PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Bernie Marsden Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag)

No longer available at zZounds
Built to the Whitesnake guitarist's specs, the Bernie Marsden SE is a 22-fret single cut loaded with PRS 245 pickups and a bound, bird-inlaid fretboard.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Maple top Long sustain with crisp, bright tone
Mahogany body Rich, warm, focused sound; added sustain
PRS Birds fretboard inlays Signature Paul Reed Smith inlay pattern
Bound rosewood fretboard Warm rosewood tone; beautiful binding

Best known for his work with Whitesnake, Bernie Marsden has long been respected for his rich, blues-inspired style. His impeccable talent as a guitar player has kept him active in the music world for over 30 years and allowed him to share company with a virtual "who's who" of recording and touring musicians.

Closely designed with Marsden himself, the SE Bernie Marsden offers classic appeal with today's quality and dependability. Appointments include a black maple top with flame maple veneer and creme binding along the body's top edge and a 24.5" scale length, 22 fret wide fat mahogany neck with bound rosewood fretboard. PRS-designed SE 245 humbuckers, two volume controls and a single tone control with a 3-way toggle pickup selector round out the offerings.

Features:

- Beveled maple top & quilt maple veneer with mahogany back
- 24 1/2" scale length, 22 fret mahogany neck with bound bird inlaid rosewood fretboard
- PRS-designed stoptail
- PRS-designed 245 pickups
- 2 volume controls, master tone control, 3 way toggle switch on upper bout
- Gig bag included

- Top Wood: Beveled Maple with Flame Maple Veneer and Creme Binding
- Back Wood: Mahogany
- Number of Frets: 22
- Scale Length: 24.5"
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fretboard Wood: Rosewood with Creme Binding
- Neck Shape: Wide Fat
- Fretboard Inlays: Birds
- Bridge: PRS Designed Stoptail
- Tuners: Vintage Grommet Style
- Hardware Type: Nickel
- Treble Pickup: SE 245 Treble
- Bass Pickup: SE 245 Bass
- Pickup Switching: Two Volume and One Tone Control with 3-Way Toggle Pickup Selector

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 410-643-9970
Email: custserv@prsguitars.com
Web: https://prsguitars.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted June 30, 2015 by M Campbell in San Diego, CA

"PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Bernie Marsden - Believe the hype!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Believe the hype, kids, this guitar is truly amazing! While researching the PRS SE Bernie Marsden, I was hard pressed to find a single bad review. Still, I was slightly skeptical it could be as good as all the hype. Nonetheless, I decided to give her a shot. Let me tell you, it's all that and then some.

Sound
It did not take long to dial in the right sounds on this instrument. The neck pick up has the warmth I desire and the bridge pick up has just enough brightness without being too "shrill" or "tinny". Being based on Bernie Marsden own 59' Gibson Les Paul, "The Beast", this model is particularly good for blues, blues based rock and classic rock tones. Granted, these stock pick ups are not as hot as my own Les Paul's 57 pick ups, they are able to get a similar tone by simply turning the guitar's volume knob up a click or so more. Many of the reviews I've read from other Bernie owners state the have or will swap out the pick ups. I intend on keeping mine stock. Bernie Marsden himself has stated that he actually prefers the stock pick ups on this model (which he actually plays, both on stage and in the studio...perhaps the best endorsement for this guitar!).

Features
This guitar immediately felt like an old friend in my hands. I was also surprised by how light weight she was by comparison to my Les Paul. Though very similar in size and shape to a Les Paul, and both being made of solid mahogany/maple, the SE Bernie read more Marsden is closer in weight to my Stratocaster. The neck is advertised as being wide, I found it to be almost identical to my Les Paul's neck width. Also, like a Les Paul, this is a 24.5 neck, so again, it has that familiar feel for those of us used to Les Pauls. Other reviewers I have read also talked of replacing the tuning machines. I do not see an issue with them on my guitar. Perhaps it is because they are based on classic "green tulip" style tuning keys (i.e., plastic), but mine really hold their tune incredibly well. The only mod I could see being done would be to eventually replace the nut with a more natural bone but, that could be said about almost any standard (and a few custom) models. I also have to point out the very cool wrap around bridge. This is very similar to a lot of the cool vintage Gibsons, as well as a few of their current models. Along with the great tone woods, I think it's what adds to the amazing sustain you get from the "Lil' Beast".

Ease of Use
Out of the box, perfect set up. No, really...I kid you not! No fret buzz, no loose anything. I've never bonded with a guitar as quickly as I have with this one. She's incredibly comfortable to play. The body contours are not just sexy, they add to the playing comfort.

Quality
Perfection! I have often read of the superior build quality of Paul Reed Smith guitars, even on their less expensive SE lines. This is indeed the case with my PRS SE Bernie Marsden. Having the super glossy black finish, there is no way to hide any physical flaws on the body or binding. She is as smooth as silk.

Value
At it's regular advertised price, I'd say this guitar is a real bargain. With zZounds price match/beat policy, I got her for a song. zZounds has been my number one "go to" music supply dealer for the last few years now. Though on a major budget, working with zZounds has allowed me to fulfill my musical aspirations. As for this and other PRS SE models, I am now looking forward to my next PRS guitar. Their SE line is affordable for us "working poor" musicians but, with a build quality that will rival the best of them. I am very glad I took a chance on this model.

Manufacturer Support
Prior to and again after my purchase, I had written to the folks at Paul Reed Smith with questions about this model. A representative from there contacted me each time with the answers I was seeking AND he was very courteous. He had also imparted to me a story about how he meet Bernie Marsden on a few occasions during the formulation of this signature model. This seems to be a truly good company, kids.

The Wow Factor
Just look at her. Sexy as hell, baby! That slick, glossy black finish with the vintage cream binding and matching cream pick up rings, the cool wrap around bridge, dark amber knobs, green "tulip style" tuners and lovely bird inlays to boot! Oh yeah...then you plug her in...WOW!

Musical Background:
Musician/Songwriter

Musical Style:
All of the above.
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