Santana SE - is it a worthwhile model?

[mpugli]

I heard there are two versions of it, and that the second version, I believe, has a better tone in the bridge pickup. Any input on this one?

[darren wilson]

They've generally been getting excellent reviews since day 1.

The second-generation Santana SE added a forearm cut, goofy little pickguard, open-coil pickups and a bound neck and fretboard. I GREATLY prefer the look of the first-generation models.

I saw a Tremonti SE the other day, which i was extremely impressed with Very tastefully done, nice feel, very light. The top isn't carved as deeply as a true PRS, but it's nice and subtle.

[failsafe306]

Yea, what IS up with that nerdy little pickguard? I'd defininatly take the Tremonti SE over the Santana SE.

[Polaris20]

My friend's shop has the Tremonti SE's......very cool guitars, especially for the money.

[mercjoe]

I have the Santana SE, the first one, it is an absolutely killer guitar as far as playability and sound. The second model with the pickguard is also very sweet and has neck binding for the same price. I highly recommend these guitars and feel you get maximum bang for the buck.

[Globbits]

its simple to take the scratchplate off the version2. However, my bridge pickup has gone a bit microphonic after a year, so in goes a seymour duncan!

[cypher2198]

My brother bought one of the 1st Santana SEs out of the factory, and loves it. He's quite quick with the chops, and the guitar feels nice and fast, but it was too darn mellow. The pickups are a little too bassy for my liking, especially with the mahogany body and set neck.

I pulled out the stock pu's and changed them for a set of (unmatched) Evos. The evos definately have more treble, and have tidied things up a lot. Now the tone control works

Bottom line is that the guitar looks nice, plays well, and is great for the money, but IMHO I think the pickups cater to much for the beginner who wants a Les Paul tone.

[little wing]

The Santana SE got the best buy on the guitarist megazine. Triend that one out too and men, It was really good. The first batch ones.
I think they even got the Santana III now.

[pawel]

Santana III is the budget version of the Santana II...which still means $$$...I actually played the Santan SE v2.0 yesterday and liked it a lot, the neck was very comfortable, fatter than on shred machines, but not as beefy as an LP. It was set up well and played good to, I only played it unplugged though. I was also quite impressed by the feel and performance of the trem too...it's a good buy, liked it more than the Ibanez SZ520 and the Tremonti SE...The craftsmanship on it looks pretty solid too...

[CanadianMetal]

Both are great value if your on a budget, but I think the Santana has a better feel and look, the tremonti looks more like a les paul, but it has weak pick ups in my opinion, the Santana has Color options! tremonti has two colors...tough decsion...I think not, go with your needs not just the mag reviews.

[poet]

Originally Posted by Polaris20

My friend's shop has the Tremonti SE's......very cool guitars, especially for the money.

I don't hate Creed or anything, but I'd be really reluctant to get a guitar with his name on it....I wouldn't feel weird about getting signature guitars of people like Santana, Steve Vai etc, but Tremonti...just not that level. (same as papa roach model by Schecter)

[sry777]

Now the tone control works

I dont get that scince i have one of the original santana ses' i guess the tone control could have something to do with the amp (mine is a legacy ) but thetone on the se is bassy<--spl and a litte warmer by the neck and more trebley<--spl? and clearer by the bridge. if you buy one realize this alot of time was put into that guitar and IMHO the stock pickups are just great the way they are. (i say this because i heard of many ppl changing them)


P.S. anybody know where i can get a 7vsbl for 800 to 1200?