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PRS Hollowbody Piezo - Is it Any Good? Honest Review and Demo
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2023
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Get my PADs bundle here: www.paypal.com... (this folder will grow, and I'd encourage you to ask for different keys/songs and stuff that might suit this type of preset?)
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Try my general patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com...
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/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoff... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
That whole intro piece was astounding, one of the best things I’ve ever heard you play. The clean piezo sound on that guitar sounded so acoustic, the gainy solo sound was soaring, your playing impeccable.
Ah kind words!!! Yeh I think it does a pretty convincing job all round personally?
@@johnnathancordy Agreed! I had a Parker Nitefly with piezo some years back. With the piezo through DI + PA, even that gave a very convincing acoustic vibe, so I'm not surprised it's working so well on this PRS. (For magnetic pickups, my Parker had a Seymour Duncan Custom 5 at the bridge, plus two Kinman AVn-62s. Pretty tidy instrument, and I miss it.)
You’re one of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard. There’s a subtlety, a restraint, a relationship with the instrument that can’t be taught, and that some of the greatest in the top 10 lack. As for this guitar, I just ordered one because of this video. Thank you!
I bought this guitar a couple months ago. What a guitar!!! Piezo is just a +, feather weight light electric guitar that sounds wonderful.
Not surprisingly, there are many here that have one, and I am no exception. I like the slightly wider neck and it does a good job of staying in tune. As you said at the end, about the only thing missing it the coil split. And the only way I can see of making it any better would be for it to have a set of 58/15LTs in it - in which case you could wire in a split as, long as you are operating. At least that is my plan.
I haven’t watched but a minute of the video, but I have to say this guitar surely suits you
I wanted to love this guitar, bought it and it sounded incredible. The neck though is incredibly thick. Much thicker than my Gibson ES-339 and a 50’s Les Paul.
Thank you for this info.
I have one in the black "dog hair" finish. Gorgeous. And it's better built/finished than my US-made Gibsons.
Just picked up my Peacock blue yesterday and can't stop playing it. I am in love with mine. Versitility at its best. It is a thicker neck than my Custom 24. Closer to my Taylor necks.
I’ve own one of these since they came out. And I love it. I use it with the HX Stomp and have presets for acoustic/piezo and for electric. Can do a gig with just one guitar.
That's a serious knife to open the package with
I have this guitar and love it. Combined with helix I can switch from el to ac or vice versa just hitting a footswitch. The guitar itself is beautiful and the sound is great. For this price I can‘t imagine something better.
I own the non PIezo version and it is probably the best performing guitar I own. My collection includes a 335, an LP Special, 2 Teles ( 1 MIM/1Japan) and a couple others.
Hi! Do you have a preset you won’t mind sharing?
I’ve almost purchased this several times. Love everything about it except the baseball bat neck.
I also have this guitar and use it with my Helix and a PowerCab 212+ in FRFR mode. I run the mag through the guitar input and the piezo through one of the returns. It allows me to set up a dual input Helix patch with the distortions and amps in the top DSP path and with the rest of the effects on the second DSP path along with the Piezo input. I use an AC30 amp (custom IR in my case) for the mag and use a Martin 000 IR for the acoustic which really improves the acoustic sound. I like turning the piezo all the way up and mixing in the mag with a little distortion to add some depth and little sizzle to the acoustic signal. Glad you like it too and can't wait for you to tell us how it went using it for your gig.
BTW - keep a 9v in the gig bag. It does go through batteries if you leave it plugged in the piezo/mag jack. I try to plug it into the mag jack and just swap the plug for my acoustic songs.
On mine the Piezo pickup was EXTREMELY loud. I had to pull the jack panel and adjust the potentiometer to get it to equal volume as the magnetic pu. For the money that should have been sorted before shipping. Since I sorted that out it has become my favorite guitar to play.
I have a Katana amp and find the Piezo very loud on the electric amp models, where I'll only play at about 50% volume, but it's perfect at 100 on the acoustic amp.
