The PRS SE 245 provides classic tones, and PRS construction at a price that’s hard to beat
The PRS SE 245 has turned many heads since its launch last year. With its classic, single cut design, and beautiful PRS finishing, it is a guitar with massive appeal. The SE 245 was conceived as a more affordable alternative to US built CS 245, whilst preserving the many of details and design that makes those premium guitars so desirable.
Short scale length
One key design aspect of most US PRS guitars that the PRS SE 245 eschews is the scale length. Sitting in between the longer scale lengths and Fenders, and the shorter scale length of Les the Paul, this was set at 25”. To those who loved the tone, construction and playability of PRS guitars, but wanted the easier, less taut feel of a shorter scale instrument, this was a bit of a stumbling block. The SE 245 has a shorter, 24.5” scale length, however (hence the name…) So, for those who like to ‘Bend it Like Jeff Beck’, this is very good news indeed.
Another very satisfying design feature of the PRS SE 245 that is the neck profile. If I had to sum up how most PRS guitars felt in this regard, ‘chunky’ would be the word that immediately sprang to mind. The Wide Fat profile featured on the SE 245 fits this description, providing a comfortable neck to get a good grip of.
In terms of construction, the PRS SE 245’s body is solid mahogany, with a maple top. On models with a transparent finish, this is topped with stunning flamed maple veneer. The neck is also mahogany. A 22-fret rosewood fingerboard completes things nicely, featuring the famous, PRS ‘Birds’ inlays.
A key component of the renowned PRS tone has always been the onboard pickups, and the SE 245 is no exception. Two PRS designed humbuckers are equipped; one treble focused the other bass focused. These, in combination with the tonewood combination, results in clean tones that are rich, and thick with plenty of warm harmonics, and overdriven tones that have the smoothness and power that characterises their US counterparts. These are wired with a 3-way switch, and with two volume and two tone controls.
Here’s a brief summary of the PRS SE 245:
- Based on CS 245 – more affordable version of US PRS model
- Short scale length – 24.5” scale length reduces tension in strings for easier bends and freer string action
- Singlecut body shape – Solid mahogany with bevelled maple top and flamed maple veneer (transparent finishes only)
- Mahogany neck – Wide Fat profile, with 22-fret rosewood fingerboard and bird inlays
- 2 Humbucker pickups – PRS designed SE 245 models, wired via two tone controls and two volume controls, with 3-way selector switch
- PRS designed Stoptail Bridge and tuners
The PRS SE 245 provides everything that you could want from a shortscale, singlecut guitar, but with PRS’ flare and attention to detail, and all at an affordable price. For availability, call our stores or customer service team (01925 582420).
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