Orianthi Teases SE Version of $11,000 PRS Signature Private Stock Model
A much more affordable version of the hard-rock guitar titan's stunning PRS signature appears to be in the cards.
PRS led off its 2023 with the introduction of the SE DGT, a significantly more affordable, SE series take on its top-of-the-line Core DGT David Grissom signature electric guitar.
Now, it seems, the Maryland company is potentially preparing to introduce another upscale signature model to its entry-level SE series.
In a recent interview with Premier Guitar, Orianthi – the Australian hard-rock guitar ace whose resume includes a handful of well-received solo albums, time in Michael Jackson's band, and a series of high-profile collaborations with Richie Sambora – revealed that she's in talks with PRS about producing an SE version of her signature model, currently only available in $11,000 Private Stock form.
“We’re in talks right now [and there's] probably an SE model coming of that one [the Private Stock model]," she said.
“A lot of people wanted to buy it and they couldn’t afford it. It’s very expensive, but it’s very well made. That is a dream guitar that was brought to life by the PRS team. Paul has really dialed it in. He picks the right woods, and everything is quality. They’re like Porsches, you know what I mean?”
Orianthi's Private Stock PRS model is based on a one-off build – itself a personalized spin on PRS's Custom 24 – that the company made for her in 2017.
It features a solid mahogany body, a two-piece flamed maple top, and a mahogany neck adorned with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard highlighted by a stunning Lotus vine inlay pattern.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
The Private Stock model is powered by a pair of PRS 58/15 humbuckers, the output of which can be tweaked by individual volume and tone controls, and a five-way blade pickup switch.
Hardware on the guitar, meanwhile, comes in the form of PRS Phase III locking tuners and a PRS Gen III vibrato, with an eye-catching Blooming Lotus Glow burst finish rounding out the spec sheet.
Orianthi didn't offer any details about the (presumably less ornately-spec'd) SE version of the model, or when it might arrive, but we'll update you with any specs and a release date as soon we get wind of either.
Keep an eye on prsguitars.com in the meantime for more info as it comes along.
Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.
"He'd been given the guitar for his 16th birthday and obviously didn't want it. I took one look and said, ‘Thanks, I'll have it!’ " Phil Manzanera on his Roxy Music Firebird, "Love Is the Drug" 1951 Tele and other favorite guitars
"A fun and unique guitar that’s nevertheless a sleek beast of a performer." The Frank Brothers Sonar electric merges vintage styling with diverse tones, making it a perfect all-rounder