When the quest for a new guitar begins, many players seek an instrument that offers something distinct from their current collection. The Wes Borland signature 4-string bass/guitar hybrid, a brainchild of Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars, emphatically checks the “something new” box. This innovative instrument is generating buzz and for good reason.
PRS’s recent interview with Wes Borland offered a glimpse into this exciting collaboration. At first glance, some might dismiss it as simply a bass guitar with an unconventional string setup. However, understanding Wes Borland’s groundbreaking and distinctive riffing style reveals the true potential of this hybrid approach. It’s designed for sonic exploration far beyond the range of a standard guitar or bass.
Imagine the earth-shaking drop-tuned riffs achievable with this guitar. For musicians aiming to plumb the depths of low-frequency sound, this instrument could be a game-changer. Adding a whammy bar further expands its sonic palette, opening up possibilities for dive bombs and expressive textures not typically associated with bass guitars.
Wes Borland himself has stated that the guitar is ideally suited for AADG or F#F#BE tunings. These tunings venture into sonic territory rarely explored, promising a uniquely heavy and resonant sound.
The pickup configuration is another key element that sets this guitar apart. It features a humbucker in the bridge position for powerful, thick tones, while the neck position houses a humbucker paired with a single-coil. This combination suggests that PRS and Borland envisioned more than just low-end rhythm work. The inclusion of a single-coil hints at the potential for articulate lead lines and brighter textures, making it a versatile instrument despite its bass-like nature.
The guitar’s design retains the signature PRS Guitars aesthetic, exuding a sense of quality and class. Early indications suggest a black finish, a visually striking and timeless choice that aligns perfectly with the instrument’s aggressive sonic character.
In a musical landscape often dominated by the pursuit of extended ranges with 7-string and 8-string guitars, Wes Borland and PRS are taking a different path. They’re challenging convention and demonstrating the power of focused simplicity, declaring, in essence, “four strings are all you need.”
It would have been easy for Borland to adapt existing instruments, perhaps like The Presidents of the United States, who famously used standard guitars and basses with fewer strings. Instead, Wes Borland and PRS Guitars have embarked on a more ambitious journey, crafting a truly unique instrument designed to excel in a very specific sonic domain. This dedication to innovation and pushing boundaries is precisely what makes this 4-string hybrid so compelling and eagerly anticipated.
