OK so to put things in context, I own several PRS guitars (US Silver Sky John Mayer, Core Single Cut 594, Core Special Semi Hollow LTD) and I owned others before (Fiore, SE Hollow Body II). So this is not my first rodeo with the brand.
Now I proudly own the Charcoal Phoenix. Thanks to Thomann for this opportunity. That was a very expensive gift to myself but I couldn't be happier. The guitar was delivered right in time and without any problem. Perfect.
I really must say this one is special. Way up there. As any US made PRS guitar, fit and finish is flawless. Playability is great as expected from all PRS guitars but then... the TCI pickups in their 2025 iteration here with the EQ switches are just astonishing.
Think P90 without hum and with less mid push. At least that's what I hear.
Then turn on the EQ switch, roll down the volume a bit and you are in single coil territory, still without hum.
The middle position is absolutely stunning for clean acoustic feeling tones.
Paul Reed Smith himself describes the pickups as having " the courage of a humbucker with the high end of a single coil". I fully agree.
While you play the guitar vibrates like it's alive. The stiffness of the chaltecoco neck and the ziricote fingerboard make notes ring in a very pleasant way. With so much sustain, it really is astonishing. Better than my already very sustaining 594.
Being limited to 150ex and so inimately linked with Paul Reed Smith himself, I am sure this guitar will leave a mark in the PRS history. It really is a beauty of itself.
You probably guessed that I totally recommend you get one for yourself if you are in a position to do so. I am sure you won't regret it.
