Gear article
PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo Orange Tiger Smokeburst (2026)
The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo is a versatile electric-acoustic hybrid guitar featuring a fully hollow construction with maple and mahogany tonewoods. It incorporates a dual-pickup system, combining traditional 58/15 LT "S" magnetic humbuckers with an LR Baggs/PRS piezo system to provide a wide array of tonal possibilities.
See live pricesOverview and Construction
The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo represents a sophisticated iteration of the SE series, designed to offer professional-grade versatility at a mid-range price point. The instrument features a multi-wood construction, utilizing a maple top and back paired with mahogany sides. This fully hollow architecture is designed to maximise resonance and depth while maintaining a manageable body weight. The 2026 model is distinguished by its Orange Tiger Smokeburst finish over a figured maple veneer, providing a high-end aesthetic typically associated with the Maryland-made Core line.
Playability and Hardware
The guitar is built with a mahogany neck featuring the PRS 'Wide Fat' profile, intended to offer a substantial but comfortable grip for the player. The fretboard is crafted from ebony, providing a smooth, dark surface that complements the bright response of the maple body. Hardware includes a PRS adjustable stoptail bridge, which is specifically modified to house the piezo saddles, and standard SE tuners. The dual-output design allows players to route their signals to two separate amplifiers or a mixing desk, depending on the desired configuration.
Electronics and Tonal Palette
At the core of the guitar's utility is its dual electronics system. It is equipped with 58/15 LT "S" humbuckers, which are voiced to provide warm, vintage-inspired electric tones with clear highs. The secondary system is an LR Baggs/PRS piezo, which captures the acoustic resonance of the hollow body.
Control is facilitated via: * A magnetic volume control * A piezo volume control * A master tone control * A 3-way toggle switch for the humbuckers
This setup allows for the blending of acoustic and electric signals or the use of each independently.
Market Context and Comparison
Priced at approximately £1,349, the SE Hollowbody II Piezo occupies a specific niche between traditional semi-hollow guitars like the Gibson ES-335 or ES-339 and dedicated acoustic-electric hybrids. Unlike the semi-hollow Gibson models, which feature a solid centre block for feedback resistance, this PRS is fully hollow, offering more acoustic volume but requiring more care at high gain levels. It competes with other high-spec hollow bodies such as the Gretsch Nashville series, though the inclusion of the LR Baggs piezo system gives it a distinct advantage for performers requiring acoustic textures mid-set.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tonewoods are used in the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo?
- The guitar features a maple top and back with mahogany sides. The neck is also made of mahogany, paired with an ebony fretboard for a balanced tonal response.
- What is the specific finish on this 2026 model?
- This model features the Orange Tiger Smokeburst finish. This is applied over a figured maple veneer to highlight the wood grain.
- How does the piezo system work on this guitar?
- The guitar uses an LR Baggs/PRS piezo system integrated into the bridge. It captures the physical vibrations of the strings and the resonance of the hollow body to simulate acoustic guitar tones.
- Can I use the magnetic and piezo pickups at the same time?
- Yes, the guitar features separate volume controls for both systems. This allows you to blend the 58/15 LT "S" humbuckers with the piezo signal for a hybrid sound.
- Does this guitar have dual outputs?
- Yes, it features two output jacks. One can be used to send a mixed signal, or they can be used to send the magnetic signal to a guitar amp and the piezo signal to an acoustic amp or PA system.
- What is the neck profile of the SE Hollowbody II Piezo?
- It features a 'Wide Fat' mahogany neck. This profile is designed to feel substantial and comfortable, providing a solid grip for various playing styles.
- Is the SE Hollowbody II Piezo a true hollow body guitar?
- Yes, it is a fully hollow design. Unlike semi-hollow guitars that have a solid wood block running through the middle, this guitar is open inside, which increases resonance and sustain.
- What pickups are installed in this model?
- It is equipped with PRS 58/15 LT "S" pickups. These are 'Low Turn' variants designed to provide a clear, warm, and vintage-style humbucking tone.
- What is the typical price range for this instrument?
- In the UK market, the typical price for this specific model is approximately £1,349. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and specific stock availability.
- How does it compare to a Gibson ES-335?
- The Gibson ES-335 is a semi-hollow guitar with a centre block, whereas the PRS is fully hollow. The PRS also includes a piezo system for acoustic tones, which is not a standard feature on the ES-335.
- What type of fretboard wood does it have?
- The guitar features an ebony fretboard. Ebony is chosen for its smooth feel, durability, and the bright, snappy attack it adds to the overall sound.
- Who is the primary target audience for this guitar?
- This guitar suits players who need maximum versatility, such as session musicians or live performers. It is ideal for those who need to switch between electric and acoustic sounds without changing instruments.
