The wand chooses the wizard, Harry

As a prs maryland cnc operator, builder and sander i can assure everyone that the love, care and attention that is put into our guitars is worth every penny. We dont let anything escape our factory unless it can be undoubtedly deemed perfect. Anything less gets destroyed

If I can hear the difference in my phone speakers, you know it's freaking awesome.

Came back to watch this video after seeing it two years ago. Now, I really understand the depth of how true a situation this is. The two guitars that are my mains aren’t exactly in the finish I would have chosen. While the guitars I’ve chosen along my musical journey, partially for their looks, fall a little short of the magic my other two have. You simply don’t choose Excalibur, Excalibur chooses you! Also, I came back to this video, cause I just bought a new PRS. Let’s hope it bonds with me the way this one has with Rob. Btw, still think that color is awesome!

For what it's worth Rob, that McCarty plugged into that Victory is probably one of the best (if not the best) tone I've heard on your channel.

Rob, it's an amazing guitar. Lifelong keeper. IMO it looks incredible. Don't think about it any more. Don't refinish it. Think of it as the girl you fall in love with that isn't your "type" at all. You are surprised at how much you love her despite how different she is from all your previous girlfriends. That's the woman you marry, Rob. And this is the guitar you buy.

If you don't like the color, but you love everything else! Play it in the dark...

The hard truth is that a £5000 guitar would be totally wasted on me. It's the Law of Diminishing Returns; I'm simply not a good enough player to exploit the possibilities that such a guitar might potentially offer. Guitarists can have terrible egos, but in my heart I know my current level is about £500. I'm too good for a Squier Bullet, but not good enough for a Les Paul Standard. Those Electromatic Gretsches seem to be the guitars I 'deserve' at the moment!

PRS stands for Pretty Rad but 'Spensive

Rob you fool that guitar suits you so much... the colour is gorgeous

My absolute favorite part of this is at 31:30 when rob is playing lead and plays an absolute godly lick and is trying to to look at the guitar he's playing and he is just in love and then he slowly looks down almost to tell himself that the guitar he's holding and doesn't like the look of is making that gorgeous sound almost like he's trying to accept it..

cheap guitar clean --> 11:49 Expensive guitar clean --> 14:03 cheap guitar solo --> 15:40 expensive guitar solo --> 08:39

Part of what I enjoyed so much about this was watching Chappers in the process of buying a guitar. I'd love to see Bea A/B two pedals or Captain A/B two amps etc. It's interesting seeing people who know gear, deciding about gear that they're personally buying. Love that colour btw!

Hey Rob and Lee, Could you recreate your first set ups, what guitar and amp you started with and compare it what you can go to a store and get used or new with the same money now? If you go the used route maybe go to a random guitar store that has more used equipment than Andertons.

So the interesting thing for ME is what is it specifically about the expensive guitar that makes it sound so good? Tone wood ? Pickups? Neck joint construction? Strings? Frets? Fretboard? Would be interesting to see a video where as many of these things as possible are changed out in some way in order to do a comparison...I know that it's not realistic to expect someone to pull the neck off a £5000 guitar and swap it with one from a £700 one for the sake of a youtube video. Though I *would* give it a thumbs up if you did!

