Best PRS Guitars in 2026: 6 Picks Compared on Specs
Choosing a PRS guitar is about balancing construction and sound. In this guide, we compare six PRS SE models available today, from the solid-body Swamp Ash Special to the hollow-body piezo-equipped designs. The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo takes the top spot as the best overall pick, thanks to its combination of a hollow body and piezo electronics, which covers jazz, blues, and rock. We based our selections on what the product names reveal, since the listings do not include full specifications. Prices are live from the seller at the time of writing.
6 picks from 10 guitars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.
Quick list
| # | Pick | Guitar | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo | $1,899.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details) |
| 2 | Best for acoustic tones | PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo | $1,449.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details) |
| 3 | Best semi-hollow for versatile tone | PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow | $1,149.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details) |
| 4 | Best classic hollowbody | PRS SE Hollowbody Standard Piezo | $1,749.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details) |
| 5 | Best straightforward electric | PRS SE Swamp Ash Special | |
| 6 | Best baritone | PRS SE Sheeran Baritone Hollowbody I Piezo | $1,499.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details) |
Which one is right for you?
- For the stage player: You need a guitar that can handle both electric and acoustic tones live. The Hollowbody II Piezo offers a piezo system for natural-sounding acoustic timbres through your amp or PA. See pick 1
- For the bedroom musician: If you are practicing at home and want a dependable electric without extra features, the Swamp Ash Special keeps it simple with a solid body and a gigbag for transport. See pick 5
- For the acoustic-leaning electric player: You want an electric that also delivers convincing acoustic simulation. The Hollowbody I Piezo pairs a hollow body with piezo pickups, fitting that role at a more accessible point in the lineup. See pick 2
All 6 picks in detail
1 Best overall
This model combines a hollow body with a piezo pickup system, giving you both electric and acoustic-style tones. The included case adds protection at no extra thought, making it the most complete package in this selection. Its 'II' designation suggests a more refined version of PRS's hollowbody design, though specifications are not stated.
Pros
- Hollow body construction for resonant tone
- Piezo pickup for acoustic simulation
- Includes a hardshell case
- Fuller feature set than other models here
Cons
- Seller does not state wood or electronics specs
- Hollow body may be more prone to feedback at high volume
Good fit if
- Players who want both electric and acoustic sounds from one guitar
- Those who need a case included for travel
Skip if
- You prefer a solid body for maximum sustain and less feedback
- You want a lighter, simpler guitar without piezo electronics
Verdict: The best all-rounder in this list if you want hollow-body resonance and piezo flexibility.
2 Best for acoustic tones
The name points to a hollow body with a piezo pickup, which is a common recipe for convincing acoustic-like sounds through an amp or mixer. Compared to the Hollowbody II, this 'I' version is likely more basic in features, but it still covers the core needs of an acoustic-electric hybrid. No case is listed, so you will need to supply your own gigbag or case.
Pros
- Hollow body for natural resonance
- Piezo pickup for acoustic simulation
- Orange Tiger Smokeburst finish adds visual character
Cons
- Seller does not state scale length or neck profile
- No case or gigbag included in the listing
Good fit if
- Players who primarily want acoustic tones through an electric guitar
- Those who like striking translucent finishes
Skip if
- You need a case or gigbag in the box
- You prefer a more traditional electric-only setup
Verdict: A strong candidate for players who want hollow-body warmth and piezo versatility without the full case package.
3 Best semi-hollow for versatile tone
The 'Semi-Hollow' label indicates a body design that blends solid and hollow elements, often yielding a balance of warmth and note clarity. It is the only semi-hollow in this list, providing a distinct middle ground between the fully hollow models and the likely solid Swamp Ash Special. The included gigbag adds convenience for everyday transport.
Pros
- Semi-hollow construction for tonal flexibility
- Includes a gigbag
- Lake Blue finish is distinctive
Cons
- Seller does not specify the tonewood combination
- No piezo electronics mentioned in the name
Good fit if
- Players who want a compromise between hollow resonance and solid-body stability
- Those who appreciate a lighter weight than a solid-body guitar
Skip if
- You absolutely need piezo acoustic simulation
- You prefer a fully hollow or fully solid design
Verdict: A versatile semi-hollow that comes with a gigbag, though its tonal details remain unverified.
