This may increasingly appear an odd assertion a few guitar as good wanting because the SE A40E Angelus, particularly from a model with the bona fides of PRS Guitars, nevertheless it took me per week or so to understand that my usually favorable first impression of this Chinese language-built acoustic-electric was really giving it quick shrift. Most likely greater than any instrument I’ve examined in years, the SE A40E revealed its true potential steadily. 

Then once more, when you’ve been round lengthy sufficient to recollect when PRS emerged as a brand new main electrical guitar maker, you could recall how the corporate broke into the mainstream. As a substitute of leaping on the metal-inspired tremendous Strat bandwagon or merely imitating the extra conventional manufacturers, the Maryland-based firm rethought and refined long-held concepts in a contemporary means that solved sensible issues for working gamers. Many of those refinements weren’t apparent to the bare eye; from the pickup wiring and switching to the dimensions size and {hardware}, PRS was like a hot-rodder who stored his automotive’s true energy hidden underneath the hood—extra Sunbeam Tiger than Shelby Cobra.

In that means, the SE A40E Angelus could be very PRS. It doesn’t imitate any traditional fashion, nevertheless it additionally doesn’t attempt to seize consideration. But from the neck profile to the bracing and even the visible aesthetic, it’s clear that quite a lot of thought and talent went into its design and execution.

Rock-Strong Development

Constructed to PRS’ Angelus single-cutaway physique specs, the SE A40E incorporates a stable Sitka spruce prime with ovangkol for the again and sides. The mid-sized Angelus’ rounded shoulders movement organically into the cutaway to create a cohesive and organic-looking silhouette from each back and front. The highest is out there in two gloss finishes: pure or with our check mannequin’s beautiful Tobacco Sunburst. The binding—a mix of tiger acrylic (assume fake tortoiseshell) and creme—ties the visible bundle collectively.

The flowing traces have the slimming impact of well-tailored threads. At first look I assumed the Angelus was smaller and shallower than it really is. The physique depth tapers from 3-19/32 inches on the neck block to 4-3/8 inches on the tail block. The standard-style ebony bridge makes use of conventional pins to carry the strings, which relaxation on a compensated bone saddle.

The SE AE40E’s prime options PRS’ hybrid X/classical bracing. In response to the corporate, this design makes use of a standard X on the soundhole “with classical fan bracing throughout the stomach.” The objective is to let the highest vibrate extra freely for enhanced sound projection and a hotter tone. 

The mahogany neck is topped with a 20 fret, 25.3-inch scale ebony fretboard and joins the physique on the 14th fret. The angled headstock carries the trademark PRS form and PRS-designed closed-gear tuning machines. Whereas the headstock brand inlay and the fretboard’s creme binding add magnificence, the visible spotlight must be the fretboard’s fowl inlay sample, which creates the impression of flight.

Excellent Playability

Perhaps it has simply been the luck of the draw, however lots of the cutaway acoustics I’ve examined recently have gone for a extra electrical neck profile—i.e., skinny, and typically angular. Not right here. The SE A40E’s neck is chunky and deep—one thing I personally like, even on electrics. Fretboard width is 1-11/16 inches on the bone nut and 2-9/23 on the physique. However with a fretboard radius of slightly below 12 inches, the neck doesn’t pressure you to stretch for chords and feels fairly comfy for each open and barre chords. 

One of many myths about fats necks is that they’re tougher to play. However when well-executed, they’ll really be simpler as a result of they provide extra assist to your hand. And whereas the neck dimensions are only one think about a guitar’s general tone, chunkier necks are mentioned so as to add resonance and enhance maintain. 

With out the advantage of a publish arrival setup, the motion was simply on the excessive aspect of low. I used to be comfortable sufficient with it to not have a go together with the truss rod (accessed close to the headstock). Intonation was excellent, as was tuning stability. This guitar will get in tune and stays in tune.

General, the A40E was actually spectacular. As lower-cost import traces go, PRS’ SE model has at all times been just a little completely different in that it has its personal determine, as an alternative of merely serving as a platform for entry-level variations of U.S.-made devices. The guitar I examined was a high quality instance. Each element, line, joint, fret finish, and nut edge was proper.