I have owned that same SE 245 for a couple of years... and this year I bought both a 2019 CE 24 and a 2020 core Custom 24. Both my CE and core have 85/15 pickups. I haven't played the $5k version because my core was expensive enough retail $4k lol... but I paid less used. So I can't comment and the $5k core. But I have spent endless hours playing my core against my SE and shockingly sound almost the same. But the 245 is fuller and deeper sounding because of the body size... it's bigger. The 245 is in everyway just as clear and punchy. The pickups are jaw dropping good for Asian pickups... just as good as American pickups in every way surprisingly. If I didn't get my core for only $1770 in mint condition I would have just stuck with the SE... the SE may even sound better... but doesn't have coil tapping. And like everyone else it makes me feel a little cooler owning the $4k axe... it's a male ego thing...like penis truck lol. I actually prefer my CE bolt on over both my core and se... because it is more tele or strat like...has more quack, chime, brightness, attack... except I like the core and se when playing D chords or anything on the high E or G strings where the CE can sound a little too bright... especially with slide or delay. But for everything else it had the most unique sound... not too bassy... kind of piano like beautiful sound. But I do like the dark, warm tones it the 245 and core too depending on the song and style I'm playing. Anyway... I love the core color that Rob didn't like. I actually bought the core color Rob wanted grey, black... but much prefer the other color any day... but couldn't pass up deal I got in mine though not favorite color. Not too be critical of your review because you guys are great... but your review was based off of lead guitar playing only. How can you really judge a guitar by lead only... unless that's all you play? If you play clean and chords... you would find that the SE sounds phenomenal and resonates extremely well...as much as any core I've played... but again maybe that particular wood library model you're playing just sounds exceptional and better than other cores.... not sure. I've heard some cores that sound terrible too depending on pickups mainly. I live there 85/15 in any guitar. I don't care for the McCarty pickups at all for some reason for playing chords... but maybe they sound good on lead...who knows...

Lee is ready for a promotion, admiralty on the horizon, his playing is displaying a smooth , stoic , confidence, nice

I'm with the Captain. Get it Rob! Sounds and looks badass, and you'll regret it if you don't. You'll grow to love it more and more

I can't believe I have watched 3 of these long "challenges" and enjoyed ever minute of them - PLUS I've learned a lot!!!! I'm glad my less expensive PRS is liked by others!!! :)

"What are you doin Harry? Stop lookin at daddy's chubby fun finger." - Rob Chapman, 2017 1:49

Rob I've probably watched a hundred of your videos and that things sounds as nasty as it gets. You gota do it. Never heard a better guitar on any Andertons video. It just has something special you can't get anywhere else. Clean or dirty its flawless

Chappers, if passing down some of your guitars to your son is in the plans... I'd like you know I'm up for adoption. I'm in my mid thirties, have a job, and am entirely self-sufficient. Think about it..... But as far as the guitar goes. Go with the sound. You're a touring musician. If it were for a home player only, I could see the looks coming into play. But for someone who makes money off music, go for the tone. (But the blue on does look way better. Sorry)

imagine if the difference in tone was down to the pickup covers or height lol

Hey, “If you can’t love the one you want, love the one you’re with!”...and quite frankly I’d be happy with either one :)

I think a lot of people want to see a Sterling vs Music Man video.

lee has really improved his geetar skills. try shredding someday!!

Some people like stylish guitars and it´s ok! other people like the sound, and that is what they looking for an instrument beyond the finish and the look, so, I think there are two markets. But I'm pretty sure both ways to buy a guitar are so right and you can find something amazing.

The Captain's playing has improved so much over the years... that's why everyone should practice as much as possible. I'm always impressed.

The guitar sounds sick and looks great. You have a jem there Rob. Keep it. Sometimes looks of an instrument grow on you especially if it sounds and feels amazing.

DO NOT REFINISH A PRS!!!! THE COLOR IS GORGEOUS AND EVEN IF YOU TAKE IT TO CRIMSON GUITARS THEY WONT REFINISH IT PROPERLY. And the color is just gorgeous

I actually really appreciated the points made, because they apply to any musical instrument. Thx guys for a cool video. Thumbs up!

Oh my God, that tone on Rob's guitar is like the most satisfying and delicious tone I think I have EVER heard. SOOOOOOOO good

"Daddies chubby fun finger" Rob 2017

Rob's Issue with the finish reminds me of the time I got my first real expensive guitar. I wasn't sure about the colour but it was such a dream to play on and it sounded so great, I got it anyway. Then it grew on me and I think it's the most gorgeous guitar in the universe. It's a Gibson SG with a Metallic Green finish.

