The Origin of SE
The SE series, short for Student Edition, started in 2001 through a partnership between PRS Guitars and World MI in Korea. The goal back then was the same as it is today: to provide all the hallmarks of PRS quality and craftsmanship at an introductory price point.
SE models (excluding acoustic models) are now made in Surabaya, Indonesia through our partnership with Cor-Tek, with our goals for the SE series maintained by consistent communication and visits to their Indonesia factory. This collaboration in design, prototyping, developing new processes, and quality assurance enables a playing experience consistent with that found on Maryland-made models.
Quality Inspections
Every SE model sold in the USA and Canada is first inspected by a dedicated inspection team here at our Maryland headquarters, which mirrors our final inspection process for USA-made models. This same rigorous inspection process can be found at our distribution hubs in Europe and Japan, and with our international distributors across the world.
A video on this process can be found here: Setting up your SE Zach Myers w/ Inspector Tom
SE Construction
To maintain the more widely accessible price point of SE models, they are built using different materials and techniques.
The SE model builds incorporate genuine maple tops which are then veneered with highly figured maple. These models will also use a laminate or scarf-joint neck construction style, depending on the model.
SE Electronics
SE models are also manufactured with pickups and electronics produced overseas, which is denoted by the “S” following the name of the pickups. Every “S” pickup is designed by PRS and will be similar in specifications to its USA-made counterpart.
SE Acoustics
Acoustic guitars are also available in the SE series, produced by Cor-Tek in Dalian, China. With PRS acoustics otherwise only available through the Private Stock Acoustics family, the SE series acoustics are introductory models with similar features, such as the hybrid X bracing pattern and Fishman electronics.
A video on SE acoustics can be found here: PRS SE Angelus Setup with SE Inspector Tom
Additional information on PRS SE acoustics, including a gear guide, can be found here: PRS Guitars | SE Acoustics