Let’s get this out of the way – this is not a budget guitar.  Not even close.  As of 11/21, these are selling for around $2,300. My definition of a budget guitar is $500 or less, though I might at some point need to update that. You can find used CE 24 guitars for around $1,400 – $1,800.  Still not budget.  But if you want an American made un-modded PRS with actual PRS pickups, a used CE24 is your cheapest option.

The CE 24 features a mahogany body with a pretty maple cap (cap, not veneer) and real PRS 85/15 Pickups.  It also has a pattern thin neck and thin carve body.  And that’s where things go off the rails for me.  More in a minute.

Sounds

The guitar sounds amazing.  What more can you say? I can say it sounds like a slightly thinner hot rodded Les Paul.  I can also say that I don’t like the sound of the humbuckers tapped, but then again I never have and likely never will.  Some say that the bolt-on neck gives a guitar a brighter sound.  If a bolt-on neck changes a guitar’s sound, it’s likely a pretty small change.  I will say that there’s a small amount of “body” missing, similar to my PRS SE Custom 24, vs my Gibson Les Pauls.  On the other hand, it doesn’t weigh 12 pounds.

Looks

I mean, it looks amazing.  Amazing.  Not as amazing as the much more expensive standard line, but still amazing.  It’s an American PRS, and it looks like one.  Class and style.

Playability

I’m a massive fan of the thin PRS necks, like my SE.  The CE 24 neck is very small and very fast.  It’s the best part of the guitar.  The worst part, for me, is the body carve – it has a lip on the edge that digs into my forearm, which makes it uncomfortable to play.  Could I get used to it?  I guess, but for that kind of money, ick.  For some people, this won’t be an issue at all.  Don’t take my word for it – play one and see what you think.

Summary

I really wish there was a thin neck in the S2 line, but as far as I know, there isn’t.  I love the body of my S2 Satin 24 – the carve is really nice.  The S2 Custom 24 has a similar carve, but the neck is NOT thin.  Anyway, the CE 24 is a great guitar, and maybe not for everyone.