PRS Paul Reed Smith Carlos Santana SE Electric Guitar
This PRS signature model is a steal! The SE delivers superb low action along with Santana humbuckers, a PRS tremolo, and a gorgeous gloss-finished maple top.
Overall User Ratings (based on 32 ratings)
Submitted October 5, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"A great instrument at an affordable price!!"
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This is one that will last me a long, long time. If it were stolen, I would definitely replace it! I chose this particular model because of the Santana Yellow paint, looks like it's been dipped in glass!!
Sound
The sound is as close to owning a REAL PRS Santana model as it gets! This instrument practically plays itself, all I do is press the frets and strum. Very expressive sound quality with rich tones and overdrive when I need it. I use a BOSS ME-70 multi effects pedal hooked up to my Peavey Valve King 112. The sustain on the guitar is most excellent and the .095-.043 strings are just what the doctor ordered for this PRS guitar!
Features
The gig bag is very well padded, roomy, and eye catching.
Ease of Use
Easy to play and powerful.
Quality
For the money, it's the best value out there. If you want PRS quality without having to take out a second mortgage, this is your instrument!!
Value
Well worth the $$, you won't regret it!
The Wow Factor
I just can't put it down once I start playing it! It feels like an old favorite T-shirt. You forget that you're wearing it!!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz
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Submitted July 12, 2012 by bigG B
"Don't Miss This One!"
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Simply put, you will not find a finer guitar made by anyone, anywhere! I've been playing for some 48 years now, and have owned or played just about every production run guitar made. I've bought, sold and traded more than I can count. Along with a few choice Gibson electrics and Martin acoustics, this PRS SE Santana (yellow) is a keeper! Quality control is second to none - fit, finish and action are superb (I like my strings set as low as possible w/o fret buzz, and this guitar came like that out of the box!). Looks absolutely beautiful with very nice wood grain on back and neck and almost 3D maple veneer top. The pickups have a very round, lush tone that make my ears smile when played clean, and smile even more when overdriven. Sustain is excellent. Intonation is very close to perfect. Tuners are silky smooth. Frets are very well done. I'm not much of a whammy bar guy, but it's there and works nicely.
This is my first PRS (go figure), and I honestly don't see how paying alot more money for an American-made PRS would improve much of anything, but that's just me and my experience. I'll have this guitar forever, and might someday experiment with another PRS (never say never). Simply an outstanding instrument! Hats off to PRS Korea; they've made one hell of a guitar here, and well worth the money!
PS: comes with a nice gig bag, although I would prefer a bit more padding all around. But that's nit-picking - certainly not a deal breaker, and if I still played out, I would immediately buy a case for this beauty.
Highly recommended to any level player!
Musical Background:
48 + years
Musical Style:
blues, rock, jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass...
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Submitted January 5, 2015 by Scott G in Orlando, FL
"Paul Reed Smith makes guitars as good as ANYBODY'S !!"
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I purchased this instrument in 2010, and it has NEVER disappointed me. It is extremely well-made and a pure joy to play with fast, low action giving the player the opportunity to really put his heart and soul into his (or her) music. I love the 24.5 short scale, and the fact it has only one volume knob and one tone knob with the 3-way pickup selector switch meaning you can concentrate on playing and not on turning knobs, flipping switches and worrying if everything is in it's proper place. It is an easy guitar to play. In addition to these facts it is a beautiful guitar to look at and I've received many positive complements on how the guitar looks and sounds. Guitarists can also get lost finding their tone with a bunch of pedals, but this one I only use a Compressor/Sustainer and a Wah-wah pedal. I play it through an all-tube amp and this combination gives me the sweetest Santana type tone. Of course I don't play like Carlos, but this axe will accommodate just about any style of playing, especially the blues, jazz, rock and latin rhythm beds.
Musical Background:
I've been playing for 45 years w/ many years on stage, and touring, but now I write and record y own music.
Musical Style:
Started off playing folk, folk rock, early style rock and roll, country, then progressed to the Blues, Southern Rock, Bluegrass,
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Submitted April 22, 2016 by Deric McLean in Phoenix, AZ
"Couldn't be happier"
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I just received this yesterday. I had played other PRS SE models, and they were fine. From the moment I took this one from the box, I was thrilled. Well balanced, color was better than the pic...Tuned it up, plugged it in, and was immediately impressed. The action was perfect, the tone was exactly what I was looking for...Everything bout it was right on. With one small exception. The pic shows the monogrammed truss rod cover, but it came with a plain black. However, the great service at zZounds made amends for the discrepancy in a matter of a couple of hours, and I am completely satisfied, and have placed a second order.
