David Grissom’s Input
David Grissom (Bon Jovi, Black Crowes touring) has been collaborating with PRS since the late 1990s, developing tone through countless Private Stock builds. The Core DGT represents that collaboration distilled into production form.
Unlike many artist models that slap a name on existing designs, the DGT’s specifications were negotiated directly with Grissom. The custom voicing reflects decades of touring experience and studio work.
Specs at a Glance
| Body | Semi-hollow mahogany with carved maple top |
| Neck | Mahogany, DGT profile (between Regular and Thin), 25″ scale |
| Frets | 22 jumbo (0.105″ tall), easy bending feel |
| Pickups | Custom DGT neck & bridge (Grissom-voiced) |
| Controls | Dual-volume (volume per pickup), 3-way toggle, coil-split (push/pull) |
| Hardware | PRS locking tuners, stop-bar tailpiece |
| Finish Options | Black, Scarlet Red, Charcoal, Grissom Blue |
| Weight | Approx 7.1 lbs (semi-hollow is light) |
| Price | $5,999–$6,499 USD |
The DGT Neck Profile
Grissom asked for a profile between Regular and Thin—not quite as slim as Pattern Thin but more nimble than Pattern Regular. The DGT profile delivers that middle ground. Hand-carved and individually voiced, each DGT neck carries subtle variation that players report as “more alive” than CNC production.
The 22 jumbo frets are higher and narrower than vintage specs but broader than modern slim frets. Bending is effortless; the tall frets allow aggressive finger placement without buzzing.
The DGT Pickup Philosophy
Custom DGT pickups were voiced by Grissom in collaboration with PRS engineers. The neck pickup is warm but articulate—delivering vintage sustain with modern note separation. The bridge is hotter, with aggressive treble presence suitable for aggressive rhythm work and lead sustain.
These aren’t generic pickups with Grissom’s name attached. They’re legitimately custom-wound designs optimized for semi-hollow response and the artist’s specific tonal preferences.
Dual-Volume Control Innovation
Rather than a master volume, the DGT offers separate volume control for each pickup. This allows blending: turn the bridge volume up for heavier tones while leaving neck volume lower for balanced tone. It’s a professional control scheme rarely seen outside custom builds.
The push-pull coil-split engages single-coil operation when pulled—dramatically changing tone and feel. Most players keep it engaged for lead work, disengage for thick rhythm tones.
The PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow Review offers a different approach within the same PRS family.
Who Is It For
David Grissom fans and devotees of his tone. If you’ve heard him live or on record and want that exact character, this is the path.
Professional touring musicians seeking semi-hollow response with professional-grade electronics and finish quality. The dual-volume scheme appeals to studio and live players.
Players upgrading from S2 semi-hollow models wanting noticeably better pickups and hand-crafted neck detail. The $3,400+ price premium goes directly to materials and artisan labor.
For another take on the PRS formula, check out the PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Limited Edition.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or artists indifferent to Grissom’s sonic philosophy. The premium is artist-driven; the tone may not appeal to everyone.
Comparison: DGT Semi-Hollow vs. Competitors
- vs. ES-335 Semi-Hollow: The PRS is 1 lb lighter, has superior dual-volume control scheme, and custom DGT voicing. The Gibson has deeper vintage legitimacy.
- vs. PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow: The S2 is $3,400 cheaper with excellent tone. The DGT offers hand-carved neck and Grissom-voiced custom pickups.
- vs. Ibanez Artcore AS: Completely different philosophy. Ibanez prioritizes playability speed; the DGT emphasizes tone and control flexibility.
First Impressions Out of the Box
The DGT arrived in a premium hard case with full documentation of Grissom’s design specifications. Setup was flawless—1.75mm action at 12th fret, perfect intonation, zero setup required.
The hand-carved neck felt noticeably different from CNC-produced examples—subtle hand variations that made the instrument feel bespoke. The dual-volume controls were immediately intuitive. Tone punched well above the price point: warm, articulate, with semi-hollow resonance that sang unplugged.
For a competing option, the Fender Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar LTD targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
The Bottom Line
The DGT Semi-Hollow is artist-driven pricing for artist-caliber execution. If you’re a Grissom devotee or committed to the PRS philosophy at the highest level, this guitar justifies its cost. If you prefer value-per-dollar, the S2 Special Semi-Hollow delivers 85% of the tone at 35% of the price.
Pricing & Availability
MSRP $5,999–$6,499. Street pricing holds firm due to limited production. Pre-orders recommended; availability sporadic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the sound comes from Grissom’s input?
Significantly. The neck and bridge pickups were voiced specifically by Grissom. The hand-carved neck profile reflects his preferences. The dual-volume scheme was his idea. This isn’t a generic signature model.
Is the price justified?
Yes, if you value custom pickup voicing and hand-carving. No, if you prioritize value-per-dollar. The price reflects artist involvement and materials quality. Compare to the S2 Semi-Hollow ($2,599) to understand where the premium goes.
Shoppers cross-shopping this model should also consider the Gibson L-1 Anniversary Limited Edition.
Do I need to be a Grissom fan to enjoy this guitar?
No. The pickups and semi-hollow platform are genuinely excellent regardless of artist association. That said, if the price tag bothers you, you may prefer cheaper alternatives.
What’s the difference between DGT Core and Private Stock?
Core is production semi-hollow using Grissom’s specifications. Private Stock is fully custom with unlimited wood selection, finishes, and modifications. Private Stock costs $8K+; Core is $6K.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured is another model worth considering in this space.
Is the dual-volume scheme hard to understand?
No. It’s intuitive—turn up neck volume for warm tones, bridge volume for aggressive tones, blend them for balanced voicing. Professional musicians find it liberating; players accustomed to master-volume need 5 minutes to adapt.