The PRS SE Santana guitar offers an intriguing proposition: a more accessible pathway to the iconic tones of Carlos Santana, without the premium price associated with his signature models. While it’s clear this instrument isn’t a carbon copy of the high-end Santana Signature, key distinctions contribute to its unique appeal. Notably, the top carve is simplified, the headstock adopts the standard PRS shape instead of the Santana-specific design, and the fretboard features 22 frets rather than the signature 24. Furthermore, the bird inlays are crafted from pearloid plastic, a departure from the abalone found on pricier models.
Design and Playability: A Closer Look
Despite these differences, the PRS SE Santana retains the essence of its namesake, delivering a playing experience that does justice to the high-end models. This guitar opens the door for a wider range of players to tap into the inspiring world of Santana-esque guitar sounds.
Plugging In: Unleashing the Santana Sound
To truly assess its sonic capabilities, I put the PRS SE Santana through its paces in my rehearsal space. My setup included a Fender Hot Rod DeVille amp (the 4×10 model) and a TC Electronic M-One, used sparingly for subtle digital reverb. The results were immediately impressive. Across the entire neck, the guitar produced a tone that was consistently rich, smooth, and balanced. This was particularly noticeable in the upper register, from the 19th to 22nd frets on the high E string, where many guitars tend to lose sustain and clarity. The PRS SE Santana, however, maintained its strength and presence throughout. The low end was equally commendable, offering a clean and punchy response, with the open low E string exhibiting excellent definition. It’s remarkable how such a lightweight guitar can generate such a full and powerful sound, a welcome benefit for any guitarist concerned about weight and comfort.
Carlos Santana's guitar gear setup, highlighting amps and effects used to create his iconic sound.
The Santana Accuracy Test
The ultimate test, of course, was to see how well the PRS SE Santana performed when playing Santana’s signature songs. Playing note-for-note renditions, including solos, allowed for a direct comparison of the guitar’s tone to the sound associated with Carlos Santana. While acknowledging differences in amplification and studio processing in Santana’s later recordings, the PRS SE Santana convincingly captured the essence of his renowned tone. In fact, it brought my own sound closer than ever before. Furthermore, by adapting my playing technique – honed over eight years with another guitar – I was able to achieve that famous Santana-esque sustain, crucially, without encountering the feedback issues that had previously been a problem.
In conclusion, the PRS SE Santana stands as a testament to accessible quality, delivering a potent dose of Santana-inspired tone and playability to a broader spectrum of guitarists.
