This is my very first encounter with PRS guitars. Until now, my collection has mostly consisted of Ibanez models – all blue (yes, that’s my thing) – and I’ve never owned a guitar with a 25” scale. Naturally, I had some doubts about whether I’d get used to it.
The guitar arrived today. Unboxing it was an emotional experience, as this is a limited edition model with a swamp ash sandblasted top, each one featuring a unique wood grain pattern. You never really know what you’ll get, which adds to the excitement. And I must say – like many others have pointed out – this guitar looks absolutely stunning in person. Photos and YouTube videos simply don’t do it justice. The texture of the body is pleasant to the touch and makes you want to feel it under your fingers. I personally love that raw, non-glossy, natural wooden look.
Another immediate standout is the light weight – it’s comfortable from the get-go. The “Wide Thin” neck profile is really enjoyable to play. Compared to my Ibanez RGs, the PRS neck wins hands down in lower positions (frets 1–12). Above the 17th fret, I’d still give a slight edge to Ibanez in terms of fit and feel, but overall, the PRS invites you to pick it up again and again.
Build quality is excellent – easily above what I’ve seen in Indonesian-made Ibanez guitars. I couldn’t find a single flaw. The neck is beautifully made, and the frets are perfectly leveled, well-rounded at the edges, and polished to a high standard. The string action out of the box is very low – almost too low for me – but that can be easily adjusted. The tremolo bridge is smooth, comfortable, and holds tuning well, even after extended use of the whammy bar.
Sound-wise, the guitar is surprisingly bright and articulate. Notes come through clean and clear, with great definition. The sustain is long and satisfying – exactly the kind of tone I enjoy. This guitar sings beautifully and holds its voice.
Final Thoughts
The PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Ltd Blue made a strong first impression. With its top-notch craftsmanship, comfort, visual appeal, and tone, it’s clear that this guitar is here to stay in my collection. And honestly – it probably won’t be my last PRS.
