PRS expands their S2 line with the new S2 Vela, the company’s first production model with an offset body shape.
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This new model follows the style of the Mira And Starla models from the same line, only this one has a distinct shape and look. Interestingly, it does not stray too far from what you would expect from PRS.
The S2 Series were created to bridge the price point gap between the flagship PRS models and the more affordable SE series. Each S2 is still built in the company’s US-based Maryland facility, but it utilizes more cost effective building techniques and materials to lower the price. The S2 Vela is the latest to come out from this line, and interestingly, it features a unique design that does not simply directly copy from other PRS models.
The Vela is said to be the first attempt of PRS to produce an offset body guitar model, and it’s impressive how they have come up with an offset shape still retains the PRS appeal. It probably has something to do with how the offset body is still somewhat symmetrical only angled, resulting in an appearance that seems to only subtly stray from the usual shapes that have come out of their production line.
The company says, “As you know, our excitement around the S2 series not only stems from what it offers but how we got here. The S2 Series pushed us to think about guitar building in a new way while reminding us that there is never a substitution for feel and tone. We blended new design elements and manufacturing techniques with practiced quality control and craftsmanship to bring you reimagined, fresh guitars that reach a more affordable price point for customers. It continues to be an intensely rewarding project.”
The Vela is designed for players who are looking a fresh new design without compromising the company’s quality and playability. The offset bevel-cut body is carved from solid mahogany and is wrapped in the following available finishes: Antique White, Black, McCarty Tobacco, Seafoam Green, Sienna, Vintage Cherry, and Vintage Mahogany.
The guitar follows traditional PRS neck specs, with a scale length of 25″ and a regular pattern neck that is crafted from mahogany. Fretboard is made from rosewood, having 22 frets and basic dot inlays.
For electronics, the Vela is loaded with a PRS-designed Starla humbucker in the bridge and a newly designed PRS Type-D single coil in the neck. The bridge is described as having a bright, punky tone, while the new pickup is meant to give Vela a singlecoil bite at the neck position. The pickups are wired to a 3-way pickup selector, a volume knob and a tone knob. There is also a coil-tap feature on the tone knob that will let you split the bridge pickup into singlecoils for even more tone options.
Check out the official video demo:
Another noteworthy feature of the Vela is its Tele style bridge, an entirely new design that features two brass saddles. The company says that it helps improve sustain and allows for better intonation. Other hardware include S2 locking tuners and a black pickguard with a distinct shape.
For more information on the new PRS S2 Vela, head over to PRS Guitars.
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