Both pickups are made using the same design and will have similar specifications. Pickups for Private Stock, Core, S2, and CE models are made in our Maryland Factory, while “S” pickups are made to PRS specifications by our multiple suppliers overseas.

These PRS guitars were designed for the working musician, offering ease of portability. There are PRS hardshell cases available in our PRS West Street East Store, many of which are compatible with Bolt-on and S2 models. For compatibility information, visit the following link: Which ATA Multi-fit Molded Case will fit my PRS?

The volume and tone knobs are interchangeable. For the knobs, some slight adjustment to the shaft of the pot may be necessary.

The Silver Sky locking tuners and pickguards are interchangeable between models.

The fretwire on the SE Silver Sky is similar in spec to the ‘tall & narrow’ fretwire featured on the Maryland-made Silver Sky. The feel of the neck and fretboard are similar between the two models.

The tremolo arm on the SE Silver Sky is slightly smaller in diameter than the Maryland-made Silver Sky tremolo arm, and they are not interchangeable.

The truss rod covers between the models are different shapes and sizes and are not interchangeable.

The fretwire on the SE Silver Sky is comparable in spec to the ‘tall & narrow’ fretwire featured on the Maryland-made Silver Sky. The feel of the neck and fretboard are similar between the two models.

The 8.5” radius presents fewer manufacturing challenges with fretwork and also enables the SE Silver Sky to feel more like “home” to players. Making a guitar with a 7.25” radius fretboard and low action with no fret buzz is an artform!

Part of John Mayer’s goal with the Silver Sky was to bring a modern aesthetic to a classic design. As we developed the guitar, we were pulling materials and colors from modern references, and we both thought the gray buttons added unique, modern vibe to the guitar. In addition, they are incredibly lightweight, which supports the tone and resonance of the guitars.

The type of finish on your PRS is dependent on the model and production year.

All SE models will feature acrylic urethane (poly) finish.

Maryland-made models are currently finished in nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) beginning in 2023. For more information on finish, see the following article: About PRS Finish and Finish Colors – PRS Guitars

Beginning in 2024, all S2 models are made with Maryland-made pickups and electronics. S2 models produced early in 2024 and in prior years will have “S” pickups and SE electronics.

For more information on your specific S2, feel free to reach out to our customer service team with your S2’s serial number.

You can find out more about these electronics configurations and their production years at the following link: Tap, Split, Isolated Split, and EQ – PRS Guitars

A scarf joint is an angled joint made from two pieces of wood that are cut at complementary angles and glued together. This neck construction style is used on S2, Bolt-on, and some SE series models.

One-piece necks are carved out in a single piece from a heftier piece of wood. This construction style is used on Core and Private Stock models.

Both bridges incorporate the same PRS patented features. The molded tremolo, found throughout the SE, Bolt-on, and S2 series, use a cast steel block with brass plate and saddles. The machined tremolo, found on Core and Private Stock models, utilizes a machined brass block, plate and saddles.

To determine the production year of your guitar, visit the following link: Year Identification – PRS Guitars

If you would like more specific information on your PRS, please contact our customer service team with the serial number and images of the guitar.

All Private Stock, Core, S2, and Bolt-On instruments are produced by our dedicated teams of craftspeople in our factory in Stevensville, MD.

SE electrics are produced by our dedicated partners in the Cor-Tek Surabaya, Indonesia factory.

SE acoustics are produced by our dedicated partners in the Cor-Tek Dalian, China factory.

We're always looking for ways to innovate our craft, with mango being yet another step on that journey. While experimenting with the wood, Paul found that it offers excellent tonal characteristics, striking a certain warmth somewhere between quilted maple and mahogany, while offering vibrant grain patterns that take finish colors beautifully.

That being said, our love of maple has not wavered; maple tops are not being phased out.

SE models incorporate genuine maple tops which are veneered with highly figured maple.