PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo PBSB

PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo PBSB review

The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo PBSB is built around a useful idea: give players magnetic humbuckers and a piezo system in one hollowbody guitar, with separate controls and output paths for each. Its specifications point to a broad range of sounds, while one owner's experience provides a practical account of how those sounds work in use. The finish is Peacock Blue Smokeburst, and the listed price is $1,429.

The guitar has a laminated flamed maple top, a maple back, and mahogany sides. Its mahogany neck has a Wide Fat profile, an ebony fingerboard, and Old School Birds inlays. The 25-inch scale length, bone nut, and 22 frets complete a familiar playing layout. The supplied feedback describes the instrument as immediately appealing in person, with a warm, distinctive sound that stood out during shop tryouts.

Two pickup systems, with separate outputs

Two PRS 58/15 LT "S" humbuckers provide the magnetic sounds. Their controls include a magnetic volume knob and a shared tone control. A three-way toggle switch selects between the humbuckers. The piezo system has its own volume control, so its level can be adjusted independently of the magnetic pickups.

The bridge is a PRS adjustable piezo stoptail, and the guitar has two output jacks. One is for the magnetic pickups, while the other can carry the piezo signal or a combined piezo and magnetic signal. That arrangement makes it possible to send the humbuckers to an amplifier and route the piezo separately to a direct input box. The owner's report recommends this setup, saying the separate piezo signal came through especially clearly and transparently.

The piezo received particularly strong praise. The owner described it as natural, clear, and balanced, and considered it among the best piezo systems they had played. Blending it with the humbuckers produced a warm, characterful sound. The magnetic pickups also worked well on their own, delivering a full, warm tone that the owner found suitable for different styles of music. That range makes the dual-output design more than a backup option: players can use either system alone or combine them to shape a wider tonal palette.

What the owner noticed after purchase

The guitar had been available to try at two music stores before the owner decided to buy it. By the time they were ready, neither store had one in stock, so they ordered online. The instrument arrived undamaged, although it had been shipped in a cardboard box with only a relatively thin gig bag for protection. That report is worth considering if the guitar will be transported regularly. PRS includes a gig bag, not a hard case, and the owner suggested buying a suitable case for frequent travel.

There were a couple of minor setup-related complaints on arrival. The frets looked slightly tarnished, and the strings seemed worn. After a string change and some fret polishing, the owner said the guitar was in excellent condition. These are observations from one instrument, rather than evidence of a consistent issue across the model, but they make a careful inspection sensible when the guitar arrives.

Practical details and limitations

There is no tremolo system, and the adjustable piezo stoptail keeps the bridge design straightforward. Nickel hardware and PRS-designed tuning machines round out the listed hardware. The hollowbody construction is a defining part of the model, and it should not be confused with a semi-hollow design. For players who need both magnetic and piezo sounds, the separate controls and dual jacks are the most important practical features.

One point to weigh is the included protection. The PRS SE gig bag is convenient for storage and lighter transport, but the owner found it thin and would choose a hard case for regular trips. The reported fret and string condition also suggests checking the instrument's setup rather than assuming it will arrive ready to play without any attention.

Verdict

The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo PBSB has a clear appeal for players who want a hollowbody with convincing magnetic and acoustic-style tones. Its two 58/15 LT "S" humbuckers offer a full, warm sound, while the piezo system adds a natural, balanced voice. Separate volume controls and two output jacks make it practical to blend the systems or route them independently. The owner's experience supports the guitar's tonal versatility, while the thin gig bag and minor arrival-condition concerns are sensible points to keep in mind. At $1,429, it is a compelling option for players who will make real use of both pickup systems.