Introducing the All-New 2018 PRS SE Acoustic Series
With six all-new models, PRS Guitars 2018 SE Acoustic lineup gives players a wider selection of feature sets than any other acoustic offering in the company’s history. No matter what you’re looking for in an acoustic instrument, the 2018 PRS SE Acoustics have you covered.
“These are tools to do a job. There are different situations that you would use them in, so we’ve tried to make these instruments everything they can be for writing, rehearsing, performing, recording, or just trying to unwind at the end of a hard day. They are tools to do a job, and I think they do it all very well,” Paul Reed Smith.
“At a recent demonstration with three local musicians, each person hada different personal favorite model, which we loved seeing,” Jack Higginbotham, COO. “We have taken great care in designing this series to deliver PRS benchmark quality, playability, and tone. The details found in these six guitars give players some great options.”
Those details include:
Acoustic wood choices help determine a guitar’s fundamental tone. The 2018 line up of PRS SE acoustics feature mahogany, ovangkol, and maple back and side woods – all paired with solid Sitka spruce tops – each one offering its own flavor. That flavor is further developed by the guitar’s body shape and bracing style.
PRS offers two acoustic body shapes: Angelus Cutaway and Tonare Grand, meaning “Angel” and “Thunder” respectively. These shapes provide comfort and a familiar feel for players and are both well suited for playing fingerstyle or with a pick.
The bracing pattern of an acoustic also significantly contributes to its voice. 2018 PRS SE Acoustics come with either traditional “X” bracing or PRS’s hybrid “X”/Classical bracing. Traditional “X” bracing allows the top to vibrate while providing a stability that gives these instruments their signature punch. PRS Hybrid bracing features the traditional “X” at the soundhole with classical fan bracing across the belly. This allows the top to vibrate more freely for a rounder, more projecting tone. The back bracing on both body shapes is designed to “lock down” the back and sides to promote the instrument’s projection through the top, giving the instruments a unique tonal quality.
2018 acoustic models include the SE AX20E, SE TX20E, SE A40E, SE T40E, SE A50E, and SE T50E.
The SE AX20E and SE TX20E (Angelus and Tonare body shapes, respectively) feature mahogany backs and sides with solid spruce tops for warm, balanced tone. Braced with tradition “X” bracing, these models have a punch that stands alone beautifully or cuts through the mix.
The SE A40E and SE T40E pair ovangkol back and sides with a solid spruce top for full, lush tone. Braced with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, these models have a voice projects with breathtaking volume and delicate nuance.
The SE A50E and T50E marry maple back and sides with a solid spruce top for stunning warmth and depth. Braced with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, these models have an uncommon 3-dimensional character for guitars with maple backs and sides.
All 2018 PRS SE acoustics feature a Fishman GT1 electronics system, featuring an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls. The Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynamic, organic tone and allows players to take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage with ease.
Additional high-quality features include solid spruce tops, ebony fretboards and bridges, bone nuts and saddles, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All 2018 PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case. For more information, including demonstration videos, please visit www.prsguitars.com.
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PRS SE Series Continues to Impress with 2018 Model Lineup
The PRS SE Series continues to see significant additions in the 2018 model year with nine new models, growing on the huge strides made by the brand last year. For 2018, there is a striking new finish, extended range tweaks, an artist addition, a refinement of the SE Standard family, and PRS’s flagship guitar is adding a new look and a left-handed version.
“Ultimately our mission with the PRS SE Series is to bring tremendous value to the player. Whether you’re searching for a great first guitar or the last guitar you’ll ever need, we believe you can find a PRS SE instrument that will work flawlessly for you,” said Jack Higginbotham, Chief Operating Officer, PRS Guitars. “When developing new models and refining existing ones, it’s the details that add up to making an exceptional instrument. We sweat the details.”
Here is a look at what’s new for the PRS SE Series in 2018:
SE Standard 24 Multi-Foil
Designed around a finish offered by PRS in the late 80’s, the PRS SE Standard 24 Multi-Foil (or Multi-Metal back in those days) may be a nod to the past, but it keeps its striking, modern feel even a few decades later. Created by layering different finishes in a unique way, this distinctive finish has graced stages for decades –always commanding attention from the crowd. Sporting two 85/15 “S” humbuckers and a 3-way blade switch with push/pull tone control, the SE Standard 24 Multi-Foil has the tone to match its powerful look.
SE SVN (“Seven”)
The SE SVN (“Seven”) offers classic PRS looks, playability, and reliability. The Wide Thin maple neck and 26.5” scale length make the SE SVN addictive to play, and the 85/15 “S” pickups, modified for seven strings, deliver full, modern tone with clear, strong low end and clear, musical high-mids and treble. Topped off with coil-taps for the pickups and the PRS patented molded tremolo, the SE SVN is a pro-level instrument with amazing versatility and response.
