Paul Reed Smith Electric Guitar Buying Guide

If you're shopping for a paul reed smith electric guitar, the first decision is usually the line. PRS's SE series is marketed as the more affordable route into the brand, while the standard PRS models sit higher up. This guide compares the SE models currently listed on Amazon, the rating data behind them, and the limits of what we could verify, so you can see which one suits your playing.

How we researched

We compared seven current Amazon listings for PRS electric guitars, along with the search results and source pages for the PRS SE series, the PRS Custom line and a published roundup of PRS models. The sources are a mix of a manufacturer-facing page, a published ranking and a retailer page. Nothing was tested hands-on. This guide compares products using manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and owner reviews; we did not test them hands-on.

Short answer

For most buyers, the PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive with Gig Bag is the best starting point. It carries a 4.6 rating from 37 ratings on Amazon and includes a gig bag, which covers transport from day one. If you're drawn to a signature design, the PRS SE DGT David Grissom model is the alternative, with a 4.6 rating from 25 ratings. Both sit in the over $300 price tier on their listings.

At a glance

Buying criteria

Weigh these in order. First, the price tier, because every SE listing we found sits in the same over $300 band and the gap between models matters more than small feature differences. Second, what's included, such as a case or bag, since that changes the real cost. Third, body style, which decides how the guitar sounds and feels in your hands. Fourth, owner ratings, read with the number of reviews in mind.

How we chose

We ranked the picks by the criteria above, in that order. Our evidence falls into three tiers: maker and retailer descriptions of the SE line, the published roundup that names PRS models for specific playing styles, and the Amazon rating and review counts for each listing. Owner ratings here come from small samples, so treat them as signals, not verdicts. We did not test any guitar ourselves. Because prices and listings change, check the live Amazon page before you buy and treat this guide as a snapshot.

PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive with Gig Bag

This model suits players who want a PRS and a gig bag in one purchase. It has the strongest combination in this set of an included accessory and a 4.6 rating on Amazon from 37 ratings. The PRS Custom line is a separate, higher-priced family; the PRS Custom is described in one source as introduced in 1985 with a mahogany back, a figured maple top and a 25-inch scale length, and a published roundup names the Custom 24 as its best overall pick. Those specs belong to the Custom line, not to the SE listing, and we could not confirm them for this SE model. The drawback is that its listing doesn't give body or pickup details, so compare them on the product page before you buy.

PRS SE DGT (David Grissom)

Choose this if the David Grissom signature is the reason you're buying. The listing name confirms the model, and it carries a 4.6 rating from 25 ratings on Amazon. The drawback is the smaller sample: 25 ratings tell you less about long-term reliability than a larger pool would, and a signature design may not match your preferences if you play a wide range of styles.

PRS Guitars SE Hollowbody Standard Fire Red Burst with Case

This is the pick for a hollowbody body style with a case included. Its listing has the most ratings in this set, 44, and a 4.5 rating on Amazon. Owner ratings sit a little below the other two picks, and the listing doesn't give scale length or weight, so check those before you commit. A hollowbody will feel and sound different from a solid-body PRS, so play one if you can.

How to choose

If you want a PRS with a bag included, pick the Custom 24 Exclusive. If you're buying for a specific signature player's sound, pick the David Grissom model. If you want a hollowbody and a case, pick the Hollowbody Standard. If your budget is under $100, none of the SE listings here will fit, and you should look at other PRS options or used models instead.

FAQ

Are Paul Reed Smith guitars any good?

The PRS Guitars site describes the company as the brainchild of founder Paul Reed Smith and as one of the most revered guitar makers. That's the maker's own description. Owner ratings for the SE listings here are 4.5 to 4.6 on Amazon, but the sample sizes are modest. Read a few owner reviews for the exact model you're considering.

Who plays a PRS?

Our sources don't list specific players, so we can't confirm that from the material we reviewed. Check the brand's own artist pages for current names.

Where is the Paul Reed Smith guitar factory?

Our sources don't give the factory location, so we can't state it here. A retailer page calls PRS guitars some of the finest American-made instruments, but that's a description, not a factory address.

Conclusion

For most buyers, start with the PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive with Gig Bag. Choose the David Grissom model for its signature design and the Hollowbody Standard if you want a hollowbody with a case. Before you buy, check the live Amazon listing for current details, because prices and ratings change.

The site may earn a commission on the Amazon links in this article. The price does not change for you.

Sources

• Paul Reed Smith SE Electric Guitars
• Best PRS guitars: PRS models for every playing style
• Custom
• PRS Guitars