Rob, that is literally the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen. Red isn't my colour either, but that shade really works. It even has gold/grey overtones when viewed from the angle of the camera. You are mental if you try to refinish it. It will never be the same again!

Thanks for playing the different guitars. Wow I would not think that there would be that much of a difference in sound. Of course it is subjective. Before listening, I thought may be they will sound within 90-95% of each other... but no. They do have the same family sound but that is where the similarity ends. It is like two brothers; you can tell they are related but one is nothing like the other. The special wood gives the sound so much more sustain, resonance, clarity, blossom, growl, distinct low end, screaming top end, volume, body, etc.... and they are all coming at your ears on different track. The lower end guitar just muddies things together, slops it on a plate and hands it to you. Not that it was bad... It was not... just for comparison sake.

Rob sounds AMAZING on the Made in Maryland Desert Cherryburst! Fresh and organic. Who cares what color it is?? Ten albums worth of material in that guitar!

13:40, Rob how dare you work as hard as you do so you can afford nice things for you and your family lol

Rob, I have been with you since the monkey lord days. I plugged in the headphones for this gem and I urge you to keep it. You've worked so hard in your quest for tone and I'm sure I'm not the only guitarist who has watched this and understood that feeling. Looking forward to hearing it in the album! 🤘

Quick story for Rob. Paul started out in a shop in Annapolis, MD. I used to visit his shop (haunted attic) and brought my Gibsons in to make them sound more like Fenders and my Fenders in to sound more like Gibsons (sound familiar?) Once I brought in a Les Paul Heritage that my band mate knocked over at a gig with his big 70's shirt sleeve and broke the neck. He traded his LP silver burst for mine at first. I hated his and decided to fix the neck and keep mine. He had removed the finish that night because he hated the sunburst finish. I took it to Paul's shop and he refinished it in a beautiful candy apple red. A custom Corvette sprayer was doing his painting at the time. So, it is possible to remove the finish and get a nice result! I agree that color is a bit busy but the guitar is superior in sound. Love Rob and Captain vids, they're very helpful!

24:19 lee is like: Fuck I don't like my own guitar anymore......

Rob. You're insane. That guitar is absolutely phenomenal! The color is insanely gorgeous and unique. Haven't seen one in 🇨🇦 like it yet!

No comparison. One is fantastic but one is simply put, a perfect example of a guitar.

Rob if you pass up that guitar you are NUTS!! I understand how you feel about the color/look when you are spending that much moolah, but tone/response/feel, - and the instrument’s ability to inspire you to go beyond in your playing - are everything. I get it about wanting a guitar that has it all including the look you are seeking. For what its worth, here’s my story: Two days ago I was in a store in Los Angeles trying out several Fender American Elite Strats. None held a candle to my Heavy Relic, so I was about to leave when I passed by a counter where there was one of the most spectacular guitars I have ever seen. My eyes about popped out of my head! It was a limited-run PRS McCarty 594 semi-hollowbody Wood Library model with the most outrageous quilt top and light colored mahogany body/neck with Brazilian rosewood fretboard and headstock cap. It has brushed gold tuners and gold hardware to match. What was the absolute stunner to my eyes was the color on that horrendously gorgeous top. It is “Angry Larry.” One of my favorites of PRS’ colors. The abalone fret inlays are all kinds of blue and pink. They look like they are LED lighted. I about fell on the floor when I saw the shockingly outrageous looks of this guitar. I just stood there repeating “OMG! OMG!” There was a guy standing at a nearby counter who I thought was buying that guitar. I asked him. He said “No, but if I were a guitar player that one would be out the door with me!” It turned out that the store had just received the guitar two hours prior. I asked to play it. At first the neck seemed a bit chunky, but after a few minutes I realized it fit my hand like a glove. I LOVE the short scale! It has tone and sustain forever. Then it was OMG! What was I going to do?? No doubt this piece would cost a small fortune, and all I would be able to do would be to make the three-hours-long drive home in the Friday night Los Angeles traffic nightmare (normal drive time is 1.5 hrs.) while all the time dreaming of that guitar. DRAT!! Well lo and behold, the sales guy made it happen for me! I felt like I had died and gone to Guitar Heaven! Now....all of that said, I want to tell you that the entire time I play this beauty I am not obsessing on the gorgeous to-die-for Angry Larry quilt top. I am obsessing on how fabulous the tone is and how buttery smooth the action is. And so....the moral of the story is...Get on with it! Purchase that gorgeous guitar then leave her as she is. Don’t try to change the color. She is gorgeous! Call her “The Lady In Red” and play her to your heart’s, fingers’ and ears’ content. Let her inspire you to go to that next level of guitar nirvana. BTW..I would die for the chops you have. I am no kind of player, but I know this guitar will inspire me to work hard to build my skills. I will never be the player you are, but I will die trying! My biggest problem is in not being able to put that stunner guitar down once I pick it up. I Wish I had more time to spend with it. One last thing...I about fell over when I saw the case this phenomenal Wood Library guitar came in. Just for fun y’all should show that too. The gorgeous print covering is even “book matched” in the pattern. This is a great video which actually became a comparison between Rob’s new PRS and The Captain’s current PRS axe. I wonder how long it will take for Captain to buy that guitar if you don’t Rob! Poor little SE doesn’t stand a chance against the big boys - even though it actually sounds great if played on its own without being A/B compared to guitars 10X the price.

