Design & Build Philosophies

PRS SE Acoustics apply what we have learned from history and from our Private Stock acoustic instruments to a comprehensive selection of body shapes, wood pairings, and bracing styles. We have taken great care in these designs to ensure you are getting quality products with unique voices and PRS benchmark playability and quality.

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  The body shape of an acoustic affecs its look, its sound, and its feel. PRS offers two acoustic body shapes: Angelus Cutaway and Tonare Grand, meaning “Angel” and “Thunder” respectively. These shapes provide a comfortable, familiar feel for players and are both well suited for playing with a pick or fingerstyle.

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  The bracing pattern of an acoustic also contributes to its voice. PRS SE Acoustics come with either traditional “X” bracing or PRS’s hybrid “X”/Classical bracing. Traditional “X” bracing allows the top to vibrate while providing a stability that gives these instruments their signature punch. PRS Hybrid bracing features the traditional “X” at the soundhole with classical fan bracing across the belly. This allows the top to vibrate more freely for a rounder, more projecting tone. The back bracing on both body shapes is designed to “lock down” the back and sides to promote the instrument’s projection through the top, giving the instruments a unique tonal quality.

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  Acoustic back and side wood choices help determine the guitar’s fundamental tone. SE acoustics feature mahogany, ovangkol, and maple back and side woods – all paired with solid Sitka spruce tops – each one offering its own flavor. When matched with the body shape and bracing style, the guitars overall voice is largely formed.

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  Everything on an instrument that touches the strings has the ability to detract from the strings’ vibration. PRS carefully speced these parts to promote sustain and response as much as possible. All PRS SE acoustics feature bone nuts and saddles for this reason.

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  PRS SE acoustics feature a Fishman GT1 electronics system, featuring an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls. This system delivers dynamic, organic tone that allows players to go from rehearsal to the stage with ease.

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  PRS SE acoustic names are organized by body shape, bracing, wood combinations, and electronics. Here is a quick guide to help you decode what our model names mean.