PRS SE Guitars

The PRS SE line of guitars are guitars designed for non-professional guitarists by PRS Guitars (Paul Reed Smith). They are manufactured in Korea, and are comparable to the mid-level Jackson line of guitars and current Epiphone guitars.

Background

To keep up with demand, PRS introduced a new low-end budget line in the late 1990s. The Student Edition line, is manufactured in Korea and is notable for opaque finishes and lower quality tone-woods. Some do include figured maple tops such as the Soapbar II, SE Custom, and Paul Allender models. The PRS SE models enjoy a popularity among hobbyists, whereas the higher-end PRS models tend to be geared towards professional musicians and collectors. While the SEs do not match the higher end PRS guitars in their build quality, it is worth noting that their street price is perhaps 10–20% of PRS' high-end instruments, with some feeling that they offer a more value when compared to competitors in their price range. Furthermore, even though the range is suppose to be at the "lower end" of the PRS range, its quality is typically attributed to be the "standard range" of many other guitar manufacturers, and employing set-neck construction on all models, unlike many other budget brands which use bolt-on necks on their lower-end models.

Current Models

Guitar models that are currently featured on the SE line include:

PRS SE Custom

Similar to the higher end PRS Custom 22 and 24. These have a maple top with a thin, flamed maple veneer (to simulate the look of the higher end models) on a mahogany back. PRS-designed components in the SE Custom include dual bare [humbuckers] , chrome tuners, and wraparound stop tail or vibrato.

PRS SE One

Introduced as an analogue to the Gibson Les Paul Junior, featuring a single P-90 pickup and single volume knob, on a single cutaway body featuring a pickguard (a rarity on a PRS).

PRS SE Singlecut

Along the lines of an Epiphone Les Paul, the PRS SE Single Cut is much like the SE Custom. A flamed maple veneer on a maple top and mahogany back. Similar hardware and electronics as the SE Custom, but Moon fretboard inlays and natural maple top binding are also featured.

PRS Tremonti SE

The Tremonti SE was designed with Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge, and formerly Creed. Mostly similar features as the SE Singlecut but the plastic binding extends to both the neck and headstock in addition t the body. Also similar to the SE Single Cut, this guitar also features two humbuckers with a three-way pickup selector on the upper bout and a volume and tone control for each pickup.

PRS SE Paul Allender Model

SE version of Paul Allender's signature guitar. Features custom purple and black "Allender Burst", gold hardware, and bat inlays.

Discontinued Models

PRS SE EG S/S/H and S/S/S

The SE EG S/S/H was a flat top mahogany guitar, with a tremolo system, and pickguard. The most notable feature of this guitar are the atypical pickup complement. One humbucker and two single coil pickups. The SE EG also came in a S/S/S configuration that is reminiscent of the Fender stratocaster in layout.

PRS SE Soapbar II Maple

Similar to the SE Custom, but featuring soapbar pickups in place of the humbuckers. These produce a sound more along the lines of a stratocaster or other guitars featuring single-coil pickups.

PRS SE Standard

Essentially, this model was the same as the SE Custom, but without the maple top or veneer. Mahogany body and neck with a Rosewood fretboard and moon inlays and silky matte finishes in place of the more common glossy style finishes.