Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,495

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Paul Reed Smith 408 electric guitar offers an extraordinary blend of craftsmanship and versatility. Crafted for the discerning musician, the 408 is perfect for those who demand a range of tonal possibilities without compromising on playability. Its Signature Limited pickup system is the star of the show, offering a rich palette of tones that range from robust humbucker growls to delicate single-coil chimes. This system, coupled with an intuitive switching design, allows you to explore eight different tonal combinations, making it a versatile companion for any musical journey.

The guitar's body is a beautiful marriage of a solid mahogany slab and a carved maple top, providing a balanced warmth and brightness. Its fast mahogany Pattern neck ensures smooth playability across the 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, adorned with PRS's iconic bird inlays. The PRS GEN III tremolo bridge further enhances the instrument’s expressive potential, allowing you to dive, bend, and twist notes with ease while maintaining stable tuning.

For those who appreciate the finer details, the V12 finish not only enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also preserves its natural resonance. The proprietary PRS pot taper ensures smooth volume and tone swells, while Phase III locking tuners guarantee you're always stage and studio ready.

Key Features:

  • Signature Limited pickup system with eight humbucker/single-coil combinations
  • Solid mahogany body with carved maple top
  • Fast mahogany Pattern neck
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with bird inlays
  • PRS GEN III tremolo bridge
  • V12 finish for aesthetic and tonal enhancement
  • Phase III locking tuners for stable tuning
  • Proprietary PRS pot taper for smooth control

Product specs

Brand PRS
Model 408 Maple Top
Finish Antique Natural, Antique White, Aquamarine, Armando's Amethyst, Autumn Sky, Azul, Black, Black Cherry, Black Gold Burst, Blood Orange, Boyd Burst, Champagne Gold Metallic, Charcoal Burst, Charcoal Cherry Burst, Dark Cherry Burst, Emerald, Faded Vintage Yellow, Faded Whale Blue, Fire Red Burst, Frost Green Metallic, Gold Top, Gray Black, Honey, Jade, Leprechaun Tooth, Livingston Lemondrop, Makena Blue, McCarty Sunburst, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Midnight Deuce, Obsidian, Orange Tiger, Royal Blue, Santana Yellow, Tobacco Burst, Tortoise Shell, Trampas Green, Vintage Sunburst, Violet, Violet Blue Burst, Whale Blue
Year 2013 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Orange, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family PRS 408
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series PRS Core
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What makes the PRS 408 pickups unique?

The PRS 408 features asymmetrical humbucking pickups with dedicated mini switches, allowing you to switch to a single-coil sound without volume loss. This versatility provides eight distinct sound settings, enhancing tonal flexibility for various music genres.

Is the PRS 408 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the PRS 408 is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust mahogany body, reliable Phase III locking tuners, and a PRS tremolo bridge for stable tuning and expressive playability.

What neck profile does the PRS 408 have?

The PRS 408 features a Pattern neck shape, which is known for its comfortable grip and smooth playability, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the PRS 408 handle different music genres?

With its versatile pickup configuration and coil-tap options, the PRS 408 can handle a wide range of music genres, from rock and blues to jazz and pop, providing rich, dynamic tones.

Does the PRS 408 come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the PRS 408 is equipped with a PRS tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing while maintaining tuning stability.

PRS Guitars

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PRS 408 Demo w/Bryan Ewald

Video thumbnail for PRS 408 Demo w/Bryan Ewald by PRS Guitars

PRS 408 Demo w/Bryan Ewald

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS 408 Solidbody Electric Guitar Demo with Paul Reed Smith - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

PRS 408 Solidbody Electric Guitar Demo with Paul Reed Smith - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith 408 Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

Paul Reed Smith 408 Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for PRS 408 Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

PRS 408 Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for PRS 408 Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

PRS 408 Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for How Good is the PRS 408? The FORGOTTEN PRS CORE MODEL by Squealing Pig Guitars

How Good is the PRS 408? The FORGOTTEN PRS CORE MODEL

Squealing Pig Guitars

Squealing Pig Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS 408.

Build quality

  • The 408 model is noted for its Brazilian rosewood fretboard, which is highly valued for its unique tonal qualities and is marked "custom built for USA only."

    Source
  • The tightness of the flame in the guitar's top, often compared to high-grade 10-top quality, is a standout feature in this model.

    Source
  • The Brazilian Rosewood is used for fretboard, knobs, pickup rings, backplates, tuning keys, and even the tremolo arm tip, enhancing tactile and visual appeal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's gold hardware and intricate flame top suggest it might be an Artist Package or Wood Library model, both known for premium aesthetics and materials.

    Source
  • The 408's unique rectangular bobbins were not in use in 1998, indicating the model's more modern design elements.

    Source
  • The 408's rosewood neck and ebony fretboard enhance the tactile playing experience, though not all models share these materials.

    Source
  • The guitar weighs 7.0 lbs, which contributes to its resonant quality and ease of handling during play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its premium features, the market for 10-year-old PRS guitars like this 2013 model suggests a value range between $3,000 to $4,000, not the $5,000 some might expect.

    Source
  • A 10-top vintage carve neck 408 was purchased for $2600, indicating potential for lower market pricing than expected.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners notice a common cosmetic issue where the headstock often has a ding, a quirk shared with many PRS guitars.

    Source
  • The 408's versatility and ability to achieve single coil tones make it a favorite among owners who possess multiple PRS models.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the guitar's versatility, noting that the split coil sounds are particularly effective, making all pickup positions usable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners prefer the 408's bridge design over the Paul's Guitar, citing better playability.

    Source

Other

  • Despite the stunning appearance, owners express concern over the potential for perspiration affecting the gold bridge hardware.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS 408 Maple Top Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The PRS 408 Maple Top stands out with its remarkable tonal versatility and craftsmanship, delivering a range of sounds from warm, beefy tones to more single-coil-like brightness without volume loss. Its balanced pickups and fast action make it a delight for players seeking a unique identity beyond the classic Fender or Gibson models. While the tuning stability, particularly on the treble strings, could be improved, the guitar's build quality and stunning aesthetics more than compensate. It's a professional-grade instrument that justifies its price tag, offering musicians a tool to carve distinct sonic paths.

positive

PRS 408 Maple Top review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PRS 408 Maple Top impresses with its superb build quality, resonance, and versatile playability. Its standout feature is the innovative pickup system that offers a blend of humbucker and single-coil sounds, delivering exceptional tonal versatility. While its unique pickup switching might not appeal to everyone, it enhances the guitar's sound palette significantly. Despite the complex switching, the overall sound is rich, balanced, and clear across different modes. This guitar is a must-try for those serious about their sound, showcasing PRS's commitment to sonic innovation and quality craftsmanship.

positive

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