PRS Guitars Celebrates 40th Anniversary: SE Exotic Veneer Models and Swamp Ash Upgrade

PRS Guitars is marking its 40th anniversary in grand style, unveiling a captivating lineup of limited-edition SE Exotic Veneer electric guitars this March. Alongside these visually arresting instruments, the popular SE Swamp Ash Special receives a significant upgrade, now featuring versatile five-way pickup switching.

PRS SE Exotic Veneer

The new SE Exotic Veneer series showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and aesthetic excellence, featuring four distinct models with unique wood veneers.

These limited-edition guitars are a testament to the maturing partnership between PRS and Cor-Tek in Indonesia, the manufacturer of the SE line.

The Collection

The SE Collection includes:

• PRS SE DGT Laurel Burl: Finished in a rich McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, this model pays homage to David Grissom’s signature style.
• PRS SE McCarty 594 Laurel Burl: Sporting a luxurious Vintage Sunburst finish, this model is limited to just 500 units.
• PRS SE Custom 24 Burled Ash: Available in both Lake Blue and Natural finishes, highlighting the natural beauty of the burled ash.
• PRS SE Custom 24-08 Poplar Burl: Offered in Charcoal Cherry Midnight Burst and Lake Blue Midnight Burst, this model features expanded electronics for a wide range of tonal possibilities.

“This is a team that enjoys pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas and our guitars reflect that passion and enthusiasm. Our visits almost always yield new ideas,” said Jack Higginbotham, COO of PRS Guitars, praising the Cor-Tek team. “When I saw their library of veneers on a recent trip, I knew we could build some really special guitars with them. These guitars are going to turn some heads. The natural designs in the wood create ‘aesthetic arrest’ from the first look.”

The Exotic Veneer series features include rosewood fingerboards with PRS’s signature bird inlays. The SE Custom 24-08 Poplar Burl boasts TCI “S” pickups and an eight-sound electronic configuration via mini-toggle switches.

The DGT model features signature “S” humbuckers, a PRS Patented Tremolo system, and Smoked Black hardware. The McCarty 594 and Custom 24 Burled Ash both feature coil-tapping capabilities.

PRS SE Exotic models at Andertons

• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic McCarty 594 Laurel Burl in Vintage Sunburst
• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic DGT David Grissom Laurel Burl in McCarty Tobacco Burst
• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic Custom 24-08 Poplar Burl in Charcoal Cherry Midnight Burst
• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic Custom 24-08 Poplar Burl in Lake Blue Midnight Burst
• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic Custom 24 Burled Ash in Lake Blue
• PRS Limited Edition SE Exotic Custom 24 Burled Ash in Natural

PRS SE Exotic models at Sweetwater

• PRS SE Custom 24-08 Exotic Electric Guitar – Lake Blue Midnight Burst
• PRS SE Custom 24-08 Exotic Electric Guitar – Charcoal Cherry Midnight Burst
• PRS SE Custom 24 Exotic Electric Guitar – Natural
• PRS SE Custom 24 Exotic Electric Guitar – Lake Blue
• PRS SE McCarty 594 Exotic Electric Guitar – Vintage Sunburst
• PRS SE DGT Exotic Electric Guitar – McCarty Tobacco Burst

PRS SE Exotic models at Thomann

• PRS SE Custom 24/08 LM Exotic LTD
• PRS SE Custom 24/08 CJ Exotic LTD
• PRS SE Custom 24 Burled Ash LB LTD
• PRS SE Custom 24 Burled Ash NA LTD
• PRS SE DGT MT Exotic LTD
• PRS SE McCarty 594 Laurel Burl LTD

SE Swamp Ash Special Upgraded at Sweetwater

• PRS SE Swamp Ash Special Electric Guitar – Iri Blue
• PRS SE Swamp Ash Special Electric Guitar – Vintage Sunburst
• PRS SE Swamp Ash Special Electric Guitar – Charcoal

In addition to the Exotic Veneer series, PRS has also upgraded the SE Swamp Ash Special. The enhanced model now features five-way pickup switching, delivering a broader spectrum of snappy single-coil tones. The guitar also features a bolt-on maple neck, maple fingerboard, and abalone bird inlays.

The SE Exotic Veneer Series is available now, with a street price starting from £999/$949. For more information, visit the official PRS Guitars website.