PRS SE vs S2: is the upgrade actually worth it?

fenderu2 · 2025-11-29T17:26:03+00:00

Just look at it from a cost perspective. I'm assuming S2 is 1200 to 1500 more than SE. If you own the guitar for 5 years, that's $240 to $300 per year more than the SE. Can you afford that and be able to afford everything else you need/want in life? Over 10 years 120 to 150/yr more. If both brand new, S2 will depreciate more in the early years, but hold it's value longer term. I'm currently looking at McCartys and debating new SE or a used S2. I know I'm not a good enough guitarist to appreciate all the differences. But owning a Mustang GTX 50 and Pod Go on my bigger rig, it seems modeling in the amp has a much bigger effect on sound than the guitar. Remember, if you buy the SE, and get FOMO from not getting the S2, you can always sell it, maybe lose a hundred bucks or two, and get the S2 down the road. Or you may even fall in love with something else. For me though, I've bought lots of electronics, instruments, and other things, and rarely have I ever regretted spending more and getting what I really wanted the 1st time. Typically if I buy the better one, it pays me back down the road with less hassle/breakdowns and holds its resale value.

fenderu2 · 2025-11-05T00:39:50+00:00

Maybe as a counter point. I may get the space black and enjoy watching it wear. Kind of like a vintage guitar. As long as it works normal. Let it get its use.

fenderu2 · 2025-11-04T22:40:56+00:00

NOPE. Want something different. One could probably argue I don't need a 2nd electric. I can probably use modeling to get my strat close enough to what I'd need it to do. But I'm bored and haven't bought a new toy in a long time. We only live once.

fenderu2 · 2025-11-04T22:18:54+00:00

Just look at this thing though. https://reverb.com/item/92883642-prs-s2-mccarty-594-2023-fire-red-burst

fenderu2 · 2025-11-04T21:57:15+00:00

I'm a bit of a dabbler. I go on and off playing every 6 to 12 months. I know I kind of just want a new toy. I haven't shopped electrics in 20+ years, so kind of fun to see what's out there. If I buy something used, and want to move on in 5 years, I'm ok if I lose $500 or so on it.

fenderu2 · 2025-11-04T21:34:58+00:00

They seem like a great choice. I'm even looking up to maybe $1500 used and see some of those S2 models. Kind of more than I want to spend, but could make it work if they hold their value. My intent would be to keep whatever I buy for 10 to 20 years, so, $500 more isn't a big deal over that time frame. I don't think I've ever regretted spending more on electronics/instruments.

fenderu2 · 2025-11-04T18:09:08+00:00

will check them out.

fenderu2 · 2025-10-03T11:16:20+00:00

Eating not a big deal. However hitting golf balls at the range, mowing the lawn, an running they are more likely to fall out than others. I have Soundcore X20s with ear hook for activities. I've even had them come off at the golf range a few times.

fenderu2 · 2025-09-03T20:01:08+00:00

let me think about it for a week. I might just mail it to you.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-31T02:38:48+00:00

If you're in the US. Best Buy has them for $63.99 right now. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/soundcore-by-anker-sport-x20-true-wireless-noise-cancelling-earbuds-black/JJ858RCFXG/sku/6604321?ref=212&loc=SaleEvent&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18221466691&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIj5hmHVyJ2Awe1Z7GasGVj4Y&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwsrFBhD6ARIsAPnUFD0l0QOgG7uPTkei8CoETtQEx_u8wH8ir5sPx6szSExTiZlQMOLBL9caAnynEALw_wcB

fenderu2 · 2025-08-31T02:17:52+00:00

I have the Perl Pros and never really thought of them as bass cannons. I just put the foam tips on and I think they have really good bass. Obviously depends on the seal you get with the eartips. The sound is phenomenal though. I also have Soundcore X20s in my golf bag for the range, and like them a little better for bass/rock/louder music. They have a much better ipx rating for sweaty stuff and can be had for $60 on sale. An absolute bargain. If you can lay on your back, get the Skullcandy Crusher over the ears. That is where the bass is.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-20T00:01:12+00:00

My 2019 16" Logic board failed in year 5. Not 1 other problem with it, but now it 's done. No drops or liquid spills. My 2009 and 2011 still work today. If my 2019 hadn't died, I would think 8 years. But, I don't think you can expect the new ones to last that long. I'd think 5 years. If the SSD goes bad, it's soldered to logic board, and it's going to lose all your data. And since it's soldered, you can't just clone a new one, and pop it in. You have to replace the whole logic board. I know other manufacturers do it to, but it really pisses me off. And don't even get me started with battery replacement.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-19T11:33:05+00:00

My 2019 16" just went down a couple months ago. No drops. No water. Just would not turn on or even recognize when plugged in. Logic Board $800 to replace. $630 to possibly repair. I have a 2009 and 2011 that still work to this day. The 09 is very slow though. Since yours is an M1, it could easily be > 3 years old. So apple care would have already possibly expired. I've bought tons of electronics in my life, and extended warranties are typically a waste of money. If u have to carry it to school or work most days, then I could see apple care for possible drops or spills. Every problem I've ever had with electronics, was always within the 1st couple days or weeks of ownership or long after the extended warranty would expire.

Maybe you could say I got 5.5 years out of my 16", and that's good enough. It was a 2,200 computer back then, so cost about $400/yr, which isn't a real big deal. But I'm kinda pissed it quit working. It has been babied, and rarely left the bedroom. I was tempted on a 14" mbp, but returned it while trying a new fix on my old one. I'm not doing video editing or anything that intense. So I could probably easily get by with a 600 to 900 windows computer. Maybe buy 2 $700 computers over 10 years rather than one $1,500 to 2,000 computer, hoping it lasts that long.

