SE Kestrel
Modern Classic
The SE Kestrel takes a traditional singlecoil bass platform and adds PRS’s fit, finish, and attention to detail, delivering a new take on a classic instrument. No matter the style or decade, the Kestrel can achieve every bass part you loved growing up.
Kestrel (4B ‘S’) pickups are extremely punchy and focused, giving player the ability to walk a low-mid focused blues line, articulate a high-mid focused fretless style part rich with harmonics, nail the scooped midrange and sweet top-end sound slappers favor, and wield a razor sharp blistering rock bassline. This bass has growl to burn!
Designed in PRS’s Maryland shop, the Kestrel’s alder body and modern neck-through construction provide sustain and evenly balanced tone. The maple/walnut neck has been meticulously designed, and the 34” scale length makes this an instantly comfortable bass for players old and new. A modern bridge allows you the choice of strings through the bridge or the body to yield even more tonal possibilities.
Note: This model is no longer available for order. Due to our backlog, it will still be shipping through 2023 and may be available from our Authorized Dealer base.
Specifications
| Body | |
| Body Construction | Solidbody |
| Body Wood | Alder |
| Neck | |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Neck Wood | 5-Ply Maple with Walnut Strips, Neck-Through Construction |
| Neck Construction | Multi-Ply |
| Truss Rod | PRS Double-Acting |
| Neck Shape | Kestrel |
| Neck Depth at the 1/2 Fret | 51/64" |
| Neck Depth at the 12 1/2 Fret | 61/64" |
| Neck Width at the Nut | 1 19/32" |
| Neck Width at the Body | 2 31/32" |
| Fretboard Wood | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 10" |
| Fretboard Inlay | Birds |
| Headstock Logo | Signature "SE" |
| Neck/Body Assembly | |
| Neck/Body Assembly Type | Neck Through |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | Hipshot TransTone |
| Tuners | Hipshot HB6 |
| Hardware Type | Chrome |
| Truss Rod Cover | "Kestrel" |
| Electronics | |
| Treble Pickup | PRS-Designed 4B Single Coil |
| Bass Pickup | PRS-Designed 4B Single Coil |
| Controls | Two Volume Controls and One Tone Control, Pickguard Mounted |
| Additional Info | |
| Strings | 45-105 |
| Tuning | Bass (4 String): E, A, D, G |
| Case | Gig Bag |
Controls
SE Kestrel - Controls Description
Treble Pickup - treble volume knob rolled up
Bass Pickup - bass volume knob rolled up
Both Pickups - both volume knobs rolled up
Colors
Tri-Color Sunburst
Accolades
"When I came across the PRS SE Kestrel, I fell in love the first time I played it. The neck-through construction gives the bass incredible sustain, while the alder body and maple/walnut neck combo deliver a crispy and distinct midrange bite. For under $800, I have yet to find a bass remotely close to the sound and construction quality. Being in a band that has a lot of young fans, the price point makes this bass accessible to both beginners and regular players. When a young fan sees me onstage with my bass and they go home and see that it’s affordable, they're often more inspired to pick it up, which is arguably the coolest part about being a musician – inspiring the next generation to pick up an instrument and play. The PRS SE Kestrel inspires me to play every time I pick it up."
- Aaron Pauley, Of Mice and Men
"Bottom line, the bass sounds great, plays great and is adjustable to any setup you’d like. Bang for the buck in this price is amazing. Other makers in the price range need to pay attention, ‘cause you are getting it handed to you by the PRS Kestrel."
- Bass Gear Magazine, Issue 17
"I immediately fell in love with the SE Kestrel as soon as I opened the box. I played a gig with the bass that night and the tone was absolutely incredible. It was punchy, powerful, and had a very dynamic range. If you’re looking for a bass with great feel and a spectacular sound, this is the one for you."
- Seth Van Dusen, Cute is What We Aim For
"The Kestrel is instantly familiar, with that old-school, punchy sound you’d expect from dual single-coils. It’s a tone that fits the Kestrel’s looks.”
