Top 5 Most Popular PRS SE Guitars

PRS SE (Student Edition) guitars are affordable alternatives to Paul Reed Smith’s domestic Core models. Over the past decade or so, PRS has developed a close relationship with the P.T. Cort factory in Indonesia where SE models are built. The pros at Cort have been cross-trained by the PRS team, ensuring ultrahigh standards across the entire lineup of more than 20 Student Edition instruments. And when shipments destined for the North American market arrive from Indonesia, each one is inspected at the PRS factory in Stevensville, Maryland.

With SE models, you can expect PRS design prowess, exceptional playability and versatile sonics, all at a price that doesn’t make you question your dedication to playing guitar. If you’re looking for an introduction to the series, these are the top five most popular PRS SE electrics at Guitar Center.

Top PRS SE Guitars

PRS SE Silver Sky

What to Know:

• S-type guitar designed in collaboration with John Mayer

• Equipped with a trio of 635JM “S” single-coil pickups

• Signature PRS headstock shape (inverted) and bird inlays

The PRS SE Silver Sky combines John Mayer’s favorite qualities of certain instruments from 1963 and 1964 with contemporary enhancements, including a PRS-designed 2-point tremolo bridge, stable double-acting truss rod and synthetic bone nut. The guitar features bolt-on neck construction with a 25.5" scale length and 8.5" fingerboard radius, as well as three single-coils nailing classic S-style sound with a clear, musical top end that isn’t too harsh. When you want “timeless,” this is the SE model you reach for.  

PRS SE NF 53

What to Know:

• T-type guitar with Narrowfield DD (Deep Dish) “S” humbucking pickups

• PRS plate-style steel bridge with brass saddles

• Lightweight tuning machines with wing buttons

Next up is the PRS SE NF 53: a stylish single-cutaway electric with super unique pickups. Narrowfield DD “S” mini humbuckers are built with tall bobbins to house more windings and extra metal pieces between the magnets. These are powerful pickups offering deep low-end extension and airy highs for classic single-coil bark and bite, minus the hum. There’s enough juice for hard rock, but you can also enjoy the bouncy twang associated with country. The sandblasted White Doghair finish adds an aesthetic flourish to a vintage-inspired guitar with a personality all its own.

PRS SE DGT Standard

What to Know:

• David Grissom signature instrument with a Texas-style voice

• Per-pickup volume controls, master tone and 3-way toggle

• 22 frets and PRS scale length (25")

Based on the McCarty model, the PRS SE DGT (David Grissom Trem) Standard pairs a mahogany body and neck with DGT “S” humbuckers to produce rich resonance, throaty midrange presence and an organic, responsive tonality. This guitar can pull off everything from rock and blues to country and beyond, with more sonic flexibility on tap from the coil-splitting push/pull tone knob. A PRS-patented tremolo offers under-hand comfort and tuning stability, while “moon” inlays are an understated departure from traditional PRS birds.

PRS SE Custom 24

What to Know:

• Flagship PRS model built for comfortable playability, tonal versatility and road-ready stability

• 85/15 “S” humbuckers with a 3-way blade selector and push/pull tone control

• 24 frets, 25" scale length and 10" fingerboard radius

The PRS SE Custom 24 is a more affordable option to the USA-made Custom 24 that was first introduced as the brand’s foundational model in 1985. It features a mahogany body with a maple top and flamed veneer, a fast Wide Thin maple neck, rosewood fretboard and chameleonic “vintage-hot” humbuckers covering virtually any style you’d want to play. The SE Custom 24 is a workhorse electric guitar—reliable, adaptable and quintessentially Paul Reed Smith. 

PRS SE NF3

What to Know:

• Three Narrowfield DD “S” pickups with volume/tone knobs and 5-way blade selector

• Bolt-on Wide Thin maple neck with a rosewood (or maple) fingerboard

• 22 frets and 25" scale length

The PRS SE NF3 is a souped-up S-style guitar, powered by the distinctive character of Paul Reed Smith Deep Dish pickups. It projects a forward, focused voice equally suited for shimmering cleans, punchy rhythms or supersonic leads, and with a 5-way blade, you can choose between the individual pickups or play two at a time in positions 2 and 4. Playability-wise, the SE NF3 has a slinky, inviting feel, with a Wide Thin neck carve applauded by metal riff monsters and bluesy string benders alike. 

How We Picked These PRS SE Guitars

We try to get our paws on as many guitars as we can to curate these lists, but we also pay close attention to what’s clicking with everyday players. Realistically, the sales data doesn’t lie: It paints a pretty clear picture of the best-selling, highest-rated PRS SE models, which we’ve featured here.

So, when we do the picking for articles like this, it’s not us, technically—selections are based on what’s popular among the actual guitar community.

Left to Right: PRS SE Custom 24, PRS SE Silver Sky and PRS SE NF53

FAQs About PRS SE Guitars

What is the PRS SE Series?

The PRS SE Series offers more affordable versions of popular Paul Reed Smith designs, bringing the brand’s distinctive styling, playability and tonal versatility to players of all stripes. 

Where are PRS SE guitars made?

PRS SE guitars are manufactured primarily in Indonesia, then checked for quality assurance by PRS before hitting dealers. Country of origin can vary by model and production year.

Are PRS SE guitars good for beginners?

Absolutely. Between comfy necks and fingerboards, reliable hardware and flexible sonic range, PRS SE models are great for beginning players. Plus, the overall build quality is excellent. These are meant to be permanent fixtures in any collection, whether you’re a newbie or a vet. 

What is the difference between PRS SE and Core guitars?

SE guitars rely on overseas production and more budget-friendly components to keep prices down. Core models are built in Maryland with premium materials, hardware and more extensive finishing work.

What styles of music are PRS SE guitars best suited for?

SE models can cover rock, blues, indie, country, jazz, metal and more—it really depends on the model and pickup configuration. For example, the SE Custom 24 is a workhorse for humbucking tones (and even split-coil sounds), while the Silver Sky is a go-to for classic single-coil spank and sparkle.

Broadly speaking, though, guitars across the series can easily adapt to a variety of genres and playing styles.

Take Flight

We hope we’ve helped narrow your selection of the next guitar for your collection. Which of these top five best-selling PRS SE models is your favorite?

As usual, it’s always a good idea to try any of these before you buy, which you can you do at your local Guitar Center. But if you prefer the remote approach, just get in touch with one of our expert Gear Advisers, and they can offer a solid breakdown of what makes these guitars special.

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