The current (2018) line-up is an even better value of an already amazing affordable guitar.

From 2018 onwards, the Standard 24 line-up is manufactured in the Cor-Tek factory, Indonesia. It has a 3-4 piece mahogany body, 3 piece maple neck with a set neck construction, 24 frets, the PRS unique 25" scale length, two G&B 85/15 "S" humbucker pickups (the same used on the Custom models, as well as the US-made S2 line-up), a master volume and a master tone push-pull pot that coil splits both pickups in order to play in single coil mode. The neck is what PRS calls "wide thin", feeling slightly thinner than a modern Fender Strat but very familiar to those coming from this type of guitars (to me, a sweetspot not overly thin or chunky). The guitar is currently available on see-through blue, cherry and tobacco sunburst. Last year, a limited run of exclusive colors was released, all lacking body binding, one of which is the satin black model I own. There's also two more expensive exclusive versions, the "Schizoid" and the foil special finishes.

It's worth noting that, unlike the past models, the current line-up is made in the same factory as the more expensive Custom series, has the exact same hardware and electronics (including the same pickups and coil splitting functionality, an upgrade from the previous, less desirable pickups they came with). Visually, all models have the staple PRS bird inlays, the "Paul Reed Smith" logo on the headstock, body and fretboard binding (the latter is lacking on the Custom models). Overall, the only differences between the Standard and Custom series are the lack of a maple top and veneer, the lack of an included, branded gigbag and nearly $300.

Prior to my purchase, I've also played a Custom 24 and this one felt on par in terms of sound, feel and overall quality. The only difference was in terms of weight, being the Standard 24 lighter - a plus to me. The guitar feels very comfortable and well balanced, benefiting from a well-thought and functional design; the upper fret access is really nice and you can easily reach all frets, being the neck heel thing and front-forwarding enough not to be an issue. Tone-wise, this guitar is very Strat-like, being bright and clean. Unlike a Strat, this doesn't tend to get harsh or overly bright, and is also very versatile for clean, light and medium gain scenarios. When coil-split, both pickups sound very clean and pronounced, though getting a noticeable reduction in volume.

Quality-wise, this guitar is overall very well built and came almost perfectly set up, only with some very slight buzzing on the lower frets on the low E string; the intonation was spot on, the string action right at 1.6mm at the 17th fret and the fret ends nicely rounded over for comfortable playing. The only quality faults I've noticed was the less than perfect finish around the fretboard binding, the paint going ever so slightly over it while the satin clear coat slightly lower than the pain, but being a very minor issue to worry (even if you have mild OCD like me). The worst aspect in my opinion was the synthetic nut, whose slots were cut too deep, and although being technically the correct string action in relation to the first fret, makes the 9 gauge strings it comes with too loose in the slots - this ends up causing the guitar to get out of tune when you use the trem and would really benefit of an upgrade.

Overall, I'm very happy with this guitar. It's built just as nicely and offers just as much as the considerably more expensive Custom model, and even considerably better than similar more expensive guitars I've pondered to buy (namely, an LTD EC-1000).Well worth the price, it's a great option if you want a solid and reliable instrument that is versatile and comfortable to play.

What!?!

Let me start off by saying I do like this guitar (do not let the three stars fool you). The build on this thing is nothing but spectacular! It was the second guitar I purchased out of my break away from the instrument. I always wanted one but never had the cash to put on one. Then I saw this guy here. I know it isn't the best PRS makes, and I love that they do this for people. The reason I say this is because holding a custom and this side by side; well, there is no difference. Not to me at least. The reason for the three stars now... The electronics could be better. I love the tap coil feature (it just makes it more versatile). But the sound it produces is for sure on the bass end of the scale. Meaning it creates a very low tone compared to my Jackson Dinky. The tremolo system is just okay. The bar could be placed at a better angle. And finally the pick-up switch is not where it needs to be for someone who uses there trem bar. But other then these few things the instrument is perfect.

Wonderful instrument

Neck feels good, body of the guitar is nicely contoured to fit player, pickups sound good in most genres (humbuckers), coil tap is useful for when wanting a single-coil sound. Overall excellent guitar.

From Gear Setup

Awesome guitar! I finally own a PRS!

This may be the 'entry level' PRS. But, it's HIGH quality! I love it! Easy to play. The stock pickups are easy to work with. Just solid all around!

Very transparent and versatile guitar.

The PRS SE Standard 24 is the most affordable piece of PRS gear you can get. But that's no reason for it to feel cheap or wanky in any way, even though it has an amazing price, listed at 499$. The wide thin neck is as comfortable as it gets, the coil split can bring you from full on humbucking soaring leads to funky strat grooves. You just can't go wrong.

Best guitar on the $500 range.

Seriously good gear. I use it with drop C tuning and D’Addario D tuning strings for metal, and I just put a capo on fret #2 for standard tuning. It has a truly versatile sound thanks to the coil split.

👍🏻

Bought it during Gone Wild. Awesome guitar.

Incredible guitar at it's price range!

One of the best instruments I've ever owned. Really light, slick to play, perfectly set up at factory. Awesome sound from the SE HFS pickups.