PRS Modern Eagle V BW

Overview and Build Quality

The PRS Modern Eagle V BW is positioned as a high-end electric guitar, carrying the signature Paul Reed Smith approach to construction and appointments. Released in September 2023 with a retail price of $5222, the Modern Eagle V BW comes in a distinctive Trans Brown (Black Gold Burst) finish. This model follows the typical PRS philosophy of combining select materials and precision engineering, and is produced in the United States.

The guitar features a mahogany body topped with maple. This combination is standard for PRS instruments and provides a lightweight yet resonant platform. The neck is glued into the body, also crafted from mahogany, providing structural stability and improved sustain. The fretboard uses rosewood, a traditional choice for its smooth feel and warm response. Bird inlays on the fingerboard add a signature aesthetic touch. The instrument has a total of 22 frets, with a 254 mm (10-inch) radius and a nut width of 42.9 mm (1.6875 inches), making it typical for comfortable lead and chord work.

Neck and Playability

The neck profile is not specified beyond its material, but the measurements suggest a modern, player-friendly feel. With a 635 mm (25-inch) scale length, the Modern Eagle V BW sits between the feel of traditional American and classic British designs. This middle ground provides a balance of snapping response and familiar hand stretch. The glued-in mahogany neck, combined with the rosewood fretboard, is optimized for smooth transitions and lateral stability.

PRS's fretwork is legendary in the industry, and the details here back this up. 22 well-finished frets on the 10-inch radius provide comfortable playability across the neck, supporting both bending and fast scalar passages equally well. The machining of the hardware, especially with the PRS Phase III locking tuners, delivers dependable tuning stability, a crucial feature for gigging and session contexts.

Electronics and Pickup Configuration

The PRS Modern Eagle V BW uses a versatile pickup scheme. Installed are two PRS TCI humbuckers (found in the bridge and neck positions) and one PRS NS-01 single coil (in the middle). This configuration (humbucker-single-humbucker) aims to offer extensive tonal options.

• Five-way selector switch: Allows various combinations of pickups for different tonal palettes.
• Push/pull tone control: Offers additional voicing options, pulling the knob engages alternate wiring for further tonal diversity.
• Two mini switches for coil splitting: Enable individual humbuckers to operate in single coil mode, further expanding the instrument's range.

Together, this configuration lets the player move fluidly from thick, high-output tones to cleaner, more nuanced single coil sounds. This flexibility is a core feature of the Modern Eagle V BW. The electronic layout is laid out logically and supports quick adjustments during performances.

Hardware and Tremolo System

PRS's Gen III patented tremolo system is fitted as standard. This bridge is engineered for smooth pitch modulation with reliable return to pitch, even after dramatic use. The nickel hardware ensures durability and matches the overall premium presentation.

Locking PRS Phase III tuning machines ensure precise, stable tuning operations, a significant advantage when using the tremolo system for expressive performance. The instrument ships with PRS Signature Strings (gauges.010 to.046), matching the needs of many contemporary guitarists. The nut, bridge, and tuner interaction appear carefully matched for trouble-free performance out of the box.

Finish, Presentation, and Included Accessories

The Black Gold Burst finish, described as a translucent brown burst, displays the maple top aesthetics and accentuates the mahogany body curves. With no indication of a limited run, this model is part of the Modern Eagle line, rather than a rarer collector's variant.

Included with the instrument is a PRS official hard shell case. No gig bag is provided. The case matches the price point and ensures the guitar is well-protected during transport and storage.

Summary Table

• Body/Neck: Mahogany body and glued-in mahogany neck with a maple top
• Scale/Nut: 25-inch scale, 1.6875-inch nut width, 10-inch fretboard radius
• Pickups: Two PRS TCI humbuckers (bridge, neck) and one PRS NS-01 single coil (middle)
• Electronics: One volume, one push/pull tone control, five-way switch, two mini coil split switches
• Tremolo/Hardware: PRS Gen III tremolo, Phase III locking machine heads, nickel hardware
• Finish: Trans Brown Black Gold Burst
• Case: Hard shell case included
• Made in: United States

Conclusion

The PRS Modern Eagle V BW stands out with its blend of tonewoods, advanced switching system, and proven PRS hardware. Every appointment is consistent with a high-end instrument intended for professional use, both on stage and in the studio. Its electronics offer broad tonal flexibility, the construction delivers stability, and the finishing details distinguish it aesthetically. This model is designed for players seeking both versatility and traditional craftsmanship in a single, uncompromising package. The absence of a gig bag is notable but offset by the inclusion of a robust hard shell case. The price aligns with the elevated build quality and unique electronics configuration that the Modern Eagle V BW represents.