What Does SE Stand For On PRS Guitars?

PRS guitars

What Does SE Stand For On PRS Guitars?

PRS guitars are beginning to rival the popularity of leading manufacturers like Fender and Gibson, with their SE guitar range designed to reach a wider consumer base thanks to less eye-popping price tags than their Core series models. And though you can get a hold of most of the new SE lineup for less than £1000, it doesn’t mean you’re losing much of the same audio and playing quality that the original PRS guitars are legendary for. Here is some information about what exactly the SE on PRS guitars stands for and why we’re proud to carry these exquisite instruments at Musicstreet.

SE on PRS Guitars Stands For ‘Student Edition’

When PRS guitars first came out with their SE edition, they were meant for beginners of the craft and intermediate-level guitarists. The SE on PRS guitars, therefore, stands for ‘Student Edition’, though they are used extensively by professional artists in contemporary music today. While you will notice a difference when you pick up and play any of the ‘Core” models from PRS, you will find that the SE on PRS guitars means that it is only a slightly pared-down version. The cost of an SE is kept more budget-friendly due to being mass-produced inside factories outside of PRS’s main headquarters in Maryland, U.S.A., but retain many features you would find in their high-end selection. 


Some of the similar features on the SE lineup include mahogany wood for the construction of the body and neck, as well as the classic Flamed Maple tops for acosutic & electric guitar. The tonal properties they put out are very much akin to the Made In The USA originals, and with the unique flying bird inlays recently added, some people would find their appearance indistinguishable without seeing the SE on PRS guitars for themselves. No one will say that the pickups on the PRS guitars that cost upwards of £5000 or more aren’t superior to the SE, but, for the money, you are getting a stellar instrument with amazing capabilities.

SE on PRS Guitars: A Continuation of the Paul Reed Smith Legacy

Paul Reed Smith’s first PRS guitars available to the public - the PRS Custom 24 - remains iconic and popular with touring professionals and aficionados alike. The SE lineup is growing in popularity, as well, and is already seen as a capable workhorse that is used by artists of the same caliber. Many Signature SE models have a large fan base already with familiar artists lending their names to and helping in their design. The PRS Custom SE 24 can rival any guitar at the same price point. The marketing strategy behind them was born out of necessity, creating high-quality instruments worthy to be associated with the master luthier Paul Reed Smith, while being commercially available at prices any serious beginner guitarist can afford.


We hand select all of the PRS guitars in our Musicstreet Guitar shop UK and work closely with PRS Guitars Europe to ensure every one arrives in perfect playing condition. We offer wide range of PRS series like the PRS McCarty, PRS Modern Eagle VPRS NF53, PRS Silver Sky,etc.

Also, we have wide range of other popular guitar brand series like the Fender Mexican Stratocaster, Yamaha Revstar, Yamaha Pacifica, etc.
Browse our amazing selection at musicstreet.co.uk.