I've never seen, played or heard an S2 PRS.
But I see they are made in the Maryland factory and I do own a custom22 made in the same factory.

My completely uninformed opinion says that, since usually the quality of a product is inherent and a result of quality processes, that an instrument from this factory would be of a high quality.

Never seen or played one, but they seem well regarded by the PRS cognoscenti. US build quality at mid-range prices.

Then again, If you're patient, the good'uns do occasionally pop up on the local secondhand market. They are usually criminally undervalued, so can often be had for great prices. I've seen four or five below what you would pay for an S2 on the forum classifieds in the last year. I found my Singlecut in December for around half what the new price was (which is a higher price than I've seen others, but a very nice example).

Which one are you after?

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Never seen or played one, but they seem well regarded by the PRS cognoscenti. US build quality at mid-range prices.

Then again, If you're patient, the good'uns do occasionally pop up on the local secondhand market. They are usually criminally undervalued, so can often be had for great prices. I've seen four or five below what you would pay for an S2 on the forum classifieds in the last year. I found my Singlecut in December for around half what the new price was (which is a higher price than I've seen others, but a very nice example).

Which one are you after?

Money no object I would really want a Custom 24 or 22. The S2 Mira also looks good but I would prefer a maple top. That's why I'm considering the S2 custom.

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Never seen or played one, but they seem well regarded by the PRS cognoscenti. US build quality at mid-range prices.

Then again, If you're patient, the good'uns do occasionally pop up on the local secondhand market. They are usually criminally undervalued, so can often be had for great prices. I've seen four or five below what you would pay for an S2 on the forum classifieds in the last year. I found my Singlecut in December for around half what the new price was (which is a higher price than I've seen others, but a very nice example).

Which one are you after?

I'm with Alan on this one. If you are patient and save up to about 16k you will be able to pick up a core PRS which you will NOT regret. I have to add though, the 24-fret PRS' are elusive in SA so I would, with that budget, also scour Ebay for a real Custom 24. PATIENCE is key.

My 2c.

Charlie4 wrote:

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Never seen or played one, but they seem well regarded by the PRS cognoscenti. US build quality at mid-range prices.

Then again, If you're patient, the good'uns do occasionally pop up on the local secondhand market. They are usually criminally undervalued, so can often be had for great prices. I've seen four or five below what you would pay for an S2 on the forum classifieds in the last year. I found my Singlecut in December for around half what the new price was (which is a higher price than I've seen others, but a very nice example).

Which one are you after?

I'm with Alan on this one. If you are patient and save up to about 16k you will be able to pick up a core PRS which you will NOT regret. I have to add though, the 24-fret PRS' are elusive in SA so I would, with that budget, also scour Ebay for a real Custom 24. PATIENCE is key.

My 2c.

Tis true! I waited a good while and eventually found an SE with the features, number of frets AND in the colour I wanted... hehe.

I did however spend R10 000 less on it... One day I might try upgrade to a "real" PRS... but more than likely I would probably just upgrade the pickups in the SE...

Some retail shops in the US seem to be selling Custom 22's (24's seem to be rare there as well) for about $2000. Do you think it will be worth organising with a shop beforehand and maybe getting a discount, or waiting until I might find one here?

GuitarDoge wrote: Some retail shops in the US seem to be selling Custom 22's (24's seem to be rare there as well) for about $2000.

More people like the 22 than the 24 - the neck pickup position is a bit of a compromise on the 24. The 22 is the classic PRS instrument.

@Warren, if you could get something like Lollar, Bareknuckle etc. For a good price it will lift that guitar to new heights. More than that, 5k, and you might as well start saving for one of the core line, 2nd hand. QC is always spot on regardless of range. One of the reasons I am very pro PRS.

@Alan, I have to say I love the wide-fat neck profile of the 22. Going from 24 to 22 frets it does feel different, yet I find the frets not as narrow as an LP. That neck pickup can also sound super creamy. 8)

@GuitarDoge, if you can organise a good price for a new one you will Probably have a bit more variety to choose from. All the red tape does add up though. The custom 24's are generally more expensive from what I've seen and usually have maple necks as opposed to mahogany. I do love both though. The S2 range still has an authentic finish yet lacks a bit on the hardware side. Either way, good luck with the hunt and remember to come show us when you're done. ?

Thanks for the help! ?

My dad is going to New York at the end of July and has offered to bring me something back that I can afford, so I'll keep investigating until then.

The only core PRS I've ever properly had time to try out was a Custom 24 and it was amazing. Nothing felt like a compromise on it ?

After reading the Mira is also beginning to look very interesting.

Where are you based ?
Most decent shops locally should have 1 or 2 S2's by now ...
The hardware is cheaper and the flame tops aren't the prettiest,but the value ain't bad ... I would also prefer a used, well looked-after CU22/24 ... see if u can find a shop in NY online that has good stock of used PRS perhaps? (Also means less issues with customs coming back for your dad)