www.prsguitars.com
The bolt-on Swamp Ash Special has been around for nearly three decades, but PRS just retooled the U.S.-built version and dropped it at NAMM. There are significant upgrades.
While earlier versions had humbuckers with a single-coil pickup between them, this latest plank has a PRS Narrowfield (NF) humbucker in the middle. Another bonus is the full-sized pickups have coil-taps. Let’s dive in.
First, what the heck is swamp ash? While countless guitars use ash, swamp ash refers to any ash species (in Latin, Fraxinus) that grew near water or was partially submerged. This results in a lively, light tonewood with that vintage “snap” sought by so many tone-ologists. Offered in six high-gloss nitro finishes, the Swamp Ash Special has a carved top that is nicely grained, along with a 25″ scale, bolt-on maple neck and maple or rosewood fretboard (our tester was maple on maple in an attractive White Doghair Smokeburst). Hardware includes the PRS vibrato bridge and Phase III locking tuners.
The Swamp Ash Special arrived ready to play, with a comfortable Pattern Regular neck carve – narrow but not skinny, and retaining a degree of vintage beef. PRS has it set up to burn and its fretboard provides a super-fast surface for quick licks. The full-sized 58/15 LT (for “low turn”) humbuckers allow more woody tone and air to come through your amp. The middle NF in a bolt-on swamp ash configuration sounds far different than it would in a set-neck mahogany guitar. Paired with the 58/15 set, you’ll hear a broad palette of sounds, from Strat-flavored quack to SG scream. The five-way toggle and mini-switches offer 12 well-defined tone options. Add that accurate PRS whammy bar, and the sky’s the limit.
Best of all, the 2025 Swamp Ash Special is not insanely priced. For less than three grand, it’s a serious, professional instrument that can rock any stage from Glastonbury to your local club. This swamp thing is a joy to play. – Pete Prown
This article originally appeared in VG’s May 2025 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.
