PRS Guitars has just delivered another hit in its year-long celebration, unveiling the 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition electric guitar. Limited to a tiny run of just 280 pieces worldwide, this high-end instrument combines jaw-dropping aesthetics with what the company calls an “off-the-charts versatility,” offering players an astonishing twelve unique pickup combinations.
Artist-Grade Woods and Limited-Run Exclusivity
This new model is a premium take on the popular Special Semi-Hollow, elevating the standard Core-line specifications with luxurious, exotic woods. The body and neck are crafted from resonant Black Limba, which is capped with an “artist grade” figured maple top—a feature guaranteed to draw attention.
Available in two striking finishes, Faded Whale Blue and the vivid Yellow Tiger, the guitar is as much a collector’s item as a performance machine. Its exclusivity is cemented by a “Pre-Factory” eagle inlay on the headstock and a special “40th Special” truss rod cover engraving, a nod to the company’s four-decade milestone.
Twelve Tones, One Guitar: The Pickup Powerhouse
The heart of this $6,990 limited edition lies in its exceptional electronic configuration, designed to cover nearly every essential electric guitar tone.
- Pickups: It features McCarty III humbuckers at the neck and bridge, paired with a hum-cancelling PRS Narrowfield dual-coil pickup in the middle position.
- Controls: The traditional volume and tone knobs are complemented by a five-way pickup selector switch and a critical pair of mini-toggle switches for coil-tapping the humbuckers. This setup unlocks the full range of twelve tones, allowing musicians to instantly summon fat humbucker crunch or bright, airy single-coil sparkle.
Judy Schaefer, Director of Marketing at PRS Guitars, highlights the model’s tonal reach. “The 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition is the culmination of this year’s anniversary lineup. With a dozen pickup combinations, the ability to summon both humbucker and single-coil sounds, and beautiful woods, this instrument will inspire you to play. Have fun exploring this versatile tonal palette,” she said.
The semi-hollow construction, featuring a single f-hole, contributes a welcome airiness and depth to the tone, making it suitable for genres from jazz and blues to heavy rock and fusion.
Premium Hardware for Professional Performance
Beyond the woods and electronics, the new Special Semi-Hollow is fitted with top-tier hardware, ensuring professional-grade playability and reliability:
- Tremolo: The silky-smooth PRS-patented Gen III tremolo system.
- Tuners: High-quality PRS Phase III locking tuners with “Wing” buttons for rock-solid tuning stability.
The price point of $6,990 places it firmly in the high-end, professional category.
Limited Run Availability
The PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition is now available—but with only 280 units being produced, interested players and collectors will need to act quickly.
Pre-orders are now open at select PRS Dealers worldwide.
Available at Sweetwater in Yellow Tiger and Faded Whale Blue, each priced at $6690
Available at Thomann in Yellow Tiger and Faded Whale Blue, each priced €7799
More Information
#PRS Guitars PRS 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition
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