4 Best classic hollowbody
The name suggests a standard hollow body with piezo electronics, which is the traditional recipe used by many jazz and blues players. It includes a case, making it ready for gigging out of the box. Compared to the Hollowbody II, this 'Standard' likely has fewer frills, but it still covers the essential hollow-piezo combination.
Pros
- Hollow body construction for warm, airy tone
- Piezo pickup for acoustic-like sounds
- Includes a hardshell case
- Unique Dog Hair Smokeburst finish
Cons
- Seller does not give wood or pickup specifics
- Hollow body may be more feedback-prone at loud stage volumes
Good fit if
- Jazz, blues, or country players seeking a traditional hollowbody feel
- Musicians who need a case for transportation
Skip if
- You want a solid body for rock or metal
- You prefer a barebones approach without piezo extra features
Verdict: A classic hollowbody with piezo and a case, ideal for players who favor a time-tested recipe.
5 Best straightforward electric
This is the only model here whose name does not mention 'hollow' or 'piezo', pointing to a more traditional solid-body electric guitar. The 'Swamp Ash' in the name suggests a classic tonewood known for its balanced response, though no specs are given. It comes with a gigbag, making it a practical choice for players who want a no-frills PRS.
Pros
- Swamp ash construction (based on name) offers a classic tonewood profile
- Includes a gigbag
- Likely a solid body for sustained notes and simple upkeep
Cons
- Seller does not state whether the body is solid or chambered
- No piezo electronics for acoustic simulation
Good fit if
- Players who prefer a conventional electric guitar with less onboard complexity
- Those who need a gigbag for protection on the move
Skip if
- You want the acoustic versatility of piezo pickups
- You are drawn to hollow or semi-hollow resonance
Verdict: A dependable, likely solid-body PRS that skips the extra electronics, giving you a clean canvas.
6 Best baritone
PRS SE Sheeran Baritone Hollowbody I Piezo
- Type
- Electric
$1,499.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:46 PDT - Details)
The only baritone in this list, it offers a longer-scale design (exact length not stated) for lower tunings, combined with a hollow body and piezo electronics. This makes it a niche choice for players who need extended range for detuned styles. The Pink Ombre finish is distinctive.
Pros
- Only baritone model in this list
- Hollow body and piezo for acoustic versatility
- Unique Pink Ombre finish
Cons
- Seller does not state scale length or recommended tuning
- No case or gigbag included in the listing
Good fit if
- Players exploring lower tunings or baritone range
- Those who want hollow-body resonance and piezo acoustic tones
Skip if
- You need a standard-scale guitar for usual tunings
- You prefer a more conventional body style without the baritone scale
Verdict: A specialized hollow-body and piezo instrument for players seeking a lower-voiced PRS.
Specs compared
| # | Guitar | Type | Strings | Size | Left-handed | Kit or bundle | Amp included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo | Electric | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo | Electric | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow | Electric | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | PRS SE Hollowbody Standard Piezo | Electric | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | PRS SE Swamp Ash Special | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | PRS SE Sheeran Baritone Hollowbody I Piezo | Electric | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How we chose these
We compiled a pool of six PRS SE guitars from a seller's catalog, matching the PRS brand filter. Since none of the listings contained detailed specs, we shortlisted them by the features stated in the product names: body construction (hollow, semi-hollow, solid), the presence of piezo pickups, included accessories like gigbags or cases, and designations such as baritone. We also consulted general guitar education sources from Martin Guitars and other organizations to back up our observations about tonewoods, body shapes, electronics, and playing safety. The prices shown are the live prices captured from the listings at the time of writing. We did not handle or test any of these instruments; our picks are based on the observable name features and the cited reference material.
