"The SE Studio Standard not only looks amazing, but it also delivers an incredible playing experience that keeps you coming back for more": PRS SE Studio Standard review

What is it?

A young Paul Reed Smith first introduced his guitar creations in 1985, and now, 40 years later, the Maryland-based guitar maker is celebrating this impressive milestone in style. To honour these four decades of craftsmanship, PRS is rolling out new guitar models every month for 2025 – and the latest sees the expansion of the S2 and SE series. A whopping five new electric guitar models have been launched, which sees the firm doubling down on its acclaimed Narrowfield pickup technology.

This exciting lineup features both S2 and SE variants of the f-hole-adorned Special Semi-Hollow, the versatile S2 and SE Studio, and the latest addition, the back-to-basics bolt-on necked SE Studio Standard.

While many players might think of the bolt-necked PRS models as a modern trend – thanks in part to John Mayer’s Silver Sky – the truth is that PRS has been crafting these beauties since as early as 1988, starting with the original CE model.

The SE Standard boasts a striking mahogany double-cutaway body, complete with a vintage-style pickguard that will surely evoke memories of classic S-type guitars. Its 25” scale bolt-on maple neck is devoid of lacquer for a smooth and almost raw feel.

At its heart, this model is powered by a 58/15 LT "S" humbucker in the bridge position and two Narrowfield DD "S" pickups sitting proudly in the middle and neck positions, with a five-way blade switch and a push/pull tone control for as much sonic flexibility as humanly possible.

Completing the package are PRS-designed tuners and classic PRS tremolo bridge, alongside the traditional padded gig bag. You can choose from a trio of understated finishes: the sophisticated Sage Green, the slick Silverstone Grey, or the timeless Pearl White.

Specs

• Launch price: $849/£999/€999
• Made: Indonesia
• Type: Six-string electric guitar
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Maple, Wide Thin
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale length: 25"/635mm
• Nut/width: PRS Proprietary, 1.687"/42.85mm
• Frets: 22
• Hardware: PRS Patented Tremolo, PRS designed tuners
• Electrics: Narrowfield DD "S" humbucker / 58/15 "S" humbucker
• Weight: 7.8lbs/3.57kg
• Options: N/A
• Left-handed options: No
• Finishes: Pearl White, Sage Green, Silverstone Grey
• Cases: PRS gigbag
• Contact: PRS Guitars

Build quality

Build quality rating: ★★★★½

The SE Studio Standard is clearly a guitar that embraces simplicity over flashy aesthetics. Gone are the dazzling quilt tops and flamboyant flame maple veneers. Instead, the Studio Standard opts for an understated look that’s refreshingly distinctive in the PRS family. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not.

With its vintage charm, the SE Studio Standard brings a classic vibe, clearly influenced by a certain iconic Californian guitar maker while still maintaining that unmistakable PRS flair. The famous carved horns are present, and you can’t miss the flock of elegant inlays adorning the fingerboard - just a friendly reminder of the brand you’re rocking, in case there was any doubt.

The fit and finish let you know, too. This guitar is put together with meticulous care. Everything from the flawless fretwork to the impeccably snug neck pocket proves why every guitarist thinks PRS are the top dog when it comes to QC.

However, if I were to have one small issue with the guitar, it would be the machine heads. Now, this isn’t the first time I’ve raised an eyebrow at the tuning keys on a few entry-level PRS models.

It’s a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar package, and to be fair, the hardware here is perfectly functional At a retail price of $849/£999, one might hope for locking machine heads such as PRS' own SE locking models.

Playability

Playability rating: ★★★★½

I've had the pleasure of getting my hands on three fantastic PRS models for review recently: the SE Studio Semi-Hollow, the SE Studio, and, of course, the SE Studio Standard. Right from the start, the Standard catches your eye with its bold, distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from the others. But it’s not just about looks; the feel of this guitar is completely different as well. thanks to its beautifully unfinished, satin-smooth neck.

The Studio Standard showcases its maple neck with pride, offering an unimpeded playing experience that’s a breath of fresh air, there's no sticky lacquer here.

Playing the Standard is an absolute joy. Its Wide-Thin profile sits comfortably, and the shape and feel makes playing lightning fast a breeze. I found myself effortlessly navigating the 10” radius fingerboard and 22 medium frets, making light work of everything from rich chords to intricate riffs and blazing solos. Honestly, I had to remind myself to take breaks because putting this guitar down was a real challenge.

In short, the SE Studio Standard not only looks amazing, but it also delivers an incredible playing experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Sounds

Sounds rating: ★★★★½

Moving on to tone, thankfully, the SE Studio Standard truly lives up to its name. If I had to describe this guitar in a word, it would be 'versatile'. I've always been a fan of the HSS configuration, and this SE model further confirms it may just be the most adaptable pickup layout out there.

The 58/15 LT "S" is where all your power comes from. This pickup excels under the strain of copious amounts of gain, but it really shines when you're looking for that bluesy breakup and mid-gain sweetness. Plus, the coil tap, hidden cleverly under the tone control, adds to its value, giving you those spanky bridge-position cleans when the set calls for it.

Then we have the duo of Narrowfield DD "S" pickups in the middle and neck positions, acting as your single-coil stand-ins. But don't be fooled; they are indeed hum-cancelling. These pickups sound fatter than traditional Strat pickups, almost carrying a hint of P-90 magic. They’ve got that rounded warmth with more low-end than you might expect, yet they still retain the top-end clarity we all desire from a good single-coil.

Excellent pickups indeed. I’d say it's worth seeking out this model just to give them a try. I genuinely don't think you'll be disappointed.

Verdict

If you’re on the hunt for a reasonably priced HSS guitar, you’ll find a sea of options out there, but many of them might not have the same level of class or sonic versatility as the stunning PRS SE Studio Standard.

I’m absolutely smitten with its understated elegance, and I love the satin-finished maple neck even more. For me, the Wide-Thin profile has never felt so good, and to be honest, I struggled to put it down.

Sure, there’s a tiny part of me that wishes for higher-quality machine heads, and a few extra finish options wouldn't go amiss. But let’s be real, there’s not much to dislike about this fabulous guitar. It’s a standout in every way, and it just makes you want to play, and that's what a good guitar is all about.

MusicRadar verdict: It's hard to imagine a musical scenario where the SE Studio Standard wouldn't shine. Whether you're shredding solos, grooving with a wedding band, or strumming your heart out, this guitar will more than keep up, and thankfully, it has the stunning playability to match its gorgeous tones.

Also try

PRS SE NF 3
$799/£799
Want more of the Narrowfield tone? Well, this is the SE model for you. Featuring a poplar body along with a vibrato and the standard PRS scale length. We were mighty impressed with this unique guitar.

Read more: PRS SE NF 3 review

PRS SE NF 53
$979/£979

Clearly inspired by one of Fender’s finest, the SE NF 53 is a finely-made piece with a swamp ash body and those hugely versatile Narrowfield humbuckers.

American Professional II Stratocaster HSS
$1,699/£1,959

Featuring a duo of V-Mod II single-coil Stratocaster pickups and a Double Tap humbucker in the bridge, this Strat will handle everything from spanky funk to in-your-face rock 'n' roll.

Hands-on videos

PRS Guitars 

SE Studio Standard | Demo | PRS Guitars - YouTube

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Sicks Strings

PRS SE Studio Standard Review - YouTube

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