PRS Modern Eagle V review – 17 pickup options and a jaw-dropping guitar build that’s impossible to fault

While PRS has been making its mark on the bolt-on market, we finally get a new Core model, the shape-shifting modern Eagle V. But is it really new?

PRS Modern Eagle V 2023
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

From the wood choice and weight through to the latest version of the PRS TCI pickups and circuit tweaking, the neck shape and playability – everything about this guitar is first class.

Pros

  • +

    Everything!

Cons

  • -

    Well, quality costs, but apart from a disregard for left-handed players, nothing!

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Here’s a guitar we’ve been waiting for since early 2019 when Paul Reed Smith showed us the prototype at a dealer event in the UK. Technically, it has been available first as a cost-a-lot 2019 Private Stock limited run of 120, followed in 2020 by a 200-only Experience run and subsequent special dealer-order Wood Library versions. 

Replacing the outgoing 509, the new Modern Eagle V is a rare addition to the main Core line, the top tier of PRS’s USA set-neck production. Obviously, it’s the fifth iteration of the Modern Eagle model, which dates back to 2004; version four, the Quatro, launched in 2010 and lasted just a couple of years in the catalogue. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49