A Legacy Reborn

The PRS Charcoal Phoenix Limited Edition represents Paul Reed Smith’s current personal instrument choice as a guitar maker and a guitar player. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted to celebrate PRS Guitars’ 40th Anniversary, this model is limited to only 150 pieces worldwide.

“When we released the Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition in 2023, I was inspired by its exceptional sound and playability. For the Charcoal Phoenix, I wanted to create something equally remarkable but with a stoptail bridge. Using chaltecoco for the neck and ziricote for the fingerboard, I achieved an instrument that sustains beautifully and rings with clarity. The deep crimson back and the charcoal microburst top inspired the name ‘Charcoal Phoenix,’ evoking the imagery of a phoenix rising from fire and ashes.” – Paul Reed Smith

Over the past year, Paul has road-tested this guitar, refining its design and tone. The result is an instrument that delivers aesthetic arrest and unparalleled performance. A visually stunning deep crimson back contrasts beautifully with the Private Stock-grade figured maple top in a charcoal microburst finish. The ripple abalone “Old School” bird inlays on the ziricote fingerboard add a touch of vintage elegance. The Charcoal Phoenix also features the newly updated PRS TCI pickups for 2025 and EQ mini-toggle switches. The TCI pickups are crafted with American Alnico magnets and slightly modified winding, wiring, and electronics specifications. These pickups have a clear, beautiful tone based on Paul’s experience playing this guitar live and in the studio for more than a year. The EQ mini-toggles act as tuned high-pass filters when engaged, removing shelved low end and allowing the high frequencies through for more clarity and musical highs.

Introduced on Paul Reed Smith’s birthday, the PRS Charcoal Phoenix Limited Edition is part of PRS Guitars 40th Anniversary celebration. Only 150 of these instruments will be available. Hand-signed 40th Anniversary certificate included.