I’ve got a Godin Solidac which I use in exactly the way you describe (for Teenage Dirtbag and smoochy first dances). It works very well and is convincing enough for your average punter / drunk wedding guest to not question the ‘acousticness’. To my mind Godin are equal in quality to PRS although the looks are an acquired taste.
Probably the best I’ve heard you sound, both sonically and your playing. Your solo work on this had real direction for me. Very melodic. Beautiful. What do I know I play keyboards lol. Just started having guitar lessons.
Yeah - another keyboard player!
@@neal_laugman lol I take it your a drummer.
I have this one, and I can't go back to my other (expensive) guitars. It's like going from a Ferrari to a Chevy Citation.
Your playing is excellent, thanks.
I'm a worship leader at a church, this is the perfect kind of thing for me, especially with a Helix. I have to cover all the guitar parts and sing. Just out of my price range. Good demo.
Gorgeous tone gorgeous playing and gorgeous axe there. And another intro that needs to be a full JNC song on an album. Great stuff. Keep it up. Always wanted one of these kind of guitars. PRS rocks
I'm still a beginner guitarist (1 year) and have a PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo, and love it. I got it for the same reasons you mentioned: primarily electric guitar, but able to handle acoustic situations. I'm not really gigging yet, but find the versatility ideal for a first guitar. Great with a Positive Grid Spark Mini or Go amp or a Yamaha THR30. Great sound, and it stays in tune wonderfully. I find the Piezo useful especially when fingerpicking a song.
This is a nice overview - I’m currently using this guitar in a show where I need a bit of strummed acoustic, and some pseudo-archtop jazz. I use an HX Stomp with a split signal path that runs the piezo through a couple of different IRs, and the mag thru a simple combo amp model. The 3 scenes select between piezo, blend and magnetic. Works great!
I've had one since they came out. I bought a demo. It is one of my favorite guitars for learning tunes with! Plays wonderfully and sounds great!
I used an older Godin LGXS for this very thing for several years. Funnily enough, I mainly used it as an "acoustic" on stage.
A very heavy "acoustic"..
I used my LGXSA a lot. And the acoustic side with the upper bout controls are really handy. The only con is the weight. 12Lbs.....
Just purchased one of these today.
This man says listen while I make you fall in love with music again and here’s the guitar that I’ll be blowing your mind with. It’s pretty good for 800 pounds, I think.
I had one for many years and aesthetically, I loved it. I struggled to find the tone I was looking for when I was predominantly playing funk and blues, so I ended up selling it. I didn't have the AxFx at that point so didn't have nearly as many options as I have now. If I did, I'm sure I would still own it.
I have one of these and I use it as an acoustic through the Pa and ,once you eq it ,it sounds excellent.It’s well made and for £800 is good value.
I find it easier and more comfortable to play than a lager acoustic.👍🎸🎸
Recently bought this guitar and LOVE it! Was really curious about your opinion on it. Thank you for the review!
Thanks for your review. I've just gone for one of these to cover some open-mic gigs, plus opening up a lot of other opportunities. I've got a Variax and its "good", but I like the immediacy of a piezo over digital modelling, so I'm excited to try the PRS. At the new price point it's definitely something worth considering adding to a line-up.
WE NEED A COMPILATION OF THE INTROS ON TH-cam!!
PRS did a good job getting a nice sound out of the Piezo pickup. The downside I see on hollow body electric guitars in general is that if they don't have a rear panel access port, the electronics can be a nightmare to work on if anything goes wrong, and you can easily scratch around the F-hole when doing so.
Don't work in the F-hole. Take out the bridge pickup.
I bought mine from peach a few months after they came out in order to replace an original USA Hollowbody I sold a good few years earlier. I love it too. Being disabled the lower weight is a big help and the neck almost perfect. I had one or two gripes which have mostly been rectified namely I swapped out the tuners for a set of SE locking tuners making string changes easier for me in fact I was surprised they didn’t come as standard.I also swapped out the speed knobs (I hate them) for USA fit lantern knobs which I find easier to use. I agree with yopu on the coil taps, it would be nice and could easily be done with a push/push or push pull knob so it doesn’t affect the aesthetics. On the whole mines a keeper oh and I love the black/gold finish. My only other comment is- PRS please do a P90 version!