Musical Background:
Been playing for 47 years. Multi-instrumentalist, Pro player with my own band
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Folk Rock, Jazz, Pop, Country, Celtic.
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Submitted July 26, 2013 by Jack Mulhall in Spencer, MA
"Super Guitar...Super Value"
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I purchased this guitar on a whim. I wasn't planning on adding another guitar to my collection. I happened upon a review in Guitar Player magazine and it peeked my curiosity. I performed some additional research, checked-out Zzounds website and placed my order. I figured if I was less than satisfied, Zzounds return policy enabled me to return it..no questions asked. The guitar arrived next day. I removed it from the container, plugged it in and couldn't believe my ears. Great little guitar. Very comfortable to play. I use it frequently and after 6 months of ownership, I haven't tired of it. It's a good all around guitar. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced instrument.
Musical Background:
I've been playing music for a long long time! I play guitar, bass, mandolindrums, keyboards, harmonica. I play professionally.
Musical Style:
rock, R&B, country
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Submitted November 1, 2015 by Robert Depugh in Running Springs, CA
"Very good service and product"
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I order the guitar ( PRS ) and received a very well packed and just super nice guitar from the box it was playable but suggest to have it set up which of course I did.Being how this is my first item with zZounds I'm very impressed with how the whole process took to get my guitar went very smooth.I would suggest to other musicians to go this route for equipment.
Musical Background:
I play out and record and have been playing now since I was 5 years old so 45 years
Musical Style:
Styles I play are Rock , Country, Blues And much more when I come across the need to be playing something differnet.
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Submitted June 17, 2014 by Matthew Horan
"Great value to play-ability ratio."
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This may be a very late post, but just bought one off e-bay because it just looked so beautiful, and I am a big Santana guy,yet not a big PRS guy. The one I got was an amazing burled maple top, and it looks and sounds really great. It is my #13, as I have 12 others, including a collection of Ibanez 540R's, which are my main guitars. We are getting a little older, and are stating to except more private party invites, and I didn't want to sacrifice any of my other guitars, so I figured I could kill two birds, and have a cheap guitar for these occasions, but would be good enough to gig with. Although the neck is like a baseball bat, and takes some getting used to compared to the thin necks I am accustom to on the Ibanez', it is very solid and sounds really good, so the pickups get a hearty 'thumbs up'. The only issue is the nut, which I replaced with a 'Graphtech' nut. Now it is a go-to guitar, and I am not ashamed to play it against any LP or Strat.
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Submitted May 3, 2012 by Steve G in Rochester, NY
"Don't let this one get away BUY IT!!!"
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The nicest guitar you'll ever own if you want the Carlos Santana sound THIS is the guitar to get dripping sweet harmonics with incredible sustain.The most flawless finish on any guitar made and incredible play ability and an absolutely amazing neck. Anyone who complains about the finish doesn't own this guitar and is just a wanna be who's squire is all they have. This guitar is flawless in finish, action, tone feel and play ability. 10 stars on the WOW factory. It will blow you away and you will NEVER regret this purchase. I have a 20011 american Deluxe Strat that is gathering dust. I can not put this guitar down. Just make sure you have a decent tube amp because a 15w solid state will never give you anything that sounds like what this guitar can do. Don't blame the guitar if all you have is a cheap solid state amp. You need a decent tube amp to really get the true dripping Santana Tone and sustain.
Musical Background:
I have 4 PRS guitars (and this is by far the BEST and an American Deluxe Strat
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, smooth Jazz and anything by Santana
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Submitted May 18, 2012 by William B in Pleasanton, TX
"Typical PRS"
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This is my 2nd PRS. I got low on money several years ago, and sold my Standard 22 CU model. Boy did I hate that. I saw some good reviews on this PRS Santana model, which I have wanted for a while now, but wait, there's some really great improvements with this "Santana" model, first, it's affordable compared to the U.S. made version. Second, it's a set neck not a bolt on, like so many less expensive models. I just got it a few minutes ago, and it plays just as good and stays in tune as good as my U.S. made Standard model did. This guitar is AMAZING. Great wood, great finish, fantastic tone. I am really glad I made this purchase. I can let my custom made strat rest some now!!!
