PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LB

PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LB review

The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LB puts three pickups, a semi-hollow body, and a tremolo system into a guitar designed for a broad range of sounds. Its configuration offers plenty of switching choices without relying on an elaborate control panel. A player who needs varied tones for recording or live work has useful options here, although the middle pickup may take some adjustment for certain picking styles.

The guitar has a mahogany body and maple top, with a Lake Blue finish. Its semi-hollow construction gives the design a different feel from a conventional solid-body guitar, while the review feedback points to warm, singing tones from the 58/15 S pickups. The finish quality also drew positive comments, with one owner noting that the gap between the SE line and PRS's Core line feels smaller than before. That is one player's assessment, not a direct comparison test, but it speaks to the instrument's perceived fit and finish.

Pickup layout and switching

The pickup arrangement is the main reason to consider this model. It combines two 58/15 S humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck, with a Narrowfield DD S humbucker in the middle position. A five-way selector changes the available pickup combinations, while two mini switches provide coil-tap options. Together, these controls create a wider palette than a standard two-pickup setup.

One reviewer described the guitar as a particularly versatile choice for recording sessions where several distinct sounds are needed. The same player praised the warm, singing character of the 58/15 LT pickups, while the supplied specification identifies the bridge and neck units as 58/15 S pickups. Those labels differ, so buyers should confirm the exact pickup designation with the seller before purchase. The positive tone report remains useful as an individual listening impression, rather than a guarantee of how the guitar will sound through every amplifier or recording chain.

The middle pickup also has a practical tradeoff. A reviewer found it got in the way while playing, but attributed that reaction to personal technique rather than a flaw in the instrument. Players who pick close to the strings or use a particular hand position may want to try the guitar in person. The coil-tap switches add further options, but more choices only help when their layout feels comfortable and their sounds suit the player's needs.

Neck, tremolo, and hardware

The guitar has 22 frets, a 635 mm (25-inch) scale, a 42.9 mm (1.69-inch) nut width, and a 254 mm (10-inch) fingerboard radius. The neck profile is described as Wide Thin, and the rosewood fingerboard carries PRS bird inlays. One owner called it perhaps the most playable guitar in a collection of 17 instruments. That is a personal judgment, but it aligns with the strong overall response to the neck and playing feel.

There is an inconsistency in the supplied construction details: one field lists a maple neck, while the detailed description specifies a set-in mahogany neck. The neck construction and wood should be confirmed with PRS or the retailer before ordering. The body and top are consistently listed as mahogany and maple, respectively.

A PRS-patented tremolo and PRS-designed tuners complete the setup. One owner reported that the guitar stayed in tune without a locking nut, provided the tremolo was not pushed too far. That qualification matters. The feedback supports confidence in ordinary use, but it does not establish tuning stability under aggressive tremolo work or every setup. The hardware is nickel-colored, according to the specification.

Buying considerations

The listed price is 939, with no currency specified in the supplied details. The model has been available since July 2025, and its item number is 619653. A gig bag is included; a hard case is not. That distinction is worth checking when comparing the price with other guitars in the same range.

There is also a small control-listing ambiguity. The details state "one volume and one volume control," which appears to repeat the same control rather than identify a second function. They do not clearly confirm a tone control, so check the product listing or ask the retailer before relying on a particular control layout.

Verdict

The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow LB stands out for its three-pickup design, coil-tap switching, semi-hollow construction, and reported comfortable playability. Its strongest case is for players who want several tones from one instrument, especially for recording or varied set lists. The middle pickup's position may not suit every picking hand, and the conflicting neck details deserve confirmation before purchase. If the layout feels natural and the tremolo's working range meets your needs, this PRS offers a compelling mix of tonal flexibility and polished presentation.