Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,190
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Embrace the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the PRS NF3, a guitar that redefines the boundaries of the solid body electric guitar genre. Its design pays homage to the classic Strat, but with a twist that speaks directly to the modern musician. The PRS NF3 is not just a guitar; it's a bridge between eras, seamlessly integrating PRS 57/08 Narrowfield humbuckers and a unique 25.25-inch scale length to deliver unparalleled sound quality and playability. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or commanding the stage, the PRS NF3 ensures your performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Crafted with a Korina body and a Maple neck, this instrument is as visually striking as it is sonically powerful, promising durability, comfort, and style. Step into the future of music with the PRS NF3, where every note tells a story.
Key Features:
- PRS 57/08 Narrowfield humbuckers for versatile and rich sound
- Unique 25.25-inch scale length for enhanced playability
- Korina body and Maple neck for durability and aesthetic appeal
- Strat-inspired design with modern enhancements for contemporary musicians
Product specs
| Brand | PRS |
| Model | NF3 Narrowfield |
| Finish | Antique White, Black, Charcoal, Frost Blue Metallic, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Natural, Powder Blue, Seafoam Green, Smoked Amber, Tri-Color Sunburst, Vintage Burst, Vintage Cherry, White Wash |
| Year | 2011 - 2015 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Korina |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Model Family | PRS NF3 Narrowfield |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HHH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | PRS Core |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the PRS NF3 use?
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The PRS NF3 is equipped with three PRS 57/08 Narrowfield pickups, known for their ability to deliver the clarity and punch of single-coil pickups while reducing hum and noise.
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What is the neck profile of the PRS NF3?
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The PRS NF3 features a 'pattern regular' neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for players who prefer a medium thickness with a smooth playing experience.
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Is the PRS NF3 suitable for a variety of music genres?
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Yes, the PRS NF3's versatile Narrowfield pickups and 5-way blade switch provide a wide range of tones, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, jazz, and pop.
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What is the scale length of the PRS NF3?
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The PRS NF3 has a 25-1/4" scale length, which offers a balance between the tension of the strings and the playability across the fretboard.
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Does the PRS NF3 come with a case?
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Yes, the PRS NF3 comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.
Videos
Blugubrious
PRS NF3 Compared to Fender Stratocaster (Sort of a Demo/Review)
PRS NF3 Compared to Fender Stratocaster (Sort of a Demo/Review)
Blugubrious
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile Narrowfield pickups offer diverse tonal range, from Strat to humbucker sounds
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Comfortable neck and fretwork enhance playability
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Offset body design provides ergonomic comfort
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Distinctive visual appeal with antique white finish and bird inlays
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High-quality construction with a flat shape korina body
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PRS V12 finish offers durability between nitrocellulose and acrylic
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Locking tuners ensure stable tuning
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Unique scale length provides distinctive feel and playability
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Highly regarded as a versatile, Swiss Army knife guitar
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Great value for a high-end design
CONS
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Lack of 7-way switching limits pickup combinations
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Inconsistent weight in Korina models, affecting comfort
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Some find the visual design unappealing, particularly the bird inlays
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Limited availability, becoming harder to find
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS NF3.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
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Some owners experience tuning instability due to poorly cut nuts, causing binding and pitch issues, but find locking tuners resolve this.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The NF3 is praised for handling distortion well and excelling in various genres, from R&B to hard rock, thanks to its noiseless pickups.
Source -
The NF3 offers a lighter, more versatile option compared to heavier models like the 1979 Les Paul, making it appealing to players seeking comfort and varied tone.
Source
Features and functionality
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The guitar's volume control begins affecting sound at level 5, which is consistent across different models and setups.
Source -
The NF3 features "low field" humbuckers designed to emulate single coil sounds, providing versatility in tonal options.
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The NF3 can accommodate regular humbuckers without additional routing, allowing for straightforward customization.
Source
User experience
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Despite non-locking tuners, multiple users report it stays in tune well, especially after modding with locking tuners.
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An owner reports significant improvement in playability and learning progress after switching to the NF3 from other models like the Yamaha Revstar and Chapman ML3 Pro X.
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Owners find the relocated volume knob beneficial, reducing accidental adjustments during play.
Source
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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It's possible to negotiate better deals on the NF3 by directly speaking with sales representatives at stores like Sweetwater or Musician's Friend.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings
73
A guitar with his own character
The Paul Reed Smith NF3 is a made in U.S. guitar with a flat shape korina body, a one piece maple "Pattern Regular" bolt-on neck, 3 PRS Narrowfield pickups and PRS Phase III Locking Tuners. Narrowfields use the same wire as 57/08s, but are narrower pole to pole and deeper front to back. The 25 1/4 inch scale length of this guitar lies between most PRS guitars which is 25 inch and most strats that feature 25.5 inch scale lengths. The finish on the PRS NF3 is PRS's V12 finish, which is halfway between nitrocellulose and acrylic. The Narrowfield pickups sounds fat, with body and no hum, a great mix of single coils and P90’s. This is not a strat copy but a guitar with his own character.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, John Mayer can be seen with a PRS NF3.
Alex Lifeson on the ‘Time Machine Tour’ with the PRS NF3.
In a video interview with Paul Reed Smith, Jimmy Herring discusses his use of the PRS NF3 guitar.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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