2013 PRS Angelus Standard SE Natural Acoustic

[Guitfiddle29]

Hello,

I just picked up a 2013 PRS Angelus Standard SE Natural Acoustic, Korean made. Anyone know anything about these specific acoustics?
Reason I ask is, my understanding is that PRS didn't start making acoustics until 2009.
When I look up the serial number it says it was produced in 2002.
I'm confused about why the years don't all match up to what's found on the guitar vs online.
I own 2 other PRS SE electric guitars that all lineup as listed.
Why is the acoustic different with the multiple different years? Even the factory where it was supposedly made, is different than what's found on the guitar vs online?
Anyone know why this is and could be such a difference with the acoustic? Any insight would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[bodia]

Make sure you scroll down to the Acoustic Serial Number section

https://support.prsguitars.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408314427547-Year-Identification

 

[soundperf]

If you don’t mind posting it, what is the S/N? Are you sure you’re not mixing up SE Electrics with SE Acoustic?

As an aside, I just saw that the SE Acoustics are all made in China now. I didn’t know that.

 

[Coral Sky Music]

Congrats on your SE Angelus Standard (IMHO That Is The Nicest SE Acoustic Model They Have Made Yet Next To The Alex Lifeson AL)
Just From Memory PRS First Introduced The SE Acoustic Line Sometime Around 2012-2013
There were 4 Models If I Am Not Mistaken Than Again Something In The Back Of My Mind Says The A/E Versions Came Out Shortly After They Were First Introduced
Angelus Standard
Angelus Standard A/E
Angelus Custom
Angelus Custom A/E
Each Model Had A Solid Spruce Top And A Solid Back, Laminate Sides
Standard Models Had Mahogany Back & Sides
Custom Models Had Rosewood Back & Sides
They Were All Made In Korea, Came With A Hardshell Case With And SE Embossed On The Face

 

[Guitfiddle29]

Make sure you scroll down to the Acoustic Serial Number section

https://support.prsguitars.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408314427547-Year-Identification

Thanks! Yeah, I did do that and have gone to that page/site, but for some reason and from what I can see it's not on there? Before, I went to guitarinsite.nl and that's where I found it with the descriptions in my post. Coincidentally, now that site is no longer available and reads an error; 404 Not Found. So I don't know?

 

[Guitfiddle29]

If you don’t mind posting it, what is the S/N? Are you sure you’re not mixing up SE Electrics with SE Acoustic?

As an aside, I just saw that the SE Acoustics are all made in China now. I didn’t know that.

I'm definitely not mixing up the SE Electrics with SE Acoustics. Yeah, I read somewhere that the SE Acoustics are now being produced in China.
C01718 is my S/N. I purchased from GC.
Before, I went to guitarinsite.nl to look up the S/N and that's where I found it with the descriptions in my post. Coincidentally, now that site is no longer available and reads an error; 404 Not Found. So I don't know?

 

[Guitfiddle29]

Congrats on your SE Angelus Standard (IMHO That Is The Nicest SE Acoustic Model They Have Made Yet Next To The Alex Lifeson AL)
Just From Memory PRS First Introduced The SE Acoustic Line Sometime Around 2012-2013
There were 4 Models If I Am Not Mistaken Than Again Something In The Back Of My Mind Says The A/E Versions Came Out Shortly After They Were First Introduced
Angelus Standard
Angelus Standard A/E
Angelus Custom
Angelus Custom A/E
Each Model Had A Solid Spruce Top And A Solid Back, Laminate Sides
Standard Models Had Mahogany Back & Sides
Custom Models Had Rosewood Back & Sides
They Were All Made In Korea, Came With A Hardshell Case With And SE Embossed On The Face

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[soundperf]

I would contact PRS about this. Based on the S/N it doesn’t properly fall into any Acoustic category. I could twist some of the different S/N identifications to sort of come to an idea. Like perhaps with the “C“ identifier and “017” it’s a China made 2017, but that’s far from correct and a wild guess. It’s very confusing when they say “Approximate Serial Numbers” for the China made when there are no numbers at all. Sorry you’re having this issue. I wish manufacturers would be more straightforward about S/N. I guess with all the different factories and countries it gets crazy.

