The Prs Nf3 Guitar presents a thoughtful approach to player-centric design, incorporating features that enhance both usability and comfort. From the easily accessible spring cover to the ergonomically contoured body, this model demonstrates a clear understanding of guitarists’ needs. Let’s delve into some of these key aspects.
One immediately noticeable design element is the spring cover on the back of the guitar. Unlike some recessed designs that can be difficult to remove, the PRS NF3’s spring cover sits slightly proud of the body.
This seemingly minor detail is actually quite practical. It eliminates the need for tools like suction cups or picks to pry it open when you need to access the tremolo springs. This thoughtful design prioritizes convenience for adjustments and maintenance.
Moving to the neck joint, the PRS NF3 utilizes a secure four-bolt system. This traditional approach ensures a solid connection between the neck and body, contributing to sustain and overall stability. The neck plate itself is smoothly rounded, a subtle yet appreciated feature that enhances playing comfort, especially in higher positions.
Further enhancing player comfort is the generous belly cut on the back of the guitar. This contoured carve is quite aggressive, allowing the guitar to sit comfortably against the player’s body whether seated or standing with a strap. This ergonomic consideration is particularly beneficial for longer playing sessions, reducing fatigue and improving overall playability.
The PRS NF3 comes equipped with the standard PRS SE Gig Bag.
While adequate for basic transport, such as driving to lessons, it’s worth noting that this gig bag offers limited protection due to its thin construction. For musicians who travel more frequently or perform gigs, investing in a more robust gig bag or a hard case is highly recommended. For a reliable gig bag offering good neck support and padding, the Profile PREB906 is a solid option in the ~$75 price range.
Exploring the Tones of the PRS NF3
To showcase the tonal capabilities of the PRS NF3, a straightforward recording setup was employed. A Fender Twin Reverb amplifier, known for its clean headroom, was chosen as the foundation. A Shure SM57 microphone, an industry standard for guitar recording, was positioned on-axis at the speaker grill, near the edge of the dust cap. This classic configuration provides a balanced and accurate capture of the amplifier’s sound.
For clean tone samples, the amplifier was used with minimal processing. Only a Cali 76 compressor was engaged to even out the dynamics, ensuring a consistent signal level. To achieve overdrive tones, an Origin Effects Halcyon Orange pedal was introduced. The Twin Reverb’s inherent clean nature makes it an excellent platform for overdrive pedals, allowing the pedal’s character to shine through without unwanted amplifier distortion. The Twin Reverb’s built-in spring reverb was used for both clean and overdriven tones, adding a touch of ambience and depth.
The SM57 microphone signal was fed into a Universal Audio Apollo interface. Within the UA Console software, a Helios 69 preamp emulation was inserted in the UNISON slot. This preamp, with settings optimized for electric guitar, added subtle warmth and character to the signal.
The processed signal was then recorded in Logic Pro, utilizing version 11.1 without any technical issues encountered during the session. To address some ambient noise from external sources, Apple’s Noise Gate plugin, included with Logic Pro, was used to eliminate unwanted sounds during quieter passages.
Each audio sample was recorded “raw,” meaning only the preamp was applied during the initial recording phase. After recording, tracks were routed to a dedicated bus where a Toneboosters Equalizer Pro plugin was used for subtle tonal shaping.
For the sample featuring overdrive, achieved with an Origin Effects Halcyon Gold pedal, a Toneboosters Multiband Compressor was added in addition to the Equalizer Pro. This multiband compressor allowed for finer control over the dynamics across different frequency ranges. The Toneboosters plugins, while very affordable, have proven to be impressive in terms of sound quality.
The initial audio example features an E Major chord played through all five pickup selector positions of the PRS NF3, starting with the neck pickup and progressing through each position. This provides a clear demonstration of the tonal variations available from the guitar’s pickup configuration.
