PRS Charcoal Phoenix inspired by McLaughlin
Charcoal Phoenix based on the Private Stock John McLaughlin
3,9 / 5,0 | 
PRS has announced the release of the Charcoal Phoenix, a limited edition run of 150 guitars inspired by the Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition model released in 2023.
PRS Charcoal Phoenix
PRS founder Paul Reed Smith has been playing and refining the design of this instrument for the past year, even showcasing it at the company’s recent 40th-anniversary celebration.
Only 150 Charcoal Phoenix guitars will be available worldwide, each accompanied by a hand-signed 40th-anniversary certificate.
High-End Finish
The guitar features a “Private Stock” grade figured maple top with a charcoal microburst finish, a fatback mahogany back, a Chaltecoco neck, and a Ziricote fingerboard.
Smith explained the inspiration behind the name, stating, “The deep crimson back and the charcoal microburst top inspired the name ‘Charcoal Phoenix,’ evoking the imagery of a phoenix rising from fire and ashes.”
TCI pickups
The Charcoal Phoenix boasts PRS TCI pickups, designed to deliver a wide range of tones from “spanky single coils to full soapbars.”
A pair of EQ mini-toggles provides further tonal control, acting as tuned high-pass filters to enhance clarity and high frequencies. The guitar also features lightweight PRS Phase III Non-Locking Tuners and a PRS Stoptail bridge with curved string slots, brass inserts, and steel studs.
Paul Reed Smith
Smith noted the influence of the McLaughlin model on the new release. “When we released the Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition in 2023, I was inspired by its exceptional sound and playability,” he said. “For the Charcoal Phoenix, I wanted to create something equally remarkable but with a stoptail bridge.”
He added that the Chaltecoco neck and Ziricote fingerboard contribute to the instrument’s sustain and clarity.
PRS 40th Anniversary
As I mentioned above, the guitar made its public debut late last month at PRS’s 40th-anniversary concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.
Smith played the Charcoal Phoenix alongside artists like John Mayer, David Grissom, Orianthi, Herman Li, and Mark Lettieri.
I’ve seen dealers in the UK listing it for £7995. The limited number of available instruments is expected to make the Charcoal Phoenix a highly sought-after item among collectors and players.
More Information
This might also interest you
