PRS SE NF3 Metallic Orange RW

PRS SE NF3 Metallic Orange RW review

The PRS SE NF3 Metallic Orange RW pairs a bright finish with a straightforward three-pickup layout. Its specification sheet lists a poplar body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, and a vintage-style tremolo. The distinctive part of the design is its set of three Narrowfield DD "S" single-coil pickups, controlled by one volume knob, two tone knobs, and a five-way switch.

One player's account offers useful context for how the guitar compares in a store setting. After visiting the retailer to try a Silver Sky SE, the customer also tested an NF3 brought out from the warehouse. They reported excellent workmanship and a sound they found particularly appealing, then bought both guitars because they could not choose between them. That is one player's impression, not a controlled comparison, but it suggests the NF3 made a strong enough first impression to hold its own alongside another PRS model.

Construction and neck dimensions

The poplar body has no separate top listed, so the Metallic Orange finish carries the visual impact rather than a figured wood cap. The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard and PRS bird inlays. The neck profile is wide and thin, a description that points to a broad fingerboard with a comparatively shallow carve. Whether that shape feels comfortable will depend on hand size and playing habits, so a store tryout is worthwhile if possible.

PRS lists the nut width at 42.85 mm and the fingerboard radius at 254 mm. The 635 mm scale is shorter than the 648 mm scale common on many electric guitars. Scale length affects string tension at a given tuning and string gauge, but the feel also depends on setup and personal preference. The supplied customer feedback specifically thanks a the retailer employee for adjusting the string height, a reminder that setup can influence the experience as much as the printed dimensions.

The guitar has 22 frets. The source specifications do not identify fret size, neck joint details, or the exact strings supplied, so those points should be checked with the retailer rather than assumed.

Three Narrowfield pickups and switching

The three Narrowfield DD "S" single-coil pickups give the NF3 its central tonal identity. A five-way selector provides several pickup combinations, while the separate volume and two tone controls allow basic level and tonal adjustment. The listed information does not specify the wiring positions or give output measurements, so it would be unwise to assign exact tonal characteristics to each switch setting without trying the instrument.

The customer described the sound as exceptionally good after testing the guitar, but did not detail an amplifier, playing style, or preferred switch positions. Treat that report as an enthusiastic individual response rather than a guarantee of a particular sound. Players considering the NF3 should audition all five selector positions through an amplifier they know, and check how the tone controls behave across their usual range.

Hardware, finish, and included bag

The listed vintage tremolo gives players a vibrato option, though the supplied data does not describe its materials, adjustment range, or tuning stability. The Metallic Orange finish is the stated color, and the "RW" model name is part of the product name. A gig bag is included; a hard case is not. That distinction matters for buyers who need more protection for frequent transport or air travel.

The guitar has been available since August 2024, carries item number 594262, and is listed at a price of 725. The source does not identify a currency, so confirm the current price and local terms with the seller. Sales are listed by the piece.

Who should consider the PRS SE NF3?

The NF3 is worth a closer look for players who want three single-coil pickups, a five-way selector, and a shorter-than-standard 635 mm scale in a PRS SE guitar. Its wide, thin neck profile and three Narrowfield pickups are defining specification points, while the poplar body and Metallic Orange finish give it a distinct appearance. The included gig bag is convenient, although buyers who require a hard case will need to account for that separately.

The strongest hands-on evidence here is the customer's positive store test and the report of excellent workmanship, followed by a purchase decision in favor of owning both the NF3 and a Silver Sky SE. That speaks to the guitar's appeal for at least one player, but it cannot establish how every player will respond. Check the neck shape, compare the pickup settings, and ask for a setup that suits your preferred strings and playing style before buying.