PRS: S2 Mira semi-hollow

PRS has 3 variations in the S2 range, one of which is a trio of semi-hollow guitars which this Mira (above) is a member of. FYI, the S2 range is PRS' most affordable selection of USA-made instruments offered by the manufacturer. Unlike the manufacturer's 'core' USA models, these guitars do not come with a hard case, a PRS bag is instead supplementary to purchase.

Overview

The Mira is unlike PRS' other double cut designs- the Standard or Custom models- it features some trimmed dimensions, including the cutaway horns. As with other S2 makes, the Mira sports beveled edges instead of a curved body top. The hollowed out portions of this Mira are limited to the body's bass side. Should that f-hole be covered up, the Mira would qualify as a chambered solid body. The implication here is that the Mira's hollowed out sections aren't as extensive as its Custom & Singlecut S2 siblings. As such, this Mira isn't as lightweight as one expects it to be, compared to its soilid body version. It is the only model retaining its body depth of 43mm so between the S2 solid body & semi-hollow interpretations, there isn't a difference in this aspect.

Construction/ fit/ finish

PRS has promised no compromise in terms of physical presentations despite its S2 range having undergone massive cost-cutting & this Mira is no exception. Simply refer to the unbound f-hole to witness the standard in finishing- impeccable. Despite not featuring a maple cap, this S2 semi-hollow retains that superior feel, worthy of the PRS label. In this consideration alone, the instrument here is worth every bit of its asking price.

Feel/ tone

My personal expectation here was a slight neck-heaviness in view of this guitar being more hollow than its solid body counterpart while retaining the body depth measurement but no such anomaly was observed. Implication- there's a clever play in balance resulting in no penalty in terms of overall feel. There was no additional discomfort pertaining to the finished, wider-necked & very D-profiled neck considering I am someone averse to such neck properties (I attribute this to my Ibanez inclinations). It handles shred & deep blues bends in equal measure so there's no excuse (less personal preferences) to sloppy playing, really. 

The biggest consideration here is tone. Ladies & gentlemen, what is the purpose of manufacturers hollowing out solid guitar bodies? The immediate desired effect is the fusion of hollow acoustics with magnetic signals to produce that proverbial Gibson ES-335-esque tone. This effect is audible in clean mode, coming from this Mira (albeit not as pronounced as one would like it to be but PRS has 2 other models in this range for your scrutiny). We hear a more sponged-out midrange but once any form of overdrive kicks in, we note the instrument's more pronounced top end despite that acoustic resonance in the mix. Two things- this Mira's diminished body dimensions which means more hollowed proportions should be included for a more desirable acoustic effect and those uncovered pickups. Specifically, PRS had avoided calling them the #7s since they are cover-less but a company spokesman revealed the fact that they are indeed #7s without the covers. The semi-hollow purists would deem this heretical but I'd say it's a gem in terms of clarity if you deem this important to tone. It cuts both ways depending on your interpretations of what you hear. So what would the Mira semi-hollow be good for? Simple answer- everything notwithstanding its hollowed elements.

Conclusion

Out of the 3 semi-hollow models offered in the S2 range, the Mira is the least hollow sounding but its acoustic presence is available despite being a little inconspicuous. There shouldn't be anyone out there equating both the Miras in terms of tone (solid vs semi-hollow); it's a clear 'no'. This Mira has the best defined tone in the S2 semi-hollow range so if that is your priority, it should be a clear pick. I have a personal take on this instrument but I'm saving that for a later discussion :-) Do not approach any of the S2 semi-hollow guitars thinking it's a budget ES-335, the S2s were not conceived for that to happen.

Rating: 80%

PRS: S2 Mira semi-hollow

Availability: Davis GMC

Sale: $1,400 (dot inlays, less $100)

Pic: PRS.com