We need to talk about the P20... 

I have one. After I set the action to my liking it’s been absolutely perfect. I have 32 guitars and I have no complaints at all on this one. Opinions always vary though.

Great video. I really appreciate seeing this sort of honest assessment - neither gushingly praiseful nor needlessly negative. The only addition I would have liked would have been a discussion of specific other models you would consider instead.

Just got one of these babies! I bought it from Sweetwater and it was setup perfectly. Not sure who set it up but it was well done. The tuning pegs aren't countersunk at all. There's plenty of space to pull them out. Maybe PRS fixed this. I bought the P20 without the electronics since I rarely need to plug in. I'm a happy camper at this point!

What a GREAT review on a very popular guitar brand! No shade, just FACTS! Thank you Key vs Strings, great review!

I appreciate this honest review. I have several PRS electrics, used to have a Martin 0-18 so I like parlor size acoustics, and this one is on my radar.

I've always put my hand inside the guitar, using the flat side of a pick to pop the bridge pins out.. I never knew there was a pin puller on my sting winder until about a month ago. 😂

Great video man. No shilling, just honest opinions from a PRS customer/player. Thanks for this! It really helped with my decision.

I appreciate your video, but one thing to point out. Putting one small dab of super glue "in front" of the string nut where the fret board is fine if you think you are never going to replace the string nut again. Most of the time, string nuts that are glued on to that front area can latch on to and literally "chip" the top of the fret board wood if you need to remove the string nut later on. Even if you use a heat gun, you'll risk that happening. I'm an old guy, and I've learned from a few luthers over the years. Back in the early 1980s a luther that I knew that was very old man at the time (R.I.P.) told me to use regular elmers white glue because it's a non-destructive glue. I've done that for years for string nuts in both electric and acoustic guitars and a few ukuleles.. No issues. Just a tip if you think down the road, you (or the next guy) needs to replace it. I'm going to check out the rest of your channel. Happy Holidays. - Mr.Tom Writer-Composer/Self-Administered Publisher (PRO: BMI Inc. / Pub: The MLC) CAE/IPI #: 833986399 / Publisher Number: P135OQ

Thanks for the honest review. Saw another vid where they cut one open and the bracing and glue on the soundboard were not very well done, which was disappointing. Had been considering getting one, I love the sound, style and playability. Might hold off though.

Great review and really appreciate the straightup details. Well taken, I'm still interested in this guitar myself but will scrutinize anyone I should check out very closely. I like the way it sounds when you play it and can relate to what you said about maybe you wouldn't buy it again, but you're glad you have it all the same. Thanks

Pick up a snapz bridge pin puller for those pins! I’ve never had luck with the pullers on those string winders, and I’ve never had issues on any guitar with the snapz. Totally agree with your assessment on the guitar. Nice video!

I was looking at this guitar, thanks so much for the honest review...

Nice to know. I just got one of these and I had the same problem with the tuner. It came to me broken but I was able to exchange it that day. But it does feel good. I am just a beginner but it does feel good.

You are a nice guy for being frank.....thanks, I couldn’t do what you did....buy your playing and sound is great

Thanks for the informed insight and nice to hear that the guitar works out for you, after giving it some (needed) extra care. For this price point though, there's a chance most might end up being happier with an old Stella / any of those Regal builds, plus some repairs (if needed) and tweaks so it meets contemporary 'playing practices'. I recently tried the PRS and a couple more along those lines but they don't compete, tonally. The vintage parlor I found was in horrible shape (e.g. wood blocks glued to the top) but it was still way less than $500 including refret, new bone nut - the neck was actually ok - and it even plays more comfortable than the modern builds.

I bought mine for the parlor guitar tone but discovered that plugged in, it sounded like my other electric/acoustic guitars plugged in. Not a parlor guitar. I traded towards another guitar and really don’t miss it. I will however not get rid of my PRS A50E.

Thank you so much. This is totally what we needed to see. Thank you.

The neck shape and feel to me was enough to overcome these minor issues.

I bought the Art & Lutherie black parlour which I preferred after trying the PRS.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I'm researching whether I would get this guitar or not, and I appreciate you sharing some of your dissatisfaction with this guitar

GREAT VIDEO AND PLAYING, BROTHER. HOWDY FROM TEXAS

Thanks for your honesty review. We'll said

I have the same problem with a tuner button inexplicably cracking and breaking off.

