NGD: PRS semi-hollow S2 Vela

[TF from MN]

My first PRS. I like it.

Observations:

1) Lightest electric guitar I've ever owned. Well under six pounds. It balances better than a lightweight SG because of the extended horn.

2) Nice painted finish. Semi-metallic. It seems almost exactly like a car finish.

3) Perfect setup. Easy to play. Very easy to play, without the action being ridiculously low.

4) None of those freakin' PRS bird inlays. This is what put me off PRS from the get-go.

5) Huge strap buttons. I had to look around for a strap that would fit over them.

6) I'm less critical about pickups than a lotta folks. Good enough sound for me! The single-coil neck pickup hums under high gain. This shouldn't be an issue as I'm mostly a clean player.

Two thumbs up. Did I mention it is easy to play?

 

[Wallaby]

That looks really good!

Question - is that a Dynasonic neck pickup, and is that stock for the guitar?

Congratulations!

 

[fendrguitplayr]

Nice score!

Looking forward to hearing it in Twangers.

 

[Tone Quest]

Very cool guitar.

 

[RobRiggs]

Beautiful! I love that color. Reminds me of a Chevelle I used to own.

 

[TF from MN]

That looks really good!

Question - is that a Dynasonic neck pickup, and is that stock for the guitar?

Congratulations!

The neck pickup is stock, as is the whole guitar. PRS calls the neck pickup a "Type-D" per their website.

 

[gitold]

Love my Vela. So much so that I keep wanting a semi hollow as well. Closest thing to a Tele PRS makes. Congrats and enjoy!

 

[brookdalebill]

Cool!

 

[John C]

Nice! I had a Vela for a while - it's a very cool design that covers a lot of ground.

 

[Peegoo]

The neck pickup is the PRS take on the original DeArmond Dynasonic. It's like a P90 but better balanced without the midrange bump.

The bridge pickup in these is called the Starla pickup (after the Starla guitar model they originally equipped).

This pickup is PRS's version of the Gretsch Filtertron but in a full-size humbucker package. It's not super powerful and can even twang when dialed back a little. It's my favorite PRS pickup; I have two Custom 22s with Starlas.

@TF from MN That is a beautiful guitar! The Vela hangs perfectly on a strap and the understated forearm cut makes them extremely comfy to play.