2018 SE Lineup announced!

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 are available across Europe now!

PRS announce special run of SE Custom 24s with maple fingerboards & satin necks!

SE_CUSTOM_24_MAPLE

Exclusive to Europe, PRS Guitars proudly launch this limited run of the iconic SE Custom 24.

Based on the latest 2017 spec they also feature maple fingerboards, satin necks & come in 6 fantastic colours, 5 of which are new to the 2017 SE Custom 24.

Choose from:

Tri-colour Sunburst

Sapphire

Purple Burst

Grey Black

Fire Red Burst

Vintage Sunburst

Retailing at the price of the 2017 SE Custom 24, this limited run is available to pre-order today! Shipping to dealers from early October. Contact your local PRS dealer for more information.

Job Opportunity Available!

Ever dreamed of working for PRS Guitars?
PRS Guitars Europe are looking to expand the team at our Cambridge based Hub and we need help managing the movement, storage and care of our beautiful instruments.
So if you’re interested in guitars, not afraid to work hard and are strong, fit and healthy and live within 30 miles of our offices we’d love to hear from you!
Please send an email including your CV to hr@prsguitarseurope.com
Closing date for applications is July 24th.

Introducing the Super Eagle II

Super Eagle II

It’s no secret that John Mayer’s main guitar on tour with Dead & Company has been the PRS Super Eagle, launched last spring. During the 2016 tour, PRS made Mayer a second version of that instrument with some updated woods and aesthetic appointments. Mayer played the Super Eagle II on the very last show of the 2016 tour and is continuing to play it for Dead & Company’s 2017 summer tour. PRS and Mayer are excited to offer this new version, the Super Eagle II, to fans and collectors.
“Just like with the first edition Super Eagle, you’re literally getting the same guitar that is in John’s rig. It’s been an honor to help create a tool that John can use to work with Dead & Company and beyond,” said Paul Reed Smith.
Some of the specifications Mayer and Smith collaborated on for this special run of instruments include a longer (for PRS) scale length of 25.375”, specially-wound 58/15 JM treble and bass pickups with a specially-wound Narrowfield JM pickup in the middle position (with three individual coil-tap mini-switches), a JCF Audio preamp with treble boost, as well as a hand-signed sticker in the f-hole of the guitar that was designed by Mayer’s friend David Smith (who also designed the cover art for Mayer’s 2012 “Born and Raised” album). The pickups deliver a bright, clear tone that has been heard in venues across the USA in Mayer’s recent performances with Dead & Company.
Some new woods and aesthetic choices were also selected for the Super Eagle II, including a one piece Private Stock curly maple back, African blackwood fingerboard and headstock veneer, paua birds and a green ripple abalone 12th fret violin bird and Private Stock eagle, as well as a new color: Hemp Green.
The Private Stock Super Eagle II is a highly-sophisticated instrument that at once reveres the history of guitar-making and guitar tone but pushes the boundaries of materials, design, and craftsmanship. The resulting instrument embodies the PRS Private Stock culture of meticulous workmanship as well as Mayer’s keen eye for playability, tone, and detail.
The Private Stock Super Eagle II will be limited to 120 instruments.

 

For more info and specs click here

 

2017 Limited Edition Satin Nitro CE Models

In 2016 PRS produced a limited run of Satin Nitro CE’s in 3 colours. They proved so popular we decided to do it again!

Introducing the 2017 Satin Nitro CE Ltd run. This year’s run will feature 5 colours, Scarlet Sunburst, Faded Grey Black, Faded Grey Black Cherry Burst, Faded Grey Black Purple Burst & Faded Grey Black Jade Burst.

This run will be limited to just 300 pcs. Also new for 2017 are Ebony boards, a great tonal match for the maple neck.

In stores across Europe now! Visit your local dealer for more information.

Specification

• 5 unique colours

• Satin nitro finish

• Shallow carved maple top

• Mahogany body toned to match top

• USA made 85/15 Pickups

• Ebony fingerboard w/ bird inlays

• Pattern thin maple neck

• PRS trem

• Natural Backs

• 3 way toggle & push pull coil taps

• PRS phase II machine heads

• PRS premium gigbag included

• LTD to 300 pieces worldwide

FADED GREY BLACK PURPLE BURST

SCARLIT SUNBURST FADED GREY BLACK FADED GREY BLACK GREEN BURST FADED GREY BLACK CHERRY BURST

Reclaimed Limited CE 24 & Vela Semi-Hollows reach Europe!