Honesty. Good review Mate.

I imagine Justin Johnson is sponsored but when he plays this guitar it sounds incredible. I really don't think he would put videos on RU-vid with it if he didn't like it.

Dude, needing to do a quarter turn adjustment to the truss rod for a new guitar is NOT a fault, it's a standard part of setting up a new guitar to suit YOU (and your home environment). That said, obviously the nut should not fall off, and tuning keys should not break. Thanks for the honest review.

One other issue to note or be wary of… during my last two shows, I kept hearing a bright sounding harmonic. I noticed, the first string (bottom string) was catching underneath the last fret (20th fret on the P20). I think a fingernail file will be my choice to repair. However, it may need a slight hammer bump to seat the fret. Great video and thanks for sharing!

Good sounding guitar and nice playing 👍.

I bought a PRS P20 but after a month or two it started to make an irritating "tziiing" sound that came from somewhere inside, every time I picked the strings, and it was mixed all over the great. It was NOT fretbuzz. Never found out what it was, but they sent me a new one. I recommend putting some new strings on it as mine sounded dead from the begining. Love the new one.

Very interesting post .... thanks .... was wondering if you ever considered changing the tuners?

I also own a PRS Acoustic Guitar, I definitely agree with you man about the counter sink issue with the Bridge PINS on the bridge. And the Falling of Nut while Re stringing the Guitar! PRS should do something about that!

I appreciate your video and your honest opinion. I think that I am going to buy one of these as a knock-around gigging guitar so that I can leave my nice guitar at home!

What would you buy instead that is close to the same price?

I bought the vintage mahogany model towards the end of 2020 and have gigged with it 4-6 days a week, 3 hours a day since. The only issue that I have found is with the pegs being too low like you said, making it harder to change strings. Other than that (knock on wood) lol it has performed beautifully right out the box. I guess for the price point, I wasn’t expecting too much in the first place so I wasn’t very disappointed by the minor peg issue. I figure with the way these guitars are mass produced, it’s just luck of the draw on whether you get a shitty one or a quality one…

Also broke a tuner, PRS sent me a 6 tuner free upgrade and passed warranty date… great service

I tried one of these yesterday. I wanted a travel guitar, and my main acoustic is a Lowden S, so Im used to a smaller body. I t was okay, but I actually preferred the Gretsch Jim Dandy(at 1/3 the price). I picked that up, and couldnt be happier so far. I may invest in a non-travel parlor guitar at some point, and for that Im looking at the Larivee P03. Nice, honest review! Thanks

Since you've decided to keep it, I recommend that you invest a couple of bucks in a metal bridge pin puller. Cheap and effective with pins that sit low in the bridge, and most can be fixed to a zipper pull or keyring.

My opinion the 500 you paid is what you should judge for that much you could buy say a seagull full size and it's hard to beat then again parlor guitars are harder because theres not as many so you just have to luck out and get one that whoever put it together went the extra mile as far as looks go you find a better looker! Ive been looking for a parlor guitar and even the 1500 Martin parlors are not worth that so I still haven't crossed this guitar off my list any suggestions

Have you identified better tuners for the P20? I own a P20 and find the tuners low end in quality.

A lot of this was pointless to complain about except for the tuner. That was completely unacceptable. The nut thing happens, it happened to my Breedlove and yea…… every guitar needs a good set up to your liking so a truss rod adjustment isn’t really worth complaining about. I don’t own a single PRS and probably won’t but this had a lot of non issues

For $299 sale I couldn't resist. Zero issues with tuners, truss rod adjustment, might lower saddle a bit. Beautiful tobacco burst sits next to sofa.

Did you turn a capo around to get a partial capo sound?

I love this review because it is the real world experience of a gigging musician

The countersink on the bridgepins likely accounts for audibly increased sustain.

New strings screech hahaha I've been wanting to pick one up but this helps push me in another direction

Have you ever tried an Orangewood Oliver junior live? They look similar, but half the price.

