The American-made NF 53 is PRS’ conception of Paul Reed Smith’s favourite ’53 Tele, and the brand new import SE model is a equally energetic plank in an reasonably priced bundle.

In-built Indonesia, the SE NF 53 brings options like a 25.5″ scale, single-cutaway swamp-ash physique, and bolt-on scarfed-maple neck with maple fretboard. PRS’ improvements turn out to be obvious with the Narrowfield DD “S” pickups. These are deeper, smaller-width humbuckers that, when put in in an ash physique, ship a far sparklier persona than you’d anticipate. As described by PRS, they’ve “taller bobbins to suit extra winds… for a targeted, highly effective tone.” In English, which means they’ll ship loads of crunch but in addition dial down to seek out as a lot Bakersfield or Nashville jangle as you need. Rock and steel, blues, nation, and even bebop are all truthful sport right here. Strung with heavier flatwounds, the SE NF 53 would effortlessly make a nice jazz guitar.

Different perks embrace a three-and-three headstock for simple tuning, vintage-style wing tuners, a top-loading bridge, grasp Quantity and Tone knobs, and a three-way selector for simple operation. The Quantity knob is completely positioned for pinky quantity swells. It’s provided in Pearl White, White Doghair, and the tester’s Black Doghair end, which accentuates the swamp-ash grain. Its fretboard has a flat-radius (10″), 22 frets, and PRS chook inlays. Like another SE fashions, anticipate a chunkier neck carve, and this one is actually beefy however nonetheless had an immaculate PRS setup.

Tone-wise, the SE NF 53 has loads of dimension, and you’ll’t assist however love the tonal selection, from studio clear to fats ’n soiled. Once more, it’s a energetic, resonant solidbody providing maintain aplenty. With options that defy the mid-price class, this PRS ought to get buckets of consideration from gamers – and deservedly so. – Pete Prown

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