PRS SE Acoustic Guitars
While Paul Reed Smith (PRS) began as an electric guitar manufacturer in 1985, it furthered its reputation for excellence in 2009 when it established a line of exquisitely crafted acoustic guitars. Some of the most popular electric and acoustic guitars in the PRS catalog come from its SE line. SE acoustic guitars are attractive for a variety of reasons, including their outstanding construction, ease of play, clear tone, and reasonable cost.
The PRS Craftsmanship Difference: SE Edition
Paul Reed Smith SE guitars, both electric and acoustic, have long been recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship, well-balanced sound, and tremendous playability. However, PRS sold instruments at a price point that excluded many potential customers for its first couple of decades of operation.
Recognizing a large demand for affordable PRS instruments, the company established its SE line in 2001 with a series of reasonably priced electric guitars. With its SE line, PRS successfully brought its instruments to a significantly broader customer base while maintaining its remarkable commitment to quality.
PRS released its first SE acoustic in 2011, two years after building its first acoustic guitar. This guitar, the SE Angelus, continued the SE tradition of providing exceptional quality at a reasonable price. With a solid top and classic PRS design touches, it set the stage for the SE Tonare acoustic guitar series to come.
Unlike higher-end PRS acoustic guitars, SE models come from overseas (often made in China or Korea). But they are still manufactured to meet PRS’s extremely stringent standards. This makes SE acoustics tremendously sturdy, durable, and ready to handle the demands of a touring musician. With comfortable necks and smooth action, SE acoustics are incredibly playable. In terms of sonic quality, they project a clear and well-balanced tone with notable resonance and sustain.
The Significance of the “SE” Label
While the “SE” in Paul Reed Smith’s SE line stands for “Student Edition,” guitarists of many different types and abilities tend to gravitate toward these instruments. The reasonable price point of the SE acoustic will certainly attract serious beginners and student guitarists, but many intermediate and advanced players have found the line to be tremendously valuable.
In fact, large numbers of professional gigging musicians commonly use PRS SE guitars. If they don’t play an SE acoustic as their principal instrument, they may have one on hand as a backup for a more expensive guitar. Because they are so durable, PRS SE acoustics are great at weathering the heavy wear and tear of touring.
In short, the PRS SE acoustic is a favorite of all types of guitarists who value an extraordinarily durable instrument at a reasonable cost without sacrificing playability or sound.
Shop PRS SE Acoustics at Brian's Guitars
The acoustic collection at Brian's Guitars contains many beautiful PRS instruments. As you peruse our carefully curated PRS acoustic collection, pay close attention to SE guitars such as the SE T40E and SE A50E. With its traditional Ovangkol body shape, the SE T40E has a full, warm tone. The Grand Auditorium body shape of the SE A50E, by contrast, stresses brightness and articulation.