Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $10,260

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "PRS Santana I". 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

An embodiment of musical craftsmanship, the PRS Santana I is a tribute to the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana himself. This signature model seamlessly combines classic aesthetics with modern innovation, delivering a rich and versatile tonal palette that caters to both the purist and the experimentalist. Its sleek mahogany body resonates with warm, full-bodied sounds while the meticulously crafted maple top adds a layer of clarity and definition.

Outfitted with custom Santana pickups, this guitar ensures a dynamic range that captures every nuance of your playing style. The twin mini switches offer quick and intuitive access to a variety of sound options, making it an ideal choice for those who crave versatility on stage or in the studio. The iconic Paul Reed Smith Bird fretboard and Eagle headstock inlays not only enhance its visual appeal but also symbolize the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. Whether you're channeling the soulful tones of Santana or forging your own path, this guitar is a reliable partner in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Signature model inspired by Carlos Santana
  • Mahogany body with a maple top for balanced tone
  • Custom Santana pickups for a dynamic sound range
  • Twin mini switches for versatile sound options
  • Iconic Paul Reed Smith Bird fretboard and Eagle headstock inlays
  • Designed for both classic and contemporary musical styles

Product specs

Body shape Double cutaway, Solid body
Body material Solid wood
Top wood Curly maple
Body wood Mahogany
Body finish Gloss Nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck shape Santana
Neck wood 1-piece mahogany
Joint Set-in
Scale length 24.5"
Truss rod Standard
Neck finish Gloss Nitrocellulose lacquer
Material Brazilian rosewood
Radius 11.5"
Fret size Santana Jumbo
Number of frets 24
Inlays Birds
Configuration HH
Neck 3520 LT Open zebra coil
Bridge HFS Open zebra coil
Control layout Master volume
Pickup switch Individual on/off mini toggles
Bridge type Tremolo/Vibrato
Bridge design PRS plate-style
Tuning machines PRS Phase III locking
Number of strings 6-string
Case Custom Crossroads edition hardshell leather case
Orientation Right-handed
Country of origin United States

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the PRS Santana I guitar?

The PRS Santana I features a "Santana" neck profile, which is designed to provide comfort and ease of playability, catering to players who prefer a slightly thicker neck for improved grip and control.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Santana humbuckers on the PRS Santana I?

The Santana humbuckers on the PRS Santana I deliver a rich, warm tone with a strong midrange, suitable for achieving the signature sustain and smooth lead tones associated with Carlos Santana's playing style.

Is the PRS Santana I suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the PRS Santana I is well-suited for advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and versatile tonal options that cater to professional-level performance and recording needs.

Does the PRS Santana I guitar have a tremolo system?

Yes, the PRS Santana I is equipped with a PRS plate-style tremolo/vibrato bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and smooth playing dynamics.

What wood is used for the fingerboard on the PRS Santana I?

The PRS Santana I features a fingerboard made of Brazilian rosewood, known for its durability and rich tonal characteristics, enhancing the guitar's overall sound quality.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The PRS SE Santana has a shorter scale length, providing a "slinky" feel with easier string bending compared to other models.

    Source
  • The SE Santana model features a chunkier neck profile, which can be more comfortable for players preferring a fatter neck.

    Source
  • SE Santana models may come with 22 frets, affecting access to higher notes compared to 24-fret models.

    Source
  • The SE Santana has a 3-way pickup switch, whereas the SE Custom 24 also includes a push/pull tone knob for additional pickup configurations.

    Source
  • The PRS SE Santana includes Santana custom 245 pickups, noted for their excellent sound quality, complementing the guitar's mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard.

    Source

User experience

  • The SE Santana is noted for its ergonomic balance and staying in tune without needing locking tuners.

    Source
  • Owners report the SE Santana offers strong sustain and a comfortable playing experience with its wide fat neck.

    Source
  • After nine years, one owner still regularly plays and enjoys their SE Santana, particularly favoring the neck pickup tone with slight overdrive for a unique sound.

    Source
  • An owner with a history of multiple high-end guitars found the PRS SE Custom 22 to be unmatched in sound quality for its price.

    Source
  • The PRS SE line, including the Santana, is noted for delivering exceptional sound quality relative to its price, making it a favored choice among budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience tuning stability issues with the vibrato system, requiring multiple tuning passes to compensate for tension changes when using the tremolo.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck of the PRS SE Santana is described as being fatter than a standard Strat neck but thinner than an SG, offering comfort for larger hands while still being manageable for smaller hands.

    Source
  • A Godin Icon and Carvin set necks were considered as alternatives, highlighting the PRS SE Santana's competitive pricing and playability against these models.

    Source

Build quality

  • The wood grain on the back of the guitar is highlighted as a particularly attractive feature, praised by long-term owners for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PRS SE Santana is praised for its versatility, fitting well into various genres, including pop-punk, as experienced by owners who used it in bands.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The PRS SE Santana is praised for offering excellent value, with some owners noting it outperforms guitars twice its price.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Carlos Santana uses PRS Santana I

Carlos Santana

Guitarist

Santana

...
Verified via Instrumania

Carlos Santana is known to use the PRS Santana I, as evidenced by an image on Instrumania.

See how Larry "Ler" LaLonde uses PRS Santana I

Larry "Ler" LaLonde

Guitarist

Primus

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Ler used this guitar a lot before switching to Fenders

See how Tyler Larson uses PRS Santana I

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at around 4:30 you can see Tyler holding a PRS Santana model. This guitar is obviously a very expensive custom shop version of the Santana model and not the model you'd find in guitar centre. It is definitely some form of Santana model as you can tell by the abalone stripes on the body and the unique double cut shape of the PRS Santanas.

See how Sek Loso uses PRS Santana I

Sek Loso

Singer, Guitarist

Loso

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video he's playing what seems to be a black version of a PRS Santana Retro.

See how Andy Cairns uses PRS Santana I

Andy Cairns

Singer, Guitarist

Therapy?

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1994 MTV 120 Minutes live performance of "Screamager," Andy Cairns of Therapy? can be seen playing a PRS Santana I guitar. This performance is captured in a video uploaded by "Random Stuff I Find on VHS" on YouTube.

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 Santana I, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1

More PRS Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides