The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special stands out as a remarkable blend of innovation and tradition, marking a significant addition to PRS’s affordable, South Korean-made SE line. This guitar combines the essence of classic Telecaster-style construction with the bold attributes of the Superstrat era, making it a noteworthy choice for guitar enthusiasts.
Construction and Design: At its heart, the Swamp Ash Special features a Swamp Ash body and a bolt-on maple neck. This combination is reminiscent of the iconic Telecaster, yet the guitar ventures into new territories with its HSH pickup configuration and vibrato system. The use of Swamp Ash is particularly exciting as it appears for the first time in the core SE line. Known for its lighter weight and enhanced resonance due to open pores, Swamp Ash not only enhances the guitar’s aesthetic appeal, especially in the striking Vintage Sunburst finish, but also contributes positively to its tonal qualities.
Playability: One of the key improvements in this SE version is the incorporation of a scarfed neck joint. This modification addresses a common pain point in guitar design, allowing for easier access to the upper frets. The asymmetrical carve of the neck joint reduces the chunkiness typically associated with traditional designs, thereby enhancing playability.
Tonal Flexibility: The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special is a powerhouse of tonal versatility. It is equipped with two 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers and a PRS-Designed AS-01 single coil, offering a wide range of sounds to suit various playing styles. The addition of six pickup positions, accessible via the three-way toggle switch and coil-splitting push/pull tone control, further expands its sonic palette. Whether you’re playing clean rhythms or engaging in high-gain leads, this guitar can handle it all with ease.
Value and Accessibility: With a street price of around $849, the Swamp Ash Special represents significant value, especially considering its unique features and versatile capabilities. It’s worth noting that this model fills a gap in the current PRS lineup, as there is no similar option in the USA line. This makes the new SE version not only a financially accessible choice but also a unique one within the PRS catalog.
Conclusion: The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special is a testament to PRS’s commitment to innovation and quality, even in its more affordable range. The guitar offers a unique blend of classic design elements and modern playability features, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned players and those new to the brand. Its combination of aesthetic beauty, tonal flexibility, and ergonomic design positions it as a top contender in its price range.