Do you know what a MODCAT number is? Honestly I don’t know if acoustics use this identifier, but that has every detail about PRS core electrics. Maybe look inside the guitar to see if there is any other info. I would try and contact PRS. With the Holiday it may be few days to a week or two while until you get a response. Probably the sooner you contact the better. Maybe someone will take some holiday compassion and give you a quick response. Idk

Have you questioned GC about it?

Here‘s a link to PRS contact page:
PRS Contact/Support

 

[Wakester]

Pictures would be helpful for us to Identify it here.

 

[soundperf]

Pictures would be helpful for us to Identify it here.

Yes, this situation has me curious. It would be good to know for future reference. @Guitfiddle29 if you can provide a photo or if you ever figure it out please let us know. Have a good New Year everyone!

 

[Sage]

Make sure you scroll down to the Acoustic Serial Number section

https://support.prsguitars.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408314427547-Year-Identification

For some reason that page does not show serial number information for SE Acoustics made prior to 2017, when production was moved to China.

I'm definitely not mixing up the SE Electrics with SE Acoustics. Yeah, I read somewhere that the SE Acoustics are now being produced in China.
C01718 is my S/N. I purchased from GC.
Before, I went to guitarinsite.nl to look up the S/N and that's where I found it with the descriptions in my post. Coincidentally, now that site is no longer available and reads an error; 404 Not Found. So I don't know?

Okay, so I have an SE Angelus Standard as well, which I purchased new from Guitar Center in early 2013. The date on the label inside the soundhole is 09/2012. The serial number is B02596. Stamped on the back of the headstock is "Built by Wildwood, Korea under exclusive license for PRS Guitars."

Based on this, I'd say it's likely that the letter B denotes 2012, and the letter C denotes 2013. The letter A would denote 2011, which makes sense as that was the year that PRS SE acoustic guitars were first introduced (and then only in limited quantity at the tail end of that year). You are correct that PRS started making acoustics in 2009, but those were core and private stock acoustics made in Maryland. The core line of acoustics was discontinued not long after the introduction of the SE line.

As a fellow SE Angelus Standard owner, let me state that in my opinion you have stumbled onto the best SE acoustic model that PRS ever produced. Not only does it have a solid spruce top, but a solid mahogany back as well. The solid back was a short-lived feature of the SE acoustic line that disappeared when the "Standard" (mahogany) and "Custom" (rosewood) acoustics were replaced by the "A20E" and "A30E" in late 2015. The binding was changed from white multiply to black single-ply, and the rosette was changed. They also dropped the nifty electronics package with the eq, notch filter, and built-in tuner on the side of the guitar, which I personally find incredibly useful. Then in 2017 production was moved to China under Core-Tek and the lineup was completely reorganized, removing rosewood from the guitars entirely due to the new CITES restrictions, and removing the hybrid x/fan bracing from the mahogany AX20E model. There hasn't been a hybrid-braced spruce-top mahogany or rosewood SE Angelus since.

PRS SE Acoustics are still nice guitars, but personally I think the best ones were made from 2011 to 2014. My 2012 is still the best acoustic I've ever played.

 

[soundperf]

For some reason that page does not show serial number information for SE Acoustics made prior to 2017, when production was moved to China.



Okay, so I have an SE Angelus Standard as well, which I purchased new from Guitar Center in early 2013. The date on the label inside the soundhole is 09/2012. The serial number is B02596. Stamped on the back of the headstock is "Built by Wildwood, Korea under exclusive license for PRS Guitars."

Based on this, I'd say it's likely that the letter B denotes 2012, and the letter C denotes 2013. The letter A would denote 2011, which makes sense as that was the year that PRS SE acoustic guitars were first introduced (and then only in limited quantity at the tail end of that year). You are correct that PRS started making acoustics in 2009, but those were core and private stock acoustics made in Maryland. The core line of acoustics was discontinued not long after the introduction of the SE line.

