PRS SE Studio Charcoal CB

PRS SE Studio Charcoal CB review

The PRS SE Studio Charcoal CB brings a three-humbucker configuration to the SE range, with a 58/15 "S" humbucker at the bridge and PRS Narrowfield DD "S" humbuckers in the middle and neck positions. Its listed price is 818, and it has been available since July 2026. The supplied specifications describe a set maple neck, a mahogany body, and a maple top, with a rosewood fingerboard and PRS bird inlays.

That combination gives the model a clear identity on paper. It has familiar PRS appointments, including the company's patented tremolo and designed machine heads, while the pickup layout sets it apart from a conventional two-pickup guitar. Buyer feedback supplied for this review is largely positive about the instrument's feel, finish, and sound, but one owner also reported a grounding fault that led to a return. That is worth keeping in mind when checking a new guitar after delivery.

Construction and playing feel

The neck uses a wide-thin profile and is joined to the body rather than bolted on. Its 635 mm (25-inch) scale is paired with 22 frets, a 254 mm (10-inch) fingerboard radius, and a 42.9 mm (1.69-inch) nut width. These measurements give a useful outline of the playing surface, though comfort remains personal and depends on hand size, setup, and preferred string gauge.

One buyer said the guitar felt comfortable in the hands and that the visible finish quality was good. That report is consistent with the listed materials and construction, but it does not replace a close inspection of an individual instrument. Check the fret ends, neck alignment, finish, and tuning stability when it arrives. The finish is identified in the detailed specifications as Charcoal Cherry Burst, while the shorter product color entry says Charcoal Cherry. The two descriptions point to the same named finish family in the supplied information.

Three humbuckers and practical controls

The pickup system consists of one 58/15 "S" at the bridge and two Narrowfield DD "S" humbuckers in the middle and neck positions. The guitar has a single volume control, a tone control with a push-pull function, and a three-way blade switch. The provided specifications do not explain the exact coil or switching behavior of the push-pull control, so buyers should confirm its function with the seller rather than assume a particular set of sounds.

The owner feedback described the pickups as good-sounding and satisfying. That is a useful first-hand impression, although it is subjective and does not establish how the guitar will respond through every amplifier or effects setup. The unusual three-humbucker layout offers a broader pickup arrangement than a standard bridge-and-neck pair, with the middle pickup providing another selection at the switch. A playing test is the best way to decide whether its available combinations suit a particular style.

Tremolo, hardware, and included bag

A PRS patented tremolo is fitted, along with PRS-designed machine heads and nickel hardware. The specifications list a gig bag as included, and do not list a hard case. The bag is a practical inclusion for transport, but players who need rigid protection should factor in the cost of a separate case. The tremolo and tuning hardware should also be checked during setup, especially if the guitar will be used with frequent changes in string tension.

What buyers report

One customer said the model had not previously appeared in the catalog, but became quickly orderable after an email to the retailer. The same customer praised its quality and sound, and said it compared seriously with a U.S.-made PRS they owned despite the lower budget. That is a strong endorsement from an owner with a direct comparison, though it remains an individual account rather than a controlled comparison.

A second buyer also liked the hand feel, finish, and pickups, but returned the guitar because of a grounding problem. This is the most important qualification in the available feedback. It does not show that grounding faults are common, but it makes a basic electronics check sensible: test each switch position, the push-pull control, volume and tone response, and listen for unusual noise. If the guitar produces persistent hum or behaves inconsistently, contact the seller rather than attempting an uncertain repair on a new instrument.

Verdict

The PRS SE Studio Charcoal CB has a distinctive pickup layout, a detailed PRS-style specification, and positive owner comments about feel, finish, and sound. Its set maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, and included gig bag round out a practical package. The reported grounding issue deserves attention during the return period, but one account is not enough to call it a model-wide problem. For players considering a three-humbucker PRS at the listed price of 818, this model merits a hands-on try and a careful electronics check on arrival.