NGD: PRS S2 Vela "Satin"

[ttbit]

I did a review on the S2 Standard satin here just weeks ago. I returned it and saw a Vela they had. It seemed to have things that would fix the "too dark" sound of the Standard. Everything was nice, but I just don't like the gloss finish on the S2s as much as the satin I tried out. Then....I get home and check Reverb. What? Between Jan and Feb 2017, they made a run of satin Velas! I spotted a couple I liked and got one.

The neck feels a lot like the S2 Standard I played. It is their pattern regular from the 80's. This model is actually really light weight. Mine comes in at 6lbs 4oz. It is well balanced and easy to play. Had some complaints about long bends and vibrato though. I think it is because it is so light, I couldn't cheat by using the weight of the guitar! FrankV suggested I use 9's.... pfffft.... Well, I did and that took care of that. Actually, I am going to try 9.5s as I think that will be perfect for me on this guitar.

Andertons did a review on it with Danish Pete and the pedal guy and got some great sounds out of it. What little I have played through the AX8 is pretty good sounding. I have to limit my playing as I go through PT trying to avoid neck surgery right now.

I think it is a keeper. I sure don't have anything else like it!

 

[1allspub]

Congrats and HNGD! Totally unique and cool! Looks like a very ergonomic guitar for sure.

 

[endial]

That's sweet. Really freakin' pretty too.

A Vela is one of a small handful of PRS's that even interest me in the slightest. Buttloads of respect for the craftsmanship and everything, and a friend has an S2 that I covet, but I'm not sure I'd pull the trigger on a new one. Yours sure looks dandy though! (-Let me know when you're done with her?)

 

[Victek]

Between Jan and Feb 2017, they made a run of satin Velas! I spotted a couple I liked and got one.

Actually, I am going to try 9.5s as I think that will be perfect for me on this guitar.

I'm a fan of PRS and in particular I like that this one has a fixed bridge (the tuning with whammy bars is not as stable IME).

What's the story with the different sized pickups?

Regarding strings I use Super Slinky 9s; why work harder than you need to?

HNGD!

 

[mmd]

The bridge pickup is the Starla pickup. It is sort of like a Gretsch Filtertron meets a humbucker. It has nice clarity, is a bit brighter than normal PRS humbuckers, and gives a tiny bit of the "kerang" that the Filtertron does.

The neck pickup is a single coil. It is PRS' take on the DeArmond single that Gretsch used (called the DynaSonic). It is a darker pickup, but delivers a really nice sound.

I am a fan of the Vela, but for some reason have sold the two I owned. I will get another one day, lol. I find the Vela to really shine playing roots rock or blues. It also makes a nice guitar for alternative music.

I liked using mine with a Fender amp (model ) and a Fender Reverb Unit (real) in front. Gave me a super-awesome tone!!

Anyway, enjoy it - it's a cool guitar!!!

 

[ttbit]

(-Let me know when you're done with her?)

hahahaha. I have wanted to post that on other threads before too. I will try to update this thread, if that happens. I mean, I have been through many guitars in the last 2 years, so you never know.

I think it is a fair deal for the price, even as new. Not a GREAT deal. The bonus is that I was able to feel what it is was like when all satin. The neck will be shined up in short order, from playing. It would be nice if I could figure out how to keep it from shining up.

I prefer the static bridge as well. Those strings top load, btw. They do not go thru the body.

Thanks for the comments all. These JUST came out, so it will be interesting to see how the satin model does.

 

[ttbit]

Congrats and HNGD! Totally unique and cool! Looks like a very ergonomic guitar for sure.

Let me know when you get a new guitar so that I can tell you that I don't need another one.

 

[ttbit]

I thought it worth posting the neck size and weight for anyone searching specs in the future.

Neck 1st fret/12th .85/.95ish
Weight 6lbs 5oz

Neck is pretty narrow too. High 'e' can easily slip off the board if you are not careful of it!

 

[NHTom]

Very nice!

All the "normal" PRS guitars are great instruments, but I'm really taken by the Vela/Starla/Mira line.............Just something different and simple yet still with the Prs quality.

I ended up tracking down an original "core" Mira and LOVE it.

Enjoy that Vela, it's a beauty!

NHTom

 

[ttbit]

I didn't and still don't know much about PRS. I stumbled on this by chance. I didn't know that made a Mira "core" version. Very interesting. Is it an all mahogany version as well?

 

[Victek]

I didn't and still don't know much about PRS. I stumbled on this by chance. I didn't know that made a Mira "core" version. Very interesting. Is it an all mahogany version as well?

I"m not seeing it offered for 2017. Look here:

http://prsguitars.com/

 

[djjagdish]

Love the way these look - congrats on a nice axe!

 

[NHTom]

I didn't and still don't know much about PRS. I stumbled on this by chance. I didn't know that made a Mira "core" version. Very interesting. Is it an all mahogany version as well?

Yes, The mira is now only available in the S2 version.....

When they first came out, they were "core" series.


NHTom

 

[ttbit]

Oh... OK. Nice!

Thanks all. I searched their site some too.

 

[repo33]

I know Im kinda late to the party here but Im currently climbing the walls waiting for my 2016 S2 Vela in Gloss Mahogany to be delivered. I scored one used in "great" condition off the web. I read more good things about Vela's than bad. And yes, have watched every video I can find on them! I have a '05 LP Standard (CTS 500K, Vintage Black Beauties, Duncan '59 Set) and a '97 Fender Amer Strat with Chrome Domes. I figured the Vela will fill the gap in between. Keeping my fingers crossed.....

I'll post a family portrait as soon as it arrives

 

[ttbit]

I still have mine. It's made me appreciate PRS quality. Stays in tune and the frets are really nice. Enjoy!!!

 

[repo33]

Mine finally came in, showed up with a hard case no less!! Yeah... its pretty awesome. Ive never owned a PRS before so I dont really have a frame of reference for how the Vela compares to other PRS', But so far Im totally enjoying this guitar. And its much lighter than a LP and USA Strat. Nice.

 

[ttbit]

I think I will pull mine out now. : ) It's the S2 line, so it is far from the top of the line, but the quality is in the right places, imo. Enjoy!