I was also ready to search for my pliers...but then googled and you can pop the bridge pins out from the inside of the guitar.

tell it like it is. great review. 🙏

...!!! did you put any enhancements on the pramp features.. wich brand.. !?

So the tuner broke and it put you in a bind for the entire weekend? Were you traveling and only brought one guitar? Always bring an additional guitar, even if you're just playing down the street.

I want to replace my tuners since I've experienced the same problem with a broken tuner button. Can anyone in here recommend a whole tuning maschine package of GOOD quality, that fit right on this guitar?

i bought this one recently after thinking about it for way too long like i always do and i honestly love it so far. i have some much more pricey acoustic guitars that i love but i still find myself reaching for this one just about every time. its also the best looking acoustic i have. i got the special addition pink verison. its beautiful. i guess im still in the honeymoon faze but as of now id highly recommend this instrument.

I agree with you! When i purchased the guitar, the machine head plastic cover cracked and asked the shop to fix it but they cant do it. I end up refunding my purchase.

Tuning key broke on mine also. Input jack fell out twice. Well worth replacing the tuners of your going to count on this in the field. Love the guitar though and play daily

I’ve had same issues with disintegrating Tuner button. Over a year old so no help from store. Only drop in replacement are Klusons @ $104 inc postage. Bad design PRS…

I also had 2 tuner buttons break off for no reason. Ended up replacing the tuners with Wilkinson WJ44s in black.

Hey are you able to buy those specific tuners online?

I think the question is what do you expect to get out of this instrument right ? Like I just got mine and I truly just expect this guitar to be on my couch and play it whilst I am watching television lol and not care if I drop it or damage it. I purchased a made in Mexico Dreadnought but it’s not as comfortable and I feel like this puppy will do the trick. Also didt bother getting the electronic because that defeat the purpose of just laying back and playing it.

Great to hear honest reviews like this. I am also a PRS owner, although not of this model, and the fit and finish is very good for an SE. I'm sorry you had these issues with your guitar and I'm sure PRS are listening and hopefully addressing these unfortunate problems. Thank you for posting.

You can always reach inside the hole of the guitar and push the bridge pins out from below using a small block of wood or even a really stiff guitar pick.

It is a lovely looking guitar, and I have had good experiences with PRS guitars. It's good to highlight issues that come up as you have done, as it helps us as guitar collectors - good video.

Fantastic review, fair. #truths

Buttonless tuner? I use the open gap of a closed pocket knife to allow the tuner peg to be inserted inside the gap and twist to tune.

Excellent excellent excellent review

I didn’t know PRS made acoustic guitar as they are better known for their outstanding electric guitars.

I too lost my tuner button as you describe, and my bridge started to peel off....I'm having all replaced and reset.

Hi Have the tobacco version of the P20 and have had none of these issues. Have changed strings to EB Aluminums. The standard PRS strings sounded good but the EB strings make it sound even better. Had no difficulty in removing the pins. Only issue I had was that the advertised model showed black tuners but guitar arrived with cream coloured ones. PRS speedily sent me out a complementary set of black ones.

What then would you recommend over this model?

Thanks

I went with the Eastman parlor guitar. It's a fantastic instrument.

I agree completely on plastic tuning keys and I'd just automatically replace those on a new guitar and maybe put a nice set of all metal Grovers on. Also most mass produced guitars are NOT set up, so always plan on doing that.

This is the ultimate example of a mass produced $500 guitar....some better than others, but c'mon, man!

I got one of these recently, and ended up returning it for a different guitar. Bought it online (without playing) and it arrived in excellent condition except for maybe needing a slight bridge saddle adjustment. It's a beautiful guitar (I got the black top) but I really didn't like the sound. After changing the strings (man, those bridge pins were a PAIN to take out) I realized that the sound wasn't going to get much better. Way too much treble and a bit too thin for my liking. I ended up going with a Taylor GS Mini (which I had played before, but though the PRS looked better). I feel like the tone from the Taylor is much more substantial with a better bottom end. In fact, I'd say the Taylor plays less like a tiny guitar and more like a full-sized/body guitar. That said, the PRS is very pretty and well-made. And, as said in the video, could be set up to one's liking. But, it wasn't for me.

