PRS Soapbar II - UPDATE - it's here (review)

Mitch Roberts · May 10th, 2006, 12:05 AM

[update: read my new post further below]

I have been gassing for one of these for a while now. I can't believe how much guitar you get for the money. I just pushed the button on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1
I love the way these play, sound and look. This one even has a Duncan antiquity soapbar in the bridge position. That and the new quilted maple top pushed me beyond my control!

I figure I can get my money out of it if I need to, but I'm betting I won't WANT to. Anybody else have one of these?

Colo Springs E · May 10th, 2006, 12:46 AM

...very nice guitars. Just sold a cherry red one recently. I like the flamed model you bought, that's real sweet. I think you'll like it.

-E

DlxNashvilleLuvr · May 10th, 2006, 12:57 AM

December of last year one of our Guitar Centers had the plain sunburst Soap II's on sale for $250! So I'm hoping December of this year they'll have the flame maple Soapbars on sale for a similar deal. I stop in every Friday just to make sure I don't miss anything! Might pick up a Santana SE, too, while I'm at it. What a day that will be...

Mitch Roberts · May 10th, 2006, 09:40 AM

$250!!?? I would have grabbed it without hesitation. I am guessing they may have been clearing them out to make room for these newer flame maple capped models. GC had them for something like $350, which I nearly went for then. I figure the premium Duncan antiquity bridge pickup adds a few bucks value, and it's an upgrade I would want to try anyway. Also, I haven't seen one in any GC here in my area for many months.

reverbbb · May 10th, 2006, 10:41 AM

I have owned two of them. I got my first one at GC for $289 (plain mahagony). I realized that the guitar was AWESOME, but it did not sound as gritty as my Les Paul Studio with P-90s. The PRS was more clear and accurate. But I decided to sell it to make way for some new gear. I made about $75 profit on eBay.

The second one was a "Matteo Blue" maple top. I ordered it new via mail order from Centre City Music. I got a good deal, but not as good as the liquidation price. When I got it, I was VERY disappointed in the color. It was FAR from what I expected from a PRS Matteo Blue. It was more of a turquiose color. All the ones that I have seen, are the same color. I went around and around with PRS' Customer Service for 4 days via email. They basically told me that the color was "within specs", I could not hand pick a better color and there was no assurance that any of them were closer to the advertised color than the turquiose that I owned or had seen.

When Paul Reed Smith was in Dallas a couple of weeks ago, I showed him the picture that I took of that guitar beside two other blue guitars that I own (PRS Custom 24 & Les Paul Std LE). He told me that the Matteo simply means that it has a blackbusrt perimeter. He defended the color as "that is made in a different factory". But I said, "Maybe so, but your marketing pix of this color shows an entirely different color than what was delivered.". Paul humored me by handing the picture to one of his employees and told me to give him my business card, "We will look into this.". That is the last I heard from them on this subject.

The turquiose guitar was just as awesome sounding and playing as the first Soapbar II that I bought. But I could not get over the fact the PRS duped me on the color. I tried to like it, but I wound up selling it for a small profit as well.

If they ever get the color correct on the next import batch, I will buy it again.

Vincent Caster · May 10th, 2006, 11:00 AM

Congrats!

Any chance that will make it's HV debut on the 20th?

Mitch Roberts · May 11th, 2006, 01:09 AM

Thanks Vince. I'll bring it if it gets here by then. And if my wife doesn't shoot me.

jonzer · May 11th, 2006, 02:10 PM

I've played around with them in stores. I've heard 'em on stage locally. I like 'em. I just don't think it'd fit my style to be seen with a PRS.

Mitch Roberts · May 12th, 2006, 06:11 PM

First, use FedEx ground, folks. Fast and efficient, only took 3 days.

I am simply blown away by this thing. I have always wanted a real 57 Les Paul special and have never been impressed by anything Gibson has produced as a modern copy. This is the closest thing I have ever found - and they are only $400 or less!!! I wanted the original single wrap-around bridge for maximum tone (like the originals) but all the repros have the tuneomatic and stop tailpiece. The big-bucks PRS MeCarty has it, but I never wanted to spend that much. So the Soapbar II has it with the really nice PRS design update of having better intonation for the unwrapped 3rd string. And, of course, I wanted the Soapbar tone.

This guitar is pretty much flawless as it came to me. Nice chunky early Gibsonesque neck shape, excellent fretwork, perfect setup for me (dialed-in nut and ideal fret height). Even the electronics are nice. It has a reasonable copy of a Switchcraft toggle switch (not a cheap and flimsy one), full sized and smooth action pots, nice tuners, great finish on the flamed maple top. And it's very light. That all adds up to a buttery feel and really great and authentic soapbar tone. Even the gig bag is of impressive quality and design. PRS has really made a breakthough on these. Obviously, the Korean manufacturer has mastered the making of these at an unbelievable price point. I've played pretty much all the guitars out there in this price range and above and none have put me back on my heels like this one. And as a bonus, mine already had a Duncan antiquity bridge pickup upgrade, though based on the sound of the stock neck PUP, it probably wasn't necessary. I just can't get over how much guitar this is for the money.

reverbbb · May 13th, 2006, 12:46 AM

That is almost how I felt about mine. Except, having a LP Studio Gem with P-90s was an unfair advantage when comparing Gibson to PRS. PRS seems to have solved several sonic and sustain problems with their Soapbar. However, the grit that I get from the Gibson reminds me of why Gibson is legendary - feel and growl.

