PRS Takes On a New Shape with The NF 53 and Myles Kennedy Signature

The Two New Models Grow PRS Guitars’ Bolt-On Guitar Offering

We were sworn to secrecy—but, we here at CME are amped up to share an all-new single-cutaway PRS Bolt-On Series body design with other PRS fanatics like ourselves!

Boldly expanding its Bolt-On Series of guitar offerings and Narrowfield pickup platforms, PRS Guitars has debuted two new models: the PRS NF 53 and the first-ever Myles Kennedy signature model. Both models feature new and unique versions of PRS’ Narrowfield pickups, building on years of careful study of pickup design and voicing—bringing two distinctly new guitars’ voices to life!

CME’s buying team got a sneak peek behind the curtain at a top-secret 2023 dealer event, where Paul Reed Smith himself previewed these models to dealers, who—for the first time ever—got to see these two new PRS Narrowfield pickup platforms and hear them in action!

At the event, Paul compared these models alongside the vintage guitars that inspired them, side-by-side, and the wiz behind the new sets of Narrowfield pickups provided detailed explanations of what went into the pickup design and fine-tuning, followed by a tour of the PRS factory in Stevensville, Maryland, to witness the production of these new models, firsthand!

SHOP PRS GUITAR ARRIVALS

PRS NF 53
The PRS NF 53 is a powerful guitar, combining classic tones with a modern design. Inspired by one of Paul Reed Smith’s own vintage guitars from 1953, the PRS NF 53 sports a swamp ash body, plus a 25.5”-scale length bolt-on maple neck with a maple fretboard, and is outfitted with a unique set of PRS Narrowfield DD (Deep Dish) pickups.

Continuing PRS’s proprietary Narrowfield pickup platform, Narrowfield DDs trade the platform’s traditional stairstep design for a mixed magnet/steel pole piece design and a slightly deeper bobbin, helping these pickups achieve twangy, musical highs without losing too much bass. Other features include a steel plate–style bridge, PRS vintage-style tuners, and nickel hardware—all of which work together to provide precise and reliable tuning stability while promoting sustain and powerful tone!

Liquid error (sections/pf-ab86650a line 111): product form must be given a product

Liquid error (sections/pf-ab86650a line 132): product form must be given a product

NF 53

PRS Narrowfield DD (Deep Dish) pickups
25.5”-scale length bolt-on maple neck with a maple fretboard
Swamp ash body
Available in: Black Doghair, Blue Matteo, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, White Doghair

Myles Kennedy Signature Model

PRS Narrowfield MK pickups
25.5”-scale maple neck with a maple fretboard
Push/pull tone control that acts as a preset tone roll-off
Available in: Antique White (opaque), Black (opaque), Hunter's Green (opaque), Tri-Color Sunburst, Vintage Natural

PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Hunters Green Electric Guitars / Solid Body

PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Hunters Green

$2,899.00

Introducing Myles Kennedy’s first signature model. Known for his work in Alter Bridge, Slash and the Conspirators, and his own solo recordings, Kennedy is an accomplished guitarist who brings blues and jazz style to rock guitar playing. This new signature model mirrors Kennedy’s rock sensibilities with a nod to historic designs. While the aesthetic may have players hearing chicken pickin’ in their heads – and this guitar can certainly reach twang territory – it is made to play like a rock machine.

“This guitar captures the spirit of my favorite older instruments. With that said, since we developed this guitar, most of my vintage instruments rarely see the light of day,” said Kennedy.

The PRS Myles Kennedy signature guitar features a swamp ash body, a 22-fret, 25.5” scale length maple neck with maple fretboard, and two PRS Narrowfield MK pickups. The PRS Narrowfield MK pickups were carefully voiced to capture the courage of humbuckers and the spank of single coils. PRS Narrowfields provided the perfect starting point for this design, with their ability to deliver thick single-coil sounds without the hum. These pickups are paired with a 5-way blade switch and a push/pull tone control that acts as a preset tone roll- off, bringing down the higher frequencies on the treble pickup so you can dig in to the fullest.

“I watched Myles throughout his career alternate between humbucking and single coil sounds without giving anything up on either side. These pickups took us months to dial in, and I think they capture that balance that Myles mastered beautifully,” said Paul Reed Smith.

Other features include a PRS plate-style steel bridge, vintage-style locking tuners, bone nut, and Kennedy’s “Geometric Owl” logo from his “Ides of March” solo release, representing wisdom and adaptability.

“I feel like we managed to touch on the elusive quality that makes you want to play with this guitar. It beckons you to take it off the wall or out of the case and make music.”
– Myles Kennedy

BODY
Body Construction: Solidbody
Body Wood: Swamp Ash
Top Carve: Flat Top

NECK
Number of Frets: 22
Scale Length: 25.5”
Neck Wood: Maple
Neck Construction: Scarfed
Truss Rod: PRS Double-Acting
Neck Shape: Myles Kennedy
Neck Depth at ½ Fret: 57/64” [22.62 mm]
Neck Depth at 12 ½ Fret: 31/32” [24.58 mm]
Width of Fretboard at the Nut: 1 41/64” [41.67mm]
Width of Fretboard at the Body: 2 15/64” [56.75 mm]
Fretboard Wood: Maple
Fretboard Radius: 10”
Fretboard Inlay: Birds
Headstock Logo: Signature, Decal

