Stevensville, MD (December 19, 2013) -- In July of 2013, Maryland manufacturer Paul Reed Smith Guitars unveiled the new S2 Starla, S2 Mira, and S2 Custom 24. Considered to be one of the most significant product launches in the company’s recent history, the S2 Series of electric guitars offers the fit, finish, and attention to detail the world has come to expect from the craftsmen at PRS in a more accessible price point. For 2014, PRS has announced production on two additional S2 models: the S2 Singlecut and the S2 Custom 22. Both of these new models, officially announced in December 2013, will be on display at the 2014 NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
The S2 Singlecut and Custom 22 guitars feature figured maple tops with mahogany backs, 22-fret 25” scale length Pattern Regular mahogany necks with rosewood fretboards, and dot or bird inlays. The guitars incorporate PRS-designed S2 #7 treble and bass pickups paired with a 3-way blade switch push-pull tone control for coil-tapping versatility as well as PRS fretwire, nuts, and double-action truss rods. The S2 Singlecut features the same PRS stoptail that is used on the company’s Core line. The S2 Custom 22 features a PRS tremolo (the same tremolo that has been used on the PRS SE line for more than a decade). Both new S2 models are available in seven color choices: Black, Antique White, Black Cherry, Blue Crab Blue Smokeburst, Dark Cherry Sunburst, Grey Black, and McCarty Tobacco.
PRS President Jack Higginbotham offers, “The S2 project has been energizing to us as a company, largely because we are bridging the price gap between our SE line and Core electric lines with a guitar that is made here in our Maryland factory. It required us to look at every element of the manufacturing process with a fresh set of eyes and few preconceived notions. The result is a series of guitars that appeals to long time admirers of our brand as well as a new audience of musicians.”
Artists currently using S2 Series instruments include: Dave Knudson (Minus the Bear), Thomas Fekete (Surfer Blood), Isaac Ellsworth and Stephen Holmes (MoneyPenny), Jonathan Sutten and Seth Trimble (Throw the Fight), and JJ Grey (Mofro).
The S2 Single Cut and the S2 Custom 22, officially announced in December 2013, will be on display at the winter NAMM show in Anaheim California from January 23-26 in PRS rooms 210A and 210B. Shipping will begin in the first quarter of 2014.
Paul Reed Smith Guitars is proud to welcome Marty Friedman – one of the most celebrated lead guitarists of thrash metal – to the PRS family of SE signature artists. Known worldwide for his groundbreaking work with Megadeth and Cacophony, Friedman’s career to date includes 27 gold and platinum records and 5 Grammy awards. His new SE signature model, a black singlecut with star inlays personally chosen by Friedman, is also a force to be reckoned with.
The SE Marty Friedman features a beveled maple top with mahogany back, a 25” scale length wide fat 22 fret mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and star inlays, PRS-designed SE locking tuners and PRS’s adjustable stoptail bridge. SE humbucking treble and bass pickups with volume and tone for each pickup with a 3-way toggle switch on the upper bout gives players ultimate versatility and control.
"The PRS Marty Friedman signature model was developed over the course of recording ‘Inferno’ - my most 'guitar demanding' album yet. Its sound is all over that record. PRS has finally created my ultimate go-to guitar," said Friedman.
The introduction of the SE Marty Friedman comes months before the set release of Friedman’s studio album “Inferno,” which features what Friedman told Guitar World is, “the most intense writing and playing I can do.” Just as he changed the game of metal and guitar with his revered solo debut “Dragon’s Kiss,” Friedman’s new SE signature model will raise the bar for a new generation of players.
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