PRS overhauls SE maple top range

PRS is making a number of what it calls “significant upates” to its 2017 Maple Top SE Models.

The guitar maker introduced the SE Series in 2001 and it has gone on to be one of its most popular ranges. Now, all maple top models in the SE lineup are getting a new look, sound, and feel for 2017.

The PRS SE headstock is getting a remake, with the new design featuring Paul Reed Smith’s signature with the SE logo on the headstock, while model names are moving to the truss rod cover.

There is also an update to the pickup system with new and redesigned pickups. They include 85/15 “S,” 245 “S,” Tremonti “S,” and Santana “S” units. The new PRS 85/15”S” pickups are modeled after the 85/15 pickups Paul Smith designed for the company’s 30th Anniversary. The SE 245 pickups have been updated to deliver more clear, warm tones. Mark Tremonti and Carlos Santana signature models are also getting new pickups. Both artists worked with PRS to enhance their signature model pickups and bring them more in line with the PRS-wound pickups of the same name.

Lastly, the SE Santana is being updated with 24-frets and a new electronics layout. The SE Series developed largely from Santana’s desire for more young players to be able to afford the instrument he was playing. With these updates, his signature SE model allows for that now more than ever.

“We sweat the details on our SE guitars the same way we do with anything else. We wanted to bring the SE ‘closer to home’ to reflect that and bring more fluidity across our product offerings,” said Jack Higginbotham, PRS Guitars president.

To check out the 2017 lineup, visit www.prsguitars.com.

The new PRS SE series carries recommended retail prices between £775 to £1015