What is the primary benefit of the piezo system on this guitar?

The PRS/LR Baggs piezo system allows the player to access natural, acoustic-style tones. These can be used independently or blended with the magnetic humbuckers for a hybrid sound.

What materials are used in the construction of the body?

The guitar features a maple top and a mahogany back. This combination is designed to provide a balance of warmth, openness, and punchy resonance.

Does this guitar have a centre block?

Yes, it utilizes a centre-block design. This specific construction helps to control unwanted feedback when playing with increased gain or at high volumes.

What is the neck profile of the SE Hollowbody I Piezo?

It features a 'Wide Fat' maple neck. This profile is designed for comfort and provides excellent sustain and note definition.

What is the scale length of this model?

The guitar has a 25-inch scale length. This is a standard PRS specification that offers a unique string tension and feel compared to other brands.

Which pickups are included in this model?

The guitar is equipped with a pair of 85/15 "S" humbuckers. These are designed to provide a versatile, modern electric voice with great clarity.

Is the back of the guitar arched or flat?

As the name suggests, this specific model features a 'Flat Back' design. This distinguishes it from other hollowbody models that may feature arched backs.

What musical genres is this guitar suited for?

Due to its versatile electronics, it is suited for jazz, blues, indie pop, and rock. It can transition from warm acoustic textures to driven electric tones easily.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This particular version comes in a Lake Blue gloss finish. This provides a vibrant, modern aesthetic to the classic hollowbody shape.

How does the price compare to other hollowbody guitars?

With a typical price of around £1,449, it sits in the upper tier of the SE range. This makes it more affordable than many USA-made Gibson ES-335 models while offering additional piezo functionality.

Can you blend the piezo and humbucker sounds?

Yes, the electronics are designed to allow players to blend the natural acoustic tones of the piezo with the power of the 85/15 "S" humbuckers. This provides a huge range of sounds from a single instrument.

How does this model handle high-gain settings?

While it is a hollowbody, the inclusion of a centre block allows it to handle higher gain settings with better feedback control than a traditional fully hollow instrument.

Gear article

Paul Reed Smith PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo Flat Back Lake Blue

The Paul Reed Smith SE Hollowbody I Piezo is a versatile electric guitar that combines fully hollow construction with dual output capabilities. Finished in a distinctive Lake Blue gloss, it integrates traditional humbucking pickups with a PRS/LR Baggs piezo system to provide both magnetic and acoustic-style tones.

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Overview and Construction

The PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo Flat Back represents an evolution in the SE series, offering a fully hollow architecture that balances resonance with modern reliability. The instrument features a maple top paired with a mahogany back, finished in a striking Lake Blue gloss. Unlike many semi-hollow instruments, this model utilizes a centre-block design specifically engineered to keep feedback under control when playing at higher gain levels, while maintaining the openness of a true hollowbody.

Neck and Playability

The guitar is built with a 25-inch scale length, a hallmark of PRS design that sits between the standard lengths used by other major manufacturers. The maple neck features a 'Wide Fat' profile, designed to offer a substantial grip that aids in sustain and note definition. This combination provides a comfortable playing experience suitable for various techniques, from intricate jazz chording to standard rock riffing.

Electronics and Sound Character

The defining feature of this model is its dual-voice electronics. It is equipped with two 85/15 "S" humbucking pickups that deliver a clear, modern electric punch. Supplementing these is the PRS/LR Baggs piezo system, which captures the natural acoustic vibrations of the hollow body. Players can use the individual volume controls to blend these two distinct signals, allowing for a range of tones that spans from warm, woody jazz textures to crisp, acoustic-like shimmering cleans.

Market Context and Comparison

Positioned at a premium point within the SE line, this guitar competes with established hollow and semi-hollow models. While the Gibson ES-335 and ES-345 series offer a more traditional semi-hollow experience with different scale lengths and bracing, the PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo distinguishes itself through its specific piezo integration. Compared to the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body, the PRS offers a more modern ergonomic feel and a different feedback-rejection profile, making it a highly versatile tool for the stage and studio.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the piezo system on this guitar?: The PRS/LR Baggs piezo system allows the player to access natural, acoustic-style tones. These can be used independently or blended with the magnetic humbuckers for a hybrid sound.
What materials are used in the construction of the body?: The guitar features a maple top and a mahogany back. This combination is designed to provide a balance of warmth, openness, and punchy resonance.
Does this guitar have a centre block?: Yes, it utilizes a centre-block design. This specific construction helps to control unwanted feedback when playing with increased gain or at high volumes.
What is the neck profile of the SE Hollowbody I Piezo?: It features a 'Wide Fat' maple neck. This profile is designed for comfort and provides excellent sustain and note definition.
What is the scale length of this model?: The guitar has a 25-inch scale length. This is a standard PRS specification that offers a unique string tension and feel compared to other brands.
Which pickups are included in this model?: The guitar is equipped with a pair of 85/15 "S" humbuckers. These are designed to provide a versatile, modern electric voice with great clarity.
Is the back of the guitar arched or flat?: As the name suggests, this specific model features a 'Flat Back' design. This distinguishes it from other hollowbody models that may feature arched backs.
What musical genres is this guitar suited for?: Due to its versatile electronics, it is suited for jazz, blues, indie pop, and rock. It can transition from warm acoustic textures to driven electric tones easily.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This particular version comes in a Lake Blue gloss finish. This provides a vibrant, modern aesthetic to the classic hollowbody shape.
How does the price compare to other hollowbody guitars?: With a typical price of around £1,449, it sits in the upper tier of the SE range. This makes it more affordable than many USA-made Gibson ES-335 models while offering additional piezo functionality.
Can you blend the piezo and humbucker sounds?: Yes, the electronics are designed to allow players to blend the natural acoustic tones of the piezo with the power of the 85/15 "S" humbuckers. This provides a huge range of sounds from a single instrument.
How does this model handle high-gain settings?: While it is a hollowbody, the inclusion of a centre block allows it to handle higher gain settings with better feedback control than a traditional fully hollow instrument.