PRS Guitars is proud to offer a small batch of “Reclaimed Limited” CE 24 Semi-Hollow and S2 Vela Semi-Hollow guitars that showcase two exotic wood species new to PRS: Peroba Rosa and Brauna Preto. This reclaimed wood, which is native to southeastern Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, is typically more than 100 years old.  PRS Guitars Senior Wood Manager, Michael Reid, sourced these woods from old buildings, noting that their density, unique aesthetic, and history would lend them to guitar making. We’re pleased to announce that these are available across Europe now!

Old Brazilian Building

Michael has been sourcing wood for me and the company since before there was an official ‘PRS Guitars.’ Wood is our lifeblood, and I trust Michael’s instincts. This old, reclaimed wood is wonderfully resonant and beautiful. Hearing these guitars now, I just have to smile knowing Michael was right again,” said Paul Reed Smith.

Peroba Rosa (photo above), typically used as siding, was selected for the top wood. The density of this wood combined with the semi-hollow body construction gives the Reclaimed Limited CE24 Semi-Hollow and S2 Vela Semi-Hollow a unique sound that is punchy but also warm and full. Brauna Preto (photo below), typically used as the supporting posts of these old buildings, is used for the fretboards due to its tight-grain and sustain. These guitars are finished in Natural satin nitro. Any nail holes and any wear or discoloration have been left in the top wood to showcase its history. By leaving the Peroba in its most “original” form, every instrument is rendered unique with each top boasting its own character.

Old Brazilian Building

The forest has come full circle, so to speak. I like to think using this wood showcases Brazil’s rich history of music and guitar making,” said Michael Reid, PRS Senior Wood Manager. “Reclaiming these timbers also allows me to personally make a contribution to sustaining and celebrating Brazil’s resources.

PRS Guitars And John Mayer Team Up For J-MOD 110 Amp

Having already collaborated with PRS on the fantastic Limited Edition Private Stock Super Eagle, released in the spring of 2016, John Mayer has also been closely involved in the development of the incredible new handwired, made in USA J-MOD 100 signature amp.

And it’s a bit of a beast. The 100w, single-channel bruiser features a switchable gain stage and effects loop and is designed to deliver a huge, spread-out tone that develops rich harmonics and bite when the gain stage is kicked in. It’s a really versatile amp with both single-coils or humbuckers, and with three band EQ and bright switch AND a presence control to lift the power amp high-end, it’s super tweakable as far as tone is concerned.

The amp is based around a four 12AX7 preamp / four 6L6 power amp design and is built on five separate boards, all with over-sized traces for tonal integrity.

Each board is dedicated to a particular part of the circuit: preamp section, power section, front panel controls, bias jacks, and the effects loop. Not only is this an elegant way to build with fewer long wires extending across a larger board, it is also a more robust way to build as there is not a single, large board that needs to flex during transport. The J-MOD 100 also features a “laydown-style” power transformer for build integrity.

It’s s truly stunning piece of high-end audio gear for discerning players – and on its way to Europe soon!

J-MOD 100

PRS Guitars Introduces New Sonzera Amplifier Line

 Sonzera 20 Combo

All Tube Tone With A Popular Price Tag 

PRS Guitars has announced its new Sonzera series of guitar amplifiers, consisting of the Sonzera 50 Watt Combo, Sonzera 50 Watt Head, and Sonzera 20 Watt Combo. Destined to be a go-to choice for pros and amateurs, each model features a clean and lead channel with independent controls for maximum versatility.

Featuring a rugged-gauge steel chassis, custom transformers rigorously designed to PRS specifications and road-ready construction, each Sonzera model is ready to deliver serious tone with maximum reliability. Their highly-versatile twin channel layout with independent controls delivers a wide variety of tones from clean to overdrive.

A big, full, 3D clean channel combined with a rich 3-spring reverb produces an abundance of shimmering, ‘chimey’ tones, while the Sonzera’s lead channel carries a punch from edgy overdrive, to a stacked onslaught of full-on soaring lead tone. Both channels are maximised for note clarity and definition. The lead channel’s circuit design makes it easy to set up the lead channel to act like a boosted clean channel if so desired. Conversely, the tone controls can also be manipulated to make the channels sound like two completely different amplifiers.

The bright switch feature helps deliver familiar high-end snap, while the presence control and independent EQ for each channel allows players to quickly dial in a classic bell-like chime or warmer, muscular tones at bedroom levels, on stage or in the studio.

