MusicRadar Verdict
PRS guitars are already wildly versatile, throw in semi-hollow construction and a Narrowfield DD "S" pickup in the middle position, and the end result is a guitar that can not only take on any musical style, but thrive doing it. Okay, the picking area is now a little busy and cramped, but will probably be an acceptable price for many to pay for the extra sounds you unlock.
Pros
- +
Very well finished.
- +
Just as playable as you’d expect from PRS.
- +
Seriously versatile.
Cons
- -
The picking area is a little cramped.
- -
Tuners could be better, given the price.
- -
Can’t have the middle pickup on its own.
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What is it?
PRS isn’t exactly short on electric guitars that make a statement, both sonically and visually. The catalogue is dripping with models that are as much a feast for your eyes as for your ears. Now, one model that always turns my head is the Special Semi-Hollow. Originally conceived as a limited-edition model, inspired by the Private Stock Super Eagle, it later became a full production model as part of the USA Core line in 2021, much to the delight of PRS fans. Cut to 2025, and it’s finally available as a more affordable SE model.
This new model comes as part of five new three-pickup, 22-fret instruments that span the S2 and SE series. The S2 Series release includes the S2 Special Semi-Hollow and S2 Studio, while the SE Series welcomes the SE Studio, SE Studio Standard, and the guitar we’re looking at today, the SE Special Semi-Hollow.
Now, just because this is part of the wallet-friendly SE lineup, it doesn’t mean it loses any of its unique identity. Just like the original it’s based on, the body is crafted from mahogany, with a semi-hollow design, and is topped with a striking figured maple veneer, which proudly displays the company’s Shallow Violin top carve and a solitary F-hole.
The 22-fret, 25” scale-length maple neck is topped with a 10" radius rosewood fretboard, adorned with PRS’s iconic bird inlays, and features the standard Wide Thin profile.
The tonal centre of the model is a pair of 58/15 LT “S” pickups with a PRS Narrowfield DD “S” nestled in between. Of course, true to form for the Maryland-based guitar makers, there’s coil-tap functionality onboard, too, for even more sonic versatility.
Rounding out the spec sheet are PRS-designed tuners and the patented PRS tremolo bridge, and the model is available in three gorgeous finish options: Lake Blue, Charcoal Burst, and Orange Tiger Smokeburst.
Specs
- Launch price: $1,149/£1,180/€1,345
- Made: Indonesia
- Type: Double-cut semi-hollow
- Body: Mahogany back with maple top, figured maple veneer w/ f-hole
- Neck: Maple, Wide-Thin profile
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale length: 635mm (25”)
- Nut/width: Friction reducing/ 42.9mm
- Frets: 22, medium
- Hardware: RS patented vibrato (cast), PRS-designed tuners
- String spacing at bridge: 52.5mm
- Electrics: PRS 58/15 ‘S’ Treble and Bass covered humbuckers, Narrowfield DD ‘S’ humbucker (middle), 5-way lever pickup selector switch, master volume and tone w/ 2x mini-toggle ‘coil-tap’ switches
- Weight: 3.4kg/7.48lb
- Left-handed options: No
- Finishes: Orange Tiger Smokeburst, Lake Blue (as reviewed), Charcoal Burst
- Cases: PRS gigbag
- Contact: PRS Guitars
Build quality
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Well, this guitar is certainly a looker. Sporting the Lake Blue colourway and boldly striped top that makes you want to dive in and take a swim, this looks anything but an “affordable” electric guitar. Okay, so the top is actually a figured veneer over a solid maple cap, and not a full-fat chunk of flamey maple, but to be honest, you’d be hard pressed to notice. It may not dance in the light like its USA counterpart, but there are no complaints from me in the looks department.
The build here is impeccable
Casting my eye over the rest of the guitar, there’s not a hair out of place. The build here is impeccable – as one would expect from Paul Reed Smith, at this point. Frets are nicely polished and seated just right, the nut is well cut, and the patented vibrato bridge is set up just the way we like it, straight out of the box.
At this price point, I’d love to see locking tuners, or at the very least a nice set of Grovers
If I were to be super critical, at this price point I’d love to see locking tuners. To get a set of PRS Phase III locking tuners, you need to make the sizable jump to the S2 Special Semi-Hollow, retailing at an eye-watering £2,899.
It’s a small detail, but with stiff competition in this price category and below, upgraded hardware can make all the difference.