Musical Background:
Been playing for over 40 years. Played professionally and now just a hobby.
Musical Style:
Country, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical.
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Submitted July 29, 2012 by Ira Johnson in Maquoketa, IA
"PRS review tru ZZounds"
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While I found the Carlos Santana Se to be the springboard to my next purchase of a PRS sig, the quality of my purchase was more determined by the AWESOME service i received from ZZounds!! This would be my 5th purchase from them and and I wont be buying from anyone else! they have made it way to easy for me to buy guitars so that is just what I am doin!!
Musical Background:
I am a 43 yr vet of the guitar, I have played Pro. for 40 yrs. this is how i make my livin!
Musical Style:
rock, metal, country,blues
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Submitted May 3, 2012 by Mustang Mike in Scottsdale, AZ
"Great buy on a PRS Santana SE"
This is one great guitar. I bought a black/blemished one from ZZounds a few weeks ago. Everything about is is first class; the action, neck, sound, finish, etc. AND I saved a bunch of $$$ by getting a blemished one (and I still can't find the blemish). I would recommend this guitar to any player.
Musical Background:
40+ years as a hobbyist
Musical Style:
Classic R&R
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Submitted December 14, 2010 by a customer from msn.com
"Top Notch PRS Santana Model!"
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Like I said above- Why spend $3000- This thing is killer for Under $800! I did swap pickups so, I have a grand in it- I know this, if it was stolen I would buy another one. Just in case, I hope PRS does not read this cuz I will be keeping $2000 in my pocket! Unless they drop the SE Santana model and force me to buy the American Model. It's that nice! Thanks for making it look similar to his version also- Well done PRS.
Sound
The guitar sounds great out of the box. Nice low action. The tone controls actually do the job. I have played many imports and the tone controls do very little. Not on this baby! Played it through my Fender tube and clean sounds great, very nice pick response. With my Marshall and Orange the crunch is classic rock all the way! Push it past 9 when using some gain and it all falls apart. Overall, MUCH better than I expected. I am a fan of Sheptone handwound pickups so, on day two- In they went. Now this thing is a sonic terror!
Features
I am used to my Gibson Les Paul with dual vol/tone. I love to cut one and use the pickup selector as a kill switch. But then again- when the tone/volume controls work so good- Who needs two? I did have trouble with tuning after the slightest use of the trem- Sprinkled some pencil lead in the nut and WOW- This thing stays in tune as good as my American Strat. I did not like how the SE models had no arch to the tops of the guitar. Well, the Santana does, although minimal it adds a great touch. Old school birds on the neck really set the guitar off! Many compliments already.
Ease of Use
The neck is awesome! The quality is on par with many American made necks. No sharp fret edges, very nice piece of rosewood, and they say it's a one piece neck (On a guitar for $709???? Wow!) It is very smooth, great fit, and feel- PRS does have a unique feel and it is quite nice.
Quality
Everything was superb except the chip in the front edge of the guitar. PRS sends a nice gig bag but packed it like crap. However- Zzounds gave me a NICE discount and it sounds, feels, and still looks soooo good - It's a keeper! The paint job does not make it look like a toy like some Korean, Chinese, or Mexican made guitars. I do believe this thing will hold up to doing some gigs- The trem seems solid, the tuners are decent, the vol/tone controls work well, and are smooth.
Value
I was VERY skeptical when it came to buying a korean made PRS- This guitar is a FABULOUS import! Epiphone should be ashamed in comparison to this thing! I don't want an American made PRS- This thing is a very nice guitar.....Then again, if I did get one it would not be because this does not satisfy my PRS need.
Manufacturer Support
No need to deal with PRS yet- Zzounds is great though! Top notch service over the phone and e-mail.
The Wow Factor
This is a HOT guitar. Looks, sound, and feel- HOT! I saw Santana back in August 2010 and never really was a fan of PRS guitars. After that I almost spent $3000 on a PRS Santana. The SE models did nothing for me until this one came out. Even though I have 10 other guitars (Mostly American)- I just can't put this thing down!
Musical Background:
Home Rocker!
Musical Style:
Everything and Anything
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Submitted July 5, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"If YOU'RE A PLAYER--BUY IT!"
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Sound
This guitar is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played. Blows away the Les Paul.