The McCarty just sings and is very sweet and vocal like (even over KZfaq). If it plays any where close to the sound then you got the right guitar. Great color. Wouldn't change the color. I agree with the captain that the guitar suits your style of playing and you seem to be plying with more feeling and soul.

Refinish it and it won't sound the same, Rob. Don't do it. I'd much rather you buy this and grow fond of it more and more over the years like a girl you're in love with but she's not the prettiest. Of course there's always a prettier one out there but there's only one love and as you spend time you'll find more beauty in it. Just saying, IF you buy this one - DON'T refinish it.

That red PRS is totally outstanding, it's perfect in every way. This video clearly demonstrate that every guitar has its own sounds, it's own soul even from the same brand and model.

Rob that finish is gorgeous! I’m also one of those people that only likes natural or dark wood color a little bit of yellow, a little bit of red, old BURST colors. Not a fan of blue on a guitar. Just doesn’t seem natural. But that’s just me… :)

wait...how did you NOT make a video of your purchase and the back-to-back playing with other guitars????!!!!!!! i would have LOVED to see that!!!!

Rob, this is one of the most beautiful PRSs I`ve ever seen. The red burst also looks just super cool with your style of play, modern but still on the roots of rock.

After watching this video I bought a Korean PRS SE 245 and I have to admit I love it. Even more than my Ibanez JS1200 which I never thought I'd say. Tone, feel and sound quality is absolutely amazing for this price point! 22 fret, tobacco burst finish. I couldn't afford a McCarty yet but it's in the future after playing the se245 :). If you don't want that red burst, I'd gladly volunteer a home for it right here ;). Thank you guys for turning me on to a really great guitar!

Excellent and entirely accurate subtitling. Don’t change the guitar, you’ll grow to love it as it is. Everything is transient, if it inspires you now, walk with it for a while, see what you create together.

the blue 24 sounds dead compared to the library one . I don't know if they are all that good .. but that one Rob is digging is worth the money . the colour will grow on you . refinishing could change the magic .

I'm at 29 minutes. I've had 5 beers.

Amazing tone and sustain and it rings!!! O.M.G I want one❤

Guys, loved this vid. Watch all of yours, and this one really got into dilemmas that we all face from time to time and I was glued to it... Cheers!

Rob stop procrastinating mate . . . . Even through KZfaq its the most fantastic sounds I have heard you make. Take the friggin thing home and use it! It will be the 'one that got away'!!