Playability
Playability rating: ★★★★½
The action was right in the Goldilocks zone of not too high, not too low, out of the box, and the playing surface was smooth as you like
Unlike the Core and S2 Special Semi-Hollows, the SE forgoes the mahogany neck in favour of maple, and it sports the common Wide-Thin profile found on many PRS SE models. So, if you’ve played an SE guitar in the past and liked the way it fit your hand, you’ll most likely get on very well with this one.
I’ve always thought the “wide-thin” moniker is a bit of a misdemeanour. I’ve never really thought of this profile as being particularly wide or thin. Sure, it’s not as chunky as a ‘58 Les Paul, and not as narrow as a Tele, but it’s a pretty universal neck shape that seems to fit the vast majority of players. There’s a reason PRS makes this the default option on so many SE guitars; it’s very well received by a lot of guitarists.
Now, before I become a Gibson addict, I was a Strat guy, so I’m very accustomed to playing with a trio of pickups directly under my pick. That said, I did find the pickup layout of the SE Special Semi-Hollow to be on the cramped side. The Narrowfield DD ‘S’ humbucker that sits in the middle position, while smaller than a traditional bucker, it’s still larger than a Strat pickup, and I don’t think the sizable pickup ring is doing it any favours. It’s taller too, and can catch your pick if you’re not careful.
That said, after spending a couple of hours playing the guitar, you soon get used to the layout and it becomes less of an issue. In fact, I think this is a very good playing guitar. The action was right in the Goldilocks zone of not too high, not too low, out of the box, and the playing surface was smooth as you like.
Sounds
Sounds rating: ★★★★½
Position two brings the Narrowfield into play, and the tone shifts to sounding like a beefier Strat
A lot has been written about how versatile PRS guitars are. They really are the ultimate studio companion, being able to nail just about any tone imaginable – and with the added middle pickup, it’s even more of a tonal chameleon.
The bridge pickup on its own is a pretty standard affair for PRS. There’s plenty of output and bite here for raucous rock ‘n’ roll, but it cleans up very well indeed. Engaging the coil-tap and what we drop in output, we make up with added spank. Think classic Telecaster. Position two brings the Narrowfield into play, and the tone shifts to sounding like a beefier Strat. It’s rounder, with some nice harmonic character – perfect for Hendrix-esque chord licks.
Position 3 gives us the bridge and neck humbuckers together. Unfortunately, there’s no way to get the middle pickup on its own. Okay, it may not be the most sought-after tone, but having the option to play just the Narrowfield in isolation would be cool, especially for funk rhythm ala Nile Rodgers – but alas, that’s not possible, well not in its current wiring setup, anyway.
Still, there’s more than enough tones hidden away inside this PRS. Between the three pickups, the five-way selector, and two coil-tap switches, there are 12 different sonic options on offer, so I can’t exactly get mad that it doesn’t have one more.
Verdict
You know, PRS rarely miss. Whether it's a flashy Private Stock, a workhorse Core model or a more affordable SE, the guitars are always intelligently thought out and cleverly put together, and the SE Special Semi-Hollow is no different.
A stellar build complements a gorgeous aesthetic, and thankfully, it has the tones and playability to back it up. Okay, so maybe the playing area under the strings is a little cramped, but that middle pickup needs to go somewhere, and I’d argue that what you lose in space, you make up for with the extra tones the Narrowfield affords you.
At over £1,000, this isn’t exactly a budget model by any means, but it’s not far off £2K cheaper than the next Semi-Hollow in the line – and you get a lot for your money. For me, this guitar is fiercely versatile, infinitely playable, and it looks incredible. What more do you need?
MusicRadar verdict: PRS guitars are already wildly versatile, throw in semi-hollow construction and a Narrowfield DD "S" pickup in the middle position, and the end result is a guitar that can not only take on any musical style, but thrive doing it. Okay, the picking area is now a little busy and cramped, but it’s a small price to pay for the extra sounds you unlock.
Test | Results | Score |
|---|---|---|
Build quality | Very well put together, but I'd prefer more robust, locking tuners. | ★★★★½ |
Playability | Playable neck, suberb action out of the box, but the middle pickup makes the picking area cramped. | ★★★★½ |
Sounds | Perfectly versatile but I'd love to be able to play the middle pickup on its own. | ★★★★½ |
Overall | This may be one of the most versatile SE models to date. | ★★★★½ |
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