The PRS SE Series: 5 Unique Guitars Designed for Versatility

Paul Reed Smith   |   February 20, 2024

posted by: Levi

The PRS SE Series: Innovation Meets Affordability

Since its inception, the PRS SE line has played a pivotal role in making pro-level guitars accessible to more players. As PRS continues expanding the SE catalog, certain models stand out for their unique appointments and versatile sound. Here we’ll explore five special editions that exemplify the ingenuity of the SE series.

SE Custom 24 Quilt

A gorgeously crafted instrument, the SE Custom 24 Quilt takes PRS’s flagship model up a notch with its stunning quilted maple top. Available in eye-catching Turquoise, Violet, and Black Gold Burst, this guitar makes a bold visual statement on stage. The SE Custom 24 has long been a go-to for players seeking vintage PRS tone and playability on a budget. The addition of the quilted top adds heirloom-level beauty while retaining the Custom 24’s balanced tone and buttery playability.

Beyond its stunning looks, the SE Custom 24 Quilt delivers pro-grade hardware and electronics. The PRS-designed Vintage Bass and Treble humbuckers provide a wide palette of lush, singing tones. The carved mahogany body and maple cap configuration enhances resonance, articulation, and sustain. Top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail make this an exceptional instrument for discerning players.

SE McCarty 594

The SE McCarty 594 masterfully evokes PRS’s iconic McCarty model in a more accessible SE iteration. Rugged and road-ready, this guitar covers classic humbucker rock along with sweet single-coil snap. The slightly chunky Pattern Vintage neck has a vintage feel with modern playability.

The McCarty voice comes from PRS 58/15 LT “S” pickups, chosen for their warm, vintage-style tone with added clarity and definition. Players have the versatility to split the pickups into single coils using the push/pull tone controls. Combined with the carved maple top over mahogany body, this guitar has exceptional tonal range in a reliable package ready for stages worldwide.

SE CE 24

An exciting new addition to the SE family, the SE CE 24 combines PRS design traditions in a fresh way. Marrying the Custom 24’s maple cap and mahogany back with a bolt-on maple neck, this guitar provides a uniquely resonant voice along with rock-solid tuning stability. The SE CE 24 is at home on stages of all sizes thanks to its comfortable contouring, effortless playability, and versatile voice.

The CE shape has a vibrant acoustic voice that blooms when amplified, aided by the trio of PRS-designed Vintage Treble, Vintage Bass, and Tremonti Treble pickups. This model also features a 5-way blade pickup switch allowing vast tonal variety. Expressive, ergonomic, and road-tough, the SE CE 24 is ideal for modern players who need a guitar to keep up with their creativity.

SE Hollowbody Piezo

The ingenious SE Hollowbody Piezo combines classic hollowbody warmth and resonance with the versatility of an acoustic/electric. With both electric and piezo pickup systems onboard, players can easily switch between organic hollowbody jazz tones and simulated acoustic textures.

The hollow mahogany body enriched with maple back and sides gives this guitar its smooth, breathy voice. When amplified, it comes to life with sweet overdrive and singing sustain. The piezo bridge system captures the guitar’s natural acoustic voice for more intimate tones perfect for small cafes or studios. This adaptable instrument also features a comfortably contoured body and Push/Pull pot for blending the pickups.

SE Silver Sky Maple

PRS brings new inspiration to the SE Silver Sky platform with the addition of a stunning maple fingerboard. Sonically, this guitar takes advantage of maple’s crisp note attack and tight low end, adding percussiveness compared to rosewood. The SE Silver Sky Maple also incorporates PRS 635JM “S” pickups carefully voiced for articulation and musicality.

Familiar Silver Sky appointments like the 7.25″ fingerboard radius and PRS tremolo bridge make this guitar effortlessly playable. Visually, the maple neck and fingerboard combined with a vibrant McCarty Tobacco Sunburst finish give the Silver Sky Maple its own retro-inspired esthetic. Creative and inspiring, this model brings exceptional tonewood selection to the SE series.

Innovation Drives Value

With over four decades of experience, PRS has proven themselves as tone connoisseurs and master luthiers. Their design ingenuity comes through in SE models like these, which offer exceptional sound, build quality, and value. The SE series makes coveted PRS instruments more accessible to developing players as well as working musicians on tight budgets. If you seek top-tier craftsmanship, versatile tone, and heirloom quality, the PRS SE series hits the mark.

In Stock at Tone Tailors

LIKE DEALS? WANT THE INSIDE SCOOP?

Join our mailing list and get insider access to new gear, giveaways, and killer deals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to Top