PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow Review

Semi-Hollow Explained

Semi-hollow guitars split the difference between solid-body resonance and full-hollow feedback-prone design. A center block runs through the body, but curved top and back chambers add air movement and sustain length. Semi-hollows excel in moderate gain situations where feedback control matters but players still want body resonance.

The S2 Special Semi-Hollow, manufactured in Maryland (not the SE line’s Indonesia production), combines this platform with PRS’s pickup flexibility philosophy. Customers can order this model with multiple pickup configurations—12 different combinations across neck and bridge positions.

Specs at a Glance

Pickup Configuration Philosophy

Standard S2 Special Semi-Hollow ships with 58/15 LT in the neck and Narrowfield middle. But order it with custom specs and you unlock 12 combinations: 58/15, 58/15 LT, or 85/15 in any position; Narrowfield or Narrowfield-DD in middle; single-coil or humbucker bridge options.

This flexibility addresses a problem with fixed configurations: not every style suits the same pickup recipe. A blues player might want warm 58/15 everywhere; a rock player might prefer articulate 85/15 in the bridge with vintage neck voicing. PRS lets customers specify this at order.

Build Quality & Materials

Maryland-made means higher standards than the SE line. Our test unit featured flawless fretwork, perfect binding seams, and frets crowned and polished to private stock specifications. The carved maple top showed three-dimensional figure that suggests careful board selection rather than random allocation.

The semi-hollow construction is precisely engineered. The center block is perfectly centered; the top carve is smooth and symmetrical. No rattles, no issues when played at volume. The weight distribution is excellent—7.2 lbs is light enough for long sets but substantial enough to feel like a premium instrument.

For another take on the PRS formula, check out the PRS DGT Semi-Hollow Review.

Tone & Sustain

Semi-hollow instruments sing. Unplugged, the S2 Special projects warm tone with substantial midrange presence—exactly what you’d expect from mahogany and carved maple. Amplified at moderate volumes, the semi-hollow character shines: sustained notes bloom with air movement, rhythm tones have body, and feedback remains controllable even at high gain.

Compared to solid-body S2 models, the semi-hollow delivers approximately 1-2 seconds more sustain on full bends. Bass response is warmer; treble sits slightly behind the curve compared to solid-body brightness. This suits classic rock and jazz better than modern high-gain styles.

If you’re exploring the PRS lineup, the PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Limited Edition is also worth a look.

Who Is It For

Blues, jazz, and classic rock players seeking semi-hollow character at rational pricing. This is the gateway to semi-hollow territory without $5K+ Custom Shop commitment.

Recording artists tracking rhythm and lead tones that need tonal warmth and sustain. Semi-hollow response translates beautifully to tape and digital recording.

The Fender Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar LTD is a strong alternative from a rival brand.

Gigging musicians who want lightweight (7.2 lbs) semi-hollow response with excellent feedback control. No feedback issues even at volume.

The Gibson L-1 Anniversary Limited Edition is a strong alternative from a rival brand.

Not ideal for: Metal and extreme-high-gain players seeking maximum articulation (semi-hollow sweetens transients), or compact players who find 7.2 lbs fatiguing.

Players looking for something in a similar vein might also consider the Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured.

Comparison: S2 Special Semi-Hollow vs. Alternatives

• vs. ES-335 Dot: The PRS is Maryland-made (vs. Indonesia), has better tuning stability, and offers more pickup flexibility. The Epiphone costs less but lacks the tonal refinement.
• vs. Ibanez AS Artcore: Ibanez focuses on playability and speed; PRS emphasizes tone. The AS is faster; the S2 Special sounds warmer and more resonant.
• vs. PRS S2 Semi-Hollow Custom: Slightly fancier custom options; base tone is identical. The Custom costs $400 more for aesthetic upgrades.

First Impressions Out of the Box

Setup was excellent. PRS shipped the guitar with 1.9mm action at the 12th fret—perfect. Intonation required no adjustment. The natural finish on our test unit revealed spectacular grain detail under bright light. Within minutes of unboxing, the guitar sounded like a professional instrument.

The Bottom Line

At $2,599, the S2 Special Semi-Hollow represents genuine value. Maryland manufacturing, semi-hollow resonance, Phase III tuners, and pickup flexibility that typically costs $500+ extra elsewhere. This is the guitar PRS wants guitarists to discover—refined, capable, and reasonably priced.

Pricing & Availability

MSRP $2,599 (standard pickup configuration). Custom pickup orders add $150–$300. Most authorized dealers carry examples; custom configurations require 4–6 week lead times.

Frequently Asked Questions