PRS Guitars has kicked off the continuation of its 40th anniversary celebration by introducing two new models and several specification updates to their Maryland, USA-made electric guitars. The new models include the Standard 24 Satin and the Swamp Ash Special, while several PRS guitars are receiving updates such as the addition of PRS DMO and McCarty III pickups, EQ mini-toggles, Phase III tuners, and new color options.
2025 marks the 40th Anniversary of PRS Guitars. After the release of SE Series updates in October and the debut of the 40th Anniversary Private Stock Dragon and Custom 24 limited-edition instruments last November, these launches represent the next phase in a year-long series of product announcements.
“We’ve always strived to build the best tools for musicians, which was my goal from the beginning when I first started in my Garrett workshop,” said Paul Reed Smith, the founder and managing general partner of PRS Guitars. “But as the saying goes, ‘windshields are larger than rearview mirrors for a reason.’ We’re not focused solely on the past – we want to continue innovating and refining our instruments, paying attention to the details that matter to musicians.”
Reflecting on his early days, Paul Reed Smith recalls traveling the East Coast with two guitars – a PRS and a PRS Custom. The PRS was an all-mahogany instrument that later became known as the PRS Standard. For 2025, PRS is releasing a version of this pre-factory guitar in its Core lineup. The PRS Standard 24 Satin features a satin nitro finish and the new PRS DMO pickups, delivering powerful, roadworthy performance. Its warm, full tone is further enhanced by Phase III locking tuners with brass shafts, a proprietary bone nut, and the PRS patented tremolo system.
The Swamp Ash Special bolt-on model is also returning for 2025, now with an updated electronics layout. Its swamp ash body includes a versatile hum/“single”/hum pickup configuration, with two 58/15 LT pickups and a PRS Narrowfield pickup in the middle position, adding single-coil clarity without the hum. The Swamp Ash Special features a volume, tone, 5-way blade switch, and dual mini-toggle coil-tap switches (for the first time on this model), providing 12 different sound combinations. Known for its tight low-end and bright, mellow high-end, the Swamp Ash Special offers a distinct twang that covers “hot country,” blues, and jazz genres.
In addition, PRS is introducing two new pickups for its Core models: the PRS DMO and McCarty III pickups. Drawing on years of research into vintage pickup designs and advancements in signal analysis technology, these pickups are the culmination of PRS’s extensive R&D efforts.
The PRS DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) pickups are designed to offer a modern sound with a broad frequency range, providing clear, pleasant tones across bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Meanwhile, the McCarty III pickups are vintage-inspired humbuckers that deliver a rich, full tone with exceptional vocal clarity. The PRS DMO pickups will be featured on the Custom 24 models, while the McCarty III pickups will be used in McCarty, Hollowbody, Special, and Studio models.
PRS has also updated the mini-toggle switches on select models, replacing coil-taps with EQ switches. These EQ mini-toggles act as high-pass filters, removing low-end frequencies and enhancing clarity and musical highs when engaged. This feature, first introduced on the Private Stock John McLaughlin model in 2023, will now be available on the Custom 24-08, Modern Eagle V, and S2 Custom 24-08 models.
“These EQ switches were developed in collaboration with John McLaughlin, and both of us found they offered a unique sound with significant musicality. I’m excited that we can now offer this feature on more models,” added Paul Reed Smith.
PRS is also upgrading the Phase III tuners across the S2 Series and select Bolt-On models. These tuners, which were first introduced on the Core line in 2012, feature a durable open-back design, a highly usable gear ratio, and unplated brass shafts. The Phase III tuners have become a trusted feature of PRS guitars due to their lightweight construction and highly effective design.
Additionally, PRS is introducing several new color options across their lineup, including Aurora Borealis and Black Gold on select Core models, Egyptian Gold and Platinum Metallic on the Myles Kennedy signature Bolt-On, five new colors for the NF 53, including Matcha Green and Jasper Smokeburst, and three new satin finishes for the Fiore, including Lilac Satin, Hibiscus Satin, and Amaryllis Satin.
These updates are part of PRS’s ongoing mission to enhance the performance and quality of their instruments. As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, PRS Guitars plans to release even more new products and limited-edition models throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more exciting announcements in the months to come.
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