“The PRS 7 string is the guitar I pull out to write with when I want to break through song writing barriers, and typically the results are riffs that make me want to smash things.” – Clint Lowery / Sevendust
SE Chris Robertson
When on tour fronting the hard rock band Black Stone Cherry, Chris Robertson heavily relies on SE Series instruments. The SE Chris Robertson is a singlecut guitar with a mahogany back and maple top with flame maple veneer and a 22 fret, 24.5” scale length Wide Fat mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard. With a Soapbar in the neck position and a 57/08 “S” humbucker in the bridge, the SE Chris Robertson delivers old-school tone to match its classic appointments. The three-way toggle switch and volume and tone controls for each pickup, allow players to dial in a wide range of tones.
“The reason for the humbucker/soapbar pairing comes from my love of singlecoil neck pickups and soapbar pickups in general. The wide variety of tones the guitar is capable of with this set up is astounding! The middle position with the 57/08 split is beautiful. I hope everyone enjoys these guitars as much as I do!” – Chris Robertson, Black Stone Cherry
SE Standards
The SE Standards from PRS offer some enviable appointments for their humble price tag, including versatile switching systems complete with coil taps and rosewood fretboards. New for 2018, PRS SE Standards now come with 85/15 “S” pickups, fretboard binding, and the PRS SE signature headstock logo. The SE Series began in 2001 with the goal of providing a quality instrument to players of all levels. This segment of guitars is meant to extend this promise to an even more affordable pricepoint.
“With so many aspiring players struggling to stick with guitar past the first year, we knew we wanted to deliver an affordable quality guitar that players didn’t have to fight. We want the guitar to inspire you to play; it can’t be something you have to worry about staying in tune or simply working right. So while the [SE] Standards are our first foray into the below $500 price point, that doesn’t mean we compromised on tone, versatility, playability, or reliability,” said Jack Higginbotham, COO, PRS Guitars. “We’re very proud to offer these guitars to the world.”
SE Custom 24 - Exotic Veneers & a Lefty
The PRS SE Custom 24 is the quintessential SE instrument, designed to faithfully reflect the PRS model that started it all. For 2018, PRS is adding two new veneer options: spalted maple and zebrawood. Both new veneers come finished in Vintage Sunburst, adding a distinctive new look while serving up classic PRS playability, reliability, and vibrant tone. The SE Custom 24 Lefty is another new model in the SE lineup, for left-handed players the world over. These new offerings for the SE Custom 24 keep the same foundational specifications as the SE Custom 24: maple top, mahogany back, Wide Thin maple neck, 24 frets, 25” scale length, the PRS patented molded tremolo, dual 85/15 “S” pickups with a 3-way blade switch and push/pull tone control for coil tapping.
For complete specifications and a closer look at the 2018 PRS SE lineup, visit www.prsguitars.com. 2018 PRS SE models should be arriving in dealers in December 2017.
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PRS Introduces the S2 Studio Limited Edition
The S2 Studio takes the Standard 22 platform into new sonic territory with a single/single/hum pickup configuration and updated switching system. This versatile setup allows for a whole new scope of sounds that are only possible with a three-pickup guitar, whether you’re looking for punchy singlecoils, vintage scooped tones, or the chunky kick of a bridge humbucker (that can still be split to singlecoils via the push/pull tone knob for a three single coil set up). With seven combinations in all, the S2 Studio covers classic tones but maintains a unique voice making it a perfect “desert island” guitar.
The S2 Studio comes in five striking colors: Antique White, Black, and McCarty Tobacco with Tortoise Shell pickguards and Frost Blue and Frost Green Metallics with Mint pickguards.
There is no cap to the number of S2 Studio guitars that will be made, but the order window is limited to January 16 – March 31, 2018.
Switching Positions: Position One: Treble humbucker (Treble singlecoil with push/pull tone control in up position) Position Two: Treble humbucker and middle singlecoil Position Three: Treble humbucker and Bass singlecoil Position Four: Middle singlecoil and Bass singlecoil Position Five: Bass singlecoil
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PRS Guitars Announces DW CE 24 “Floyd” – Dustie Waring/Between the Buried and Me New Signature Model
“I’ve always thought CE’s were really great guitars, and I couldn’t be happier with this signature model. It can get pretty much any sound you want it to, it’s super comfortable to play, and it’s just cool to see a CE with a maple board and a Floyd. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do.” - Dustie Waring, Between the Buried and Me.
The progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me has a sound that is both heavy and melodic, lush and menacing. It is this demand for versatility without sacrifice that led to the development of guitarist Dustie Waring’s latest PRS signature model: the DW CE 24 “Floyd.” This model starts with the PRS CE bolt-on platform and includes a satin-finished maple neck, maple fretboard, a slightly modified Pattern Thin neck carve (Waring’s carve is slightly thinner front to back), and Floyd Rose tremolo system.
