PRS SE Swamp Ash Special Review
Our Verdict and Review Summary
Most of the PRS SEs I've played are more rhythmic to my ear, but the Swamp Ash Special, with an HSH pickup configuration and coil splitting, gets you a very Stratocaster-esque tone that's bluesy and addictive to play. It's a nice break from the more familiar PRS tone.
BEST FOR: Blues, classic rock, lead/rhythm hybrids, clean tones, ambient effects, and low gain levels.
TONE
91
CONTROL
93
FLEXIBILITY
84
PRICE/VALUE
93
- Coil-split tone is crisp and very bluesy.
- Neck feels and plays smooth, easy on lead runs.
- Swamp Ash body and finish look great.
- Lots of flexibility from the HSH pickup configuration.
- Has the bird inlays!
- I would change strings right away.
- Not great for high gain or heavy tones.
- Might be a candidate for an eventual pickup swap.
The SE Swamp Ash Special sacrifices some style versatility for tone versatility within blues and lead disciplines. Because onboard flexibility is fantastic, but it's certainly more of a clean and low gain style electric, with all the feel and quality of the PRS SE series. I haven't played the SE Silver Sky, but I would imagine it's a similar feel and style. Detailed review is below. Enjoy, and hit me with your questions in the comments section.
The SE Swamp Ash Tone, Style, and Playability
Most PRS guitars I've played have sounded punchy to my ear, but the Swamp Ash Special doesn't really fit that mold.
It's plays lighter and far more bluesy, to the point where putting my typically heavier gauge strings on it (usually .052) wouldn't make sense. It's a lead and clean rhythm electric that excels on lower gain levels, sounding especially good with ambient effects and lead runs.
Granted, PRS makes some of the most versatile guitars on the market, so I didn't feel quite as limited as I would with a traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster.
Control and Versatility
The coil splitting and pickup selector gave me a lot flexibility, which combined for a total of six different sounds. I found the middle pickup position with the split coils to be one of the most satisfying and useable, but nothing sounded bad. For the most part I kept volume wide open and set my Boss Katana 50 amp at my usual EQ settings (Bass 6, Mid 7, Treble 4).
The coil splitting and pickup selector are enough to give you six different tone combinations.
Value and Cost
Throughout recorded history, PRS has never once overcharged for one of their SE electric guitars. While they're not made in the United States like the core models, the SEs are consistently some of the highest value electrics on the market. The Swamp Ash Special is no exception, priced well below the $1000 threshold, giving it a ton of value if the tone and style lean are what you're looking for. I don't mind the asking price at all.
Our Review Summary and Ideal Buyer
The Swamp Ash Special definitely has a specific style, so we wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something heavier or more aggressive. But for clean tones, ambient effects, lead, and blues styles, this is fantastic guitar that gives you a ton of value. Buy confidently.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out via the comments section below and I'll do my best to help out.
As always, thanks for trusting our content.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
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