As you probably already know Dave Weiner has been using a custom PRS 7 String on tour with Steve Vai for some time now so it was only a matter of time until a production model popped up but I have to say I’m surprised an SE version has been announced with no sign of the high end version?
“The SE Custom 24 7-String, PRS Guitars first 7-string production instrument, takes familiar PRS aesthetics and playability to new sonic territory. Using the Custom 24 as a platform, this guitar adds a low-B string to offer increased versatility to the player who wants more tonal range. Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or metal, this guitar provides extended low-end growl, increased chordal variance, and a greater ability to embellish standard chords.
The SE 7-String features a beveled maple top with flame maple veneer and mahogany back, a 24-fret, 25” scale length maple neck with rosewood fretboard and bird inlays. The electronics package pairs SE HFS and SE Vintage Bass pickups with a volume, push/pull tone, and 3-way blade switch. The SE HFS and SE Vintage pickups were designed to mirror the Maryland-made pickups of the same name (used on the Custom since 1991). Originally meaning Hot, Fat, and Screams, the HFS was the evolution of the original Standard treble pickup. The HFS is a powerful pickup with a balance of aggression, clear highs, strong mid-range, and strong bass. Likewise, the Vintage bass is the evolution of the original Standard bass pickup and has a warm high-mid sound that is excellent for many musical styles.”
Street price for this guitar looks like it could come in at around $700 which is very good value in my opinion.
Check out this video of some of the PRS Employees testing the new guitar:
http://www.prsguitars.com/secustom7string/
