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.
See live pricesBackground 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.
