Description
Feeling Smooth??? MIK PRS Santana SE with Seymour Duncan Vintage ‘59 pickups and PRS Gig Bag, $599!
The PRS SE Santana is a signature electric guitar developed in collaboration with renowned guitarist Carlos Santana. Introduced in 2001, it was the first model in PRS’s SE (Student Edition) series, designed to offer high-quality instruments at accessible prices. The SE Santana combines PRS’s craftsmanship with features tailored to Santana’s playing style, providing a versatile instrument suitable for various genres.
Key Features
- Body: Mahogany body with a beveled maple top and flame maple veneer, delivering a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain.
- Neck: Mahogany neck with a 24.5-inch scale length and a wide-fat profile, offering comfortable playability and a rich tonal character.
- Fingerboard: Rosewood fingerboard featuring 24 frets and PRS’s signature bird inlays, providing smooth navigation across the fretboard.
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan Vintage ‘59 pickups
- Hardware: PRS-designed tuners and a molded PRS patented tremolo bridge, ensuring stable tuning and expressive vibrato effects.
- Controls: Master volume and tone controls with a three-way toggle switch, allowing for versatile tonal shaping.
- Finish: Available in Santana Yellow, highlighting the guitar’s elegant aesthetics.
Sound Profile
The SE Santana produces a warm, rich tone with pronounced midrange frequencies, characteristic of its mahogany construction and humbucking pickups. The neck pickup offers smooth, creamy tones ideal for solos and melodic lines, while the bridge pickup provides clarity and bite suitable for rhythm playing. The combination of these pickups allows for a wide range of sounds, from clean, bell-like tones to saturated overdrive, accommodating various musical styles.
Applications
This guitar is well-suited for players seeking a versatile instrument capable of handling genres such as rock, blues, jazz, and fusion. Its comfortable neck profile and responsive pickups make it ideal for expressive lead work and dynamic rhythm playing. The SE Santana’s design and features reflect Carlos Santana’s influence, making it a fitting choice for those aiming to capture elements of his iconic sound.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
The SE Santana showcases PRS’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, featuring meticulous construction and attention to detail. The flame maple veneer adds visual appeal, while the bird inlays and signature headstock design contribute to its distinctive look. The guitar’s build quality ensures durability and reliability, suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.
Country of Manufacture
The PRS SE Santana is manufactured in South Korea, adhering to PRS’s high standards of quality and consistency.
Collectibility and Market Value
As a signature model associated with Carlos Santana, the SE Santana holds appeal among fans and collectors. Its combination of quality construction, versatile features, and association with a legendary guitarist contributes to its desirability. While it is a production model, its reputation and performance have helped it maintain a stable market value over time.