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Average Price: $900

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$1001+

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Description

Dive into the soulful resonance and distinctive edge of the PRS S2 Starla, a masterpiece that redefines the realm of solid body electric guitars. Crafted for musicians who dare to stand out, the S2 Starla is more than just an instrument; it's a gateway to expressing your unique musical identity. With its mahogany body and neck, this guitar delivers a warm, rich tone that's as versatile as it is vibrant. The S2 Starla humbuckers ensure each note is wrapped in clarity and depth, whether you're strumming a gentle melody or shredding through a solo. Perfect for players looking to make a statement, the PRS S2 Starla is an emblem of craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck for a warm, resonant tone
  • Rosewood fretboard enhances playability and sound clarity
  • 25” scale length balances comfort and string tension
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with Bigsby B50 offers superior tuning stability
  • S2 Starla humbuckers deliver clear, powerful sound

Product specs

Brand PRS
Model S2 Starla
Finish Antique White, Black, Champagne Gold Metallic, Egyptian Gold, Frost Blue Metallic, Frost Green Metallic, Ice Blue Firemist, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Seafoam Green, Sienna, Vintage Cherry, Vintage Mahogany
Year 2013 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Natural, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family PRS Starla
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series PRS S2

FAQs

What type of pickups does the PRS S2 Starla have, and what tones can I expect?

The PRS S2 Starla features Starla humbuckers, known for their clarity and punch. They provide bright, vintage-inspired tones, making them versatile for rock, blues, and indie music.

Does the PRS S2 Starla come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the PRS S2 Starla is equipped with a Bigsby B-50 tremolo tailpiece, allowing for smooth vibrato effects and adding to its retro aesthetic appeal.

Is the neck profile of the PRS S2 Starla suitable for fast playing?

The PRS S2 Starla features a "Pattern Regular" neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, balancing speed and comfort for various playing styles.

Can I split the coils on the PRS S2 Starla for single-coil tones?

Yes, the PRS S2 Starla includes a push/pull tone control for coil splitting, allowing you to access single-coil tones for added versatility.

What materials are used in the construction of the PRS S2 Starla?

The PRS S2 Starla is crafted with a mahogany body and neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm tone and sustain.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

PRS S2 Guitars - Review of the Starla, Mira & Custom

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Guitars - Review of the Starla, Mira & Custom by Rob Chapman

PRS S2 Guitars - Review of the Starla, Mira & Custom

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Starla Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

PRS S2 Starla Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Starla w/ J Hayes by PRS Guitars

PRS S2 Starla w/ J Hayes

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Starla  •  Wildwood Guitars Overview by Wildwood Guitars

PRS S2 Starla • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith S2 Starla | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Paul Reed Smith S2 Starla | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith on the S2 Series Starla by PRS Guitars

Paul Reed Smith on the S2 Series Starla

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Series Starla, Mira & Custom 24 electric guitar demo by Guitarist

PRS S2 Series Starla, Mira & Custom 24 electric guitar demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Starla by Guitar Player Magazine

PRS S2 Starla

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Starla VS Vela Review (No Talking) by Music Force Official

PRS S2 Starla VS Vela Review (No Talking)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tuning stability with Bigsby, even after heavy use

  • Resonant acoustic properties rival higher-end models

  • Wide tone range, from Les Paul to Telecaster sounds

  • Highly responsive to setup adjustments

  • Quality surpasses expectations for the price

  • Unplugged liveliness and loud resonance

  • Delightful pickup chime and warmth

  • Great value on the used market

  • Comes with a nice gig bag

CONS

  • Occasional distortion on low "E" string with bridge pickup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS S2 Starla.

Features and functionality

  • Users appreciate the coil tap feature, noting its ability to emulate single coil sounds, enhancing clean tones significantly.

    Source
  • Users highlight the versatility of the Starla's coil-splitting capability, particularly enjoying the clean single-coil sounds in combination with a bit of gain.

    Source

User experience

  • A user with prior Bigsby experience mentions the PRS Starla S2 stays in tune better than other models they've tried, particularly compared to a hardtail SE.

    Source
  • Locking tuners are praised for their effectiveness with the B50 Bigsby, enhancing tuning stability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players prefer the S2 series over higher-end PRS models due to its more understated aesthetic, contrasting with more elaborate designs.

    Source
  • A user who owns a Gibson Blueshawk notes the Starla S2 feels significantly heavier.

    Source
  • The Starla's pickups are noted for delivering tones close to Gretsch's signature sound, providing a versatile option for those considering a Gretsch Jet.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Starla S2's coil tapping is frequently used in college settings for versatility, allowing for a wide range of sounds from a single instrument.

    Source
  • The Starla S2 is appreciated for its tone and playability, making it a favored choice for players transitioning from lighter guitars.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners highlight the Starla S2's weight at approximately 8.5 lbs, describing it as notably heavier than models like the Gibson Blueshawk.

    Source
  • A specific owner pointed out that the strap knob screws were poorly molded, indicating a minor flaw in the otherwise high-quality build.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner mentioned a minor issue with the high e string sitting slightly closer to the fretboard edge than the low e but found it did not affect playability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brent Hinds uses PRS S2 Starla

Brent Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified

This guitar was sold on Brent Hinds’ official Reverb.com shop.

See how Mikael Akerfeldt uses PRS S2 Starla

Mikael Akerfeldt

Singer, Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via Photo

In the image from Thefamousbirthdays, Mikael Akerfeldt is seen holding a PRS S2 Starla guitar.

See how Awsten Knight uses PRS S2 Starla

Awsten Knight

Singer, Guitarist

Waterparks

...
Verified via YouTube

Awsten is playing an electric purple PRS S2 Starla in the music video for Blonde.

See how Chris Robertson uses PRS S2 Starla

Chris Robertson

Singer, Guitarist

Black Stone Cherry

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris uses an S2 starla, alongside his traditional Starlas, with a Bigsby and locking tuners. Can be seen from the 8:30 mark in the video

See how Simon Delaney uses PRS S2 Starla

Simon Delaney

Singer, Guitarist

Don Broco

...
Verified via Photo

Simon Delaney expresses his enthusiasm for his PRS S2 Starla electric guitar in a post on his Instagram account. He mentions his excitement to use it in upcoming sessions and notes his long-standing desire for a Bigsby tremolo, inspired by playing Kamron Bradbury's guitar.

See how James Young uses PRS S2 Starla

James Young

Guitarist

Styx

...
Verified via Photo

James Young frequently plays PRS guitars, with the PRS S2 Starla appearing prominently in many photos, suggesting it is a favored instrument.

See how Kat Dyson uses PRS S2 Starla

Kat Dyson

Guitarist, Composer

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

From Guitar Player's website and her "No Guitar Is Safe" podcast:

"I immediately got the sense that Dyson, like many great players who regularly land great gigs, is the type of musician who shows up early wherever she goes—a trait that surely was appreciated by her former bosses, Cyndi Lauper and the late, great Prince, as well as her current boss, Italian superstar Zucchero.

The second thing that surprised me was that Dyson had set up a great rig for ME, too—a 100-watt BluGuitar AMP1 floorboard amp (designed by ace German guitarist and gear builder Thomas Blug) driving a Marshall 4X12 cabinet, with a Paul Reed Smith Starla on a guitar stand tuned up and waiting for me."

Album Usage

The PRS S2 Starla has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PRS S2 Starla, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

BluGuitar Amp1
BluGuitar Amp1 Amp & Cabinet Simulators
1

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