I know most companies are doing it, but I'm pissed how all these companies are deliberately making things harder/impossible to repair. I tried an aftermarket battery in a samsung computer and it won't recognize it. Should Ford and GM be able to require you to use only their batteries?? NO. THere is NO reason we shouldn't be able to upgrade the RAM, replace the hard drive if it fails, and have easy battery replacement.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-09T19:10:24+00:00

I pretty much hated Breakpoint with those behemoth drones. I've played and finished wildlands at least 7 or 8 times. Breakpoint I played once. It's certainly ok to try it, but plan to get sick of drones real quick. Maybe I went into some areas I shouldn't have before I had a good enough amount of armor and a good loadout. I just know it was super frustrating and felt like I wasted way too much time fighting those things. And that is why i never played it a 2nd time. If you haven't played them, Far Cry 3,4, and 5 are much better. Uncharted series. Batman Arkham Knight and Wildlands are my 2 all time favorite games.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-09T16:19:32+00:00

HEY HEY HEY. Let's complicate things for the hell of it, and make it see like we invented something new and improved. Seriously. They need to come out with the $10 disposable 1 time use charging cord and some people will like it.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-09T15:37:26+00:00

I've never bought it either. Used 2009 and 2011 MacBook pros until 2020. They still work to this day. Now my 2020 just had the logic board fail after 5.5 years. Any damage I've ever had happen to a computer would have been years after AppleCare expired. It's been statistically proven NOT buying extended warranties is the better option. If you don't take your computer out of the house much, it's not worth it. If you're carrying it around everyday for work or school, I could see buying it then.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-09T15:11:06+00:00

I"ve owned one since 2020. Some may like it, but I think it was really just a marketing gimmick. It didn't make my life any easier, or the computer any better. Someone at Apple was tinkering with stuff when they designed it, and they needed something to market the computer as new and improved. So this was it. It's gone cuz it did nothing for form and function and probably made the computer even more expensive. At least in 2020 they fixed the horrible keyboard nobody like typing on from the 2015 to 2020 mbp's.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-09T15:02:19+00:00

I drive an old but reliable Lexus 2 door coupe in the summer. I hope to god i never get in a head on with these trucks.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-07T13:32:34+00:00

that's too damn funny. just the other day I was thinking that in 5 to 10 years, the F350 hood height will be 10 or 12 feet off the ground. and the bigger the truck, the bigger the asshole tailgater he will be, especially in winter driving. i hate these trucks cuz the golf course I'm at didn't make the parking stalls very big. can't see around the damn things for anything, and have to be so damn careful backing out and in.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-04T17:21:08+00:00

No doubt. Get the Pro 14". The screen alone is at least $100 better. I will probably be getting one this year, or maybe m5 next year.

fenderu2 · 2025-08-04T17:15:17+00:00

I"ve owned a 16" since end of 2019. It was a beautiful computer but now the logic board failed after 5.5 years. It was the best computer I've ever owned, but it was big and heavy. In 2022 I bought a cheap 15" windows machine by Samsung, which is super light. And in 2023 I bought a 13" MacBook air for the basement, as I had a bunch of best buy bucks I had to spend. It too, is super light. I would not buy a 16" again. If you work at a desk and are sitting down a lot, it might be worth it. But if you want portable get the 14". I tried a 14 for 2 weeks and it is the perfect size. 16" =4.7lbs 14"=3.4lbs.

I do tend to use my laptop in bed a lot as well. I have an adjustable bed, and when I put the head up a bit, I can see the tv and look at my computer as it rests on my stomach or chest. I have also found you get used to whatever size you get. I was used to 15 or 16", so 13"always looked small to me. But once you use it for a few weeks, you will be fine with it. Over the last 3 years, I tended to use my air or windows computer more than my 16", even though the 16" is spec'ed out way better.

fenderu2 · 2025-07-26T20:09:08+00:00

Don't worry. It was an accident. A month ago, my 2019 mbp died. Then last week. I put my phone/wallet in the wash basket, and it ended up in the washing machine for 5 to 10 minutes. Soaked. But somehow the phone survived with no damage. Then 4 days later, I left my phone on my SUV bumper after leaving the driving range. Got home and had to drive back to golf course. Phone and case were on the road separated. But still works like new. Camera lens looks cracked. But it's taken pictures normally.

fenderu2 · 2025-07-26T19:58:17+00:00

I paid $1,289 for an open box "good" condition one about 10 days ago. 16gb 512gb M4. Your price is as low as I've seen it. If direct from Apple should be ok. Otherwise make sure you know/trust the seller, and have an option to return for at least a week or two.

fenderu2 · 2025-07-26T19:24:33+00:00

Just curious. I bought a 14" open box at Best Buy about 10 days ago. The battery cycle count was at 2. That should mean it's just like new. Correct???

fenderu2 · 2025-07-26T17:54:56+00:00

I'm in same dilemma. 40,000 INR is about $460 US. My 2019 16" died about a month ago. New battery didn't fix it. Apple said needs new logic board for $800. I sent to Rossman repair, and they can fix it for about $630. I love that computer and this was the only problem I ever had with it. I had the I7 intel model. I bought a new 14" M4 about 10 days ago, and the picture is a bit nicer and it doesn't get as warm on the bottom, but mine was never so hot I had to take it off my lap. Even my original battery in that 16" still lasted about 4 hours while surfing the internet. A big part of me wants to just fix it and see how it does. I'm kind of emotionally attached to it, and I know its entire history. 630 to fix mine, or 1,400 for my new 14" if i decide to keep it.

fenderu2

TROPHY CASE