Wouldn't a P90 version be delicious? I think the way to go with the coil splits is to use one of PRSs mini toggle switches - like in Paul's Guitar.
I love the extra "shimmer" you get with the piezos mixed in with the mags...
When you mix both sounds right it's glorious! 👂👍
I have the American made Prs Hollow body II. It's a great guitar for sure.
I have the American one as well, but for just under 6K I wish the pickups could be split. There are times I feel it sounds a little dark
I’ve had a custom 22 for 20 years and love it, so I’ve Just bought one like this myself,thanks for the great review as always👍
I bought the same from Peaches. I love it and the free set up was well-receieved. Still struggling a bit with the piezo only stuff
I have the HB for 10+ yrs, supergreat. Acoustic goes into AER amp into the PA. But mostly I use it as a electric alone.
Picked up a non-piezo one for £600 last year. Superb guitars can’t fault it really. Poly finish not quite as nice as Gibson gloss nitro on my Lucille but hey, it play beautifully .
I had the coils split on my Hollowbody SE Piezo using push pull pots. The pickups are already 4 wire. Works well but there is a noticeable drop in volume.
This video popped up as I’m taking a break from recording multiple parts in a song with this exact guitar. Experimenting with blending the magnetic and piezo pickups together for some great tones
your solo in the Intro definitly got Chris Buck Vibes
Nice Playing and thanks for the Review
Hey, that intro you played sounds so good! Great guitar too. Love the piezo sound and the looks of it as well.
It’s funny to hear someone with the same job as me review this stuff…makes it very relevant. Pro GB guitarists have weird needs…a lot of those needs center on versatility and reliability. My PRSs definitely serve that purpose
GB?
@@mariorojas3724
General business musician…basically it means you can get called for corporate gigs, touring gigs, functions, weddings, whatever. I guess it’s a bit of an east coast term now that I’m thinking about it
My Parker Fly Classic is quite similar functionality but this PRS sounds better. Very nice indeed. P.S. that’s the guitar I’m playing in my profile image.
I have a Carvin AE-185, the best dissension I have ever made, the best of both worlds, I love the hybrid blend
8:20 Have you tried a Line 6 Variax guitar for these situations? Your snapshots can even switch your Variax between acoustic and electric mid song, and the acoustic sound is way more convincing.
John possibly had not needed to negotiate the exchanging the battery process. Changing the battery is not easy without risk of breaking in some way the battery brace holder or damage to the connection wires. This is why I personally prefer the HB II model without the Piezo!
I’ve never had a problem changing the battery. It’s not a daunting task.
The main issue with this guitar (I own one without the piezo) is, IMO, the stock pickups. I replaced them with SD 59s. It made a huge difference. Note: Pickup replacement in these is very difficult. I had an experienced tech do it.
Stock pickups are perfect imo
@@peopledonotexist When played accoustically, the guitar has a clear midrange "bump". This is not a bad thing. But the stock pickups are also mid heavy and lack character. A higher quality, low output pickup with more of a "smiley face" eq curve (ie the SD 59s) sound vastly better (to my ears) in this guitar
I bought this guitar about a month ago and I love it. The only complaint I have is the frets were really rough and I needed to do a full fret dressing. But, for $900 USD I guess that's to be expected.
Man this is sick! Hope you have a good day John! Thanks for the vid! 🙌🎶🎸🔥🤜🤛
The Schecter C-1 E/A Classic is basically the same thing but a semi hollow instead of full hollow
"...Wields machete like carving through Sunday chicken roaster dinner..." 🤣 Lovely playing, John, just purchased a SE HBII...gorgeous quality...
Coil split the humbuckers and a tone control on the piezo.
PRS have been knocking it out the park these last few years!
very clever of PRS to name them PRS SE. nobody calls a Squier a Fender, yet this SE is referred to as a PRS
@@MrMarcburgerProbably more similar to Fender's MIM line
I have a number of high end guitars but this is my gigging guitar as it can cover everything.
