Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,764

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the harmonious blend of warmth and clarity with the PRS 305, an electric guitar designed for those who crave sonic versatility. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed 513 platform, this instrument is a testament to PRS's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. With a trio of PRS proprietary single-coil pickups, the 305 delivers five unique tones, ensuring that every genre and style is within your reach.

The PRS 305 is not just about versatile sound; it also boasts an elegant design. Its carved alder body is complemented by a sleek rock maple neck, ensuring both comfort and durability. The rosewood fretboard, adorned with signature bird inlays, adds a touch of classic PRS elegance. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the 305's advanced electronics package—featuring a 5-way pickup selector and intuitive volume and tone controls—offers effortless control over your sound.

Engage with the tactile feel of the PRS tremolo bridge and the security of PRS 14:1 Phase II low mass locking tuners, which ensure stability and precision during performance. This guitar is a blend of art and functionality, perfect for musicians looking to elevate their craft with an instrument that looks as good as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • Body Wood: Carved Alder
  • Neck Wood: Rock Maple
  • Fretboard Wood: Rosewood with Bird Inlays
  • Scale Length: 25 1/2"
  • Bridge: PRS Tremolo
  • Tuners: PRS 14:1 Phase II Low Mass Locking Tuners
  • Three PRS Proprietary Single-Coil Pickups
  • 5-Way Blade Pickup Selector

Product specs

Brand PRS
Model 305
Finish Antique White, Black, Charcoal, Frost Blue Metallic, Grandma Hannon Pink, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Platinum, Powder Blue, Sapphire Smokeburst, Scarlet Smokeburst, Sea Foam Green, Smoked Amber, Tri-Color Sunburst, Vintage Cherry, Vintage Mahogany, Vintage Orange, Vintage Sunburst, Violin Amber Sunburst
Year 2010 - 2013
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Pink, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family PRS 305
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series PRS Core

FAQs

What type of pickups does the PRS 305 feature?

The PRS 305 is equipped with three PRS 513 single-coil pickups, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

How does the PRS 305's neck profile affect playability?

The PRS 305 features a standard neck shape with a rock maple construction, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the PRS 305 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the PRS 305's solid alder body and reliable PRS-designed tremolo bridge make it an excellent choice for live performances, offering stability and rich tonal options.

What is the scale length of the PRS 305, and how does it influence tone?

The PRS 305 has a 25-1/2" scale length, which contributes to a brighter tone and more pronounced string tension, ideal for players who prefer a snappy and articulate sound.

Does the PRS 305 guitar come with locking tuners?

Yes, the PRS 305 is equipped with PRS 14:1 Phase II low-mass locking tuners, ensuring stable tuning and quick string changes.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

PRS 305 Violin Amber Sunburst

Video thumbnail for PRS 305 Violin Amber Sunburst by N Stuff Music

PRS 305 Violin Amber Sunburst

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for PRS 305  •  Wildwood Guitars Overview by Wildwood Guitars

PRS 305 • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS John Mayer Silver Sky vs PRS DC3 vs PRS 305 (low and high gain) by Guitar on the rocks

PRS John Mayer Silver Sky vs PRS DC3 vs PRS 305 (low and high gain)

Guitar on the rocks

Guitar on the rocks

Video thumbnail for 305 von PRS im Gitarrentest bei MusikMachen.de by musikmachen.de

305 von PRS im Gitarrentest bei MusikMachen.de

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith 305 Demo by The Donut Doctor

Paul Reed Smith 305 Demo

The Donut Doctor

The Donut Doctor

Video thumbnail for PRS "John Mayer" SILVER SKY vs PRS DC3 vs PRS 305 by Guitar on the rocks

PRS "John Mayer" SILVER SKY vs PRS DC3 vs PRS 305

Guitar on the rocks

Guitar on the rocks

Reviews

PROS

  • Flawless build quality and craftsmanship

  • Superior tremolo system compared to vintage-style alternatives

  • Unique clean sounds with remarkable character

  • Warmer, mellower tone than traditional stock options

  • PRS aesthetic with traditional single coil sound

  • Set neck design enhances tonal warmth

  • Cost-effective alternative to pricier models

  • Distinctive wood and finish quality

CONS

  • Unique pickup footprint limits customization

  • Scale length may not suit all players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS 305.

Features and functionality

  • The SE Tremonti has a four-knob setup, which initially deterred live use but was a catalyst for the signature model's development.

    Source
  • The SE 594, DGT, and Tremonti models include individual volume knobs for each pickup, enhancing tonal control.

    Source
  • The PRS 305 pickups are noiseless and offer a slightly warmer tone than traditional strat pickups, making them suitable for players seeking a warmer single-coil sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SE Zach Myers and Tremonti models are noted for having individual volume controls, aligning them with certain Gibson setups.

    Source
  • The 305 pickups are described as ballsier compared to typical strat pickups, offering a sound that's close but with more presence.

    Source

User experience

  • Hand sanding in the CE line contributes to low margins, impacting PRS's ability to expand the range.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using the tone knob to reduce harshness when overdriving the 305's single coils, which can be further smoothed out with a fuzz pedal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest interest in a CE model with 57/08 pickups for those desiring a classic sound combined with modern PRS aesthetics.

    Source
  • A potential SE model with a 58/15LT in the bridge could offer a versatile HSS configuration reminiscent of the 1988/1989 Studio.

    Source
  • Rewiring the tone knob to affect the bridge pickup is recommended for better tonal control, especially when using distortion.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SE 277 is desired in more colors like the EU-exclusive Blue Matteo, as current options resemble existing models too closely.

    Source
  • The PRS 305 is suitable for players influenced by Mark Knopfler, providing warmth while retaining the attack characteristic of single coils.

    Source

Other

  • The absence of PRS in the short-scale bass market leaves potential for innovation, particularly in lightweight models under 8 lbs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS 25th Anniversary 305 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PRS 25th Anniversary 305 is a masterful blend of PRS craftsmanship and Stratocaster-inspired sound, delivering rich single-coil tones with exceptional build quality. While its unique black pickup covers may polarize opinions, the guitar shines with its superb sustain, immaculate intonation, and versatile playability. It offers a Strat-like experience with enhanced low-end and smooth high frequencies, making it a superior choice for both clean and high-gain tones. However, the lack of reverse-wound middle pickup for hum reduction is a minor oversight. Overall, it's a premium, limited-edition gem for those seeking PRS quality with Fender flavors.

positive

PRS 305 Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The PRS 305 impresses with its solid build and resonant tone, offering a unique blend of Stratocaster elements with PRS's signature quality and aesthetic. Its alder body, single-coil pickups, and 5-way switch deliver versatility, from warm jazz to snappy country tones. The guitar's hardware ensures stability and ease of use, while the set neck design enhances sustain and resonance. However, the pickups, though quieter, aren't entirely noiseless, and purists may miss the classic Strat sound. Still, for those seeking a modern twist on single-coils with rich tonal options, the PRS 305 is a stellar choice.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
reiniholzmann

PRS - 305

Clean, an awesome guitar! I don´t play it often, cause of the scale length, but i can say: + unique clean sounds + best workmanship + awesome playability

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Rand uses PRS 305

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video for "Say You'll Haunt Me", Josh can be seen using a PRS 305.

See how Joe Don Rooney uses PRS 305

Joe Don Rooney

Singer, Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

In an interview with Seymour Duncan, Rascal Flatts' guitar tech, David Graef, discusses Joe Don Rooney's use of the PRS 305 guitar.

Album Usage

The PRS 305 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PRS 305, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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