PRS JA-15

This PRS JA-15 is the key representative of the entire model family. You can review, list, or link it to artists. Remember to enrich your contributions with specifics like year, color, etc. in your notes.

$4,399.00 Price Tier: High-end

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using PRS JA-15

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$4,399.00 1 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $4,399

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, PRS JA-15 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Designed for jazz aficionados yet beloved by rock enthusiasts, the PRS JA-15 is a testament to innovative craftsmanship in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars. A collaboration between Paul Reed Smith and the renowned guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., this guitar is a harmonious blend of classic and modern features. The JA-15 boasts a "Pattern" neck shape that delivers unparalleled comfort, making it feel as familiar as an old friend the moment you pick it up. Its 53/10 pickups generate a warm, vintage-inspired tone with a sweet high end, adding versatility to its sonic palette.

The guitar's construction is equally impressive, with a spruce top providing warmth while the figured maple back enhances tonal clarity. The inclusion of a 2-piece adjustable bridge, previously exclusive to Private Stock models, ensures superior resonance and sustain. Not to forget, the "V12" finish offers a sleek, durable coating that enhances the guitar's natural beauty while allowing it to resonate freely. Whether you’re navigating complex jazz compositions or exploring rock soundscapes, the PRS JA-15 stands ready to inspire.

Key Features:

Spruce top with figured maple back
"Pattern" neck shape for enhanced playability
53/10 pickups for warm, vintage tones
2-piece adjustable bridge for improved resonance
"V12" finish for durability and aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand	PRS
Model	JA-15 Paul Jackson Jr. Signature
Finish	Amber Black, Antique White, Black, Black Gold Burst, Fire Red Burst, Frost Blue Metallic, Livingston Lemondrop, McCarty Sunburst, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Smokeburst, Smoked Orange, Tri-Color Sunburst, Vintage Natural
Year	2011 - 2014
Made In	United States
Categories	Hollow Body Guitars
Artist	Paul Jackson Jr.
Body Material	Mahogany, Maple
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Orange, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	PRS JA-15
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	PRS Artist Signature, PRS Core

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the PRS JA-15?: The PRS JA-15 features a bound curly maple 'pattern' neck, which provides a comfortable and familiar feel, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the PRS 53/10 pickups on the JA-15?: The PRS 53/10 humbuckers deliver a warm, vintage-inspired tone with excellent clarity and articulation, making them versatile for jazz, blues, and rock genres.
Is the PRS JA-15 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the PRS JA-15's semi-hollowbody design and quality electronics make it a reliable choice for live performances, offering rich tones and excellent sustain.
How does the hollowbody design of the PRS JA-15 affect its sound?: The hollowbody design of the PRS JA-15 enhances its resonance and provides a warm, full-bodied acoustic quality, ideal for jazz and blues styles.
What are the standout features of the PRS JA-15's construction?: The PRS JA-15 features a carved spruce top, curly maple back, mahogany sides, and an ebony fretboard, all contributing to its superior tonal quality and playability.
Does the PRS JA-15 come with a case?: Yes, the PRS JA-15 comes with a PRS hardshell case, ensuring that your guitar is protected during transport and storage.

Videos

Add video

World Guitars

PRS JA-15 Demo with Rob Harris

World Guitars

PRS Private Stock JA-15 166096

Dream Guitars

PRS JA-15 Hollowbody Electric Guitar Tri-Color Sunburst

Musician's Friend

Paul Reed Smith JA-15: PRS Paul Jackson Jr. Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

PRS JA-15 • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

PRS JA-15 & Knaggs Chena Tier 3 video demo Guitarist magazine

Guitarist

Emil Werstler and Dave Weiner PRS JA-15 Demo at Experience PRS 2011

PRS Guitars

2012 PRS JA-15 Part1

GregsGuitars

Emil Werstler Rocks a PRS JA-15 on No Guitar Is Safe podcast

Jude Gold

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS JA-15.

Use cases and applications

0 0

Pure nickel round wound strings, like Stringjoy Broadway, enhance the JA-15's jazz tone without the brightness of standard roundwounds or the dullness of flatwounds.
Source
0 0

This model excels in live settings, allowing players to switch effortlessly between genres like rock, funk, and jazz with its versatile pickup configurations.
Source

User experience

0 0

A 2012 PRS JA-15 can achieve a satisfying jazz/blues tone when used with a loud, clean amp, earning praise from listeners.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the JA-15's rarity and solid construction, noting its difficulty to find in the current market.
Source
0 0

Owners mention the middle pickup can interfere with picking, requiring adjustment, but using Jazz III picks can help mitigate this issue.
Source
0 0

Some owners report that tuning stability isn't as reliable as other PRS models, despite fine performance with moderate tremolo use.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Early owners report finding the PRS JA-15 at significantly lower prices, highlighting its potential as a hidden gem in local shops.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The JA-15 features a block under the bridge, connecting the top to the back, which helps reduce feedback when amplified.
Source
0 0

Some owners from the limited run describe the guitar as feeling "almost private stock" in quality, making it a prized possession.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The guitar is not a true hollow body, as it includes a bridge block, enhancing stability and reducing feedback.
Source
0 0

The 2011 JA-15 model includes an ebony board with MOP outlined Paua Bird Inlays, adding distinctive aesthetic appeal.
Source
0 0

The Special Semi-Hollow uses 58/15 LT pickups, which differ from the 58/15 MT pickups in the limited edition, affecting tonal warmth and clarity.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Special Semi-Hollow is considered a more versatile alternative to both Fender Strats and Gibson Les Pauls, offering a unique semi-hollow sound with split and middle pickup positions.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Upgrading the tremolo or saddles, particularly on S2 models, is suggested by some owners to enhance performance closer to core models.
Source

Other

0 0

The Special Semi-Hollow remains a sought-after guitar for those who missed out on the John Mayer Super Eagle, offering similar features at a more accessible price.
Source

Critic Reviews

PRS JA-15 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PRS JA-15 is a beautifully crafted semi-acoustic guitar that harmoniously blends classic design with modern playability. Its stunning aesthetics and rich, textured sound make it a standout choice for jazz and blues musicians. However, the review notes a desire for more options, such as a stripped-down variant, and mentions that its high output pickups might not appeal to everyone. Still, for those seeking a versatile and elegant instrument, the JA-15 delivers an impressive performance that’s hard to resist.

positive

Full Review

GearHead: Paul Reed Smith's JA-15 - JazzTimes

jazztimes.com

Craftsmanship and versatility take center stage with the PRS JA-15, a hollowbody guitar that balances playability and rich sound. With its stunning wood selection and impeccable setup, this instrument shines in both jazz and rock settings. The unique 53/10 pickups deliver a tonal range that impresses, but the minimal control options may leave some players wanting more flexibility. While the lightweight body and scalloped cutaway enhance comfort, the oversized strap buttons can be a hassle. Overall, the JA-15 is a remarkable guitar, though its acoustic projection might not be its strongest suit. It's a powerful tool for serious musicians, but it may not cater to everyone’s tonal preferences.

positive

Full Review

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star