I played the SE. It was beautiful. The S2s were not yet released when I tried them, but I was operating under the "its more expensive for a reason" philosophy. I ended up getting the core because I was looking around the web one night and my wife saw it and agreed that it is the most beautiful guitar she had ever seen and she decided that I should have it. Probably helps that she was trying to rationalize wanting to buy a $6000 ring. I think I made out better on the deal. Sure, her ring cost a ton, but I have a MD made PRS limited edition. :-D