What wood is used for the top of the PRS SE A50?

The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top. This wood is chosen for its ability to provide a balanced and expressive acoustic voice with excellent projection.

What are the back and sides made of?

The back and sides are constructed from flamed maple. This material is known for its striking visual grain and its contribution to a clear, articulate sound.

What type of bracing does the SE A50 use?

It uses the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing system. This design allows the top to vibrate more freely, enhancing both the volume and the responsiveness of the instrument.

Which electronics system is installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with a PRS-voiced Fishman Presys VT system. It includes an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes, the PRS SE A50 Angelus is supplied with a hardshell case as standard. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.

What material is used for the fretboard and bridge?

Both the fretboard and the bridge are made from ebony. Ebony is a premium hardwood preferred for its durability and smooth playing feel.

What is the typical price range for this guitar?

The typical price for the PRS SE A50 Angelus in Black Gold is approximately £699. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

What is the body shape of the SE A50?

It features the Angelus Cutaway body shape. This design is intended to offer a balance between comfort and accessibility to the higher frets.

What are the nut and saddle made of?

The nut and saddle are both crafted from bone. Bone is traditionally used in high-quality guitars to improve resonance and sustain compared to synthetic materials.

What visual appointments are included on the neck?

The guitar features the iconic PRS bird inlays on the fretboard. These are a signature aesthetic element found across the Paul Reed Smith product range.

Where are the volume and tone controls located?

The controls are discreetly mounted inside the soundhole. This avoids cutting large holes into the side of the guitar, preserving the instrument's structural integrity and look.

How does the maple construction affect the sound?

The flamed maple back and sides produce a sound that balances clarity and projection. It adds a distinctive sense of depth and brightness to the overall tonal character.

Gear article

PRS SE A50 Angelus Electro Acoustic Black Gold (2026)

The Paul Reed Smith SE A50 Angelus is a high-specification electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. Part of the 2026 product line, it incorporates PRS-voiced Fishman electronics and a proprietary hybrid bracing system to deliver a balance of clarity and projection.

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Design and Construction

The SE A50 Angelus is defined by its hybrid construction, utilizing a solid Sitka spruce top which is a standard for premium resonance and longevity. The back and sides are crafted from flamed maple, providing a striking visual aesthetic in the Black Gold finish. A key internal feature is the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing, a design intended to allow the soundboard to vibrate with greater freedom, thereby increasing the instrument's overall responsiveness and volume.

The body follows the 'Angelus' cutaway silhouette, designed to provide a comfortable playing experience while ensuring easy access to the upper frets. Professional-grade materials are used throughout, including a genuine ebony fretboard and bridge, and a nut and saddle made from bone for improved sustain and tonal transfer.

Electronics and Amplification

For live performance and recording, the guitar is equipped with a PRS-voiced Fishman Presys VT system. This setup utilizes an undersaddle pickup to capture the natural vibration of the strings and soundboard. To maintain the guitar's aesthetic integrity, the controls for volume and tone are mounted discreetly within the soundhole rather than through the side of the body. This configuration is engineered to provide a faithful translation of the guitar's acoustic voice when connected to an amplifier or PA system.

Tonal Profile

The combination of spruce and maple yields a specific sonic character. While the spruce top provides a broad dynamic range, the flamed maple back and sides contribute to a bright, clear, and focused sound with a significant sense of depth. This prevents the guitar from sounding overly thin, ensuring it can cut through a mix while maintaining enough low-end presence for solo performances.

Target Audience and Application

Given its versatile cutaway shape and balanced tonal output, the SE A50 is suited for a wide range of playing styles, from fingerstyle to aggressive strumming. It is positioned as a premium mid-range instrument, typically retailing at approximately £699. Its professional appointments, such as the included hardshell case and bird inlays, make it an attractive option for gigging musicians who require a reliable, stage-ready electro-acoustic.

Market Comparisons

Within the electro-acoustic market, the SE A50 competes with several distinct alternatives. Compared to jumbo models like the Gretsch G5022CWFE or the Guild F-2512E, the Angelus body shape is more compact and manageable. While travel-sized guitars like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E offer portability, the A50 provides a full-scale resonant voice. It stands as a more affordable, modern alternative to boutique instruments such as the Taylor Presentation PS14ce, while offering higher-tier appointments than entry-level models like the Fender Newporter Player.

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Frequently asked questions

What wood is used for the top of the PRS SE A50?: The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top. This wood is chosen for its ability to provide a balanced and expressive acoustic voice with excellent projection.
What are the back and sides made of?: The back and sides are constructed from flamed maple. This material is known for its striking visual grain and its contribution to a clear, articulate sound.
What type of bracing does the SE A50 use?: It uses the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing system. This design allows the top to vibrate more freely, enhancing both the volume and the responsiveness of the instrument.
Which electronics system is installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with a PRS-voiced Fishman Presys VT system. It includes an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone.
Does the guitar come with a case?: Yes, the PRS SE A50 Angelus is supplied with a hardshell case as standard. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.
What material is used for the fretboard and bridge?: Both the fretboard and the bridge are made from ebony. Ebony is a premium hardwood preferred for its durability and smooth playing feel.
What is the typical price range for this guitar?: The typical price for the PRS SE A50 Angelus in Black Gold is approximately £699. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
What is the body shape of the SE A50?: It features the Angelus Cutaway body shape. This design is intended to offer a balance between comfort and accessibility to the higher frets.
What are the nut and saddle made of?: The nut and saddle are both crafted from bone. Bone is traditionally used in high-quality guitars to improve resonance and sustain compared to synthetic materials.
What visual appointments are included on the neck?: The guitar features the iconic PRS bird inlays on the fretboard. These are a signature aesthetic element found across the Paul Reed Smith product range.
Where are the volume and tone controls located?: The controls are discreetly mounted inside the soundhole. This avoids cutting large holes into the side of the guitar, preserving the instrument's structural integrity and look.
How does the maple construction affect the sound?: The flamed maple back and sides produce a sound that balances clarity and projection. It adds a distinctive sense of depth and brightness to the overall tonal character.