Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,438
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "PRS S2 Vela". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover a new realm of sonic possibilities with the PRS S2 Vela, a guitar that artfully blends vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship. This solid body electric guitar stands out with its offset mahogany body, a nod to the classic guitars of the 1950s, yet it retains a contemporary flair that is undeniably PRS. The S2 Vela is designed for musicians who crave versatility in sound, featuring a distinct pickup configuration that effortlessly traverses a wide tonal landscape—from rich, warm lows to crisp, articulate highs.
The S2 Vela’s playability is enhanced by its comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned players and aspiring guitarists. With its unique charm and robust build, the PRS S2 Vela is more than just an instrument; it's a statement piece that promises to inspire and elevate your music.
Key Features:
- Offset mahogany body
- Unique pickup configuration for diverse tonal range
- Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
- Versatile sound suitable for various music styles
- Available in multiple finishes including Antique White
Product specs
| Available since | July 2024 |
| Colour | Charcoal |
| Soundboard | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | 635 mm |
| Pickup System | HS |
| Tremolo | No |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | Yes |
| Design | Vela |
| Top | None |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the PRS S2 Vela use and how do they affect the tone?
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The PRS S2 Vela features an HS pickup configuration, with a Starla humbucker in the bridge and a Type-D single-coil in the neck. This setup provides a versatile range of tones, from bright and clear single-coil sounds to warm, full humbucker tones.
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Is the PRS S2 Vela suitable for different music genres?
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Yes, the PRS S2 Vela is versatile enough to handle various music genres, from rock and blues to jazz and indie. Its unique pickup configuration and mahogany body offer both warmth and clarity, making it adaptable to different playing styles.
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Does the PRS S2 Vela come with a tremolo system?
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No, the PRS S2 Vela does not include a tremolo system. It features a fixed bridge, which provides stable tuning and sustain, ideal for players who prefer a straightforward setup without the need for tremolo effects.
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What materials are used in the construction of the PRS S2 Vela?
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The PRS S2 Vela is constructed with a mahogany body and neck, and a rosewood fretboard. This combination of tonewoods contributes to its warm, resonant sound and comfortable playability.
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Does the PRS S2 Vela come with a case or gigbag?
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The PRS S2 Vela includes a gigbag, providing basic protection for transport and storage. However, it does not come with a hard case.
Videos
PRS Guitars
The PRS S2 Vela
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design makes it easy to handle during long sessions
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Versatile sound covers a wide range of musical styles
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Unique bridge enhances brightness and attack
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High-quality finish that never feels sticky or rubbery
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Comfortable neck profile suitable for most players
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Offers excellent resonance and intonation
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Can become a favorite over more expensive, high-end guitars
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Ideal for both studio and live performances
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Has a distinct character, setting it apart from similar guitars
CONS
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Stock bridge pickup lacks appeal for heavier music styles
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May require pickup customization for optimal performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS S2 Vela.
Features and functionality
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The PRS S2 Vela features a DS-02 bridge pickup and a Dynasonic neck pickup, praised for their unique tonal combination.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners have replaced the black pickguard with a tortoiseshell version to complement sunburst finishes.
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A common mod is replacing the stock bridge pickup with an actual single coil to further diversify tone options.
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Owners have successfully swapped in Firebird pickups and Harmonic Design Z90's for alternative tonal characteristics.
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The Duncan Pearly Gates is a popular bridge pickup swap for a smoother, less harsh tone, available in a covered variant to maintain the stock look.
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The Seymour Duncan Phat Cat, a humbucker-sized P90, is recommended for those seeking a warmer, more mellow tone with P90 characteristics.
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Fralin Big Single pickups are praised for their articulate sound and note separation, offering a distinct contrast to traditional PAF voicings.
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Use cases and applications
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The pickups are noted for their versatility, making the guitar suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
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The bridge pickup's split coil feature retains its volume when engaged, offering a viable approximation of single-coil sound without a noticeable drop in decibels.
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Owners looking to expand beyond hard rock find the Vela's versatility ideal for exploring mellower styles while maintaining some rock capabilities.
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User experience
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It's noted that the guitar blends traditional and modern elements, offering a unique playing experience.
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Comparisons
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The offset body shape is seen as a significant departure from typical PRS designs, appealing to those who prefer Fender-style aesthetics.
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The Vela's stock DS-01 bridge pickup is considered harsh and jangly compared to warmer, mid-focused pickups like the Bare Knuckle Mules and Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers.
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Build quality
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The pattern regular neck shape is highly praised for its comfort and playability, with some owners wishing it were used more broadly across PRS models.
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Setup and maintenance
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A rubber o-ring under the volume pot can provide adjustable resistance to prevent accidental volume changes, with the resistance level controlled by how tightly the knob is pressed down.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings
145
Absolutely perfect frets, great playability
If you are on the fence about getting one of these offsets, you should just do it. They're amazingly built and feel incredible. The only negative is that the bridge pickup isn't anything to write home about. if you like that sort of wide open and flat-eq sound of something like a filtertron, then you'll love it. if you play anything remotely heavy, you'll likely hate it. I swapped mine out and its fantastic. Only docking a star for that reason, since I'd like to give my opinion on it as stock configuration.
126
A beautiful, versatile guitar.
Great feel, light weight. Looks beautiful in any stage light and can play many genres of music with is pickup combination and coil tap.
81
Sooooo pretty!!
Named "Kevin" after Kevin Lyman, the creator of Van's Warped Tour, who gave my band the HONOR of playing the tour for it's final year!
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video titled "PRS Vela Electric Guitar Demo," Rob Chapman demonstrates the PRS S2 Vela with a bossa nova style performance. While he showcases its features, he does not own this guitar.
Myles uses the PRS S2 Vela for most live performances of "This Side of Fate" with Alter Bridge in 2017. Most notably used during the performance in the "Live at the Royal Albert Hall" DVD. The video linked is from the performance in Luxembourg on June 26, 2017. The guitar can be clearly seen for almost the entirety of the video.
In this video clip of a live performance by the Manic Street Preachers in 2016, we can see Bradfield playing an S2 Vela (visible from the 0:10 second-mark onward).
In a live performance of "Boyish" on The Current, Jake Luppen can be seen using a PRS S2 Vela guitar extensively during the tour with Hippo Campus.
Big thanks to @prsguitars for my new Custom S2, getting me ready for the @vanswarpedtour!
In this Twitter post posted by Snider on his official profile, the PRS Vela is visible.
Yeah. It makes sense to use what you have because that is what people will see and hear live. Most of my guitar tones were recorded with my two PRS guitars—an S2 Vela and SE 277 Baritone—into my Mesa/Boogie Mark IV through this old Ampeg 4x12 cabinet that has really high headroom.
Brett Campbell can also be seen with it here.
Album Usage
The PRS S2 Vela 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 S2 Vela, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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