It's commonplace for big guitar companies to have more affordable sub-brands and lineups. PRS has its often-celebrated SE electric guitars – but the models were very nearly killed off.
The PRS SE Series isn't short of stand-out six-strings. One of its latest, the SE NF 53 is a smart-looking single-cut that might just be 2025's best sub-$1K guitar. In March, Paul Reed Smith's company also gave some of its most beloved SEs an exotic wood makeover. These are all guitars that wouldn't exist if it weren't for one saving grace.
