavier but has the same tonal characteristics. At the time, I considered buying a $4000 core USA Santana with a very pretty deep flame crimson top, but careful play-comparison left me wondering why anyone would pay the extra $ for so similar a product, and I went for another SE as a backup. (a beautiful purple flame veneer top) Overall, the playing experience and the tonal range -- as applied in classic rock cover styles -- is more like playing a weight-relieved Les Paul than anything else. I play through Orange Rockverb combos which have a very smooth, Santana like sustain and distortion/drive sound with a tube-driven reverb even without any pedals.

This is must have guitar!!

This is by far the best guitar you can find at this price point. It plays like butter and the sound is true Santana. I can't say enough good things about this guitar. From the beautiful looks to the amazing sound. This is must have guitar for any serious guitar player. I have other American tele casters and this is better sounding than my Gibson les paul. Absolutely love it. Can't recommend it highly enough. Get it and you will never regret it. This guitar is fabulous and a must have guitar for anyone who loves the Santana sound. An absolute must have for any true guitarist I have no problem playing it sitting. I feel it balances nicely. I have many but this is easily one of my favoritesI Love it.

WORTH EVERY PENNY

I already had 6 guitars that consist of a Fender Strat Jimmy Vaughn, Fender American Deluxe Strat and Tele, Gibson Les Paul Class Gold top 1960 reissue, Epiphone Custom model made in Japan with two P-90s, and a Ibanez S series. My only reason for giving the kind of guitars I have was to establish that I know a little about the quality of guitars. When you take into consideration that the American Deluxe Strat and Telle are now going for a lot, the Les Paul was more than they were and not even being made now, there is a lot of money in just those 3 guitars. Because of that, I was always under the impression that there was no such thing as a non-American made guitar under $1200.00 worth having. After reading one article after another about the PRS SE series, and ... MoreI already had 6 guitars that consist of a Fender Strat Jimmy Vaughn, Fender American Deluxe Strat and Tele, Gibson Les Paul Class Gold top 1960 reissue, Epiphone Custom model made in Japan with two P-90s, and a Ibanez S series. My only reason for giving the kind of guitars I have was to establish that I know a little about the quality of guitars. When you take into consideration that the American Deluxe Strat and Telle are now going for a lot, the Les Paul was more than they were and not even being made now, there is a lot of money in just those 3 guitars. Because of that, I was always under the impression that there was no such thing as a non-American made guitar under $1200.00 worth having. After reading one article after another about the PRS SE series, and seeing how low they were priced I didn't think they could be sold that cheap and still be really good. Then an add caught my attention that talked about PRS making a Santana model SE with the birds on the neck. With nothing more to do I decided to go and try one out. All of my guitars are made well and play great but I paid a high price for them. When I picked up the PRS SE Santana and started playing it over one of the amps, I couldn't believe the price tag on this guitar. Not only does it look like a guitar that would cost more, it plays like a much higher priced brand. The pickups on this are amazing, and when you switch from the neck to the bridge or both pickups you can really hear a difference. Because the neck is a 50s style it takes a little getting used to but once you do it is amazing on how well it plays. This is a must try guitar for any type of player, and after trying it out I purchased it in a heartbeat. When I got home I plugged it in my Marshall JVM410H and the different sounds I could get blew me away. I wouldn't tell PRS this but I would even pay more for a guitar like the SE Santana. It is a great addition to the guitars I already have and much lower in cost.