One of the new guitars released from PRS last year, the Swamp Ash is a very unique and interesting guitar, and will surprise even the most dedicated PRS [http://www.insidermusicreview.com] players with its new package of features. My first concern with this new guitar from PRS was the sound. Carved from a dark ash tree, the Swamp Ash offers a brilliant sustain in tone while also balancing a smooth texture that is just as rich as the traditional mahogany PRS guitars.
Swamp Ash is a softer form of ash, and was used back in the day for vintage Fender guitars. On top of this incredible sound, this guitar is one of the most versatile on the market with a combination of PRS Treb and Bass pickups with the new proprietary narrowfield pickup.
If don't already know, Paul Reed Smith has been introducing a lot of new models through their collections of high end guitars, while discontinuing many of the well known and popular models such as the Custom guitars. The Swamp Ash is part of this new generation, and overall I have been very satisfied with the results of this guitar.
Features
Let us take a further look at some of the specs on the PRS Swamp Ash guitar:
Carved ash body
Hard maple neck
Maple or rosewood fingerboard
Locking tuners
PRS tremolo
Bass and Treble pickups with a mounted narrowfield pickup in the middle
Nickel hardware and wiring
The use of maple and ash together forms a really rich texture that I can't put my finger on. PRS always does an exceptional job in terms of using only the highest quality woods, and it really shows in this guitar. The locking tuners are always a nice feature, allowing for your guitar to stay in tune much longer. You can also change your strings in about 3 minutes with practice.
Pickups and Tone Characteristics
This is one of the most versatile guitars I have played, primarily from the pickup configuration. You can essentially activate 5 different setups, with the narrowfield either on or off. In total, that is 10 different tones you can get through 1 guitar.
The narrowfield can be activated by pulling out the side tone knob.
Overall the sound on the PRS Swamp Ash is really hot. You get the sustain that you would expect from a PRS, and I find that the front pickup really screams with the overdrive.
Design
My personal choice for design is the red flame burst maple PRS Swamp Ash. This effect combined with the lighter natural tones of the maple wood make a really nice combination. You should also check out the black with silver version, which is a totally different look and feel altogether.
Why you should buy one
The Swamp Ash is priced just over $2000 as the Manufacturer Suggest Retail Price (MSRP), and I would argue that you are definitely getting a fair value for that kind of money. The versatility alone makes this guitar worth a higher bargaining price, because you get in effect the sound of a single coil (Fender) and a full humbuckers (Gibson).
In any case, it will be interesting to see how these new collections from PRS play out. Supposedly the goal is to have new lines each year, and rolling off the older models. For players this is a good thing, because it means your guitar will actually appreciate in value.
Best of luck shopping, and believe me, if you do buy the PRS Swamp Ash you will not be disappointed.
Swamp Ash is a softer form of ash, and was used back in the day for vintage Fender guitars. On top of this incredible sound, this guitar is one of the most versatile on the market with a combination of PRS Treb and Bass pickups with the new proprietary narrowfield pickup.
If don't already know, Paul Reed Smith has been introducing a lot of new models through their collections of high end guitars, while discontinuing many of the well known and popular models such as the Custom guitars. The Swamp Ash is part of this new generation, and overall I have been very satisfied with the results of this guitar.
Features
Let us take a further look at some of the specs on the PRS Swamp Ash guitar:
Carved ash body
Hard maple neck
Maple or rosewood fingerboard
Locking tuners
PRS tremolo
Bass and Treble pickups with a mounted narrowfield pickup in the middle
Nickel hardware and wiring
The use of maple and ash together forms a really rich texture that I can't put my finger on. PRS always does an exceptional job in terms of using only the highest quality woods, and it really shows in this guitar. The locking tuners are always a nice feature, allowing for your guitar to stay in tune much longer. You can also change your strings in about 3 minutes with practice.
Pickups and Tone Characteristics
This is one of the most versatile guitars I have played, primarily from the pickup configuration. You can essentially activate 5 different setups, with the narrowfield either on or off. In total, that is 10 different tones you can get through 1 guitar.
The narrowfield can be activated by pulling out the side tone knob.
Overall the sound on the PRS Swamp Ash is really hot. You get the sustain that you would expect from a PRS, and I find that the front pickup really screams with the overdrive.
Design
My personal choice for design is the red flame burst maple PRS Swamp Ash. This effect combined with the lighter natural tones of the maple wood make a really nice combination. You should also check out the black with silver version, which is a totally different look and feel altogether.
Why you should buy one
The Swamp Ash is priced just over $2000 as the Manufacturer Suggest Retail Price (MSRP), and I would argue that you are definitely getting a fair value for that kind of money. The versatility alone makes this guitar worth a higher bargaining price, because you get in effect the sound of a single coil (Fender) and a full humbuckers (Gibson).
In any case, it will be interesting to see how these new collections from PRS play out. Supposedly the goal is to have new lines each year, and rolling off the older models. For players this is a good thing, because it means your guitar will actually appreciate in value.
Best of luck shopping, and believe me, if you do buy the PRS Swamp Ash you will not be disappointed.