Gear article

PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo

The Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo is a versatile hybrid electric guitar that combines the platform of the iconic Custom 24 with a semi-hollow body construction. It features a dual-voice pickup system comprising traditional 85/15 'S' humbuckers and an integrated LR Baggs/PRS piezo system to deliver both electric and acoustic-style tones.

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Background and Design

The SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo represents an evolution of the PRS SE line, bridging the gap between standard solid-body electrics and hollowbody instruments. While based on the classic 1985 Custom 24 design, this iteration introduces an 'f-hole' and a semi-hollow mahogany body capped with a maple top and flame maple veneer. This design choice is intended to reduce the weight of the instrument while introducing a more resonant, airier character to the sustains and dynamics.

Neck and Playability

The guitar follows the standard PRS SE specifications for high-performance playability. It features a maple neck with the popular 'Wide Thin' profile, designed for speed and comfort during technical passages. The rosewood fretboard spans 24 frets, allowing for a full two-octave range per string. The combination of the 25-inch scale length and the semi-hollow body harmonics results in an expressive response under the fingers.

Electronics and Dual-Voice System

The primary feature of this model is its dual-voice electronics. The magnetic pickups are a pair of PRS-designed 85/15 'S' humbuckers, which provide high-clarity electric tones suited for various genres. Complementing these is the LR Baggs/PRS Piezo system located in the bridge.

Control over these distinct voices is handled via: * Independent magnetic and piezo volume knobs. * Dual output jacks, allowing players to run the magnetic signal to a guitar amplifier and the piezo signal to an acoustic amp or DI box simultaneously. * A blend option for mixed tonal textures when using a single output.

Tonal Character

The sound of the SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo is characterized by a rich, balanced frequency response. The mahogany back provides warmth and low-end punch, while the maple top adds high-end shimmer. Due to the semi-hollow construction, notes exhibit an 'acoustic depth' and organic resonance not found in solid-body variants. The 85/15 'S' pickups are voiced for clarity and broad frequency range, while the piezo system effectively captures the shimmering resonance of the guitar’s body.

Market Position and Alternatives

Sitting at a price point of approximately £999, this model targets intermediate to professional players who require a single instrument for diverse sets. It competes with other semi-hollow and hollowbody options such as the Gibson ES-335 or ES-339 series, though the PRS offers a different ergonomics package and the added versatility of a factory-installed piezo. For players looking for more traditional jazz or rockabilly tones, alternatives like the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body provide a different tremolo system and pickup voicing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo?
Like most PRS Custom 24 models, it features a 25-inch scale length, providing a middle ground between traditional shorter and longer scale electric guitars.
What pickups are used in this model?
The guitar is equipped with PRS-designed 85/15 'S' humbuckers for electric tones and an integrated LR Baggs/PRS Piezo system for acoustic-like sounds.
Does it have two outputs?
Yes, it features dual output jacks, which allow you to send the magnetic pickups to a guitar amp and the piezo pickups to a separate acoustic amp or PA system.
What are the body woods?
The guitar features a mahogany back with a maple top and a flame maple veneer for aesthetic appeal and tonal balance.
What is the neck profile?
This model uses the 'Wide Thin' neck profile, which is designed for comfort and speed across all 24 frets.
Can you blend the magnetic and piezo sounds?
Yes, the instrument includes independent volume controls for both systems, allowing players to blend the signals into a single output or keep them separate.
Is the body fully hollow?
No, it is a semi-hollow construction, which maintains a center block for stability and feedback resistance while utilizing an f-hole for air and resonance.
How many frets does the guitar have?
It features 24 frets on a rosewood fingerboard, providing a full two-octave range for the player.
What is the primary finish of this specific 2026 iteration?
This specific version is finished in Lake Blue with a flame maple veneer.
What type of player is this guitar suit for?
It is ideal for gigging musicians who need to switch between electric and acoustic tones frequently without changing instruments.
Are the 85/15 'S' pickups different from the core line 85/15s?
Yes, 'S' pickups are PRS-designed and manufactured to PRS specifications specifically for the SE and S2 ranges.
How does the semi-hollow body affect the tone compared to a solid body?
The semi-hollow design adds 'acoustic depth,' enhanced sustain, and an airier harmonic response compared to a traditional solid-body Custom 24.