PRS boosts its Narrowfield advancements with next-gen iterations; unveils revamped 3-pickup S2 and SE variations, combining single-coil and humbucker qualities.
Laid-Back Lowdown:
Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars has pumped up its S2 and the ultra-affordable SE series with five fresh electric guitar models, embracing their renowned Narrowfield pickup technology. You got that right - PRS is doubling down on it!
These newbies join forces in two categories; two fresh faces for the S2 family and three gems for the SE lineup, all primed to tempt you into a sonic journey.
According to PRS COO Jack Higginbotham, these baby guitars boast diverse pickup configurations, giving you a rich tonal palette - whether you're grazing the subtle layers or pushing the envelope!
So, what's the deal? Well, strap yourself in because the S2 Special Semi-Hollow ($2,599) has twin 58/15 LT humbuckers in the bass and treble neck positions and a sneaky PRS Narrowfield pickup kicking things up in the middle. PRS describes this cunning pickup as a hum-free single-coil with the tonal prowess of a humbucker.
The S2 Studio ($2,449), on the other hand, gets saucy with double Narrowfield pickups, while a 58/15 LT humbucker keeps watch in the treble position. It also promises a generous tonal feast with an additional five-way switch and push/pull tone control.
Now, grab your wallet because the Indonesian-built SE models have been slaying the affordable guitar market, and their popularity is reflected in Reverb's best-selling guitar lists. These magical three additions are sure to tickle your fancy:
- The SE Special Semi-Hollow ($1,149) flaunts a versatile HSH configuration with a Narrowfield DD (Deep Dish) pickup sandwiched between 58/15 LTs and maple tops to boost natural airiness and depth.
- The S2 Studio ($1,099) settles into a HSS setup with a 58/18 LT 'bucker in the bridge and two Narrowfield DDs upholding the melody. This beauty offers sensual humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and everything in between.
- Lastly, the S2 Studio Standard ($849) borrows this HSS recipe but drapes it in an all-mahogany design and a vintage-style pickguard like a classic coat for the modern era.
Each newcomer carries a five-way switch to help unlock uncompromising and versatile tonal flavors. PRS, celebrating their 40th year of craftsmanship in 2025, has been unleashing new guitars monthly - from a fresh-faced SE electrics to two Core models inspired by pre-factory builds and the guitar of choice for PRS himself.
Get ready to pounce on these fresh guitars, 'cause they're available now, right on PRS's doorstep!
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Bonus:
- The S2 Special Semi-Hollow model offers a hum-free single-coil tone with the positive traits of a humbucker in a semi-hollow body with a carved maple top and mahogany back, boasting a natural airiness and enhanced sustain.
- The S2 Studio model sports humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and versatility, all in a HSS configuration with a 58/18 LT bridge humbucker and two Narrowfield DDs.
- The Indonesian-made SE models have proven their worth in the affordable guitar market, regularly ranking high on Reverb's best-selling guitar lists. The SE lineup has expanded with an intriguing trio of new builds, each offering a unique blend of traditional and modern tones.
- The S2 Special Semi-Hollow, with its HSH configuration, features a Narrowfield DD pickup, providing a hum-free single-coil tone that combines the benefits of a humbucker.
- The SE Special Semi-Hollow model, with its versatile HSH configuration, houses a Narrowfield DD pickup between 58/15 LTs, contributing to a natural airiness and depth.
- The S2 Studio, adopting a HSS setup, packs a 58/18 LT humbucker in the bridge and two Narrowfield DDs for a blend of humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and versatility.
- In the affordable guitar market, gadgets like PRS's SE series, exemplified by the SE Special Semi-Hollow, have remarkably captured technology's best offerings, as evidenced by their consistent ranking on Reverb's best-selling guitar lists.
