Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • EVH trance state
  • Antonoff on Please Please Please
  • “Mick looked peeved. The Beatles had upstaged him”
  • 95k+ free music samples

Recommended reading

PRS SE Exotics: new for 2025, these Indonesian made PRS electrics feature limited edition veneer tops with the series including a special David Grissom signature model with Laurel Burl finish.
Guitars PRS unveils limited edition SE Exotic Veneers range, updates SE Swamp Ash Special with 5-way switch
Tosin Abasi plays his 8-string Abasi Concepts Larada at a 2022 NAMM show
Artists “You can sweep pick on this thing”: Tosin Abasi issues update on Abasi Concepts nylon-string
PRS CE 22 Limited Edition
Guitars PRS keeps the limited edition releases coming with the return of the classic CE22 bolt-on
Epiphone goes high-end with its Inspired By Gibson Custom 2025 collection: [from left] the '63 Firebird in Polaris White is joined by a 1959 Les Paul Standard, a '64 SG Standard, a 1960 Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and a 1962 ES-335 reissue.
Guitars Epiphone expands and upgrades Inspired By Gibson Custom range with 8 stunning "reissue" electrics
Gibson Special Acoustics [l-r]: the J-45, L-00 and Hummingbird get the Special treatment, with satin finishes and a stripped-down but pro-quality instrument that's ready for the stage.
Guitars Gibson gives three of its most-iconic acoustic guitars a Special makeover
Harley Benton Custom Line Nashville-Nylon BK: the latest nylon-string hybrid electro-acoustic from the German budget gear giant is a super-affordable option for players looking for that Tim Henson vibe. Just look at those decorative F-holes.
Guitars Harley Benton's Nashville Nylon might just be the most affordable electro-acoustic nylon-string yet
Martin Jr. Series: this new affordable run from the high-end acoustic brand comprises a range of travel-friendly instruments with a regular 24.9" scale. Here the range is pictured against a green background.
Guitars Meet the Junior Series, the new small-bodied, travel-friendly full-scale acoustic range from Martin
  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

NAMM 2018: PRS debuts 6 all-new SE Acoustic guitars

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 9 January 2018

Electro-acoustics boast Hybrid bracing and Fishman GT1 electronics

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

NAMM 2018: Following the announcement of its updated SE electric line, PRS has unveiled a new SE Acoustic range for 2018, comprising six fresh acoustic guitars.

Two body shapes are available - Angelus Cutaway and Tonare Grand - as well as a choice of mahogany, ovangkol and maple back and sides, all paired with solid Sitka spruce tops.

PRS is talking up its bracing pattern, available as traditional X or Hybrid X/classical, the latter of which allows the top to vibrate while providing enhanced stability.

All models feature Fishman’s GT1 electronics system, with under-saddle pickup and soundhole-mounted preamp, while ebony fingerboards and bridges, and bone nuts and saddles appear across the range - and love ’em or hate ’em, so do the bird inlays.

Head on through the gallery for a closer look at each model, with UK/US RRPs (those prices include a hardcase, too), and visit PRS Guitars for additional info.

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
PRS SE AX20E

PRS SE AX20E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE AX20E pairs mahogany back and sides with a solid spruce top for warm, balanced tone.

When matched with traditional “X” bracing, which allows the top to vibrate while providing stability, the SE AX20E has a punch that stands alone beautifully or cuts through the mix. The Angelus Cutaway body shape delivers comfort and playability, well suited for picking and fingerstyle playing.  

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
PRS SE TX20E

PRS SE TX20E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE TX20E pairs mahogany back and sides with a solid spruce top for warm, balanced tone.

When matched with traditional “X” bracing, which allows the top to vibrate while providing stability, the SE TX20E has a punch that stands alone beautifully or cuts through the mix. The Tonare Grand body shape delivers a familiar feel and a thunderous tone, well suit­ed for picking and fingerstyle playing.  

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
PRS SE A40E

PRS SE A40E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE A40E pairs ovangkol back and sides with a sol­id spruce top for full, lush tone.

When matched with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, which allows the top to freely vibrate, the SE A40E’s voice projects with breathtaking volume and delicate nuance. The Angelus Cutaway body shape deliv­ers comfort and playability, well suited for picking and finger­style playing.  

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
PRS SE T40E

PRS SE T40E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE T40E pairs ovangkol back and sides with a sol­id spruce top for full, lush tone.

When matched with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, which allows the top to freely vibrate, the SE T40E’s voice projects with breathtaking volume and delicate nuance. The Tonare Grand body shape delivers a familiar feel and a thunderous tone, well suited for picking and fingerstyle playing.

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
PRS SE A50E

PRS SE A50E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE A50E pairs maple back and sides with a solid spruce top for stunning warmth and depth.

