The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special represents an exquisite collision between value and versatility! PRS builds a small run of Swamp Ash Special electric guitars every few years, which makes them a fun find for collectors as well as a chance for players to explore sounds that won’t apologize for being adventurous. The SE Swamp Ash Special combines the hearty, soulful character of a swamp ash body with the tonal range of three pickups (two 85/15 “S” humbuckers and one single-coil AS-01) and the heightened expressive power of a PRS Patented tremolo. An unembellished maple neck makes playing the Swamp Ash Special a visceral thrill. The “Wide Thin” neck carve keeps your fretwork silky-smooth, and, on top of being comfortable, the maple fingerboard gives your initial note attack an extra dash of bright, peppery zing. Between classic tonewoods and ample pickup options, guitarists at Music Experience find the Swamp Ash Special is ready for countless genres — jazz, blues, hard rock, heavy metal, pop, and more. How does PRS do it? Find out with a SE Swamp Ash Special electric guitar of your own while supplies last!

Distinct swamp ash sounds

The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special pairs nimble pickup selections with a body carved from one of the most nimble tonewoods: swamp ash! Swamp ash grows only near the banks of the Mississippi River, the same central and southern heartlands that birthed the blues and rock ’n’ roll. Because its roots grow directly in water, it is the lightest species of ash available, with incredible balance, resonance, and dynamic response. When played politely, swamp ash strikes an ideal balance between brightness and girth. Played aggressively at loud volumes or with distortion, swamp ash reveals a gnarlier side characterized by midrange bite and snarl that cuts through any mix. One of the finest tonewoods known to humankind, swamp ash is becoming harder to come by — thankfully, PRS’ stockpiles have kept this tonewood icon available to all.

PRS-designed pickups

Enticing pickup trios have been a hallmark of the Swamp Ash Special over the years. This new SE version carries on this tradition with two potent 85/15 “S” humbuckers and a single-coil AS-01, a combination that packs enough range for hot Nashville twang, mellow jazz, driven hard rock, and more. The 85/15 “S” humbuckers are retooled versions of Paul Reed Smith’s original pickups. You can expect sweet, vintage-tinged harmonics and chunky humbucker warmth, but with output and inflection optimized for modern gear and tastes. The AS-01 pickup in the middle position offers a brighter, more crisp alternative to humbuckers and is a natural fit for classic styles such as country rock or the blues. The AS-01 blends a conventional alnico magnet with steel alloy, resulting in a fuller single-coil body that responds well to player dynamics and volume knob placement. Moreover, a push-pull pot lets players get single-coil style tones from the 85/15 humbuckers, bringing the total number of pickup.

Tone details

The Swamp Ash Special aims for streamlined appeal, but its pickups and 3-way switch offer more tones than meet the eye! Players can explore six different tone combinations, including timeless favorites inspired by classic 3-pickup guitars.

What PRS Says...

The PRS SE Swamp Ash Special is a unique offering in the growing PRS SE Series. With a swamp ash body and 22-fret maple neck with maple fretboard, the SE Swamp Ash Special is a fresh face and versatile voice. The 85/15 “S” pickups flank a PRS-Designed AS-01 Single Coil “S” pickup in the middle position. The AS-01 Single Coil features both alnico and steel (hence the name), which adds mass to the pickups helping to create a powerful sound. Paired with a push-pull tone control and 3-way pickup switch, this pickup/electronics package gives players an array of sounds to enjoy, and the addition of PRS’s patented tremolo adds a touch more versatility. The overall tone of the PRS SE Swamp Ash Special offers tight lowend, bright but mellow high-end, and a welcome twangy tone that can reach “hot country,” blues, and even jazz territory.