Features
This guitar overall is great. My only knock; they could have placed the knobs and toggle in better positions.But, it's just a matter of getting used to it.
Quality
I just purchased it, but, from what I can see, this guitar should last a long time. Great quality.
Value
I probably would have purchased it for twice the price.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
R&B, Rock, Top 40
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Submitted April 19, 2012 by Mustang Mike in Scottsdale, AZ
"Black Santana SE"
What a great guitar. Look, plays and sounds excellent. I bought a blemished black one and as usual I can't find the blemish! And I saved $170. Thanks Zzounds.
Musical Background:
I'm a hobbyist and have been playing over 40 years
Musical Style:
Classic Rock
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Submitted January 4, 2014 by Steven D in Live Oak, TX
"More guitar than you would expect..."
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As the title says, the Santana model is more guitar than you would probably expect for the money. Very low action, light string tension in standard tuning, great fit and finish and the electronics are VERY good. Great tone with great clarity. Pick ups really get harmonics well. The guitar also stays in tune pretty well. This is my first PRS guitar, but will not be my last. The tonal range sounds great from clean all the way to very high gain and everywhere in between. As an added touch, the PRS SE gig bags are a very nice quality.
In short: I will not hesitate to by this or any other PRS guitar in the future. It really has impressed me that much.
Musical Background:
Playing for 23 years, only jamming at home these days
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Submitted December 3, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"I was excited to get it..."
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Like I said, I am returning it. If it were not for the finish flaw or the fact that the color I wanted was sold out I would still have a PRS Santan SE in Santana yellow. If I had kept it and it were lost or stolen, I would have saved up and gotten a US made PRS.
Sound
I bought this guitar and first off let me say that zzounds and their customer service personnel are awsome, top notch. I play mostly clean through and Fender Custom Vibrolux at church and it sounds good but a the lower notes get muddy when playing on the 5th and 6th strings. Distorted seemed to be even more muddy.
Features
I'm giving a 9 here for the simple fact that you can use the tremlo and it does not drop tuning. I have only owned one other guitar in my life (without a locking nut/bridge) that would do that and I paid three times what this guitar costs. The pickups were a little disapointing (getting muddy). The tone control was actually very good and cut tone without just getting that muffled sound.
Ease of Use
What can you say? One volume, one tone and a three way switch for pickup selection. I like that the trem arm slides in instead of threading also.
Quality
Here is where I was really disapointed with this guitar. I was so excited to get it and when I got it out of the box there was something that looked like dust on the lower edge of the body and I tried to wipe it off. To my amazement it was a discoloration in the wood. It looked like the wood had a dark greenish tint in spots and it was all throughout the back of the body (but not on the top cap). To be honest, it looked like mold in the grain. Overall I was pleased with this guitar's sound and debated on returning it. I finally decided to return it as they were out of the color I wanted (santana yellow)and could not exchange. This is where the zzounds people helped out (thanks!). This had to be a quality control mishap from the manufacturer in Korea. Stuff happens. The intonation was spot on and no fret buzz but the 22nd fret on the 1st string was a dead spot.
Value
I have played guitar for almost 40 years now. I've owned expensive and cheap guitars and to me price and where the guitar was made are not always an issue. I've bought foreign made guitars for a couple hundred bucks that will outplay custom shop guitars. So, my opinion of this guitar is simply that it is a good, solid guitar. I am going to save up and get an american made PRS. Not just because it is made in the USA but the tone and finish are what I'm looking for. If you can't save up and spend that kind of dough, this is your guitar.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't dealt with PRS.
The Wow Factor
It is a beautiful guitar (aside from my finish problem). Well built and set up. Don't let my experience deter you, Get one and if there's a problem ZZounds will make it right, no worries.
Musical Background:
Play at church. Been playing a long time
Musical Style:
Christian (worship, gospel, rock)
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Submitted March 11, 2012 by Michael R in Harahan, LA
"SE Santana "
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Best guitar I have ever played on. Immediately took it out the box, set it up, threw some heavy bottoms on it, and played a show the following day. It has a smaller neck, which makes all your speedy riffs easier, and it has very low friction. My other guitarist has a prs just like mine and the two sound great together. It also goes well with a stratocaster, les paul. Buy this guitar, prs is an incredible company
Musical Background:
6 years of playing, 1 and half years of live performance
Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, Blues, Country, Funk, Soul, Top 40
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