Vela '24

PRS revised the S2 range this year equipping all guitars with American parts. The Vela was no exception. Instead of giving this instrument the American version of its default pickups, PRS decided to replace the neck pickup entirely hence the 2024 version features a Narrowfield humbucker.

So the pre-2024 version is rather collectible in this aspect as it used to feature an HS pickup configuration: DS-01 (bridge - retained + American-ized) / Type D singlecoil (replaced with the Narrowfield humbucker). We note the coil split function in the 2024 version only splits the bridge humbucker, the Narrowfield pickup remains as a humbucker throughout.

Pics: PRS

S2 McCarty

Heck, yeah! The McCarty 594 goodness finally trickles into the S2 range.

There's also the thinline version but devoid of any F-holes. I just feel that it would look classier with F-holes & offers a visual distinction between the solid body version & its thinline counterpart.

More importantly folks, the McCarty 594 Singlecut perpetuates the, well, single cutaway PRS flagship. We know the S2 price tags aren't excessive but the fact that these are McCarty models, please manage expectations when it comes to just that. Regardless, all three will be on my radar this year. 

Semi-Vela

A nice one by PRS- the S2 Vela is now available in a semi-hollow version. I'm quite a fan of the S2s. Some people dismiss this series as a false enticement due to its selected Korean parts despite being labelled as American. I am happy with what's offered in entirety & the price-to-goodness ratio is hard to beat. Some convincing:

Vela Reid

So it finally happened- Vernon Reid's gotten his signature PRS. It moved away from being traditional by incorporating a locking, dual action whammy bridge, a V-profile neck as well as a humbucking neck pickup. That eccentric pick guard won't win fans over readily but it simply suits the personality of both the player & instrument. 

This is an important development for PRS because: 1) The Vela has finally gotten an ambassador 2) It's an endorsement for the S2 series. The Vela was PRS' initial offset model which was a hit/miss for the market at its time of release but from the way things are shaping up, it's more of a hit. The offset outline is a subtle shift from the usual double cutaway design but it was done not to be radical. The S2 range is picking up steam as it is, we see more adventurous involvements lately & it's a firm statement by the manufacturer; the S2 models mean something, they are not just there to appeal to the cost wary individuals. Let's hear what Mr. Reid has to say about his new squeeze:

August's standard

Was there, was looking at me, was not part of my plan, was reduced to a consideration, was subjected to a change of mind, was bought.

PRS: S2 series

Summer goodies from PRS- the S2 series. These are basically affordable American models featuring a flat top (with ample beveling). Prices (from left to right):

• Mira: USD1,179
• Custom 24: USD1,399
• Starla: USD1,249