PRS Swamp Ash Special: A Twangy, Bolt-On Comeback
New pickups and EQ switches for select models
Look who’s back, a new SAS generation! The updated PRS Swamp Special and Swamp Special Maple models include a HSH setup for twelve (!) different sound combinations. PRS says this new SAS generation makes twangy country or blues sounds much easier to dial in.
PRS Swamp Ash Special: What’s new with the bolt-on model?
The revamped PRS Swamp Ash Special includes a 22-fret 25” scale length mahogany neck and a rosewood fretboard with the typical birds inlays. In addition, there is a second model with a maple fretboard, namely Swamp Ash Special Maple. So, not only do you get the distinct Swamp Ash look, you also get to choose between these two different looks and feels.
PRS is also introducing a host of new finishes. Besides Vintage Natural, they’re offering Black Doghair, White Doghair, Jasper Smokeburst, the classic McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, and Scarlet Smokeburst. The same variants are available for the Swamp Ash Special Maple models. That Jasper Smokeburst is one beautiful-looking guitar!
Hardware
The manufacturer is also introducing Phase III locking tuners, which we’ve seen in PRS’s core line, for this new generation Swamp Ash Special. They come in an open-back design, unplated brass shafts, and PRS’s proprietary wing button.
For the Swamp Ash Special models, the bridge includes the PRS Gen III patented tremolo, which we’ve seen in Private Stock already.
Narrowfield
Special in Swamp Ash Special indicates it: we’re dealing with an HSH setup, namely two 58/15 LT humbuckers and PRS Narrowfield single-coil in the middle. This single-coil is designed to be as hum-less as the humbuckers while maintaining single-coil sounds.
Speaking of single-coil, besides a master volume and a master tone control, there are two mini-switches for coil-splitting each humbucker separately. Combine that with the five-way toggle, and you get a staggering twelve different combinations. It doesn’t get much more versatile.
PRS says that these new pickups make it much easier to dial in twangy sounds for country, blues, and jazz. It’s a worthy release for a 40th anniversary. Happy birthday, Paul Reed Smith!
EQ switches and New Pickups for select models
But it does not stop there. Besides this new series and the Standard 24 Satin models, PRS is also introducing EQ switches for select models. These replace the coil-split mini-switches act as tuned high-pass filters when engaged. This update will be available in the Custom 24-08, Modern Eagle V and S2 Custom 24-08 series.
There also two new pickup models. The DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) pickups are said to deliver a modern, “wide-open” sound and will be available in the Custom 24 range. Compared to that, the McCarty III pickups are much more vintage-sounding humbuckers. These can be found on some McCarty, Hollowbody, Special, and Studio models.
How much does the PRS Swamp Ash Special cost?
There is no official announcement yet of the prices of either PRS Swamp Ash Special or Swamp Ash Special Maple. As soon as we have more info in that, you’ll find it here.