PRS S2 Series: Why These American-Made Guitars Hit the Sweet Spot for Serious Players

If you’ve been hunting for an American-made instrument that delivers quality without the premium price tag, the PRS S2 lineup sits right in that perfect middle ground. Many players first discover PRS through the SE line, then dream of stepping up to a Core model — but the S2 series was created specifically to bridge that gap. Built in Maryland, outfitted with reliable hardware, and designed for real-world working musicians, this line hits a balance you don’t often find in the guitar world.

The PRS S2 family has now been around for over a decade, and during that time the series has developed a reputation for comfort, dependability, and tone that punches way above its class. For players who want American craftsmanship without crossing into boutique pricing, it’s hard to ignore what these guitars deliver.

Where the S2 Series Fits in the PRS Lineup

PRS is known for having a clear three-tier structure:

• SE Series — Highly impressive import line, incredible value

• S2 Series — American-built, streamlined design, workhorse performance

• Core Series — Premium craftsmanship, top-grade woods and components

The PRS S2 sits exactly where many guitarists need it: accessible, professional, and built to last. You get the feel and reliability of a U.S.-made instrument, but without the ornate tops, elaborate binding, or ultra-high-end appointments that drive Core pricing upward.

Tonally and structurally, the S2 philosophy is simple:
Use PRS-proven designs, simplify the cosmetics, retain the performance.

The Models: Familiar Classics With One Standout Original

While the Core and SE lines share a wide range of models, the PRS S2 series focuses on a tighter collection of essential shapes:

• Custom 24

• Custom 24-08

• McCarty 594

• Studio

• Special Semi-Hollow

And of course…

⭐ The S2 Vela — A PRS Original That Players Rave About

Unlike most S2 instruments, the Vela isn’t shared with any other PRS line. It is exclusive to the PRS S2 catalog, and players absolutely love it — often more than models twice its price.

Why? Because it breaks the mold.

• Offset, lightweight body

• Plate-style bridge with brass saddles

• Narrowfield pickup + DS-01 bridge pickup

• 25" scale, Pattern Regular neck

• Choice of satin or nitro gloss finishes

The Vela blends the snap of a vintage bolt-on guitar with the warmth of a set-neck design. Clean tones are snappy, driven tones retain clarity, and the guitar simply feels fun under the hands.

Many customers at Vera Guitars end up choosing a Vela not because they were looking for one — but because the feel and response win them over on the spot.

A Deeper Look: What Sets PRS S2 Guitars Apart

The main question players ask is:
“How different are S2 models from the Core and SE lines?”

To make that clear, let’s compare one of the most versatile options in the full catalog: the Special Semi-Hollow in each tier.

Below is an easy side-by-side that shows what's truly shared — and what diverges.

Major Specifications: PRS Special Semi-Hollowbody

S2 Special (American-made)

• Top: Maple

• Top carve: Asymmetric bevel

• Neck: Mahogany (scarf-joint)

• Profile: Pattern Regular

• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 frets

• Finish: High-gloss nitro

• Bridge: PRS Tremolo (Gen II)

• Tuners: Phase III Locking

• Pickups: 58/15 LT + Narrowfield + 58/15 LT

• Controls: Master volume, tone, 5-way blade, two mini-toggles

Core Special (Flagship)

• Maple top with violin carve

• One-piece mahogany neck

• Pattern profile

• Gen III tremolo

• McCarty III humbuckers + Narrowfield

SE Special (Import)

• Maple top with flame veneer

• Poly finish

• PRS-designed tuners

• 58/15 LT “S” pickups + Narrowfield DeepDish

Where the S2 Line Truly Shines

1. The Carve and Feel

The S2 asymmetric bevel is more subtle than the surgical violin carve of Core models. Many players find it more comfortable, especially during long sessions or standing gigs. It may not look as dramatic, but ergonomically it’s fantastic.

2. Neck Construction

The scarf-joint neck of the PRS S2 offers remarkable stability. While Core models use one-piece mahogany, the S2 joint construction helps the neck resist shifts from temperature and humidity — something players here in Charlotte deal with every season.

3. Hardware You Can Trust

Phase III locking tuners and PRS tremolos come standard on S2. Compared to the import tuners found on SE guitars, this is a meaningful upgrade. Better tuning stability, smoother feel, and easier string changes.

4. Electronics & Components

Even if the pickups match those in some SE models on paper, the internal components in PRS S2 instruments are American-made and more robust. Pots, switches, wiring, and tolerances are simply tighter, resulting in more consistency.

So Should You Buy an S2 Instead of a Core or SE?

Here’s the real breakdown:

Choose an SE if:

• You want the best value in the entire PRS lineup

• You don’t need U.S. manufacturing

• You’re budget-conscious but care about tone and playability

Choose an S2 if:

• You want an American-made guitar that feels stage-ready

• You want professional quality without boutique pricing

• You prefer simpler aesthetics but higher-end components

• You want the Vela — because it only exists here

Choose a Core if:

• You want PRS’s absolute highest level of craftsmanship

• You value premium woods, finishes, and pickup sets

• You want the most collectible, long-term value option

For most of our customers at Vera Guitars, the PRS S2 is the perfect “first serious guitar” or “professional workhorse” — something that feels right at home in the studio, on stage, or at rehearsal.

Final Thoughts: Why We Love the S2 Series at Vera Guitars

As a shop that sets up, inspects, and tests every instrument that comes through the door, we’ve seen the long-term durability of these guitars firsthand. They hold tuning exceptionally well, respond beautifully to Plek upgrades, and offer a consistent feel across the entire series.

Most importantly:
They inspire players at every level.

Whether you’re upgrading from your first guitar or adding a new flavor to your collection, the PRS S2 lineup delivers tone, comfort, and reliability that’s hard to beat at its price point.