The Swamp Ash Special is not a new PRS model. This is merely an SE version of the original SAS which was discontinued in 2009. Back then the middle pickup was reversed unlike the normal orientation you see in the SE make. This late 2023, PRS released two new bolt-on offerings in its catalogue, one of which was the SAS.
Likes
- build quality
- neck feel
- pickups
- price
Dislikes
- loose tuners
- pickup selection
The SAS & CE are just the second & third bolt-on models offered in the SE range. True to it's bolt-on nature, these instruments are indeed not as pricey as the set-neck counterparts. The immediate draw to this guitar is simply the neck feel; very comfortable & playable, almost playing itself 😅 Adding to that, the top draw QC which extends to the body. I personally feel the pickups offered here are immediate winners for those of us looking for a classic sounding tone with a touch of modern voicing in various applications. I see the humbuckers as possible reincarnations of the fabled Seymour Duncan '59s but grittier in response when it comes to drive. The single coil might be the weakest link in this tone chain, but we cannot hear it in isolated performance to give it a true appraisal as no such option exists. It is always in combination use with other pickups, some selections are not as inviting & exist for variety's sake. Tuners are uncharacteristically loose upon initial engagements but it's an easy (tightening) fix. For a whisker under $1K, this has to be one of the best value-for-money instrument this year. The tone & playability are simply outstanding for the money. Enough said.
Final rating: 85%
PRS: SE Swamp Ash Special
List: $999
Availability: Davis GMC
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