PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB
PRS electric guitar features
- Body: Swamp ash
- Bolt-on neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Neck profile: Wide Thin – thickness 1st fret: 21 mm – 12th fret: 23 mm
- Birds fingerboard inlays
- Fingerboard radius: 254 mm (10″)
- Scale length: 635 mm (25″)
- Nut width: 42.9 mm (1.69″)
- 22 frets
- Pickups: 85/15 “S” (bridge), PRS-designed AS-01 single coil (middle) and 85/15 “S” (neck)
- Volume and tone control (with push/pull to activate the middle pickup)
- 5-way blade switch
- PRS tremolo
- Nickel hardware
- Colour: Iri Blue
- Includes gig bag
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB is an impressive guitar that truly lives up to its reputation for quality. As my first PRS, I am thoroughly impressed with the overall craftsmanship and the sound it produces.
The tonal versatility is remarkable, featuring six distinct sounds that cater to a range of playing styles. The combination of the humbucker and single coil options provides a delightful variety, with the split coil option closely resembling the sound of a Stratocaster’s position four. While the humbuckers deliver a strong output, the single coil does experience a slight drop in volume, which, although not measured, is noticeable during play.
In terms of build quality, the guitar is lightweight and well-balanced, with the “Shallow Violin” design enhancing playability. The vibrato system functions smoothly, maintaining tuning stability even under rigorous use, and the hardware feels robust. The neck is particularly noteworthy; its unvarnished finish offers a silky touch, making it a joy to play.
However, I found the tone potentiometer to be a bit too loose for my liking, which is the only reason I have rated the build quality slightly lower. The volume pot, on the other hand, operates perfectly, providing a satisfying tactile experience.
Although the initial setup is decent, I plan to take it to a luthier for adjustments, especially regarding the action and possibly replacing the tone pot. The aesthetics are stunning, even more so than in the photos, and the guitar feels substantial despite its ash construction.
For its price point, PRS SE Swamp Ash Special IB offers incredible value, balancing exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. It may not replace a high-end model for everyone, but it certainly meets my needs and eliminates the need to carry multiple guitars for gigs. Overall, this instrument is a fantastic addition to any guitarist’s collection.
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