PRS announce SE Bernie Marsden Signature Model Limited Run

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Back due to popular demand, and to commemorate 30 years since the great man’s song “Here I Go Again” reached #1 in the US, the SE Bernie Marsden Ltd run 2017 is exclusive to Europe and in stores now.

Available in the classic original colour Vintage Sunburst and 2 other great colours – Grey Black and new to the Bernie SE, Dark Cherry Sunburst. Also new, this Limited edition features a satin neck upgrade.

Bernie Marsden commented “Nick the chief tech at PRS Europe rubbed back the neck on one of my original Bernie SE’s to make it satin and I have to say, whilst I like the original gloss finish, I’ve been playing the satin one quite a bit more, so I’m doubly delighted and proud to see the SE Bernie back again with this upgrade!”

Limited to 300 pieces across Europe BERNIE LTDS– The PRS SE Bernie Marsden Signature 2017 LTD is available now, Contact your local PRS dealer for more informationBERNIE LTDS

Introducing the Super Eagle II

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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

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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!

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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.”

Exotic Tops! An SE Limited Run

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PRS flamed maple tops are renowned the world over, but every now and again we are able to find other tone woods that are just as beautiful in their own way…Introducing the Exotic Tops SE LTD run.

 

Choose between the beautiful contrasting stripes of Zebra Wood, the random dark wild figure of Ebony, the dramatic patterns of Spalted Maple, or rare Quilted Swamp Ash. Add in up-grades and features such as Tortoiseshell binding and the Exotic Top SE LTD’s are to good to miss.

These tops are available on the following SE models

SE 245

SE 277 Semi-hollow soapbar

SE Custom 22 Semi-hollow

SE Custom 24

SE Custom 24 Floyd

Tremonti Custom

All Available across Europe now! Visit your local dealer for more information.

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

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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

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 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

SE Chris Robertson now available in “Kentucky Blueburst”

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We love Black Stone Cherry at PRS. And Chris from Black Stone Cherry loves PRS. Earlier this year PRS Guitars Europe announced a Limited Run of an SE signature model for the Black Stone Cherry frontman.

The response for the SE was so fantastic that PRS Europe are thrilled to announce a second run of his guitar but in a new unique finish, “Kentucky Blueburst”.

The Black Stone Cherry frontman commented – “I was torn between blue and red for my guitar. Now I have my absolute favorite color on my signature guitar! Ain’t she a beauty!!”

Like the first one, The Singlecut-style SE has a mahogany body and neck, bevelled maple top with flame veneer. The 24.5” scale length, 22-fret neck sports PRS’s Wide Fat profile for a great vintage feel – and the onboard electrics also reflect Chris’s obsession with old-school tone.

A US PRS 57/08 humbucker in the bridge position is partnered with an SE Soapbar pickup at the neck – harnessed to a simple three-position toggle switch and volume/tone for each pickup – to allow access to a wide range of distinctive and characterful rock’n’roll voices. And the guitar’s stripped-for-action vibe is reflected in the rock-solid but highly adjustable PRS stoptail bridge.

The PRS SE Chris Robertson Signature model in “Kentucky Blueburst” is available across Europe now! See the guitar in action with Chris as Black Stone Cherry tour Europe through December & Janurary.

RRP for the new guitar is £995 / €1195 and is limited to 300 guitars worldwide, while stock lasts!

.chris-robertson-blue

Limited Edition Satin Nitro CE Models

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There’s been a lot of love for the PRS CE range since it was reintroduced earlier this year – players love the snap and sparkle of its bolt-on neck construction and its incredible-sounding 85/15 humbuckers.

The introduction of a satin nitrocellulose finish option adds a fabulous, sleek tactile edge to the guitar that will age beautifully. And now there’s a very limited edition of three stunning colour options available in the CE Satin Nitro line-up…

Available only in Europe, Japan and Australia (and limited to just 150 pieces worldwide), the new short-run series comes in Faded Grey Cherryburst, Faded Grey Blueburst and Faded Grey Purpleburst and sports all the expected CE appointments. That mean a super comfortable, sleek-feeling ‘black out’ neck (Wide Thin carve), shallow carved maple top, mahogany body (toned to match top)and rosewood fingerboard with birds inlays; hardware includes those magical 85/15 humbuckers with 3-way toggle and push-pull coiltaps, PRS Phase II machineheads and PRS tremolo.

The new PRS CE24 Satin Nitro carries a recommended retail price of £1999 / €2349, which includes a PRS premium gigbag.

prs_ce_satin_panel

PRS Guitars and John Mayer Introduce Limited Edition Private Stock Super Eagle

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supereagle_angle

PRS Guitars and John Mayer have announced a special run of Private Stock “Super Eagle” instruments. The Private Stock Super Eagle is the result of a very close collaboration between famed guitar maker Paul Reed Smith and Grammy-winning musician John Mayer. The goal of the partnership was to create a highly-sophisticated and unique instrument that at once reveres the history of guitar-making and guitar tone but pushes the boundaries of materials, design, and craftsmanship. The result is a truly new PRS instrument that embodies the PRS Private Stock culture of meticulous workmanship as well as Mayer’s keen eye for playability, tone, and detail.

“Working with John has been a truly rewarding experience. His knowledge and understanding of guitars is highly sophisticated,” said Paul Reed Smith. “We were on the phone on a literally daily basis attacking this project, and I am so proud to see this guitar on stage and in the studio with John and to be able to offer it to musicians and collectors to enjoy.”

Some of the more distinctive and personalized specifications Mayer and Smith decided 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.

But according to Mayer, this guitar won’t stop with Dead & Company. “Paul and I worked very closely to create this guitar, and the result is an incredibly refined and elegant instrument. It has a completely new sound and spirit. It’s been a joy to play and I’m excited to share that experience with other guitar players,” John Mayer.

For more info on the Super Eagle click here