NECK/BODY ASSEMBLY
NBA Type: Bolt-On

HARDWARE
Bridge: PRS Plate Style, Steel
Tuners: Vintage Style, Locking
Hardware Type: Nickel

Nut Bone
Truss Rod Cover: Myles Kennedy “Geometric Owl” Logo

ELECTRONICS
Treble Pickup: Narrowfield MK
Bass Pickup: Narrowfield MK
Controls: Volume and Push/Pull Tone Control with 5-Way Blade Pickup Switch

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Strings: PRS Signature 10-46
Tuning: Standard (6 String): E, A, D, G, B, E
Case: Premium Gig Bag

FINISHES
Antique White*, Black*, Hunters Green*, Tri-Color Sunburst, Vintage Natural*Opaque Finish

ELECTRONICS EXPLANATION FOR CONTROL DIAGRAM
P1 (Switch Down): Treble Humbucker
P2: Treble Humbucker & Bass Coil Split
P3: Treble & Bass Humbuckers
P4: Treble & Bass Coil Split
P5 (Switch Up): Bass Humbucker

Push/Pull: Not your typical coil-split push/pull! This push/pull acts as a preset tone roll
off for the treble pickup, bringing the higher frequencies down to slightly darken the tone.

View Details

PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Antique White Electric Guitars / Solid Body

PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Antique White

$2,899.00

Introducing Myles Kennedy’s first signature model. Known for his work in Alter Bridge, Slash and the Conspirators, and his own solo recordings, Kennedy is an accomplished guitarist who brings blues and jazz style to rock guitar playing. This new signature model mirrors Kennedy’s rock sensibilities with a nod to historic designs. While the aesthetic may have players hearing chicken pickin’ in their heads – and this guitar can certainly reach twang territory – it is made to play like a rock machine.

“This guitar captures the spirit of my favorite older instruments. With that said, since we developed this guitar, most of my vintage instruments rarely see the light of day,” said Kennedy.

The PRS Myles Kennedy signature guitar features a swamp ash body, a 22-fret, 25.5” scale length maple neck with maple fretboard, and two PRS Narrowfield MK pickups. The PRS Narrowfield MK pickups were carefully voiced to capture the courage of humbuckers and the spank of single coils. PRS Narrowfields provided the perfect starting point for this design, with their ability to deliver thick single-coil sounds without the hum. These pickups are paired with a 5-way blade switch and a push/pull tone control that acts as a preset tone roll- off, bringing down the higher frequencies on the treble pickup so you can dig in to the fullest.

“I watched Myles throughout his career alternate between humbucking and single coil sounds without giving anything up on either side. These pickups took us months to dial in, and I think they capture that balance that Myles mastered beautifully,” said Paul Reed Smith.

Other features include a PRS plate-style steel bridge, vintage-style locking tuners, bone nut, and Kennedy’s “Geometric Owl” logo from his “Ides of March” solo release, representing wisdom and adaptability.

“I feel like we managed to touch on the elusive quality that makes you want to play with this guitar. It beckons you to take it off the wall or out of the case and make music.”– Myles Kennedy

View Details

SHOP PRS MYLES KENNEDY SIGNATURE GUITARS

PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Model
Known for his work in Alter Bridge, Slash and the Conspirators, as well as his own solo recordings, Myles Kennedy is an accomplished guitarist who brings his own blend of blues and jazz style to rock guitar playing. With a nod to historic guitar designs, the new PRS Myles Kennedy signature model is made to play like a rock machine, mirroring the guitarist’s stylistic sensibilities and giving players the potential to reach twangy, chicken-pickin’ territory, too!

The PRS Myles Kennedy signature guitar features a swamp ash body and a 22-fret, 25.5”-scale maple neck with a maple fretboard, plus two PRS Narrowfield MK pickups carefully voiced to capture the courage of humbuckers and the spank of single coils. These pickups are paired with a 5-way blade switch and a push/pull tone control that acts as a preset tone roll-off, bringing down the higher frequencies on the treble pickup so you can fully dig in. Other features include a PRS plate-style steel bridge, vintage-style locking tuners, bone nut, and Kennedy’s “Geometric Owl” logo on the headstock.

Call Chicago Music Exchange, chat us online, or come into our Lincoln Avenue showroom today to preorder either of these new bolt-on guitar offerings from PRS Guitars!

SHOP PRS GUITAR ARRIVALS

Labor of Love: John R. Miller

Listening to John R. Miller feels like you're talking to an old friend. His honest, inspired lyrics accompanied with his folky finger-style guitar playing makes for a perfect match with our acoustic room. We sat down with John to discuss the whats and whys of his music in this Labor of Love.

Labor of Love: Jaye Jayle

Jay Jayle treats us to the tune "Low Again Street," off of their recent Sargent House release "No Trail and Other Unholy Paths."We talked with Evan Patterson about the process, time travel and how he gets his tone in this episode of CME Labor of Love.

Labor of Love: Guy King

2017 Blues Music Award Nominee Guy King’s music is fresh and unique while maintaining a strong link to the musical masters that came before him. His natural musical abilities and his one of a kind blend of Blues, Jazz, Soul, and R&B are some of what makes Guy King so special in the music world. Take a peak into King's inspirations, upcoming concert dates, and what gear he's been running!

Item added to your cart