As a fellow SE Angelus Standard owner, let me state that in my opinion you have stumbled onto the best SE acoustic model that PRS ever produced. Not only does it have a solid spruce top, but a solid mahogany back as well. The solid back was a short-lived feature of the SE acoustic line that disappeared when the "Standard" (mahogany) and "Custom" (rosewood) acoustics were replaced by the "A20E" and "A30E" in late 2015. The binding was changed from white multiply to black single-ply, and the rosette was changed. They also dropped the nifty electronics package with the eq, notch filter, and built-in tuner on the side of the guitar, which I personally find incredibly useful. Then in 2017 production was moved to China under Core-Tek and the lineup was completely reorganized, removing rosewood from the guitars entirely due to the new CITES restrictions, and removing the hybrid x/fan bracing from the mahogany AX20E model. There hasn't been a hybrid-braced spruce-top mahogany or rosewood SE Angelus since.

PRS SE Acoustics are still nice guitars, but personally I think the best ones were made from 2011 to 2014. My 2012 is still the best acoustic I've ever played.

Some good information here, although I learned some things that makes me sad. I got my first core PRS in 2001 at age 36 (finally had some money) a 2001 McCarty. By about 2008 I was going to all the Experiences and this was the period that they were really expanding and changing with things like the SE line, S2, the American Core Acoustics, American Amps, etc.. There was a lot of excitement with PRS and for me having an American company with American workers really kicking ass. When the lockdown happened and the Experiences stopped I sort of lost the close contact I had and information has slipped by me. For example I had no idea that the Core Acoustic line was completely discontinued. That’s a bummer because the SE line doesn’t do it for me (I have a reasonably nice acoustic) in many ways and now they’re just another overseas mass produced guitar like all the other cheaper acoustics. I don’t think using ply on some parts of an acoustic is the worst thing, but the top should always be solid and for a PRS original design the back too. Now it looks like Private Stock is the only way and I can only imagine the price.

Also, having most the Amp department shipped overseas is a bummer too. I understand economics and we are in the worst economic situation with no end in site. I’m glad at my age I have obtained most all the gear and instruments at a time when the best bang for the buck was achievable. And don’t get me wrong, I believe some great guitars a coming out of Indonesia, Korea, Japan. I have a few that I love. I can only imagine huge parts of the Stevensville facility is sitting empty.

 

[László]

I can only imagine huge parts of the Stevensville facility is sitting empty.

PRS Core models are so backordered that my dealer told me they're now taking orders for Christmas 2025 (or was that 2026, I forget). In any case, they're selling an awful lot of USA guitars - as well they should. So the factory isn't sitting empty! I wouldn't worry.

I'm with you on it being a shame they're shifting much of their amp production overseas, though they still make the DG30 here, as well as the 50 and 100 Watt Hendrix amps. If you can snag one of the DG30s, or even an older HXDA, highly recommended. I've owned some great amps over many years, including amps that cost more, and these are my favorite amps of all time.

I've also got a Private Stock acoustic, and it's competitive with my friend's Olson (the guitar James Taylor uses that costs triple what a PS does).

To my way of thinking, it's miles ahead of the very expensive Collings, Martins and Taylors I've had. I think it was a bargain, considering how good it sounds.

So while it runs into a lot of coin, that's a useful way of looking at it if you're really serious about acoustic guitar.

"That's what you told your wife, the relative bargain thing, right?"

"I...um...didn't really go over the price thing with her..."

 

[soundperf]

PRS Core models are so backordered that my dealer told me they're now taking orders for Christmas 2025 (or was that 2026, I forget). In any case, they're selling an awful lot of USA guitars - as well they should. So the factory isn't sitting empty! I wouldn't worry.

I'm with you on it being a shame they're shifting much of their amp production overseas, though they still make the DG30 here, as well as the 50 and 100 Watt Hendrix amps. If you can snag one of the DG30s, or even an older HXDA, highly recommended. I've owned some great amps over many years, including amps that cost more, and these are my favorite amps of all time.

