The bolt-on Swamp Ash Particular has been round for practically three a long time, however PRS simply retooled the U.S.-built model and dropped it at NAMM. There are important upgrades.

Whereas earlier variations had humbuckers with a single-coil pickup between them, this newest plank has a PRS Narrowfield (NF) humbucker within the center. One other bonus is the full-sized pickups have coil-taps. Let’s dive in.

First, what the heck is swamp ash? Whereas numerous guitars use ash, swamp ash refers to any ash species (in Latin, Fraxinus) that grew close to water or was partially submerged. This leads to a full of life, gentle tonewood with that classic “snap” sought by so many tone-ologists. Supplied in six high-gloss nitro finishes, the Swamp Ash Particular has a carved high that’s properly grained, together with a 25″ scale, bolt-on maple neck and maple or rosewood fretboard (our tester was maple on maple in a beautiful White Doghair Smokeburst). {Hardware} consists of the PRS vibrato bridge and Part III locking tuners.

The Swamp Ash Particular arrived able to play, with a cushty Sample Common neck carve – slender however not skinny, and retaining a level of classic beef. PRS has it set as much as burn and its fretboard gives a super-fast floor for fast licks. The complete-sized 58/15 LT (for “low flip”) humbuckers enable extra woody tone and air to come back by way of your amp. The center NF in a bolt-on swamp ash configuration sounds far totally different than it could in a set-neck mahogany guitar. Paired with the 58/15 set, you’ll hear a broad palette of sounds, from Strat-flavored quack to SG scream. The five-way toggle and mini-switches provide 12 well-defined tone choices. Add that correct PRS whammy bar, and the sky’s the restrict.

Better of all, the 2025 Swamp Ash Particular is just not insanely priced. For lower than three grand, it’s a severe, skilled instrument that may rock any stage from Glastonbury to your native membership. This swamp factor is a pleasure to play. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s Might 2025 problem. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.