PRS Guitars SE A40E Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus A40E Full Size Single Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Guitar with Hard-Shell Case, Natural

Product Information

Earlier this year, Acoustic Review reviewed one of PRS’s well received new(ish) electro-acoustics, the SE T50. It was good – very good, especially so for the money. Word in the guitar business is that PRS has decided to make a redoubled bid for the affordable mid-market acoustic scene and the result, this new generation Korean built SEs launched for 2018 bears that out. Certainly, both the earlier T50 we reviewed and the SEA40e we were sent for our second recently bear witness to that – this was also another very well built and set-up instrument. As I got to know the guitar a little better, I detected a real sweetness in its midrange-oriented voice. In interviews, Mr PRS speaks of putting 6.0 in with the goal of getting 5.8 out. To that end, PRS guitars are fitted with high-quality, tonally responsive materials for the best possible sound. We’d suggest that, even at this modest price point, the SE T40E adheres to that ethos, and is well worth a test drive soon. The guitars we've chosen today are all either Angelus or Tonare Grand models. Each style has it’s own distinction, but first, let us take a look at the features shared by them all. These wonderful acoustic guitars are part of PRS’s SE range. These are made out in China to exacting standards by a carefully chosen factory. Paul Reed Smith and his team have taken decades to build up their reputation for quality, so instruments bearing his initials, even those made outside the USA ( especially those, to be fair), need to come up to scratch.

This may seem an odd statement about a guitar as nice looking as the SE A40E Angelus, especially from a brand with the bona fides of PRS Guitars, but it took me a week or so to realize that my generally favorable first impression of this Chinese-built acoustic-electric was actually giving it short shrift. Probably more than any instrument I’ve tested in years, the SE A40E revealed its true potential gradually. Of course, we ( and probably yourselves too) think of gorgeously finished electric guitars with spectacular exotic woods when we visualise PRS. This makes, sense, since it’s what they are world renowned for! But there’s more to it, and today we want to guide you down a slightly different path. These are all highly satisfying instruments with firm, resonant voices and plenty of charm. Despite being broadly similar, they do all hold their own tonal surprises, so it is worth having a play on a few before totally making your mind up.

This results in a really versatile sound with a strong midrange and some bright overtones that you may not get with a wood like Mahogany. PRS have evolved the traditional "X" design and incorporated a fan style bracing behind the bridge, this creates a round sweet tone that projects beautifully from the guitar.

First off, the Angelus, which is a medium-sized Grand Concert model with a Venetian-style ‘Angelus’ cutaway. The mid-sized body should work perfectly for most players: it’s big enough to move some air and produce a mature tone, yet not so big that it’s a chore to get the right arm around. By contrast, the Tonare Grand has a larger, non-cutaway body tha tis designed for an altogether bigger sound. Singer-songwriters and fans of strumming will certainly enjoy the deep, loud, projecting voice of the Tonare Grand! For those familiar with the way Paul Reed Smith approaches guitar making, you’ll be aware that his philosophy is all about the instrument being ‘subtractive’, meaning that everything on the guitar isn’t adding more tone, or sustain, it is just subtracting less. In essence, that means that anything that touches the strings has the ability to subtract more sustain or tone from your guitar. The Angelus is PRS’s more modern style cutaway acoustic guitar body that has been part of the SE line for a few years now. Refined over years of making these guitars this is the best the Angelus has ever looked or sounded for this price. The SE A20E is noticeably resonant, with a strong midrange and clear highs. And although the low end is slightly less audible, you can still sense its presence underneath the more impressive mid-to-high frequency ranges. As would be expected for an instrument of its size, the guitar has good projection and volume. It rings out enthusiastically when strummed; the notes are clear and pronounced, with good string separation in chords, giving way to satisfying overtones. Without thinking about why at the time, I found the part quite easy to execute on the PRS. Same goes for arpeggios with fingers surrounding open drone strings. It’s a subtle thing and may be very particular to both the part and my weaknesses as a player, but it’s a good illustration of how small design choices can make a big difference when you’re trying to get the job done.

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It might be relatively affordable, but the A40E is not dressed down in the slightest. The fretboard is decorated with PRS’ trademark bird inlays, and the purfling and rosette are made with an eye-catching copper-like acrylic, which contrasts nicely with the cream-colored body binding. Credit subject to status and affordability. Terms & Conditions Apply. Guitar Guitar Limited is a credit broker and is Authorised PRS Hybrid 'X'/Classical Bracing - Utilizing an innovative design that allows the top to vibrate freely, this hybrid bracing system ensures detailed clarity and acoustic projection.

The perfect all-rounder electro-acoustic - meticulously designed and crafted by the experienced luthiers at PRS Guitars, the SE A40E offers a sublime playing experience thanks to a select offering of tonewoods and innovative construction methods - delivering breathtaking volume without sacrificing any delicate details. It’s obvious from the off that these are excellently made guitars. The design, construction and inlay work are all high-level, regardless of price, and the guitars all ship with hard shell cases, adding confidence to the integrity of the instrument.We love PRS' interpretation of the classic acoustic guitar and think this would make an excellent investment for a student guitarist or a reliable gigging guitar for a professional musician. Features We Love: Angelus Cutaway Body The A55E and T55E have abalone purfing, birds and rosette detailing, making this the most obviously eye-catching of the range. Having said that, it is still reasonably low-key and tasteful: after all, most of the surfaces here are Spruce, Ebony, Mahogany or Maple!