PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue Burst
The PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue Burst pairs distinctive signature humbuckers with premium materials and a flat 20-inch-radius fingerboard. Its high price and delicate matte finish are worth weighing against its strong reported sound and quality.
★★★★★ 5/5 · 1 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue Burst review
The PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue Burst is a U.S.-made, double-cut electric guitar built around the artist's signature neck profile and pickup set. Its mahogany body, mango top, maple neck, and ebony fingerboard give it a distinctive specification within the PRS lineup. The wraparound Blue Burst finish and black hardware complete a high-end look, while the included PRS case makes the package ready for transport. The guitar has been available since September 2025, with an listed price of $4,999.
In hands-on feedback, the first notable difference from a standard CU24 is the fingerboard's 20-inch radius. Its flatter curve can make the playing surface feel broader under the fingers. That change may take some adjustment if you are used to a more rounded board, but the reviewer found it manageable. The 648 mm scale length, 42.9 mm nut width, and 24 frets provide the basic dimensions; the feel of the neck is shaped by Mark Holcomb's own profile.
Construction and playing feel
The mahogany body is topped with mango, a combination that gives this model a clear visual identity. The Blue Burst finish is matte, and the field report praises its premium appearance while flagging its vulnerability to visible wear. If keeping a guitar looking untouched is important to you, that deserves consideration. Regular playing is likely to leave marks, according to the reviewer. The matte surface looks refined out of the case, but it is not the right choice for someone expecting the finish to stay pristine through frequent use.
The ebony fingerboard carries PRS bird inlays and 24 frets. A maple neck is set into the body, and the model uses PRS-designed machine heads, black hardware, and a PRS plate-style bridge. There is no tremolo. That simpler bridge layout suits players who do not need a vibrato system, though it limits the instrument to the pitch effects available through fretting and other external gear. The included case is a practical addition at this price; no gig bag is included.
Signature pickup setup
The electronics use two Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb humbuckers: a Scourge at the bridge and a Scarlet at the neck. Controls consist of one volume knob, one tone knob, and a five-way switch. The pickup configuration is HH, but the five-way selector gives the player more switching options than a basic two-position setup.
The supplied field notes describe the signature pickups as distinctive in character while remaining highly versatile. That is the central appeal of the electronics: they have a clear voice of their own, yet are not limited to a single narrow sound. The report calls their tone extraordinary, though it does not list specific settings or measured output. Players should treat that assessment as a listening impression rather than a promise that the pickups will suit every amplifier, style, or preference. The five-way switch and separate volume and tone controls offer useful means of shaping the signal at the instrument.
Value and verdict
At $4,999, this is an expensive guitar, and its appeal depends on whether the Mark Holcomb specification fits your playing and priorities. The flatter 20-inch radius is a genuine departure from the feel many players expect from a CU24, while the matte finish calls for acceptance of cosmetic wear. In return, the package brings a mango top, ebony fingerboard, artist-profile neck, signature Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and U.S. Construction.
The field reviewer's conclusion is straightforward: the guitar is impressive, the pickup set sounds exceptional and versatile, and the price is high but considered justified. That endorsement comes with a practical caveat. This is a better fit for a player who wants Holcomb's neck and pickup choices and is comfortable with a finish that will show the evidence of use. If those details match your preferences, the WA Blue Burst makes a strong case for its premium price. If you prefer a more rounded fingerboard or want a guitar that will retain a flawless appearance, those are the points to weigh before buying.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Mahogany body, mango top, maple set neck, and ebony fingerboard, with a PRS case included.
- The Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb humbuckers are described by the reviewer as distinctive and highly versatile.
- A 20-inch fingerboard radius and 24 frets offer a flat playing surface and a broad fret range.
What bugged me
- The flat fingerboard radius may feel unusual at first, especially to players accustomed to a PRS Custom 24.
- The matte finish is described as fragile and likely to show signs of use.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking Mark Holcomb's signature humbuckers, a flat fingerboard, and premium USA-made construction. Also suited to buyers who value a distinctive finish and accept that regular playing may leave visible marks.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for players who prefer a more rounded fingerboard radius or want a finish that stays pristine through frequent use. Buyers on a tight budget may also find the listed price difficult to justify.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Blue Burst
- Body
- Mahogany
- Top
- Mango
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickup system
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Artist
- Mark Holcomb
- Style
- Double Cut
- Pickups
- HH
What other players say
The customer review is strongly positive, praising the guitar's appearance, premium feel, and distinctive, versatile signature pickups. It notes that the unusually flat fingerboard radius may take some getting used to and that the matte finish can show wear. The reviewer considers the guitar expensive but worth the price.
Incredible guitar.
The signature pickups have an extraordinary sound, with plenty of character while remaining extremely versatile.
It's expensive, but worth its price.
Up close
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What pickups does this guitar use?
It has a Seymour Duncan Mark Holcomb Scourge humbucker at the bridge and a Scarlet humbucker at the neck, controlled by a five-way switch.
Is the fingerboard radius different from a typical PRS Custom 24?
Its 20-inch radius is flatter than the reviewer expected from a standard Custom 24. The reviewer says this can feel surprising at first but is manageable.
Does the guitar include a case?
Yes. A PRS case is included; a gig bag is not listed.
Will the matte finish stay looking new?
The reviewer describes the matte finish as fragile and says signs of playing will inevitably become visible.
Is the high price justified?
The reviewer considers it expensive but worth its price, citing the premium appearance and distinctive, versatile signature pickups.
The last word from the bench
This USA-made guitar combines a mahogany body, mango top, maple set neck, and ebony fingerboard, along with a 24-fret layout and PRS plate-style bridge. The reviewer praises the signature pickups for their character and versatility, while noting that the flat radius may take some adjustment. The matte finish looks premium but can show wear with regular playing. At this price, it makes the most sense for players who specifically want its Mark Holcomb design and sound.
Hanging next to it
PRS Mark Holcomb WA Blue Burst
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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