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PRS Limited Edition S2 Vela Black Limba in Natural Smokeburst

PRS Limited Edition S2 Vela Black Limba in Natural Smokeburst: 200-unit exclusive run at $1,849 with premium hardware and versatile pickups.

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PRS Limited Edition S2 Vela in Natural Smokeburst, three-quarter front view showing the offset double-cut body, rosewood fretboard, and black pickguard against wood backdrop

PRS Guitars has officially launched the Limited Edition S2 Vela Black Limba in Natural Smokeburst, bringing a premium, small-batch workhorse to the electric guitar market for $1849.00/£1,849.00. Capped at exactly 200 units worldwide—with only a fraction allocated to the European market—this exclusive run elevates the beloved offset double-cut Vela silhouette with top-tier tonewoods and gig-ready hardware.

The Black Limba Advantage

Selected specifically for its warm musical resonance and aggressive power, the solid Black Limba body showcases a striking natural grain pattern, elegantly highlighted by a Satin Nitro finish.

The 25-inch scale, 22-fret Pattern Regular maple neck features an asymmetrical bevel and lower horn scoop, offering effortless playability across the rosewood fretboard for players who demand uncompromised comfort.

Front-facing close-up of the PRS S2 Vela Black Limba showing the DS-01 bridge humbucker, pickguard, and coil-tap controls

Versatile Tonal Powerhouse

Under the hood, this American-made PRS is engineered for immense sonic flexibility. The pickguard-mounted PRS DS-01 humbucker in the bridge delivers bright, chimey articulation, while the neck-position PRS Narrowfield brings a thick, punchy bite that cuts right through a mix.

A built-in coil-tap on the push/pull tone control splits the bridge pickup for shimmering single-coil sparkle, making this guitar highly adaptable for everything from modern metal and hard rock to classic jazz and funk.

Premium Hardware Highlights

  • PRS Plate-Style Bridge: A top-loading steel plate design with brass saddles maximizes sustain and tonal clarity, heavily echoing the high-end hardware found on Paul’s Guitar and Private Stock models.
  • Phase III Tuners: Lightweight, elegant tuners engineered for superior tone transfer and rock-solid tuning stability.
  • Old School Birds: Classic PRS fingerboard inlays that provide the brand's signature aesthetic flair.
  • Travel Ready: Includes a rugged, premium gig bag to protect the instrument on the road.
Full-length front view of the S2 Vela against reclaimed wood background, showcasing the complete offset body profile and neck

Technical Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Body ConstructionSolid Black Limba (Asymmetric Bevel)
Neck AssemblyMaple (Set Construction, Sinky Satin Finish)
Neck ProfilePattern Regular, 25" Scale Length, 22 Frets
FingerboardRosewood, 10" Radius, 1 21/32” Nut Width
PickupsBridge: PRS DS-01 and Neck: PRS Narrowfield
ControlsMaster Volume, Push/Pull Tone, 3-Way Toggle
HardwareNickel PRS Plate-Style Bridge, Phase III Tuners

Verdict

Combining boutique-level Wood Library aesthetics with the rugged reliability of a professional workhorse, the Limited Edition S2 Vela Black Limba stands as a masterclass in modern guitar design.

I own one of the original PRS Vela models from the first year of its release, and they are fantastic offset guitar with some great tones. The lightweight design is perfect for playing long sets, and if you missed out on the Reclaimed Wood limited run a few years back, then these new Black Limba models could be just what you are looking for.

For players seeking an inspiring, do-it-all instrument with undeniable stage presence, this rare release is potentially a phenomenal investment that will undoubtedly deliver decades of musical joy to the lucky few who secure one.

I'd love another one, and this model looks very appealing to me.

Highly limited run, so don't hang around too long deciding if you want one.

9.0
Overall Score
9.0 / 10
Pros
  • +Strictly limited to 200 units—genuine exclusivity
  • +Premium Black Limba wood with striking grain pattern and warm resonance
  • +Coil-tap versatility splits bridge pickup for single-coil tones
  • +Top-tier PRS Plate-Style Bridge with brass saddles maximizes sustain
  • +Lightweight offset design ideal for extended playing sessions
  • +Includes premium gig bag
  • +Phase III tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability
Cons
  • High price point at $1,849 for S2-tier guitar
  • Very limited allocation to European market may frustrate international buyers
  • Offset body shape not ideal for all players
BodySolid Black Limba with Asymmetric Bevel
NeckMaple, Set Construction, Satin Finish
Scale Length25 inches
Frets22
FingerboardRosewood, 10" Radius
Fingerboard Width1 21/32"
Bridge PickupPRS DS-01 Humbucker
Neck PickupPRS Narrowfield
ControlsMaster Volume, Push/Pull Tone with Coil-Tap, 3-Way Toggle
BridgeNickel PRS Plate-Style with Brass Saddles
TunersPhase III
FinishSatin Nitro
Scale PatternPattern Regular
Fretboard InlaysPRS Birds
Price$1,849 USD / £1,849 GBP
Production Run200 units worldwide
What makes the PRS S2 Vela Black Limba special?

This guitar is limited to exactly 200 units worldwide with only a fraction for Europe. It features a solid Black Limba body, 25-inch scale with 22 frets, PRS DS-01 humbuckers with coil-tap functionality, and premium hardware including a PRS Plate-Style Bridge and Phase III tuners, all finished in Satin Nitro.

What pickups are in the S2 Vela Black Limba?

The bridge features a PRS DS-01 humbucker delivering bright, chimey articulation, while the neck has a PRS Narrowfield for thick, punchy bite. A push/pull tone control coil-taps the bridge pickup for single-coil sparkle, making it highly versatile across genres.

How much does the PRS S2 Vela Black Limba cost?

The Limited Edition S2 Vela Black Limba retails for $1,849 USD or £1,849 GBP, and includes a premium gig bag for protection and travel.

Is the S2 Vela Black Limba good for professional gigging?

Yes. The lightweight design, rock-solid tuning stability from Phase III tuners, and versatile pickup configuration make it ideal for long sets. Its affordability compared to Private Stock models and premium hardware justify professional use.

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Jef Stone
Founder and editor of GuitarBomb. Jef has been writing about guitars, effects pedals, and music gear for over ten years, covering everything from breaking gear news and leaks to hands-on reviews.

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