So, a few months ago I mentioned I was after something PRS and I think that thread was nuked in the crash. So, I'm starting again cause I just can't let it go and I'm in the process of selling off older gear for funds. Basically, trading off a few mid-to-inexpensive guitars that I don't really need for something pretty great (and most of all well-balanced and very playable).
My local Sam Ash has a fairly pitiful selection so I'm going to try the Guitar Center in a few weeks to get a hand-on feel for a few different models. Seriously, at S.A. all the non-SE models were missing knobs and some even with broken pots! Just sad. I'm thinking if I go new it would be either a Mira Semi-Hollow (looks awesome to me) or maybe one of the new S2 Satins (like the Single-Cut which is not terribly expensive). Or possibly a used DGT.
So, any opinions from experience on these models would be greatly appreciated. I know what I don't want which is something really bling-y in terms of finish. Just not my thing! Humbuckers with split coil option is best and I don't necessarily care about having a tremolo.
I would love to have me an S2 Vela in some sort of natural finish.
Saw them in Guitar World when they were coming out and just about crapped myself!
I did play one at a local shop and thought it handled beautifully. I thought about selling off a couple other guitars to fund one but I really have thinned the herd to the point where I don't want to let too many more go. The couple I would be willing to sell wouldn't bring enough for the Vela so I'm holding on for now.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/S2VelaBVC
FWIW ordering from Sweetwater has always been great for me. I have a family member there so I get good deals but even if I didn't I'd still use them. Their customer service is absolutely awesome.
Good luck Bean!
Yeah I actually like the Vela quite a bit too. The offset body does it for me. It reminds me a lot of my old Peavey Patriot guitar.
While we're waiting for Curtis ...
You'd love a trip to Dave's in LaCrosse. It's like a PRS warehouse. What really stood out to me was the consistent quality among all the models, including the SE, which IMHO are the best quality import instruments I've seen.
I was looking for a Ric 12, but very nearly went home with ...
(http://davesguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/008360-1000x696.jpg)
You might want to call GC before you go to see what they have. I don't think either guitar center near me has any PRS stuff other than the occasional entry level model.
Happy hunting, it's always fun to see what's out there.