The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo Review: The Ultimate Value

For guitarists seeking the warm, resonant thump of a hollowbody without sacrificing the comfort of a solid-body or the contents of their bank account, the quest can be long and fraught with compromise. Enter the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo. This instrument promises to blend classic PRS design, versatile electronics, and the acclaimed SE value into one stunning package. But does it live up to the hype?

We’ve dissected expert reviews and player experiences to deliver a comprehensive verdict on whether this is, indeed, the best hollowbody for the money.

Contents show

First Impressions: Aesthetics and Build Quality

The moment you unbox the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo, it’s clear this is not a typical mid-priced instrument. Retaining the iconic, elegant shape of its core USA-made siblings, it boasts a stunning flamed maple veneer top, available in finishes like Trampas Green, Scarlet Amber, and Tobacco Sunburst.

The construction is a semi-hollow design with a center block, which eliminates feedback issues at high volumes—a common problem with fully hollow guitars. The craftsmanship from the PRS facility in Korea is exceptional, with flawless binding, a comfortable satin finish on the neck, and the iconic bird inlays on a rosewood fretboard. It feels premium, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable to hold, striking a perfect balance between heft and resonance.

Specs at a Glance

Body: Semi-hollow with a center block; Flamed Maple top, back, and sides.
Neck: Mahogany, Wide Thin profile.
Fretboard: Rosewood with 22 frets and Bird Inlays.
Pickups: PRS SE #58/15 “S” Humbuckers.
Bridge: PRS patented piezo-loaded adjustable bridge.
Controls: Volume and Tone (push/pull for coil-split), 3-way blade pickup selector, Piezo Volume knob, 5-way Blade selector for pickup blending.
Tuners: PRS-designed sealed vintage-style tuners.

The Heart of the Matter: Sonic Versatility

This is where the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo truly separates itself from the pack. It’s not a one-trick pony; it’s a full orchestra.

1. The Humbucker Voice

The paired SE 58/15 “S” humbuckers are articulate and warm. They provide the classic, rich voice you expect from a hollowbody—perfect for jazz, blues, and soulful cleans. When pushed with gain, they deliver a smooth, singing lead tone that avoids muddiness, handling classic rock and indie with ease. Pulling the tone knob for coil-split introduces convincing single-coil sounds, adding spank and clarity for funk or country.

2. The Piezo Revolution

The star of the show is the Piezo system. Unlike many add-ons, PRS integrates a piezo element directly into the bridge, capturing the authentic acoustic vibration of the strings. The result is nothing short of breathtaking. The acoustic tone is crisp, full-bodied, and remarkably realistic, avoiding the quacky, artificial sound of lesser systems.

The dedicated 5-way blade switch allows for seamless blending between the magnetic and piezo signals:

Position 1: Magnetic Pickups Only
Position 2: 60% Magnetic / 40% Piezo
Position 3: 50/50 Blend
Position 4: 40% Magnetic / 60% Piezo
Position 5: Piezo Only

This unlocks a universe of tonal possibilities. You can add acoustic shimmer to your electric rhythm playing, create massive layered sounds for ambient sections, or instantly switch to a full acoustic tone for a ballad without changing guitars.

Playability and Feel

The “Wide Thin” neck profile is a favorite among players for a reason. It sits comfortably in the hand, offering a modern, fast feel that’s accessible for beginners and satisfying for seasoned pros. The 25” scale length is a sweet spot, providing a balance of the snappiness of a Fender and the warmth of a Gibson. It’s an incredibly easy guitar to play, encouraging long sessions without fatigue.

Who Is The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo For?

This guitar is a perfect fit for:

The Gigging Musician: Its feedback resistance and vast tonal palette make it the ultimate “do-it-all” guitar for cover bands, session players, and songwriters.
The Home Studio Guru: The ability to track both electric and convincing acoustic tones with one guitar is a huge creative and financial advantage.
The PRS Enthusiast on a Budget: It delivers the core PRS experience—design, quality, and versatility—at a fraction of the cost of a USA model.
Players Seeking Inspiration: The blend knob alone will lead you to riffs and parts you might never have discovered otherwise.

Considerations and Comparisons

While the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo is a phenomenal instrument, it’s fair to consider its competition. Guitars like the Gretsch Streamliner series offer a more traditional, rockabilly-inspired hollowbody voice at a lower price point, but they lack the piezo system and modern playability features. The Epiphone Sheraton II provides a classic ES-335 vibe but, again, doesn’t offer the acoustic-electric flexibility. The PRS’s price tag positions it as a premium offering in the SE line, meaning it’s an investment. However, when you factor in that it effectively replaces both a high-quality hollowbody electric and a reliable acoustic-electric guitar, its value proposition becomes undeniable.

The Final Word: Beyond the “SE” Name

It’s crucial to look past the “SE” designation. This is not merely a “budget” version of a core model; it is a professional-grade instrument in its own right. The craftsmanship, electronic innovation, and meticulous attention to detail mean it can easily hold its own on any stage or in any studio. It feels and sounds like a guitar costing two or three times its price, embodying the pinnacle of what the PRS SE line aims to achieve: making world-class instruments accessible.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic

The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo is a triumph of design and engineering. It respects the timeless appeal of the hollowbody electric while boldly pushing its functionality into the future. By offering an unparalleled range of tones, impeccable build quality, and effortless playability, it doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. For any player seeking a single, incredibly versatile instrument that can handle virtually any musical demand, the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a destination.

The Verdict: Is It The Best Hollowbody For The Money?

Based on its unparalleled build quality, stunning looks, and—most importantly—its staggering sonic versatility, the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo makes a compelling case for being the best value in its class.

While there are other excellent hollowbodies on the market, none offer the seamless, high-quality integration of a professional-grade piezo system alongside such excellent traditional pickups. It eliminates the need for a second guitar on stage or in the studio, providing a level of utility that is almost impossible to beat.

It’s not just a great value; it’s a genuinely great guitar, period. The PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo isn’t playing the game of offering the most for your money—it’s changing the game entirely.

Ready to experience the ultimate versatile guitar? Find the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo at your local dealer or online retailer today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the piezo system on the SE Hollowbody II the same as on the core USA PRS models?
A: While the concept and functionality are very similar, the piezo system in the SE model is part of the SE-specific electronics package. In practice, the sound is remarkably close, and most players find the performance to be exceptionally high-quality and professional.

Q: Can the magnetic pickups and piezo output be used simultaneously on different amplifiers?
A: Yes! The guitar features two output jacks: a standard mono jack that outputs the blended signal based on your 5-way selector switch, and a dedicated stereo output jack. Using a stereo TRS cable, you can send the magnetic pickup signal to one amplifier and the pure piezo signal to another, allowing for a truly massive, full-range sound.

Q: How does the semi-hollow design affect feedback compared to a fully hollow body?
A: The center block running through the body significantly reduces the tendency for feedback that is common in fully hollow guitars. This allows you to play at higher volumes with gain without the uncontrollable howling, making it much more suitable for rock and louder band settings.

Q: Is this guitar good for a beginner?
A: While it is certainly beginner-friendly due to its excellent playability, it is a premium instrument with a price tag to match. It is an ideal, lifelong instrument for a dedicated beginner with the budget for it. However, those just starting might opt for a more basic solid-body to learn on before investing in a versatile workhorse like this.

Q: What strings are recommended for this guitar?
A: The guitar ships with PRS’s own .010-.046 gauge strings. Due to the piezo system’s reliance on string vibration for its acoustic tone, a fresh set of strings is crucial for getting the best, brightest sound from the piezo. Many players find that nickel-plated steel strings provide an excellent balance for both the magnetic and piezo systems.