PRS Guitars has officially unveiled the SE NF 53, answering the calls of players worldwide who’ve been craving a more accessible version of the hit NF 53 model. Based on one of Paul Reed Smith’s own vintage guitars from 1953, the SE edition brings classic single-coil snap and swagger — this time with a fresh edge and broader appeal.
The original Maryland-built NF 53 took the guitar world by storm when it launched in the summer of 2023. Now, two years later, PRS has translated its mojo into the SE line with some bold updates that make this model a serious tone machine in its own right.
“We have worked for two years to get the guitar just where we want it … especially the neck and the pickups,” said PRS Guitars COO Jack Higginbotham. “The SE NF 53 offers a modern take on vintage tones like the Maryland version, but offers a bit more bite, giving it its own unique voice.”
The SE NF 53 features a Swamp Ash body and a bolt-on Maple neck with matching Maple fretboard, staying true to the snap and clarity players expect from 25.5″ scale guitars. With 22 frets and intuitive volume and tone controls, this guitar keeps things simple.
Where things get truly interesting is in the pickups. PRS has outfitted the SE NF 53 with their proprietary Narrowfield DD “S” pickups—a scaled variant of the high-powered Deep Dish design used in the Maryland model. These single-coils pack extra winds and magnetic components to deliver a focused, punchy tone with zero hum.
The result is a guitar that’s vintage-inspired but unapologetically modern, with tight low end, bold mids, and the right amount of top-end snarl to cut through any mix. Twang, snap, and smooth gain response make this a versatile beast that’s just as comfortable in Blues and Country as it is in Modern Indie or Rock.
The SE NF 53 is part of PRS’s ongoing initiative to launch new gear every month throughout 2025. With 40th Anniversary celebrations in full swing, players can expect more limited-edition guitars, fresh designs, and expanded SE models in the months ahead.
Get the SE NF 53 here for $979.