I've also got a Private Stock acoustic, and it's competitive with my friend's Olson (the guitar James Taylor uses that costs triple what a PS does).

To my way of thinking, it's miles ahead of the very expensive Collings, Martins and Taylors I've had. I think it was a bargain, considering how good it sounds.

So while it runs into a lot of coin, that's a useful way of looking at it if you're really serious about acoustic guitar.

"That's what you told your wife, the relative bargain thing, right?"

"I...um...didn't really go over the price thing with her..."

I appreciate your points, but think either I didn’t make it more clear or I was misunderstood. I wasn’t suggesting that Private Stock Acoustics are too expensive or not quality (honestly I don’t really know what an average PS acoustic sells for) but I do know what the electric PS sell for and I can never see myself spending that sort of money. I’m getting old and entering the fixed budget realm. In today’s economy being smart about money is a wise thing. Those 1000’s of dollars I saved for years are now worth way less than they were and the stock market is a fixed crap shoot.

Have you ever been to the factory? Even when the Amp line and core Acoustic line was running full bore there was still more room (empty space) in the factory for expansion. I had noticed much of that area had been consumed with SE guitars to be final checked and other inventory later. Also, the last I saw (less than a year) a factory tour from a major dealer it appears that they actually streamlined their core electric area and are using no more than before.

Long wait times can have different meanings, not always completely positive. But that wasn’t what I was suggesting anyway. PRS have always seemed to be very smart about business. I know the DGT SE’s are backordered. At least the Gold Tops. PRS is probably giving good deals to dealers right now so those with Capital will buy now and wait while hopefully the guitar market and economy turns around and sales boom maximizing profits.

As far as buying amps and from what I have seen this is like being Satan around here, but as I said I’m old with a bad knee, back and arthritis in my hands and wrists so my amps come in a small box made by Fractal Audio Systems. I have enough quality heavy tube amps and not in the market…even the DGT model.

Most of all I wasn’t trying to put a negative light on PRS. I’m a huge fan and live close to the factory. I have a lot of emotion invested into the company which may sound silly. I have been dreaming of PRSi since I saw Carlos at Merriweather Post Pavilion playing this incredibly beautiful and sounding guitar very many years ago.

 

[László]

I’m getting old and entering the fixed budget realm. In today’s economy being smart about money is a wise thing. Those 1000’s of dollars I saved for years are now worth way less than they were and the stock market is a fixed crap shoot.

I'm with ya. I'm not 'getting' old, I'm already there!

I'm not as concerned with the financial aspects as I am with the mental and physical problems associated with aging. My wife, on the other hand, is focused on the financial stuff, and sometimes drives me nuts about it.

Have you ever been to the factory?

Sure have - made my pilgrimage and was able to talk for a surprising amount of time to the players, including Paul Smith, Paul Miles, and Doug Sewell, the amp designer. It was interesting and enjoyable. It's a big space, and there was plenty of room even then (2015). I think the space is kind of refreshing for a workspace, and keeps it from feeling oppressive.

As far as buying amps and from what I have seen this is like being Satan around here, but as I said I’m old with a bad knee, back and arthritis in my hands and wrists so my amps come in a small box made by Fractal Audio Systems. I have enough quality heavy tube amps and not in the market…even the DGT model.

I still advocate the old tube amps, so most folks think I'm over the top, though I do use modeling software as a scratch pad for the work I do. So I'm probably the Satanic one.

I hear ya on the age thing, I have to warm up for 20 minutes before I play. It sucks, but as my father used to say, "The alternative isn't so great."

Most of all I wasn’t trying to put a negative light on PRS.

That was pretty clear.

I have a lot of emotion invested into the company which may sound silly.

It's not silly, people identify with products they love. I think it's especially true when time is invested in acquiring and learning/polishing skills/etc to use them, practicing, etc. It's human nature. I feel the same way.