PRS SE DGT Tobacco Sunburst

PRS SE DGT Tobacco Sunburst review

The PRS SE DGT Tobacco Sunburst is the David Grissom signature model in PRS's SE line. Its specification pairs a mahogany body and set mahogany neck with a maple top and rosewood fingerboard. The instrument has 22 frets, a 25-inch scale length, two DGT "S" humbuckers, and a PRS-style tremolo. A gig bag is included, while a hard case is not. The listed price is 725.

On paper, the DGT's defining choices are its DGT neck profile and two separate volume controls. Player reports describe a substantial neck that can feel close to a rounded soft V blending into a C shape. That shape will not suit every hand, but several owners say it feels natural once played in person. One compared it favorably with slimmer PRS necks, while another found the neck notably full. Trying the guitar first is sensible if neck shape is a deciding factor.

Build, finish, and setup

Reviews of the finish and factory setup are mostly positive, but individual examples vary. Some owners received instruments with clean fretwork, a well-fitted nut, smooth finish, and comfortable playability straight out of the box. One described the setup as close to perfect. Another reported needing to adjust the neck and action, with concerns about the finish around the neck and the tremolo saddles. Fingerprints and small cosmetic marks also came up in a few accounts.

The contrast between those experiences matters. The DGT SE can arrive in excellent condition, but buyer feedback does not support assuming every example is identical. Inspect the finish, check the neck relief and intonation, and test each fret and control shortly after delivery. The reported fretwork is generally a strong point. Even when fret ends could be felt along the edge of the fingerboard, one owner said they were rounded rather than sharp.

The rosewood fingerboard has a 10-inch radius and bird inlays. Owners who mention the inlays describe them as neatly installed, and the radius is comfortable for players who prefer a moderate curve. The nickel hardware keeps the look traditional. The Tobacco Sunburst finish may appear different in person than in product photos, so the color shown on a screen is not a reliable guide to how a particular guitar will look.

Controls, pickups, and tremolo

The electronics include two volume controls, one tone control with a push-pull function, and a three-way switch. The push-pull control provides a coil-split option, giving the humbuckers a brighter, more single-coil-like voice. Owners report that the split sounds are useful rather than an afterthought, though they are not a substitute for a dedicated single-coil instrument.

The two volume controls take some adjustment if you are used to a single master volume. In the middle switch position, they allow each pickup's level to be balanced independently, which can broaden the range of available tones. Players describe the humbuckers as clear, full, and well suited to blues and rock. One owner liked their combination of warmth and punch, while another found that different examples varied considerably in output and tonal character. Pickup impressions are subjective, and the reported variation is another reason to evaluate the specific guitar when possible.

Some reviewers praise the controls' smooth resistance, while one reported volume pots with an abrupt drop near the lower end of their travel. A separate owner found the three-way switch unreliable in the bridge position. These are individual reports, not evidence that every DGT has the same faults, but they make a careful control check worthwhile.

The PRS tremolo is intended for controlled pitch movement and subtle accents, rather than aggressive dive-bomb use. Players who use it lightly report that it works well and holds tuning. One reviewer found the bridge stiffly set, which helped stability but made movement less effortless. Check the arm feel and tuning return on the instrument you receive, especially if you expect frequent tremolo use.

Verdict

The PRS SE DGT Tobacco Sunburst brings together a distinctive, substantial neck, flexible pickup wiring, and a useful tremolo in a signature guitar with a gig bag included. Feedback points to strong playability and satisfying blues-rock sounds when the setup and electronics are right. There are also reports of inconsistent setup, cosmetic details, and occasional control problems. For players drawn to the DGT neck and two-volume layout, it is worth a hands-on trial. If ordering online, inspect the guitar promptly and verify the switch, pots, tuning stability, and setup before settling in.