Gear article

PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody Baritone Pink Ombre

The PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody Baritone is a signature collaboration instrument designed for deep tunings and expansive tonal textures. It features a fully hollow body construction, an extended 27.7" scale length, and a dual-pickup system combining magnetic humbuckers with a piezo bridge for acoustic blending.

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Background and Design

The PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody Baritone represents a unique collaboration between Paul Reed Smith and the global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. Designed to meet the demands of Sheeran's complex live looping and atmospheric songwriting, the instrument departs from standard baritone designs by utilizing a fully hollow construction rather than a solid or semi-hollow body. The aesthetic is defined by a distinctive Pink Ombre finish, reflecting the artist's visual style while maintaining the classic PRS SE silhouettes.

Construction and Scale Length

The guitar is built with a maple top paired with a mahogany back, a combination chosen to balance warm resonance with structural integrity. As a baritone instrument, it features a significantly extended 27.7" scale length. This additional length provides the necessary string tension to maintain clarity and focus when tuned to lower registers, preventing the 'flubby' or muddy response often associated with standard-scale guitars in dropped tunings.

Electronics and Hybrid Tonal System

A primary feature of this model is its versatile electronics package. It is equipped with two PRS 85/15 "S" magnetic humbuckers, which are designed to offer clarity in both high and low frequencies. Complementing these is a PRS/LR Baggs piezo system located in the bridge.

Control is managed via separate volume knobs for the magnetic and piezo circuits, allowing players to: * Use purely electric tones for rock and riff-heavy playing. * Use the piezo for detailed, acoustic-style textures. * Blend both signals together for a hybrid sound that combines the 'woodiness' of an acoustic with the sustain of an electric.

Sound Character and Playability

The sonic character of the SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody Baritone is defined by its impressive sustain and low-end definition. The hollow body allows for a rich, resonant airiness that enhances atmospheric songwriting and layered looping. Despite its deeper tuning capabilities, the instrument remains tight and articulate, making it suitable for modern rock and heavy riffing in addition to softer folk or pop styles.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is primarily suited for musicians who require a versatile tool for live performance and studio recording. While it shares some hollow-body DNA with traditional models like the Gibson ES-335 or ES-339, its baritone scale and piezo system set it apart as a specialized tool for extended-range players. It offers a more modern, hybrid utility compared to the vintage-focused designs of the Gretsch Nashville or the Gibson ES-345.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the PRS SE Ed Sheeran Baritone?
The guitar features a 27.7-inch scale length, which is significantly longer than the standard 25-inch PRS scale to accommodate lower tunings.
Is the body fully hollow or semi-hollow?
This model is a fully hollowbody guitar, which contributes to its resonance and lightweight feel compared to solid or semi-hollow alternatives.
What woods are used in the construction of this guitar?
The instrument features a maple top and a mahogany back, providing a balance of bright clarity and warm resonance.
What pickups are installed in this model?
It is equipped with a pair of PRS 85/15 "S" magnetic humbuckers and a PRS/LR Baggs piezo system in the bridge.
How does the piezo system work with the electric pickups?
The guitar has separate volume controls for the magnetic and piezo pickups, allowing you to use them individually or blend them together for hybrid tones.
What is the typical price for this guitar?
The typical price for the PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody Baritone is approximately £1,499.
What tuning is this guitar designed for?
As a baritone, it is designed for deeper tunings below standard E, such as B-to-B or A-to-A, while maintaining string tension.
What finish does the Ed Sheeran signature model have?
The guitar features a unique Pink Ombre finish, which is specific to this collaboration model.
Can this guitar handle heavy rock styles?
Yes, despite the hollow body, the 85/15 "S" pickups and baritone scale make it well-suited for heavy riff-driven playing and modern rock.
Who was this guitar designed in collaboration with?
This instrument was designed in collaboration with the British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
Does the guitar produce acoustic-style tones?
Yes, the integrated LR Baggs piezo system allows the guitar to produce detailed acoustic-style textures without changing instruments.
How does it compare to a standard hollowbody like a Gibson ES-335?
Unlike a standard ES-335, this is a baritone guitar with a longer scale and a piezo system, making it more specialized for low tunings and hybrid acoustic-electric sounds.