Love the vocabulary and feel...!
What amp sim you use? Love the tone too...!
I'm in line for one of these PRS's when they become available again
This video help the waiting game...
I have it. My favorite gigging guitar 🎸
About the Acoustasonic thing, the big problem I had with them is that Fender are really known for their electrics. Their acoustics are just not that great, and that rubs off on the Acoustasonic line, IMO...
Dude this intro is insane
Nice playing and tone.!
Does this design feedback rather easily with medium gain in real world on stage situations, or is there a surprising amount of feedback resistance due to the design..?
I`m referring to the likes of fender amps at stage/band volume with cleans through to medium gain territory.?
I love piezo.equipped guitars. I have an Ibanez RG1820X
I agree. I was used to using the DR zebra strings, but they no longer seem to be making those? Any suggestions on good hybrid strings?
Beautiful as always!
I have the core version of this guitar and love it.
I have this guitar and gig with it. It’s super awesome and versatile.
Owning one is better than watching one played smooth…. 😊😢 👏
I just ordered one, and I’m thinking it may just replace my Taylor T5z!
I own this guitar and run it through a J45 capture on my Quad Cortex. My only complaint is the bird fret markers are dark and hard to see on a dark stage. Other than that, it really punches above its asking price.
The thing about the Fender Acoustasonic is that even though it sounds good and there are a lot of tonal options, it just doesn’t play well. I’ve had the guitar set up properly and it just doesn’t feel like an acoustic, not an electric. I would opt for any of my PRS guitars including my 524 Custom Piezo over the Fender any day of the week.
You play so beautifully do you publish your music? Also be careful with that box opener
Ive owned one since they first came out. Great quality for the price... I DID have an issue with the 9v battery draining if the guitar Sat (without anything in the input) for a week. PRS paid to have it sent back and totally fixed it. However... compared to an actual CORE Hollowbody II Piezo, which I also own, THAT is in a completely different universe. Granted, it's like 4-5x the price! For < $1000, now on sale, the SE is an absolute no brainer. Is it as good as a 335 though?
ummm... no
I get a bit worried with that huge knife you use... Please don't hurt yourself, you are such a great guitarist !!!
I have the same guitar and rig set up and it is outstanding. Can I purchase lessons from you and if so how?
I have this model. LOVE IT!!!
Would be fun to run this into axe fx 3 and put the piezo into a stereo pitch detune with widener and the the electric in the middle.
1:06 I went through 3 of these….and had to send them all back. Sweetwater was kind enough to refund my money.
I just got mine and I'm trying to find the best amp and effects to set this up with. I've been looking at the 5150 by the EVH Camp. Completely kicked my ass. So fkin' loud I took it back. The Fishman video I just watched was pulling my interest. Great video and amazing skills bro. 🙏🫵🤘💪🫰🫡😅😇
Mine has much better QC than my DGT SE, regarding the nut and fret ends
Did your DGT SE come up with some issues then?
@@johnnathancordy I mean it plays fine but the nut is the worst across all my guitars - not shaped to match the neck with a sharp notch - no attempt to finish it at all. The Hollowbody and Silver Sky are very neatly done - same with fret ends. I know the Hollowbody was a higher price point but you'd expect signature guitars to be better. Even my three Squiers are much better than the DGT SE.
You should try the Zach Myers for a great guitar, even greater with the cost.Sounds,plays, and looks amazing! No good reason to change the stock pickups either.
Beautiful demo 😭
Hey John..
Godin a6 ultra is very versatile for a great cross between acoustic and electric guitar..give one a try..you'll be surprised
Really wish I could find one of these for £800...
A version for lefties, please!
I have the brown version of this guitar. It is beautiful. Not a huge fan of the raw Piezo sound. What I've done is find some nice acoustic IRs online, EQ them in a DAW to preference, then apply the EQ curve to the IR file. works like a charm and sounds like the real thing.
Yeh - my piezo saver preset is a few EQs to bring the signal closer to a Micd up acoustic of mine!
@@johnnathancordy it's worth trying an IR. You can never get the characteristic profile of an acoustic instrument from just EQ. The curves are too smooth.
