PRS A40E - an evolutionary story

TheMadMick

I was always a sucker for a good deal and when idly surfing the net I came across a lot of PRS SE acoustics going cheap at GuitarGuitar (I know they are box shifters but that does not concern me greatly). I did the research and came to the conclusion that A40E would suit me best. So I waited to see what would happen and, finally, one Sunday evening I took the plunge - I think I got the last one at the discounted price.

It arrived in reasonable time and I was duly impressed although I did have to lower the saddle quite a bit - I like a low action if I can get it. It was strung with Elixir strings and it sounded quite good. It improved with time. I changed the strings for Martin PB and it was OK once they lost that initial "zing" but not something I'd die in the ditch over. However, there was a sound like the strings were fouling the top frets.

I took it to my pet luthier and he asked how long I'd had it. He then diagnosed the need for the lower frets to be dressed - quite common he says. Apparently, it took quite a bit longer than he had anticipated, but the result was like magic. The top notes were clear as day.

However, the sound was not what I like so I started a thread on string squeal. Got acres of advice and, to cut a very long story short, I "discovered" Martin Monel strings. Couldn't be happier. The tone is lovely, the instrument is balanced across all 6 strings and I just love playing it - however incompetently.

Mortal, it does take time, effort and money to get the guitar you want. I'm just left with a silly grin.

Thanks for reading. Hope you all have similar success.

Clitheroekid1001

Thank you for the review and story. You are right it can take a bit of effort and expense to get the guitar you want. I had a Martin om21 which never did get there - too dark sounding whatever strings - so got sold eventually. Can be so, even when you go try them out. I wasn't even really aware that prs did acoustics. Shame it needed the fret work. I really wasn't aware of the Martin Monal strings. What do they do that pubs don't? Thanks again. This iwhy I joined the forum!

TheMadMick

Sorry to take so long to get back to you.

Can I explain it like this. I found I actually prefer Cedar topped guitars to spruce etc. You can hear comparisons on Youtube. Monel strings on a spruce top gives a similar sound but like all these things, you gotta try it for yourself.

Hope this helps.

TheMadMick

Now, the best part of a year since I bought this, it seems to be really opening up. To be honest I was really surprised. It's not an expensive guitar but it is really good value. The laminated back and sides have never given me cause for concern - gypsy jazz Selmer type guitars are made that way and it doesn't seem to adversely affect them.

The sound I'm getting suits both single notes and chord strumming. I do both. As Mike Smith (Southport luthier) says, if you find one that both strums well and plays single notes well keep hold of it. It's a keeper.

I have a couple of similar guitars - a Yamaha AC3R which does single notes amazingly well and rings out like a bell and a L'Arrivee that strums well (although I think it's still not fully run in - review to come) and it compares really favourably with both of these.

The only down side I can find is that the case covering (Tolex?) is quite soft and seems to damage easily. That's not a good thing as I tend to be rather clumsy. I've had to do some running repairs.

guitarjack66

I bought a used Takamine G Series and although it was set up fine it had a very dark sound too. Changed the strings a few times but it just never did it for me either. I'm cautious about Takakines now too. It was Korean made,not Chinese.

TheMadMick

Came across this review while surfing the net:

https://acousticguitar.com/gear-review-prs-se-a40e-angelus-acoustic-electric-guitar/

Whilst I don't agree with some of the reviewers comment - especially about the neck - it is rather positive.