REVIEW: PRS STUDIO
Studio Returns
It’s the second return to the PRS Core line for the Studio. So, what’s new and what’s changed since it was last introduced 10 years ago?
Words Dave Burrluck
Photography Neil Godwin
PRS STUDIO FROM £3,885
CONTACT PRS Europe PHONE 01223 874301 WEB www.prsguitars.com
What You Need To Know
1 We’ve seen this before, correct?
Indeed. The Studio first appeared way back in 1988 as an all-mahogany Standard but with a humbucker at the bridge and two conventional single coils – the first production PRS guitar to feature true single coils.A maple-top version was added the following year, but the model left the line in 1990 (although the Studio’s pickup configuration was offered as an option until 1996).
2 Wasn’t there a later version?
Yes, in 2011 it reappeared sporting the then new 57/08 full-size humbucker in the bridge position and two 57/08 Narrowfield humbuckers – the original version of the two narrow aperture pickups we see today.
3 Seems like lot of guitar, but it’s a heck of a lot of money…
The base price is £3,885 (no doubt less in-store), which means it’s risen £886 in the past 10 years, around a 29.5 per cent increase. We do get fewer options, though, just the 10-grade maple top that comes with hybrid hardware (and adds £615), neither of which are going to affect what you hear and feel. Back in 2011 we had a choice of vibrato or Stoptail, Pattern or Pattern Thin neck profiles, flame or quilted maple top, 10-Top flame or quilted maple top, gold hardware and special-order finishes.
There’s little doubt that Paul Reed Smith has got considerable mileage from a guitar he designed back in the early 80s. Having a quick tot-up of the flagship Core USA model range for 2021, there are 17 guitars, 14 of which use this shape, one earlier design (the Santana Retro) and two later Singlecuts. Surely, this reliance on one outline has to be unique in the history of the instrument, doesn’t it?
This design polarity is often cited by those who don’t ‘get’ PRS: ‘They’re all the same!’ The thing is, they’re not. The differences lie in a host of features, even though that outline remains constant and has done over 36 years of production guitar making. Yet many invisible changes – often unannounced – continually push PRS forwards. Is there a better way, a better sound? Few open-minded players would say “the old ones are better” and PRS can’t be accused of sitting on its well-earned laurels. In fact, it’s not always easy to keep up.