Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$1,529.00
Reverb
5.0 (41)
$1,274.95 New
$799.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$2,150.00
Gear4Music
£1,699.00

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.

* 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

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

What type of pickups does the PRS S2 Vela use and how do they affect the tone?

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.

Is the PRS S2 Vela suitable for different music genres?

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.

Does the PRS S2 Vela come with a tremolo system?

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.

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

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.

Does the PRS S2 Vela come with a case or gigbag?

The PRS S2 Vela includes a gigbag, providing basic protection for transport and storage. However, it does not come with a hard case.

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The PRS S2 Vela

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The PRS S2 Vela

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The S2 Vela Semi-hollow Satin | PRS Guitars

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Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Vela electric guitar review demo by Guitarist

PRS S2 Vela electric guitar review demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - PRS S2 Vela by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - PRS S2 Vela

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Vela - Egyptian Gold by ProGuitarShopDemos

PRS S2 Vela - Egyptian Gold

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Vela Electric Guitar Review by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

PRS S2 Vela Electric Guitar Review by Sweetwater Sound

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Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for PRS Guitars S2 Vela by Guitar World

PRS Guitars S2 Vela

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Vela - In-Depth Demo! by N Stuff Music

PRS S2 Vela - In-Depth Demo!

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for The S2 Vela | Demo | PRS Guitars by PRS Guitars

The S2 Vela | Demo | PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for The S2 Vela Satin | Demo | PRS Guitars by PRS Guitars

The S2 Vela Satin | Demo | PRS Guitars

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PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith S2 Vela Satin - BCR Music & Sound Gear Demo by BCR Music & Sound

Paul Reed Smith S2 Vela Satin - BCR Music & Sound Gear Demo

BCR Music & Sound

BCR Music & Sound

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Series Vela Satin VS Vela Semi Hollow Satin Review (No Talking) by Music Force Official

PRS S2 Series Vela Satin VS Vela Semi Hollow Satin Review (No Talking)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for PRS S2 Vela Review & Demonstration by John Robson Guitarist

PRS S2 Vela Review & Demonstration

John Robson Guitarist

John Robson Guitarist

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle during long sessions

  • Versatile sound covers a wide range of musical styles

  • Unique bridge enhances brightness and attack

  • High-quality finish that never feels sticky or rubbery

  • Comfortable neck profile suitable for most players

  • Offers excellent resonance and intonation

  • Can become a favorite over more expensive, high-end guitars

  • Ideal for both studio and live performances

  • Has a distinct character, setting it apart from similar guitars

CONS

  • Stock bridge pickup lacks appeal for heavier music styles

  • 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

  • The PRS S2 Vela features a DS-02 bridge pickup and a Dynasonic neck pickup, praised for their unique tonal combination.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have replaced the black pickguard with a tortoiseshell version to complement sunburst finishes.

    Source
  • A common mod is replacing the stock bridge pickup with an actual single coil to further diversify tone options.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully swapped in Firebird pickups and Harmonic Design Z90's for alternative tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Seymour Duncan Phat Cat, a humbucker-sized P90, is recommended for those seeking a warmer, more mellow tone with P90 characteristics.

    Source
  • Fralin Big Single pickups are praised for their articulate sound and note separation, offering a distinct contrast to traditional PAF voicings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pickups are noted for their versatility, making the guitar suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners looking to expand beyond hard rock find the Vela's versatility ideal for exploring mellower styles while maintaining some rock capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the guitar blends traditional and modern elements, offering a unique playing experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The offset body shape is seen as a significant departure from typical PRS designs, appealing to those who prefer Fender-style aesthetics.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchasing a Vela with a faulty switch allowed one owner to make a significant cost-saving repair by replacing it with a new CTS switch for $25.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS S2 Vela Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The PRS S2 Vela impresses with its versatile and dynamic sound, combining a coil-tap humbucker and a single-coil neck pickup, making it suitable for various styles. Its build quality, typical of PRS, is top-notch, even without the flashy finishes. While its design might challenge traditionalists, the Vela's distinctive looks and expressive range could convert many skeptics. The setup is excellent straight out of the box, and it offers incredible value for its price. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted instrument that delivers both in aesthetics and performance, with no significant drawbacks noted.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
socks

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.

V

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.

thelivhaynes

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
See how Rob Chapman uses PRS S2 Vela

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Myles Kennedy uses PRS S2 Vela

Myles Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Vernon Reid uses PRS S2 Vela

Vernon Reid

Guitarist

Living Colour

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is a S2 Vela Custom..." Claims Reid at 0:52

See how James Dean Bradfield uses PRS S2 Vela

James Dean Bradfield

Guitarist

Manic Street Preachers

...
Verified via YouTube

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).

See how Jake Luppen uses PRS S2 Vela

Jake Luppen

Singer, Guitarist

Hippo Campus

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Jack Fowler uses PRS S2 Vela

Jack Fowler

Guitarist

Sleeping with Sirens

...
Verified via Photo

Big thanks to @prsguitars for my new Custom S2, getting me ready for the @vanswarpedtour!

See how Jake Snider uses PRS S2 Vela

Jake Snider

Singer, Guitarist

Minus the Bear

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter post posted by Snider on his official profile, the PRS Vela is visible.

See how Brett Campbell uses PRS S2 Vela

Brett Campbell

Guitarist

Pallbearer

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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.

See how Michael Gibbons (Bardo Pond) uses PRS S2 Vela

Michael Gibbons (Bardo Pond)

Guitarist

Bardo Pond

...
Verified via Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Michael Gibbon and Clint Takenda of Bardo Pond performs at The Roundhouse on July 5, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Brigitte Engl/Redferns via Getty Images)

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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