The pickups and electronics are also unique to Waring’s signature axe. The pickups are Waring’s signature Mojotone “DW Tomahawk” pickups. Made with a blend of Ceramic and Alnico magnets and a special winding technique, DW Tomahawks have plenty of output and big bottom end while remaining articulate and clear - a unique quality for high gain pickups. Paired with a volume and tone control and 5-way blade pickup selector that have been shifted slightly to allow plenty of room to work the tremolo, the DW CE 24 “Floyd” is comfortable, fun, and inspiring to play.
The DW CE 24 “Floyd” comes with satin black hardware and is available in either Gray Black or Waring Burst.
There is no cap to the number of DW CE 24 “Floyd” signature guitars that will be made, but the order window is limited to January 16 – March 31, 2018.
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PRS Expands the Custom 24 Model Family for 2018
The Custom 24 is the quintessential PRS guitar, the iconic instrument that helped start the company in 1985, and has been played by internationally touring artists, gigging musicians, and aspiring players ever since. For 2018, PRS is adding a new model based on that platform: the Custom 24-08.
A marriage of the Custom 24 and PRS 408 models, the Custom 24-08 keeps all the same foundational specifications as the original Custom – maple top, mahogany back and neck, 24 frets, 25” scale length, the PRS patented Gen III tremolo, and dual 85/15 humbuckers – but adds a new level of versatility with its switching system. The Custom 24-08 features a 3-way blade switch and two mini-toggle coil split switches. This intuitive switching system, as featured on the PRS 408 model, allows for eight distinct pickup combinations. The 85/15 Multi-Tap pickups, paired with this control layout, provide a full array of humbucker tones and single-coil sounds unlike any other PRS, including a dual single coil option.
“Getting eight musical and highly usable pickup settings in one guitar is not a small task. From the fullness of the humbuckers to the crisp clarity of the single coils and all the in between sounds, the Custom 24-08 captures a full range of uncompromised tone,” said Paul Reed Smith. “We have learned a lot about pickups through the years, and there is something about the recipe of this guitar that really stands out.”
By adding this new control layout to the company’s most classic model, PRS Guitars has created an incredibly versatile, intuitive, and toneful instrument with classic PRS playability, and reliability. For more information, including complete specifications, images, and video, please visit www.prsguitars.com.
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Introducing PRS Guitars Private Stock Hollowbody II 594 Limited Edition
Production Limited to 60 Pieces Worldwide
The PRS Private Stock program offers the highest quality materials and the most personally-crafted instruments available from PRS Guitars. For 2018, Private Stock will be offering a small number of Limited Edition instruments throughout the year in several batches. The first of these Limited Edition models is the PRS Guitars Private Stock Hollowbody II 594 Limited Edition.
The Private Stock Hollowbody II 594 Limited Edition brings a new set of features to one of PRS Guitars’ most beloved models – the Hollowbody II. With fully-hollow build construction, the Hollowbody II is a resonant guitar with warm, woody tone. 58/15 LT pickups ensure that these guitars sound exceptionally clear and musical, and volume and push/pull tone controls for each pickup offer plenty of versatility. The detailed additions of a two- piece bridge, 24.594” scale length, and Pattern Vintage neck carve impart old-school character to this already classic instrument. Dressed up with stunning purfling, inlays, and figured maple tops and backs, these limited edition instruments are as stunning to look at as they are to hear. Available in four colors: Aqua Violet Smoked Burst, McCarty Glow Smoked Burst, Laguna Glow Smoked Burst, and Platinum Smoked Burst.
Only 60 Private Stock Hollowbody II 594 limited edition instruments will be made. For more information, please visit www.prsguitars.com/privatestock or contact an Authorized Private Stock dealer.
Full Specifications: Figured maple top and back with blue paua purfling along the top and back contours, African mahogany sides, 24.594” scale length Pattern Vintage figured mahogany neck, African Blackwood fingerboard with curly maple binding and Agoya birds with blue paua outlines and blue paua purfling, African Blackwood headstock veneer with curly maple binding Agoya Private Stock eagle with blue paua outline, blue paua purfling as well as a mother of pearl “2018 Limited” engraved banner, 58/15 LT treble and bass pickups, volume and push/pull tone controls for each pickup with 3-way toggle pickups switch, high gloss nitro finish, hybrid PRS 2- piece stoptail bridge, Phase III locking tuners with African Blackwood set screw buttons, bone nut, and a Private Stock Black Western Tolex case.
*** About PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has provided some of the world’s most renowned musicians with instruments since 1985. The PRS team of highly skilled craftspeople design and build a wide variety of musical instruments and gear for worldwide distribution, including electric, acoustic, and bass guitars as well as boutique-style guitar amplifiers. The PRS SE line of products complements the Maryland-made PRS line by offering highly approachable and more affordable electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. Carlos Santana, Neal Schon, John McLaughlin, John Mayer, Jimmy Herring, Linkin Park, Orianthi, Blake Shelton, Mark Tremonti, Zach Myers of Shinedown, Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, David Grissom, Martin Simpson, Tony McManus, and Derek Trucks are among the artists currently playing PRS instruments and/or amplifiers.
PRS Guitars Info: www.prsguitars.com
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