Lee sounded really good in this video

As a lefty I've never got a guitar I want and the colour choices are black or black... I'f I'm really lucky there may be a white one available. Probably because of that I've saved a lot of money though. Thanks guys I've totally been enjoying your vids for the last two days at work.

I just bought a PRS and translucent blue is definitely not my favorite color, but it played so nice and sounded so good and that's what matters to me. It's like people bashing Epiphone because they don't like the headstock. Do you want to be seen as "cool" or do you want a great guitar?

smoking solo from captain at the beginning!

Lee: "Why are you returning your guitar?" Rob: "For spite"

Best thing about any PRS model, regardless of make, is that they’re always going to sound great. I personally think that they’re the best guitars made today

I own nothing but PRS guitars. One of which is a wood library artist package CU24 in Charcoal Cherry Burst as in this video. There is a CU22 in the collection that has been fitted with Lollar Imperials and another CU24 that has been fitted with a set of Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz pickups, custom bone nut and a few other goodies. Every single one of them have a different voice even before the mods. They all sound so different than anything else out there. You can't go wrong with any level/model of PRS guitars. They are gaining traction in popularity and believe that in time, you will find these guitars will hold a very good resell value and very possibly out pace others. You would be hard pressed to find better quality and craftsmanship in most other guitars.

dont be stupid rob, stay with the better guitar because sounds amazing!! color can change, sound and tone is hard to change

the sad truth is that $700 is expensive for 99.99% of people is expensive

In the high end that thing absolutely screams... I CAN HEAR THAT THROUGH KZfaq FORMATING HOLY SHIT ... I don't know much about guitars but, I swear, It is one of the cleanest things I've ever heart from Chappers

Ah man I love this channel for these stories and subjects they're very intriguing, keep up the good work guys, honestly!

I actually love that red color. Of course I also love the blue colors and other ones too but I really do love that red burst

"Hagrid yer pushing me over the fecking line"

Rob I realize this video has been out awhile and you probably made your choice. I picked up my tele for the first time I had the exact same problem. Hated the finish loved the tones. Haven't changed anything on it but the pickguard since I bought it. Still love it today. Nothing seems to come close. Guitar picks the owner. Lol

Rob, I feel your pain. About 20 years ago I bought a LP Std from a friend. It sounded great and the price could not be beat ... but ... it was honey burst ... my least favorite LP color. I had my heart set on a cherry or lemon burst. I almost passed but decided to take a leap of faith and bought the guitar. I then agonized over should I/shouldn't I refinish? Well, I left it alone and today I'm so glad that I made those decisions. I still have and love that guitar ... the moral of the story is if the tone is there the rest will come (assuming it's not hideous beyond all common sense). To your PRS I don't care for the red finish either ... but damn! ... you played the snot out of it! You had that "thought I only played for 15 minutes, 6 hours later" look on your face. BTW, I understand this video is a year old but for future consideration concerning refinish ... listen to the sage Captain on this one. I am a life long wood worker and, yes, anyone could slap on a cheap finish ... and that is exactly what it would look like. An OEM correct refinish would be both an extremely painful and expensive proposition. PRS doesn't get a finish like that by dipping a guitar in a 55 gallon drum of Cabot wood stain and throwing it out back to dry ... I too just wish they had reached for some tint other than red. Keep up the great work, Cheers!

That really does sound like a 5000 grand guitar. When the captain was strumming it I could hear chiching-chiching$$$!!

You guys should do a Sterling jp vs Music man jp

When I was looking at millions of Guitars for inspiration on how to finish my kit guitar, I came across the cherry burst PRS, and instantly loved it!! it's one of the most beautiful finishes, second only to a Rickenbacker Fireglo.

I love Lee’s playstyle. It is so classy and old school, and I love that. And in the other side is Rob with his awesome hard badass shred. You guys RULE! Keep it up!

