Listening to tis clip I actually like the SE better just because it's brighter. Might be different if I was in the shop playing both myself. Anway, it's always nice to see you don't have to go beyond the 2000 mark to get an excellent guitar.
It's funny, when editing I thought the same thing. The SE's pickups pop more for sure. In the room and in a live context I preferred the 2000 SAS. Now, I have been playing that guitar for over 20 years so I might be biased there. Regardless, you are correct, the SE's are great guitars at a great price.
Great demo. I remember when the SAS "Core" model first came out. Being a Nashville-esque player, that's the model I kind of gravitated to. I recently picked up a new Swamp Ash Special SE. I put 10s on it and set it up. Plays and feels great, except for the neck. All my other guitars are Telecasters so the necks and fretboards have a much different feel. That's my only complaint. I also replaced the stock pickups. Replaced them with: Bridge: Seymour Duncan Custom Custom Middle: Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Strat pickup Neck: Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates neck model I wired the middle pickup to the push-pull tone pot so that it is only engaged/disengaged. No coil splitting. The difference in sound is incredible.
Fun comparison, 2000 Swamp Ash Special has great looks and tones! I believe the Core SAS has (stock) McCarty humbuckers and a Seymour Duncan Vintage Rails, while the SE SAS has 85/15S and the new AS-01 single. I have the SE SAS and it's versatile, but it's odd switching choices. I think I prefer the more conventional switching in my old 1992 PRS EG-2 HSH (HFS/VintageBass/Fralin). Also I like the AS-01 but I wonder if 58/15S would sound better in the SE than the 85/15S.
The Core SAS does have stock McCarty's in it. That is why I got it as a backup to my McCarty. Back in the day I never split the coils, but lately I have found I really like that option. Agree that they have a strange switching layout, but it has grown on me.
The core sounds warmer in my ears, but the SE has a 'smokey' sound that actually had me fall in love with the SE Swamp Ash Special without knowing about the earlier Core version. If I wan't warm I can have a nice Les Paul /- Copy /- inspired guitar. That smokey sound is quite unique, especially with that much variety of the configurations.
I like the hardtail too, but will keep the switching. Has six options now and it is definitely different than expected. Although I can see where a five way switch would be cool. As long as it’s not the old PRS rotary switch. I never got hip to them.
