For guitarists constantly seeking sonic novelty, the unveiling of the PRS Wes Borland 4-string guitar presents a compelling proposition. In a market saturated with conventional six-string models and extended range instruments, this collaboration between Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars and Wes Borland carves out a unique niche. It’s a bold statement in a world often obsessed with more strings.
A recent interview with Wes Borland on the PRS website offered a glimpse into this intriguing instrument. Initially, one might dismiss it as merely a bass guitar with an unconventional string configuration. However, understanding Borland’s innovative and heavy riff-centric playing style reveals the true potential of this hybrid design. This isn’t just a bass; it’s a meticulously crafted 4 String Guitar designed for sonic exploration in the lower registers.
Imagine the seismic riffs achievable with a 4 string guitar tuned for extreme depths. For musicians dedicated to crafting the heaviest, most earth-shattering sounds, this instrument could be a game-changer. Adding a whammy bar further expands its expressive capabilities, pushing it beyond the traditional boundaries of both bass and guitar.
Borland himself suggests tunings like AADG or F#F#BE, emphasizing the subterranean sonic territory this 4 string guitar is designed to conquer. These tunings unlock a range of incredibly low frequencies, perfect for doom metal, djent, and experimental soundscapes.
The pickup configuration is another element that sets this instrument apart from a standard bass. It features a humbucker in the bridge position for powerful, thick tones and a combination of a humbucker and a single-coil in the neck position. This blend suggests a consideration for versatility, hinting at the possibility of articulate lead playing beyond just low-end rhythm work on this 4 string guitar. It’s designed to be more than just a one-trick pony.
Visually, the guitar embodies the classic PRS aesthetic, renowned for its elegance and quality craftsmanship. Early previews indicate a sleek black finish, a choice that resonates with many players seeking a serious and understated look.
In an era where extended range guitars with 7, 8, or even more strings are increasingly common, the PRS Wes Borland 4 string guitar offers a refreshing counterpoint. It challenges the notion that more strings equate to greater sonic possibilities, instead championing focused innovation and a unique approach to low-frequency sound.
It’s noteworthy that Borland, rather than simply adapting a standard guitar or bass with fewer strings as bands like Presidents of the United States have done, opted for a more ambitious path. He and PRS Guitars have embarked on creating something genuinely distinct, an instrument tailored for a very specific and sonically adventurous purpose. This 4 string guitar is a testament to focused creativity and a refusal to conform to prevailing trends.
The anticipation is building to witness the impact of this 4 string guitar should it become widely available. It represents a bold step in guitar design, offering a unique voice for players daring to explore the depths of the sonic spectrum.
Alt text: Wes Borland showcasing the distinctive black PRS 4 string guitar, highlighting its unique design and playability.
Alt text: Detailed view of the custom pickup configuration on the 4 string guitar, featuring a bridge humbucker and a neck humbucker-single-coil combination for versatile tones.