The wand chooses the wizard, and this guitar has chosen him. "You're a guitarist Rob"

Two guitarists playing the exact same guitar are going to sound different. It's the talent, not the tools. You two make any guitar sound great!

The guitar is GORGEOUS. Can't believe you don't like its looks. PLUS it sounds GREAT! I often say I can't tell which instrument sounds better, but using just decent earplugs I can hear the excellence of that PRS 5000 pound guitar.

Cheapest fender vs most expensive squier!

This is a great video!! I love how this turned into a counselling session and music industry video. Do more like these!

I am french and your poetry was perfectly audible. Big up for those undescribable subtitles, whoever came up with that 😂

I've been wanting a PRS for a loooong time, I prefer a custom 24 , but if I'm going to spend upwards of 4000 dollars, it better be the color I like and play and sound the way I like. Even then, you can't really justify the price difference. 5000 dollars is extremely high for any guitar, unless it's some collectible rare investment. I will end up spending that much on a guitar, PRS, or Suhr, or a Majesty ..but it has to be more than a great playing guitar to me..it has to become a part of my musical character. Look , feel, sound, etc.

The wood library McCarty is gorgeous and sounds amazing. If you can afford it do it Rob.

I absolutely love these videos. You guys have so much fun. I will have to drop in to Andertons soon! Regarding the expensive guitar comments - we all LOVE to see the outrageously expensive things but then we buy something for a tenth of the price and feel we've got a bargain. Keep the reviews and shoot-outs coming.

I've watched this a few times now and Rob you'll end up loving the colour. Would like to have seen the shootout with a PRS SE 245 LTD Bernie Marsden model...

When a guitar inspires you, buy it and sell something else. Period.

my buddy made the sacrifice and has a solid brite pink Jackson

used to own a mcarty and a 24 custom...sold em for a custom shop strat + b-bender tele the PRS's intonated and held tune undeniably, yet i just recognize the tone of the fenders (i m old) more added a dusenberg paloma to the line up and very pleased

After watching all of the “cheap vs expensive” videos, I really couldn’t hear thousands of dollars of difference. THIS video (PRS anyway) finally makes the point. The 5,000 pound guitar has noticeably more “clarity” than the cheaper. Not that the affordable guitar sounds like crap….it just shows the price points, that make it lacking Great video guys

Screw the color! That baby sounds incredible! Keep it!!!

Wow seriously? Rob doesn't like the finish? I don't even like red and i think it looks amazing.

According to the PRS site, wood library is about allowing a dealer to order a stock guitar but with the standard wood swapped out for another in one or more areas of the guitar e.g. give me a 594 but use maple for the neck. It doesn't seem to be about getting better-quality timber, so maybe the reason that 594 sounds the way it does is that it isn't built entirely from the usual woods.

Keep it exactly as is! love the sound and the look!

love the £5000 the look is great and it has something the others don't, it just sounds massive

Just buy the fucking guitar! Let it be your baby! It doesn't matter if you think it's ugly you'll love it anyway

I just Bought a SE standard $500 I played the 1500, 3000, and $5000 USA I bought what I could afford. But as they go up in price they DO! get better The $5000 custom is to a 7 yr old a COCA COLA to a glass of WATER. The $5000 guitar played like hot knife thru butter the one I bought not quite as good but still felt and sounded better to me than any Gibson, Fender, Jackson or any other I played I could feel the difference. So far for me PRS are the best made guitars I have played I also own a $700 acoustic electric PRS that plays like a $3000 Yamaha acoustic electric Thank you. and thank you Paul Reed Smith

I almost hav enough for an se custom 24 and im so excited

Does the captain have a band or anything, I'm loving his playing!

You dropped it to E flat, on a 24.5 inch scale, with the original 9 gauge strings that it came with! Haha of course it doesn't sound up to par, because you didn't give it a chance to properly shine! It really sounds close to the American SC 245 equivalent IMO! I might also be slightly biased because I own this SE 245.. Haha 😉