Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,118
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "PRS Swamp Ash Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock a world of tonal possibilities with the PRS Swamp Ash Special, a guitar that expertly balances classic design with modern innovation. Crafted from the finest swamp ash, this solid body electric guitar resonates with a unique character that only this tonewood can deliver. The body’s natural lightness combined with the Narrowfield humbucker in the middle position offers a sonic palette that ranges from vintage warmth to a cutting-edge bite.
The Swamp Ash Special is more than just a pretty face; its versatility is unparalleled. Featuring two vintage-inspired 58/15 LT humbuckers with a special coil-tap system, this guitar provides up to twelve distinct tonal combinations, allowing you to effortlessly navigate between genres. Whether you're dialing in shimmering cleans or gritty overdriven tones, the Swamp Ash Special remains your steadfast companion.
The guitar’s maple neck, with a 10-inch-radius fingerboard and classic bird inlays, ensures comfortable playability for both swift solos and intricate chord progressions. The PRS patented tremolo and Phase III locking tuners offer rock-solid stability and tuning precision, making it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances.
Key Features:
- Swamp Ash solid body with a Violin Top Carve
- Maple neck with a 22-fret, 25" scale length rosewood fingerboard
- Dual 58/15 LT humbuckers and middle-position Narrowfield pickup
- 5-way blade switch with dual mini-toggle coil-tap switches
- PRS patented tremolo and Phase III locking tuners
- Classic bird inlays and nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Includes premium gig bag
Product specs
| Brand | PRS |
| Model | Swamp Ash Special |
| Finish | Black, Black Sunburst, Blue Matteo, Creme, Dark Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Natural, Orange, Raspberry, Tri-Color Sunburst, Turquoise, Vintage Burst, Vintage Cherry, Vintage Natural |
| Year | 1996 - 2009 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Natural, Orange, Red, Teal, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Model Family | PRS Swamp Ash Special |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HSH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | PRS Core |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the PRS Swamp Ash Special?
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The PRS Swamp Ash Special features a comfortable bolt-on maple neck with a profile that is known for its playability, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
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What kind of tonal versatility can I expect from the PRS Swamp Ash Special's pickups?
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The PRS Swamp Ash Special is equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, offering a wide range of tones from warm, full humbucker sounds to bright, clear single-coil tones, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
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Is the PRS Swamp Ash Special suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the PRS Swamp Ash Special is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, offering advanced players a versatile and reliable instrument for both studio and live performances.
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How does the ash body affect the sound of the PRS Swamp Ash Special?
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The ash body of the PRS Swamp Ash Special provides a balanced tone with pronounced highs, clear mids, and a strong low end, contributing to its overall sonic versatility.
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Does the PRS Swamp Ash Special offer good sustain?
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Yes, the PRS Swamp Ash Special is known for its excellent sustain, thanks to its solid ash body and high-quality construction, which enhances the resonance and sustain of the guitar.
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
PRS Swamp Ash Special Narrowfield Guitar Demo / Review With Tom Quayle iGuitar Mag
PRS Swamp Ash Special Narrowfield Guitar Demo / Review With Tom Quayle iGuitar Mag
Guitar Interactive Magazine
PRS Swamp Ash SPECIAL - Why Would PRS dIscontinue This Super Versatile Guitar?
The Studio Rats
PRS Swamp ASH Special Review and Demo
Max Vendetti
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tones with coil tap feature for LP and Strat sounds
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High-quality craftsmanship stands the test of time
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Offers nine distinct sound options, including a Telecaster impression
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Excellent playability and action, making it comfortable for long sessions
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Solid build using premium materials ensures durability
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Inspires creativity across various music styles
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Bolt-on neck provides diverse tonal possibilities
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Perfect for gigging with reliable performance and sound
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Remains playable even after years of use and wear
CONS
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Finish chips easily due to the soft ash wood underneath
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS Swamp Ash Special.
Features and functionality
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The SAS is noted for its bright, high-end harmonics and ability to produce Strat-like and Rickenbacker/Gretsch tones, especially with the coil split engaged.
Source -
The 2025 model includes an HSH configuration with 24-08 switching, which is highlighted for its versatility and ability to enhance the playing experience.
Source
Build quality
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Multiple owners have reported warping of the plastic pickup rings, though it's considered a cosmetic issue.
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Aesthetic preference for the black finish is strong, with multiple mentions of it being the best color option seen on this model.
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The Swamp Ash body grain is highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, particularly noted in the SAS model.
Source
User experience
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Some users experience harsh harmonics with distortion, which can be mitigated by adjusting amp EQ.
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Some users express a preference for PRS's Pattern and Pattern Thin necks over the Pattern Regular, noting the latter as being less comfortable.
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Owners often choose the SAS for its versatility and unique visual appeal, even when contemplating other models like the CE24.
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Color preference significantly influences purchasing decisions, with some users trading guitars based on color dissatisfaction.
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Comparisons
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The SAS is brighter than Paul’s SE due to its construction: bolt-on neck, ash body, maple neck, and specific wiring.
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The 2025 Swamp Ash Special is noted as a solid body alternative to the Semi Hollow Special, offering similar pickups and controls but at a lower price.
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The SE Swamp Ash Special and 24-08 feel similar due to identical neck profiles, with the main differences being in pickup configuration and weight.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The guitar excels in producing clean tones for genres requiring bright, spanky sounds, and can handle distortion without muddiness due to its inherent brightness.
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The Swamp Ash Special is described as potentially providing unique tones due to its pickup and switching options, making it suitable for a diverse range of musical styles.
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The SAS is favored for its versatility, making it suitable for players looking for an all-purpose guitar with unique aesthetics.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Mike Mushok includes the PRS Swamp Ash Special in his rig, as seen in a YouTube video.
"I’ve been playing Paul Reed Smith guitars exclusively for around seven years now. I think they have a lot of character that the majority of other guitars lack. I’m a traditionalist by nature, so I use passive pickups and accent the tone by pairing them with the right wood. With that being said, all of my guitars are completely different in some way. On this tour, and most U.S. tours, I travel with around seven of them. They are used for different tunings — one main and one backup per tuning: Drop C, Drop B, and Drop A. The 7th guitar is used as a bus guitar for warming up or teaching on the road."
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 Swamp Ash Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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