Impressions—Second and Past

I’m undecided different guitar testers would agree, however I at all times discover it attention-grabbing to have a look at an instrument’s stats and measurements after I’ve performed it for some time. Often, there’s no huge revelation. However on this case, seeing the above-mentioned neck width and radius numbers gave me a little bit of an ah-ha second. 

As talked about above, it’s been some time since I examined a chunky acoustic neck, and I described sleeker necks as extra electrical. However some readers could have already got clocked that the radius (underneath 12 inches) is extra widespread on electrical guitars than acoustics (normally 14­–16 inches). So one would possibly argue that an electrical guitar firm’s acoustics do certainly borrow from their louder siblings—simply another way.

With its comparatively extensive string spacing and the refined assist supplied by a rounder radius, I discovered the PRS particularly forgiving on arpeggiated chords within the first place. I examined the SE A40E whereas ending a soundtrack undertaking, and one of many themes was constructed on a six-string arpeggio primarily based on the C/G form. It’s a easy sufficient half, however if you want every observe to ring for a recording, you don’t need your fingers crammed collectively. I truthfully have hassle with that sort of stuff.

With out desirous about why on the time, I discovered the half fairly simple to execute on the PRS. Identical goes for arpeggios with fingers surrounding open drone strings. It’s a refined factor and could also be very specific to each the half and my weaknesses as a participant, nevertheless it’s an excellent illustration of how small design selections could make an enormous distinction if you’re making an attempt to get the job finished.

If it was simple to make stable contact on arpeggios, the identical will be mentioned for strummed chords, each open and barre shapes. Strummed with a flatpick, you possibly can actually hear the SE A40E’s dimension do its factor. It may be overpowering, but when by no means will get squawky. 

I additionally had a possibility to document some flatpicking leads for a similar undertaking. Right here, I discovered the texture just a little stiffer than I would like for actually quick runs, even with the .012–.053 strings, however chordal figures and bends had been simple to execute. The maintain and readability actually stood out on slower and extra expressive passages.

A Shocking Sound

The SE AE40’s tone is managed and balanced; punchy (bass), woody (mids), and clear (highs). It may well get fairly loud, and would positively be at dwelling in a rock or trendy nation band. However you don’t need to hit it exhausting to succeed in throughout the room. This was the standard that stored catching me abruptly. 

After I first heard the guitar—and with out factoring in its comparatively modest $799 road worth—I discovered it a bit gentle on the secondary overtones that give a very nice flattop it’s magical three-dimensional sound.

However the extra I performed and recorded with the SE A40E, the extra complexity I found, particularly after I performed quietly. Does it hum like angels accompanied by a Stradivarius orchestra? No. However the maintain has a lovely decay that appears at its finest if you play with a softer assault. It additionally lets particular person strings converse. One check I love to do is to play a harmonic on the excessive E string whereas bending a observe on the B string. Each notes ought to maintain clearly and sound in tune when the bend comes as much as pitch. The PRS nailed it.

The Backside Line

Is the PRS SE A40E Angelus is a workhorse that appears like a thoroughbred? Or is it a sleeper that overdelivers for an $800 import? After spending a couple of weeks with it (and letting go of the blended metaphor earlier than it snaps in my face), I’d say each, and extra.  I’m undecided if the guitar is opening up after being performed a lot or if I’m simply noticing extra of its sonic qualities, however I preserve discovering extra dimension to the tone over time. The extra dynamically I play, the extra these parts come to the fore. Mix that tone with a really playable neck, rock-solid tuning, a cutaway, a candy end, and first rate electronics—then throw in a hardshell case and an affordable price ticket—and you’ve got a gigging/recording guitar that’s very simple to dwell with. 

SPECS

BODY PRS Angelus single cutaway dimension; stable Sitka spruce prime with hybrid X/classical bracing; laminated ovangkol again and sides; ebony bridge; creme binding; tiger acrylic purfling; Pure or Tobacco Sunburst gloss end

NECK 25.3″-scale mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod; 20 frets; ebony fretboard with 11.81″ radius; birds inlays; 1-11/16″ bone nut; PRS-designed tuners

OTHER PRS Traditional 80/20 strings (.012–.053); PRS-voiced Fishman GT1 electronics; hardshell case

MADE IN China

PRICE $799 road 

prsguitars.com