The First SE Guitar | From the Archives | PRS Guitars

From the Archives is a series where we explore unique instruments and items from our company archives. In this episode, Paul Reed Smith and Marc Quigley take a trip down memory lane with the first PRS made outside of Maryland. This SE Santana model was made by World Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. in Korea and unveiled at NAMM in January 2001. Listen as Paul recounts the challenges, surprises, and satisfaction of crafting world-class instruments for more musicians than ever.

Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode, where PRS Product Specialist Bryan Ewald demos the First PRS SE side by side with a current production SE Santana model.

0:00 - Series Intro
0:17 - Greetings from Paul and Marc
0:51 - The Reveal
1:14 - The Santana SE
1:30 - The Backstory
2:22 - Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
5:31 - Appointments and Specs
6:56 - Comparing The Old With The New
8:18 - Thoughts On The Success Of The SE Series
9:45 - Play Those Guitars Already!

[MichaelBlocksom]

The pride Paul has in the SE line is one of the MANY reasons why I love PRS guitars.

[joshfee]

Loved to hear Paul talk about the importance of pride and recognition when deciding to put the factory on the back of the headstock.

[frankboyd.]

High respect for Paul's work ethics, and his praise for the craftspeople who produce these quality instruments. I recently had my SE backplate signed by Larkin Poe, so it's extra special to me now.

[giancarlopaolini]

I've got still one of these red Santana SE within my collection but with a trem bar ....when I want to try a new set of pickups this is the guitar that takes the challenge :-)

[ayeapprove]

2:30 Thank you Paul! As a proud owner of 28 World Music Instrument built guitars I can honestly say that this factory does a fantastic job building these instruments. I know their prices went up crazy and that's why the move to China/Indonesia was inevitable but I will forever be greatful for used WMI gear. They should be VERY proud of their work.

[TheHatMusic]

I bought one of these in 2002, and sold it some years later when I needed to make up some money on the rent. I have regretted that decision ever since. the build quality on them was superb, the neck feel was very comfortable and fast, and the fit and finish was just staggering, especially considering the price point. Insisting that the manufacturer should be printed on the headstock was, in my opinion, absolutely correct. World Music Intruments, working on conjunction with PRS, produced a guitar which was genuinely excellent value for money and wonderful to play, and the the builders working on these deserve that recognition.

[thisisksero]

My only guitar that I have for now is an SE 245 and I love it to death. I wouldn't change it for nothin', I do all my productions with it from metal to electronic. I gig with it, I rehearse with it, I write with it, it's my main axe since 2016. Never had an issue with it. I hope it will be by my side forever. Thank you PRS for caring about your customers and thank you for being so awesome.

[davidmarshall]

I bought mine as soon as I saw it in a catalog in 2001. Still have it and still play it just as much as any guitar I own. Haven't changed a thing. Recently bought an se custom 22 semi hollow. Great in an entirely different way. Not the last one I'll be getting, thanks PRS

[ChaziChaz]

Thank you ALL so much for the SE series. Been playing them since '05 😊

[davidbetts]

Love the respect shown by Paul for the craftsmen

[orke]

I had a first gen Santana SE trem. Excellent guitar. My granddaughter now has it. Was my first PRS of many.

[jimmyjames]

Love the Archives! My daughter's 2008 World Musical Instruments SE is an awesome guitar. Thanks for the SE line Paul, Carlos and crew!

[StealYourBass]

This was a great episode but I’m looking forward to watching an episode about one of those amps

[donaldallen]

PRS are my favorite guitars and will probably be the only guitar I buy anymore 😊

[richardnagamitsu]

A good friend of mine wanted his first electric guitar for his 50th birthday. He knew I knew a thing or two about guitars. I had picked up an SE Santana barely used at a great price the year before. I really wanted Steve to have a great guitar for his budget, so I sold my Santana SE to him for what I paid. Always pay it forward…

[MDCSYD]

The current Santana model is truly fantastic. The Santana S pickups have so much clarity….they have come a long way!

[timndel]

My first PRS was the early Santana SE in all black. Fantastic instrument for the price at the time. My current favorite is an SE, also!

[alicewilson]

Great video! Would love to see the first S2 guitar and hear a little more about the S2 line's history as well

[Mathemoto]

Bought the Tremonti SE back in 2002, I was young and poor back then so it was amazing to be able to afford my first PRS guitar. Been i love ever since and fully commited to the brand and couldn't imagine myself playing anything else.

[budgetguitarist]

I love my PRS SE Custom 24. It's crazy good for the money.