The Sonzera sports one JJ ECC835 and three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two power tubes (6L6GC’s for the 20 Watt amp and EL34’s for the 50 Watt amp). The combo versions have 12” Celestion V-style speakers. The Sonzera 50 watt versions have independent reverb controls; 20 watt amp has a global reverb control. The reverb is designed to enhance notes without clouding them and can be turned on or off via the footswitch. The effects loop (great for adding in time-based effects) was designed as an integral part of the circuit.

“We designed this series with an enormous amount of tone, functionality, and serviceability,” stated Doug Sewell, PRS Amp Designer. “This labour of love has been meticulously tested at every step in product development to ensure that each Sonzera is gig-ready out-of-the-box.”

“I ended up recording the entire new Kentucky album with the amp,” stated Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry. “It was my main amp for my rhythm sounds and my solos. It’s so simple. I just love it.”

“The Sonzera combines surprising flexibility with simple design; and produces big, clear tone from a convenient grab n’ go platform,” Mark Lettieri, Snarky Puppy.

Dave Knudson, Minus the Bear offered “In an amp, I’m normally looking for a really great clean tone especially when I’m running a lot of pedals. I really want a bright, clear, pristine tone that’s full bodied with enough bass to move the low-end and enough sparkle on top. The Sonzera’s been perfect.”

The new Sonzera range are priced at (RRP inc VAT):

Sonzera 20 C combo – £749 / €899

Sonzera 50 C combo – £879 / €1050

Sonzera 50 H head – £749 / €899

To see and hear the new Sonzera amplifiers visit: www.prsguitars.com/sonzera

Paul Reed Smith tours Europe!

paul

SPECIAL INVITATION TO MEET YOUR MAKER

Paul Reed Smith tours Europe!

From the 7th to the 12th November Paul Reed Smith will be touring Europe to share what’s new and happening at PRS Guitars. For select dates he will be joined by legendary former Whitesnake guitarist and songwriter Bernie Marsden.

Come meet a guitar making legend, hear first-hand the philosophy behind building guitars played by greats like Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Mark Tremonti, Mark Holbomb, Benie Marsden and many more.

These fun, informative events are geared towards guitar fans, and anyone into the artistry craftsmanship and playability behind these beautiful guitars.  At each event there will also be a special handpicked selection of new PRS guitars to check out.

Mark your calendars, tell your friends but hurry  -Space is limited!  Please contact the stores below for further details and ticket availability

 

DATE VENUE TICKETS / DETAILS
7th Nov Guitar Place, Aschaffenburg DE http://www.guitarplace.de/
8th Nov Rockland Music, Witten DE http://www.rockland-music.de/
9th Nov Dijkmans Muziek, Breda NL http://www.dijkmansmuziek.nl/
10th Nov  Guitar Guitar, Gent  BE http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/gent_shop.asp
11th Nov  Hard Rock Café, Madrid ES http://www.adagiodistribucion.es/prs/
12th Nov Born Centre Cultural (Sala Moragues) Barcelona ES http://www.adagiodistribucion.es/prs/

PRS Guitars Europe Announce SE Bernie Marsden Final Run

Bernie Marsden’s signature PRS SE model is a truly fabulous guitar, designed to deliver big, fat vintage-style tone in a seriously good-looking package. This final run is PRS’s tribute to Bernie and this great guitar; it is limited to just 250 guitars for Europe after which the model will no longer be available. Even better, the Bernie Marsden final run is available in 6  PRS colours, Vintage Sunburst, Black Cherry, Santana Yellow, Trampas Green, Tobacco Sunburst and Grey Black, showing off the classic PRS book matched flame maple veneer top to great advantage – Just how good do they look?!

BERNIE LTD COLOURS

Add in a lightweight Mahogany body, super-comfortable cream bound wide-fat mahogany 22 fret set neck with a classic 24.5” scale, topped by a rosewood fingerboard all powered by a pair of great sounding SE 245 humbuckers and it’s no surprise that Bernie’s guitar just feels and sounds spot-on.

As Bernie says “I have played my SE on stage and in the studio all over the world, and will continue to do so – it sounds great and has never let me down. I look forward to continuing my relationship with PRS and would like to thank them for making such a great guitar with my name on it!”

The Final Run Limited Edition versions are available at the same price as the original, at just £695 /€995 (inc VAT) including PRS SE gigbag!

These guitars are available across Europe now so contact your local PRS Dealer today!

For full details on the SE Bernie Marsden, visit http://prsguitars.com/2015/seberniemarsden