Your thoughts on the Jim dandy

Appreciate your comments here, all helpful. But I have done more work on my £5000 Lowden incl getting basic fret markers added, this has prs birds! The electronics on this are superb, the only guitar I have used for acoustic gigs cost 2.5 grand. If you wouldn’t think this justifies 1000, I am surprised! The thing is especially good for gigs. It lacks the acoustic tone of bigger eg 000 size for just acoustic playing and acoustic only clubs. But as a parlour guitar it’s perfect. Rock on !

there is the EKO Marco Polo MM (all solid mahogany) at the same price range and solid construction. New Eko series are quite good!

What strings you have on there??

Hi ! could you tell me how wide the nut is?

@Keys Versus Strings the song your playing at the beginning of this video sounds really similar to a Flickerstick song called "Blue"👍

What Amp are you playing through?

What is the truss rod size?

Completely agree with the final conclusion. I have a P20e, it's the third one I've had. First 2 had fitment issues with the neck/body joint. Love the sounds I get out of it, and it's extraordinarily easy to play BUT... $/$ I've had a better experience with every Alvarez I've ever handled or bought (I have 2).

I have a similar opinion about the PRS P20. It is good but not excellent. The first day I had it the truss rod cap fell off. PRS attaches the truss rod caps with only one tiny screw on all of their models whereas 2 or three would be industry standard.

Somehow it sounds intrinsically more honest by saying you wouldn't buy it again. Even though you'd obviously say you would if you would. Lol. I liked the video a lot

You just wouldn't expect these issues from a PRS no matter where it's made!

That sound hole is big enough to stick your hand in to push the bridge pins out from inside, that's just common sense homie. Release the strings from the tuners first of course.

They are on sale for 299 without pickups sounds like a good deal

Agree wholeheartedly. Moreover, because of the shape of the headstock one has to hold the string winder at odd angles. Not a big deal, nevertheless a nuisance. I have, however, noticed PRS has upgraded the tuning keys from the plastic lima beans. With those, it's just a matter of when they'll break. Too bad it happened on you gig. What a drag that must have been.

I think what you have to remember is this a beginner guitar …. If you play out you should buy more expensive. That is what separates cheap guitars vs expensive guitars ! All these fine details add up.. Buy it nice, or Buy it twice…….. cheers good vid

Great review! Full disclosure, I'm not an experienced guitarist, but I'm looking to get back into playing after many years without an ax. There's a reasonably priced, used P20E from an experienced player that I'm considering picking up. Will definitely ask for his thoughts and any modifications or QC issues he may have encountered.

I was wondering why it sounded so good plugged in. Then you gave me the answer: LR Baggs Anthem. There is no $1000 guitar that is going to have as good-sounding a pickup as an Anthem, so you might wind up upgrading.

I have wanted this guitar for a long time but it seemed that there were NO REAL honest reviews out there. Thank you for this one. I will still most likely purchase this guitar anyway because of it's portability, playability and (from what I can gather from the internet as there are none available in all of Washington state to try out) decent sound. I have played some others like the Jim Dandy and the baby Taylor (JD at $179.99 or the baby Taylor at around $549.99) etc... but I did not like the sound of any of those, even though they were at the right price point. The only one that I have not tried (besides the PRS P20) is the Recording King dirty 30's (at $229.00) and the Fender CP-60S (at $170.00) only because I cannot find them anywhere. I'm not the kind of person who buys instruments on the internet without first playing one somewhere, however this one PRS p20e might be an exception, as I have several acoustic tuners that would probably fit and many acoustic bridges and pins laying around the shop. Perhaps I will find a nice used one for cheap! ...yeah right! Anyway, good job and thanks for the vid, it is very much appreciated. PEACE

The bridge pins pop up very easily with a small flathead screwdriver. Picking nits.

Dude, you relied on that one guitar for a gig with no back up?

You should try Yamaha FS5 or cheaper made in China FS3. Incredible guitars!

PRS support has been great. I asked about the tuners and they sent me the new ones with the black knobs.

you love the guitar and it;s your new sound...but you wouldn't buy it again?

I couldn’t pick one of those up just because the headstock

Sounds good after I changed the strings.

From a gigging perspective, it's probably best - and safest - to swap out the machine heads for Grover or Grover-style ones with 'mushroom' shape metal buttons.