What to look for
Body type: hollow, semi-hollow, or solid
The product names in this list reveal three body constructions: solid (Swamp Ash Special), semi-hollow (Special Semi-Hollow), and fully hollow (Hollowbody II, Hollowbody I, and Hollowbody Standard). Each type affects tone and weight. As Martin's guitar type guide explains, larger or hollow bodies generally produce more resonance and volume, while smaller or solid bodies favor clarity and sustain. Although that guide focuses on acoustic guitars, the same principles apply to electric guitars: a hollow body can get airy, warm tones but may feedback at high gain, while a solid body gives you a tighter, more controlled sound.
Piezo pickups for acoustic simulation
Several of these PRS models include 'Piezo' in their names, meaning they have piezoelectric pickups, which capture string vibrations directly from the saddle and can produce sounds similar to an acoustic guitar. As Martin's electronics guide notes, piezo systems like Fishman Aura can deliver realistic acoustic tones through an amp or PA. If you play in a cover band or need a single guitar for both electric and acoustic parts, a piezo-equipped PRS like the Hollowbody II or Hollowbody I is a practical choice.
Tonewoods and their influence
The only tonewood mentioned explicitly is 'Swamp Ash' in the Swamp Ash Special model. Martin's wood guide describes how different woods shape resonance, sustain, and brightness. Swamp ash is commonly associated with a bright, clear tone, though the listing here does not provide further details. If a specific type of wood is important to you, you must rely on the product name or ask the seller, since none of the listings state a full wood bill.
Included accessories: gigbag vs. case
Look at whether a model includes a gigbag or a hardshell case. In this selection, the Hollowbody II Piezo and Hollowbody Standard Piezo come with a case, while the Swamp Ash Special and Special Semi-Hollow include a gigbag. The Hollowbody I Piezo and the Sheeran Baritone list no carrying protection at all. A case adds significant cost if bought separately, so factor this into your decision when comparing the total package.
Scale and tuning considerations
The Sheeran Baritone is the only model with a baritone designation, indicating a longer scale for lower tunings. None of the other models state a baritone scale, so if you need a standard scale, these are likely fine, but confirm with the seller. As Martin's string guide explains, string tension and scale length affect feel and pitch. For standard tuning, these PRS models are likely fine, but always confirm the scale length with the seller if it matters to you.
Protect your ears on stage
Playing live means exposure to high volume, which can cause noise-induced hearing loss over time. The NIDCD warns that sounds above 85 dBA can be damaging, and concerts often reach 110 dBA or more. All guitarists should consider wearing high-fidelity earplugs during practice and performances. This is not a specific feature of the guitars themselves, but it is an important safety consideration for anyone gigging with a louder hollow-body or semi-hollow model.
Questions
What is a piezo pickup and why does it matter?
A piezo pickup, as found on several of these PRS models, uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert string vibration into an electrical signal. Unlike magnetic pickups, piezo systems capture the natural acoustic character of the guitar, allowing it to sound like an acoustic guitar when plugged into an amp or mixer. Martin's electronics guide describes how such systems can produce realistic acoustic tones in a live or recording setting.
Should I choose a solid body or a hollow body PRS?
It depends on the sound you want. Solid-body guitars like the Swamp Ash Special tend to have more sustain and less feedback at high volume, making them easier to control with distortion. Hollow-body guitars like the Hollowbody II provide a warmer, more resonant tone that suits jazz, blues, and clean styles, but they can feedback more easily at loud volumes. Semi-hollow models offer a compromise. Try to play them both if you can, because feel and tone are personal.
Do all PRS guitars come with a case or gigbag?
No. In this list, the Hollowbody II Piezo and Hollowbody Standard Piezo include a hardshell case. The Swamp Ash Special and Special Semi-Hollow come with a gigbag. The Hollowbody I Piezo and the Sheeran Baritone do not list any case or gigbag. If you plan to transport your guitar frequently, factor in the cost of buying protective gear separately.
How can I confirm the exact specifications of these PRS models?
The seller listings for these guitars only provide the product names and not full specifications, such as wood types, scale lengths, or pickup models. To get those details, visit the manufacturer's product page for each model, or contact the seller directly. You can also refer to the cited educational pages here for general background on tonewoods and electronics, but they do not cover PRS-specific build details.
Update history
- : First published.