Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $593

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "PRS SE T40E Tonare". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The PRS SE T40E Tonare acoustic-electric guitar is an exquisite blend of aesthetic beauty and sonic brilliance, crafted to captivate both eyes and ears. With a solid Sitka spruce top and laminated ovangkol back and sides, this guitar produces a rich, warm tone perfect for any playing style. The mahogany neck, paired with an ebony fingerboard, offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience, while the signature PRS bird inlays add a touch of elegance.

One of the standout features of the T40E is the proprietary PRS X-brace/classical hybrid bracing, a design typically reserved for high-end custom guitars. This bracing technique allows the top to vibrate freely, delivering a powerful and nuanced sound that captures every detail of your performance. Whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking, the T40E ensures your music resonates with clarity and depth.

For those ready to take the stage, the onboard Fishman GT1 pickup system provides exceptional sound reproduction. The under-saddle design captures the natural acoustic tone, while the discreet soundhole controls allow for easy adjustment without disrupting the guitar's clean appearance.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for clarity and projection
  • Laminated ovangkol back and sides for warm, rich tones
  • PRS X-brace/classical hybrid bracing for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany neck with a wide fat profile and ebony fingerboard
  • Fishman GT1 pickup system with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls
  • Traditional, non-cutaway Tonare body style
  • PRS bird inlays and high-quality hardshell case included

Product specs

Available since July 2025
Design Tonare Grand
Top Spruce
Back And Sides Ovangkol
Cutaway No
Fretboard Ebony
Frets 20
Pickups Yes
Colour Tobacco Sunburst
Case Yes
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the PRS SE T40E Tonare, and how does it affect the sound?

The PRS SE T40E Tonare features a solid spruce top with ovangkol back and sides. The spruce top provides a clear, bright tone with strong projection, while the ovangkol offers a warm, rich sound with a balanced midrange, making it versatile for various playing styles.

Does the PRS SE T40E Tonare come with a pickup system?

Yes, the PRS SE T40E Tonare is equipped with a PRS-Voiced Fishman Sonitone Pickup, allowing you to amplify your acoustic sound with clarity and precision, suitable for live performances and recording.

Is the PRS SE T40E Tonare suitable for fingerstyle playing?

The PRS SE T40E Tonare, with its Tonare Grand design and ebony fretboard, offers excellent playability and tonal response, making it well-suited for fingerstyle guitarists seeking a rich and dynamic sound.

Does the PRS SE T40E Tonare come with a case?

Yes, the PRS SE T40E Tonare includes a case, providing protection and easy transport, ensuring your guitar remains in excellent condition.

How many frets does the PRS SE T40E Tonare have?

The PRS SE T40E Tonare features 20 frets, offering a full range of notes for both rhythm and lead playing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning sunburst finish and elegant design with standout binding

  • Balanced sound with excellent projection and clarity

  • Comfortable neck and factory-adjusted action

  • Natural sound when plugged in, thanks to Fishman GT1 preamp

  • Holds tuning well, enhancing reliability for performance

  • Ovangkol and spruce top create a rich, classy tone

  • Comes with a quality case, adding value to purchase

  • Offers a Taylor-like sound, appreciated by setup professionals

CONS

  • Lacks depth in tone for some users, described as "buckety"

  • Some units may require neck reset, questioning consistency in quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS SE T40E Tonare.

Comparisons

  • Seagull guitars, particularly the Maritime SWS Mahogany, are praised for their deep, full sound, offering excellent playability and value compared to other budget models.

    Source
  • Taylor guitars, especially the Academy series, are noted for having necks and playability akin to electric guitars, featuring an NT neck joint that allows easy servicing.

    Source
  • Some users claim the PRS SE T40E competes well with guitars in the $750-$1,250 range, offering similar tonal quality and build.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Godin guitars, including Seagull and other sub-brands, incorporate unique design elements like curved fret slots and soundboards, and laminated bracing for enhanced durability and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Mexican-made Taylors and Martins are recognized for their robust build and playability, often providing a similar feel to higher-end American models at a lower price.

    Source

User experience

  • PRS SE T40E guitars may suffer from irreparable neck issues, highlighting the importance of a thorough inspection or buying from reputable dealers offering returns.

    Source
  • After a proper setup, the PRS SE T40E feels like a guitar valued at over $1,000, with owners appreciating its comfort and aesthetics for finger-style playing.

    Source

Build quality

  • Eastman guitars, though made in China, are esteemed for high-quality solid wood construction, with limited availability in stores but praised for their craftsmanship.

    Source

Other

  • Seagull is notable for sourcing wood from their own forests, emphasizing sustainable practices and passionate craftsmanship in their guitar production.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners report finding PRS SE T40E Tonare guitars significantly discounted, with prices around $350-$450, including a hardshell case, compared to a typical $750 retail price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PRS SE T40E is favored for finger-style guitar, praised for its balanced and warm sound that fits this playing style well.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS SE T40E Acoustic Review - The Guitar Magazine

guitar.com

The PRS SE T40E Tonare delivers a robust offering for acoustic enthusiasts, pairing a solid Sitka spruce top with ovangkol back and sides for rich, bass-heavy tones. While its chunky neck might deter fans of slimmer profiles, its inherent stability ensures lasting sustain. The aesthetics are subtle, focusing on functionality over flash, with a high-gloss finish that might feel a bit thick. Despite its entry-level electronics, the Fishman GT1 system holds its own, making the guitar versatile across various settings. Overall, it's a well-rounded instrument, living up to PRS's subtractive ethos by offering quality sound and playability at a reasonable price.

positive

PRS SE T40E review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PRS SE T40E Tonare acoustic guitar impresses with its big, bold projection and high-quality build. Its solid spruce top and ovangkol back and sides contribute to a consistent, powerful sound that resonates well across the strings. While it shines with a plectrum, its natural volume and tone controls make it equally impressive when plugged in, offering an even sweeter sound. However, this guitar demands an experienced player to fully harness its potential, with its expansive sound and higher action making it less suitable for beginners. Despite its lack of a cutaway, which can limit access to higher frets, the T40E stands out as a vibrant choice for advanced musicians seeking a robust acoustic instrument.

positive

Review: PRS Guitars SE Angelus AX20E and SE Tonare T40E | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The PRS SE Tonare T40E is a standout in the sub-$1,000 acoustic guitar market, delivering rich, complex tones that rival far more expensive instruments. Its hybrid "X"/classical bracing and ovangkol back and sides contribute to its expressive and dynamic sound, making it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players. The built-in Fishman GT1 electronics ensure that its natural acoustic qualities shine through when amplified. While its aesthetics may lack the flair of pricier models, the T40E offers exceptional value, with a performance that belies its humble price tag.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Johnston uses PRS SE T40E Tonare

Tom Johnston

Singer, Guitarist

The Doobie Brothers

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Tobacco Sunburst

A photo from the PRS website shows Tom Johnston playing a PRS SE T40E Tonare at the factory.

Genre Usage

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