I have said it before and I will repeat it here. If PRS had predated Gibson, then I am fairly sure that the clarity of the PRS would have become the standard instead of Gibson. But there are WAY TOO MANY Gibson devoted fan for Gibson to loose all of it's sells to PRS.

I'm glad you like the guitar. I totally agree with your assessment of being a LOT of guitar for $400.

Telenator · May 14th, 2006, 08:22 AM

It is alot of guitar until you "play it in anger" during a gig or an aggressive jam. I was very close to buying one myself until I cranked it up for a half hour at the store. It is indeed a lot of guitar for the money. A great value. But in the throws of really playing it, the guitar just came up a little short in the "sound and feel" departments. Again, great value. Better than most in it's price range. But in the grand scheme of things it's just that.

Colo Springs E · May 14th, 2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telenator

It is alot of guitar until you "play it in anger" during a gig or an aggressive jam. I was very close to buying one myself until I cranked it up for a half hour at the store. It is indeed a lot of guitar for the money. A great value. But in the throws of really playing it, the guitar just came up a little short in the "sound and feel" departments. Again, great value. Better than most in it's price range. But in the grand scheme of things it's just that.

.....played mine "in anger" at several raucous (sp?) gigs and the Soapie held up just fine.

As does my bone stock MIM Tele for that matter. And my bone stock Yamaha AES-620 (OK, replaced the neck pickup in that one). :)

Your mileage may (and apparently does) vary...

-E

DlxNashvilleLuvr · May 14th, 2006, 10:34 AM

I don't buy into this "the guitar has to cost $1,000 to be any good" viewpoint, either. I've got two Les Pauls and an SG. They're not perfect, but I enjoy them. However does my MIM Deluxe Nashville stack up to them? Well, check out my screen name! You bet it does! And I can't wait to get my hands on one of those "for the money" Soap II maples!

May 10th, 2006, 12:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mitch Roberts Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 433	PRS Soapbar II - UPDATE - it's here (review) [update: read my new post further below] I have been gassing for one of these for a while now. I can't believe how much guitar you get for the money. I just pushed the button on this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1 I love the way these play, sound and look. This one even has a Duncan antiquity soapbar in the bridge position. That and the new quilted maple top pushed me beyond my control! I figure I can get my money out of it if I need to, but I'm betting I won't WANT to. Anybody else have one of these? __________________ I think, therefore I jam.

May 10th, 2006, 12:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,162 5 Photos	Have owned a couple..... ...very nice guitars. Just sold a cherry red one recently. I like the flamed model you bought, that's real sweet. I think you'll like it. -E __________________ Tryin' your best to bring the Water to your eyes... Thinkin' it might stop her From whoopin' your behind.

May 10th, 2006, 09:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mitch Roberts Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 433	$250!!?? I would have grabbed it without hesitation. I am guessing they may have been clearing them out to make room for these newer flame maple capped models. GC had them for something like $350, which I nearly went for then. I figure the premium Duncan antiquity bridge pickup adds a few bucks value, and it's an upgrade I would want to try anyway. Also, I haven't seen one in any GC here in my area for many months. __________________ I think, therefore I jam.

May 10th, 2006, 10:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
reverbbb Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Just Plano, Texas Age: 50 Posts: 3,704 34 Photos	I have owned two of them. I got my first one at GC for $289 (plain mahagony). I realized that the guitar was AWESOME, but it did not sound as gritty as my Les Paul Studio with P-90s. The PRS was more clear and accurate. But I decided to sell it to make way for some new gear. I made about $75 profit on eBay. The second one was a "Matteo Blue" maple top. I ordered it new via mail order from Centre City Music. I got a good deal, but not as good as the liquidation price. When I got it, I was VERY disappointed in the color. It was FAR from what I expected from a PRS Matteo Blue. It was more of a turquiose color. All the ones that I have seen, are the same color. I went around and around with PRS' Customer Service for 4 days via email. They basically told me that the color was "within specs", I could not hand pick a better color and there was no assurance that any of them were closer to the advertised color than the turquiose that I owned or had seen. When Paul Reed Smith was in Dallas a couple of weeks ago, I showed him the picture that I took of that guitar beside two other blue guitars that I own (PRS Custom 24 & Les Paul Std LE). He told me that the Matteo simply means that it has a blackbusrt perimeter. He defended the color as "that is made in a different factory". But I said, "Maybe so, but your marketing pix of this color shows an entirely different color than what was delivered.". Paul humored me by handing the picture to one of his employees and told me to give him my business card, "We will look into this.". That is the last I heard from them on this subject. The turquiose guitar was just as awesome sounding and playing as the first Soapbar II that I bought. But I could not get over the fact the PRS duped me on the color. I tried to like it, but I wound up selling it for a small profit as well. If they ever get the color correct on the next import batch, I will buy it again. __________________ "I come here to reflect a little."™ Myspace Guitarist P&W Forum

May 10th, 2006, 11:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
Vincent Caster Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Peekskill, New York Posts: 624 6 Photos	Cool Congrats! Any chance that will make it's HV debut on the 20th? __________________ "Froggy went a courtin', he did ride...C...c...crambone!"

May 10th, 2006, 12:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
DlxNashvilleLuvr Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Age: 37 Posts: 697	December of last year one of our Guitar Centers had the plain sunburst Soap II's on sale for $250! So I'm hoping December of this year they'll have the flame maple Soapbars on sale for a similar deal. I stop in every Friday just to make sure I don't miss anything! Might pick up a Santana SE, too, while I'm at it. What a day that will be...

May 11th, 2006, 01:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mitch Roberts Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 433	Thanks Vince. I'll bring it if it gets here by then. And if my wife doesn't shoot me. __________________ I think, therefore I jam.

May 11th, 2006, 02:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
jonzer Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,062	I've played around with them in stores. I've heard 'em on stage locally. I like 'em. I just don't think it'd fit my style to be seen with a PRS. __________________ http://816rocks.com/

May 12th, 2006, 06:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mitch Roberts Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 433	It's here, and it's amazing First, use FedEx ground, folks. Fast and efficient, only took 3 days. I am simply blown away by this thing. I have always wanted a real 57 Les Paul special and have never been impressed by anything Gibson has produced as a modern copy. This is the closest thing I have ever found - and they are only $400 or less!!! I wanted the original single wrap-around bridge for maximum tone (like the originals) but all the repros have the tuneomatic and stop tailpiece. The big-bucks PRS MeCarty has it, but I never wanted to spend that much. So the Soapbar II has it with the really nice PRS design update of having better intonation for the unwrapped 3rd string. And, of course, I wanted the Soapbar tone. This guitar is pretty much flawless as it came to me. Nice chunky early Gibsonesque neck shape, excellent fretwork, perfect setup for me (dialed-in nut and ideal fret height). Even the electronics are nice. It has a reasonable copy of a Switchcraft toggle switch (not a cheap and flimsy one), full sized and smooth action pots, nice tuners, great finish on the flamed maple top. And it's very light. That all adds up to a buttery feel and really great and authentic soapbar tone. Even the gig bag is of impressive quality and design. PRS has really made a breakthough on these. Obviously, the Korean manufacturer has mastered the making of these at an unbelievable price point. I've played pretty much all the guitars out there in this price range and above and none have put me back on my heels like this one. And as a bonus, mine already had a Duncan antiquity bridge pickup upgrade, though based on the sound of the stock neck PUP, it probably wasn't necessary. I just can't get over how much guitar this is for the money. __________________ I think, therefore I jam.

May 13th, 2006, 12:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
reverbbb Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Just Plano, Texas Age: 50 Posts: 3,704 34 Photos	That is almost how I felt about mine. Except, having a LP Studio Gem with P-90s was an unfair advantage when comparing Gibson to PRS. PRS seems to have solved several sonic and sustain problems with their Soapbar. However, the grit that I get from the Gibson reminds me of why Gibson is legendary - feel and growl. I have said it before and I will repeat it here. If PRS had predated Gibson, then I am fairly sure that the clarity of the PRS would have become the standard instead of Gibson. But there are WAY TOO MANY Gibson devoted fan for Gibson to loose all of it's sells to PRS. I'm glad you like the guitar. I totally agree with your assessment of being a LOT of guitar for $400. __________________ "I come here to reflect a little."™ Myspace Guitarist P&W Forum

May 14th, 2006, 08:22 AM	#11 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,611	It is alot of guitar until you "play it in anger" during a gig or an aggressive jam. I was very close to buying one myself until I cranked it up for a half hour at the store. It is indeed a lot of guitar for the money. A great value. But in the throws of really playing it, the guitar just came up a little short in the "sound and feel" departments. Again, great value. Better than most in it's price range. But in the grand scheme of things it's just that. __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

May 14th, 2006, 10:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
DlxNashvilleLuvr Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Age: 37 Posts: 697	I don't buy into this "the guitar has to cost $1,000 to be any good" viewpoint, either. I've got two Les Pauls and an SG. They're not perfect, but I enjoy them. However does my MIM Deluxe Nashville stack up to them? Well, check out my screen name! You bet it does! And I can't wait to get my hands on one of those "for the money" Soap II maples!