When matched with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, which allows the top to freely vibrate and project, the SE A50E has an uncommon 3-dimensional character for a maple back and side guitar. The Angelus Cutaway body shape delivers comfort and playability, well suited for picking and fingerstyle playing.  

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
PRS SE T50E

PRS SE T50E

PRESS RELEASE: The PRS SE T50E pairs maple back and sides with a solid spruce top for stunning warmth and depth.

When matched with PRS hybrid“X”/Classical bracing, which allows the top to freely vibrate and project, the SE T50E has an uncommon 3-dimensional character for a maple back and side guitar. The Tonare Grand body shape delivers a familiar feel and a thun­derous tone, well suited for picking and fingerstyle playing.

Plugged in, the Fishman GT1 pick up system delivers dynam­ic, organic tone and allows players to easily take this guitar from rehearsal to the stage. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls.  

Additional high-quality features include a solid spruce top, ebony fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. All PRS SE acoustics ship with a high-quality hardshell case.

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
PRS SE Exotics: new for 2025, these Indonesian made PRS electrics feature limited edition veneer tops with the series including a special David Grissom signature model with Laurel Burl finish.
PRS unveils limited edition SE Exotic Veneers range, updates SE Swamp Ash Special with 5-way switch
Tosin Abasi plays his 8-string Abasi Concepts Larada at a 2022 NAMM show
“You can sweep pick on this thing”: Tosin Abasi issues update on Abasi Concepts nylon-string
Epiphone goes high-end with its Inspired By Gibson Custom 2025 collection: [from left] the '63 Firebird in Polaris White is joined by a 1959 Les Paul Standard, a '64 SG Standard, a 1960 Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and a 1962 ES-335 reissue.
Epiphone expands and upgrades Inspired By Gibson Custom range with 8 stunning "reissue" electrics
PRS CE 22 Limited Edition
PRS keeps the limited edition releases coming with the return of the classic CE22 bolt-on
Gibson Special Acoustics [l-r]: the J-45, L-00 and Hummingbird get the Special treatment, with satin finishes and a stripped-down but pro-quality instrument that's ready for the stage.
Gibson gives three of its most-iconic acoustic guitars a Special makeover
Harley Benton Custom Line Nashville-Nylon BK: the latest nylon-string hybrid electro-acoustic from the German budget gear giant is a super-affordable option for players looking for that Tim Henson vibe. Just look at those decorative F-holes.
Harley Benton's Nashville Nylon might just be the most affordable electro-acoustic nylon-string yet
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
A still of John Mayer in the studio with a Martin 000 acoustic guitar
John Mayer and Ernie Ball unveil a set of acoustic guitar strings made from an all-new alloy
Lee Ranaldo plays his Thinline Telecaster Deluxe as Sonic Youth perform at the Forum, London, in 1996. Steve Shelley, Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore are is pictured in the background.
Sonic Youth Reverb store lists Lee Ranaldo’s first guitar and the synth behind his Diamond Sea tone
Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel plays The Beatles and Oasis as he discusses the glaring gap in his musical knowledge
Steven Wilson performs live onstage with his custom shop Fender Telecaster. The stage is illuminated in green stage lights.
Steven Wilson reveals the $20 plugin he used for all the guitars on his new space rock epic
Gretsch Limited Edition Paisley Penguin [left] and Honey Dipper Resonator: the Penguin dresses the famous singlecut in gold sparkle with a Paisley Pattern graphic, while the 99 per cent aluminium Honey Dipper makes a welcome return to the lineup.
Gretsch just unveiled one of the most decorative Penguins you'll see – and a super-cool resonator
Martin DX2E 12-String Brazilian Natural: Patterned HPL gives this affordable acoustic a high-end look to match the name on the headstock
“A great quality 12-string that won’t break the bank”: Martin D-X2E Brazilian 12-String review
Latest in News
orchid
Tame Impala's ultra-hyped chord-generating synth is back for a second drop - and this time it's international
Calvin Harris Blessings guitar
Calvin Harris reveals the unconventional method he used to record the guitar riff on new single, Blessings
Guitar Center Memorial day
Guitar Center's epic Memorial Day sale offers unbeatable deals, including $419 off a Gibson Les Paul Standard!
Roger Daltrey performs on stage during 'Roger Daltrey: A Night Of The Who Classics' at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on February 20, 2023 in Hollywood, Florida
“The weight of this responsibility is enormous”: The Who’s new drummer announces himself to fans
Spin Doctors singer Chris Barron
“It means everything to me. It’s the song that gave us our first big break”: The ’90s hit that pretty much wrote itself
A still of John Mayer in the studio with a Martin 000 acoustic guitar
John Mayer and Ernie Ball unveil a set of acoustic guitar strings made from an all-new alloy

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...