What is the body shape of the PRS SE A60?

The guitar features the Angelus Cutaway body shape, designed by PRS to balance comfort with a full acoustic resonance.

Which tonewoods are used in the SE A60 construction?

It features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with Ziricote back and sides, a combination known for warmth and depth.

What type of bracing does this guitar use?

It uses the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing system, which allows the top to vibrate freely for better projection.

What electronics are included in the SE A60?

The guitar is fitted with a PRS-Voiced Fishman Presys VT system, featuring an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted controls.

Where are the volume and tone controls located?

The controls are discreetly mounted inside the soundhole to preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of the guitar's body.

What materials are the nut and saddle made of?

The SE A60 uses high-quality bone for both the nut and the saddle, providing superior vibration transfer compared to plastic.

Does the guitar feature an ebony fretboard?

Yes, it includes a premium ebony fretboard and a matching ebony bridge.

What is the typical price for the PRS SE A60 in the UK?

The typical retail price is approximately £749, placing it in the mid-range for high-quality electro-acoustic guitars.

How would you describe the sound of the SE A60?

It is voiced for warmth and depth, featuring a full low end and smooth, rolled-off treble frequencies reminiscent of vintage acoustics.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the responsive bracing and Angelus body shape make it highly suitable for both fingerstyle and plectrum picking.

What color finish is available for the 2026 model described?

This specific model features a Cobalt Blue Burst finish with abalone detailing.

How does the A60 compare to the Martin LX1E or Yamaha APXT2?

The SE A60 is a full-sized professional instrument with a solid top and Ziricote body, offering much more depth and volume than those compact travel models.

Gear article

PRS SE A60 Angelus (2026 Edition)

The PRS SE A60 Angelus is a high-specification electro-acoustic guitar designed by Paul Reed Smith to offer a warm, traditional acoustic character. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and Ziricote back and sides, it utilises a proprietary Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing system to achieve a vintage-inspired sound with significant projection.

Paul Reed Smith PRS SE A60 Angelus Electro Acoustic Cobalt Blue Burst (2026)

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Background and Design

The PRS SE A60 Angelus represents a premium tier within the Paul Reed Smith SE acoustic line, specifically tailored for the 2026 market. The model is built around the 'Angelus' body shape, a proprietary design that incorporates a cutaway for improved upper-fret access. This specific iteration is finished in a striking Cobalt Blue Burst, distinguishing it aesthetically from more conservative acoustic designs.

Central to the guitar's construction is the combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and Ziricote back and sides. While spruce provides the necessary rigidity and brightness for clarity, Ziricote is chosen for its visual beauty and its ability to provide a deep, full low-end response similar to high-end vintage instruments.

Bracing and Construction

The SE A60 employs the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing pattern. This engineering choice is intended to allow the solid spruce top to vibrate more freely than standard industrial bracing allows. By combining the stability of traditional X-bracing with the flexibility of classical fan bracing, the instrument achieves a more nuanced, responsive feel and enhanced projection.

The build quality is further elevated by premium appointments typically found on professional instruments, including a genuine bone nut and saddle, an ebony fretboard, and an ebony bridge. Abalone detailing adds to the premium visual aesthetic of the Cobalt Blue Burst finish.

Electronics and Amplification

For live performance and studio use, the SE A60 is equipped with the PRS-Voiced Fishman Presys VT system. Unlike bulky side-mounted preamps that require large cutouts in the guitar's rim, this system uses discreet soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone. The undersaddle pickup is specifically voiced to maintain the natural warmth of the Ziricote and Spruce construction, ensuring the amplified signal remains faithful to the guitar's unplugged character.

Sound Profile and Suitability

The sonic profile of the A60 is described as having a 'full bottom end' with 'gently rolled-off highs'. This makes it particularly suitable for players who find modern acoustics too brittle or bright. Its warmth and depth make it an ideal choice for vocal accompaniment and traditional acoustic genres.

Because of the responsive bracing, the guitar accommodates a wide range of playing styles. It is equally proficient for delicate fingerstyle techniques that require a nuanced touch and for rhythmic strumming where strong projection is necessary.

Comparative Analysis

In the mid-market electro-acoustic segment, the PRS SE A60 competes with models such as the Sigma DTC-28HE and the Fender Newporter Player. While the Fender Newporter offers a more contemporary, 'electric-style' feel, the A60 leans into traditional tonewoods like Ziricote for a richer sound.

Compared to jumbo models like the Gretsch G5022CWFE or the Guild F-2512E, the Angelus body shape is more compact and ergonomic, offering a middle ground between the massive volume of a jumbo and the portability of smaller travel guitars like the Martin LX1E or Yamaha APXT2. For players seeking boutique aesthetics at a sub-£1000 price point, the A60 stands out against standard mahogany or rosewood alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the PRS SE A60?: The guitar features the Angelus Cutaway body shape, designed by PRS to balance comfort with a full acoustic resonance.
Which tonewoods are used in the SE A60 construction?: It features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with Ziricote back and sides, a combination known for warmth and depth.
What type of bracing does this guitar use?: It uses the PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical bracing system, which allows the top to vibrate freely for better projection.
What electronics are included in the SE A60?: The guitar is fitted with a PRS-Voiced Fishman Presys VT system, featuring an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted controls.
Where are the volume and tone controls located?: The controls are discreetly mounted inside the soundhole to preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of the guitar's body.
What materials are the nut and saddle made of?: The SE A60 uses high-quality bone for both the nut and the saddle, providing superior vibration transfer compared to plastic.
Does the guitar feature an ebony fretboard?: Yes, it includes a premium ebony fretboard and a matching ebony bridge.
What is the typical price for the PRS SE A60 in the UK?: The typical retail price is approximately £749, placing it in the mid-range for high-quality electro-acoustic guitars.
How would you describe the sound of the SE A60?: It is voiced for warmth and depth, featuring a full low end and smooth, rolled-off treble frequencies reminiscent of vintage acoustics.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the responsive bracing and Angelus body shape make it highly suitable for both fingerstyle and plectrum picking.
What color finish is available for the 2026 model described?: This specific model features a Cobalt Blue Burst finish with abalone detailing.
How does the A60 compare to the Martin LX1E or Yamaha APXT2?: The SE A60 is a full-sized professional instrument with a solid top and Ziricote body, offering much more depth and volume than those compact travel models.