"The true star here is the pickup configuration": PRS SE Studio review

What is it?

The PRS Studio was originally launched in 1988 and has evolved significantly over the years. While it looks quite different compared to the original and then the modern version that made its return in 2011, the core concept has remained true: an extremely versatile HSS model capable of handling virtually any musical scenario.

New for 2025, the PRS Studio receives the SE treatment, transforming this sonic chameleon into a more wallet-friendly electric guitar option, all while aiming to retain the elements that make the USA-made Core version so special.

As expected, the attractive double cutaway body is crafted from mahogany and features a striking figured maple veneer adorned with the company’s signature “shallow violin” carve. The guitar boasts a 22-fret, 25” scale-length maple neck with a standard Wide Thin profile, topped with a rosewood fretboard that showcases a flock of those legendary bird inlays.

The classic headstock is fitted with PRS-designed tuners, and down at the other end of the guitar, you'll find a PRS-patented tremolo bridge.

The tonal engine room of the SE Studio is a trio of pickups, arranged in a faux HSS setup. While each pickup is actually a humbucker, they don't appear that way at first glance. With a Narrowfield DD “S” in both the middle and neck positions, along with a 58/15 LT “S” in the bridge, this guitar aims to unlock a wealth of tones, making it one of the most versatile instruments in the extensive PRS catalog.

The entire package comes neatly wrapped in a stylish PRS-branded gig bag and is available in three stunning finish options: Charcoal Cherry Burst, Lake Blue, and Orange Tiger Smokeburst.

Specs

• Launch price: $849/£1,099/€1,299
• Made: Indonesia
• Type: Double-cut electric
• Body: Mahogany back with maple top, figured maple veneer
• 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’/Narrowfield DD ‘S’ humbuckers, 5-way lever pickup selector switch, master volume and tone w/ 2x mini-toggle ‘coil-tap’ switches
• Weight: 7.48lb / 3.4kg
• Left-handed options: No
• Finishes: Orange Tiger Smokeburst, Lake Blue, Charcoal Burst
• Cases: PRS gigbag
• Contact: PRS Guitars

Build quality

Build quality rating: ★★★★½

It's fair to say that the PRS SE line has come a long way from the initial basic models in the early 2000s. Nowadays, these guitars are getting scarily close to those sought-after American models, and the SE Studio is no exception.

This guitar is simply gorgeous, and the build quality is second to none. Not a single element feels out of place, and I can report zero finish blemishes; everything is as it should be.

Now, while the flame maple veneer may not dance in the light quite like the real thing, and the "shallow violin" carve of the top is indeed subtle, failing to capture the full elegance of its USA counterpart, it still remains a highly attractive instrument.

I must admit, I was never a huge fan of the Charcoal Cherry Burst finish when I first saw it in photos. The bold red border fading into grey didn’t quite appeal to me. However, that all changed when I saw it in person. Holding the guitar in my hands allows me to truly appreciate the depth and nuance of the finish, giving me an entirely new appreciation for this colorway.

Playability

Playability rating: ★★★★½

Shifting my focus to the playability of this guitar, it aligns with what one would expect from modern-day PRS. The 25” scale neck boasts the widely appreciated "wide thin" profile, and it feels as comfortable as ever on the SE Studio. I’ve always dug this neck shape. Thick enough to be a handful when digging in for chords and riffs, but thin enough to feel fast and slick for lead runs and solos.

The setup straight out of the box was on point, too. The action was just low enough to make legato phrases a breeze, but not so low that I couldn’t really push hard for meaty hard rock riffage. Now, the three-pickup layout can get a little cramped at times and does take a little getting used to, but once you adapt, you soon forget about it.

Look, PRS aren’t breaking any new ground with the SE Studio from a playability standpoint – but I’d argue they don’t need to. This model feels practically identical to the run-of-the-mill Custom 24 models being produced out of the Cor-Tek factory in Indonesia, albeit with two fewer frets on the board, and I think that’s a good thing.

PRS has the construction nailed for these models, and every one I’ve had in my hands has arrived seriously playable and ready to rock.

Sounds

Sounds rating: ★★★★½

While it may not revolutionize playability, it certainly shines in the sonic department. Right off the bat, I’ve got to say, I’m a huge fan of the pickup configuration on these models. After jamming on three of the new Studio guitars back to back, I can confidently say that the Narrowfield DD “S” pickups are a game-changer.

These pickups deliver a fatter sound compared to traditional Strat pickups, particularly with their rich midrange presence. They’ve got an almost P-90 vibe, especially that neck pickup. It’s rounded and smooth, yet maintains a beautiful clarity that makes it perfect for those spanky, clean funk riffs, and they even thrive under layers of grit and distortion.

But don’t forget about the lone 58/15 LT "S" in the bridge position. It brings back that classic PRS humbucker tone, delivering a punchy attack with tons of character when you push it through a Marshall JCM800-style amp.

So whether you’re going for sweet clean tones or letting loose with some heavy distortion, the PRS SE Studio has you covered!

Verdict

The PRS SE Studio is a stunning guitar that took an already versatile formula and somehow managed to make it even more adaptable.

Like all modern PRS builds, the craftsmanship is impressive, and the playability is spot-on, with the familiar “wide thin” neck that will feel like home base to the majority of PRS fans. However, the true star here is the pickup configuration. The Narrowfield DD “S” pickups add character and serious versatility.

With its blend of aesthetic appeal and tonal flexibility, this guitar is a solid investment for any musician looking to expand their arsenal with a do-it-all electric guitar that won't break the bank.

Guitar World verdict: PRS had already mastered the concept of the do-it-all electric guitar, but the SE Studio takes that winning formula one step further, creating one of the most versatile instruments we've laid our hands on.

Also try

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Hands-on videos

PRS Guitars

SE Studio | Demo | PRS Guitars - YouTube

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