Love this guitar!
A 335 without a centre block is a 330.
Had the PRS hollowbody spruce which is basically the same. Should never have sold it. Was super light weight. Downsides were it would feedback, sometimes good, often not due to being fully hollow. And also I found if I swap guitars (on a show or session band) I’d often plug in the wrong input in the heat of battle. So sold it and bought a Ibanez JSM100 which I love and is a work horse but wish I could have kept the PRS too
Actually, they are quite different. I have both. The HB Spruce is fully hollow and the one here has a center block. Very different pickups too.
@@lanceholland at the 7min mark he says this guitar is hollow, no centre block. So very similar in many ways to my Hollowbody spruce
@@NickGranville The HB Spruce has no center block, just a small oval of wood below the bridge. On the HB Piezo, it's also hollow but there is also a center block that runs from under the bridge to the neck. The center block is only attached to the guitar's top.It seems to give the guitar a brighter, more 335 sound, than the HB Spruce that doesn't have that block.
@@lanceholland where are you getting this information from? Everywhere I've looked, I've only found mention of SEs small block under the bridge to connect the top/bottom and take the bridge. Had the centerblock run from the bridge to the neck, the guitar would be a semi-hollow, which this is not.
@@rosstatelman9879 I have a dental mirror and I've actually looked inside my HB Spruce and HB 2 SE.
I've owned this guitar for a year and totally love it!!
I got excited when this came out but after playing it a couple of different times it did nothing for me. Maybe a 6 out 10.
I think that's one of the downsides of "versatile" guitars - sometimes a jack of all trades master of none type situation?
JNC... You are kinda late to the party on this one ! This one set the PRS SE Party ablaze, as people were amazed that a MIC guitar could be so good ! I did not care for the sound of the Piezo pickup.
I thought to cool it out (make it sound more "acoustic" ) ... one would have to buy LR Baggs pedal suite (of 4 pedals to take the zingy out of the piezo) ... Actually there were 2 of them that really
helped ) Or the Fishman hookup to get great "acoustic tones"
Piezo added $500 US to the cost of an already great guitar, so I bought 2 HBII 's (in the discoed Tri Color Burst) ...( I did like the binding and abalone birds on the Piezo though) Figured I 'd used the "electric" side of it exclusively, and the Non piezo, has the cool bridge with the gnarly brass saddles...
For anyone still shopping though All 3 versions Std , HB II and the Piezo are great guitars... Cant go wrong with any of them ...
I guess demand has slackened for these as the has been about $200 US price reduction on some ... Get 'em while they last !
SO ... WHEN ARE YOU GONNA DO THE SIRE H7v VS EPIPHONE 335 SHOOTOUT ?
I have a Sire H7V on order (I'm into P90's lately) but I do like the finish on the Epi better ...
I've got it filmed need to edit at some point!!
@@johnnathancordy Cool ! 🤠I wait with baited breath !
I have this same model and really love it. Totally agree acoustasonic isn't the right way to do...
I had to EQ out the bass tones from the low E string. Seems unbalanced to my coming from my Takamine acoustic. It does work though for what I do as the only guitarist at the church.
John, or anyone else that has played/owned one of these - how do they compare with the US made versions, in terms of quality? I think the US ones are literally 5X the price of the SE version. It's been hard to find a place to try one of these out, in the Boston area at least.
Would be VERY interested in your Piezo preset! Is it in your gumroad folder?
I went to Peach to go try and buy one in spring 2022. The action was bloody awful and the general setup was pretty bad - I really wanted to love it, but I was massively disappointed.
(I ended up with a Q54 - I went all the way there so had to leave with at least one guitar!)
Interesting! Thanks for sharing your experience!!
@@johnnathancordy Judging by this video and the comments, I must have been really bloody unlucky! I will have to go back :D - at least the Q54 turned out better than I expected, except for making me look like a prat. The back is not complaining!
I bought one too. Awesome
Bought to play Pearl Jam Black
Nice playing!!!
649 at Andertons
im sold, next summer Bday lol