PRS Guitars has introduced the Charcoal Phoenix Limited Edition, Paul Reed Smith’s current personal instrument choice as a guitar maker and a guitar player. Introduced on Smith’s birthday, Feb. 18, the Charcoal Phoenix Limited Edition is part of the PRS Guitars 40th Anniversary celebration. Only 150 of these instruments are available worldwide, with each including a 40th Anniversary certificate hand signed by Paul Reed Smith himself. Over the past year, Smith has road-tested this guitar, refining its design and tone. Most recently, he played this model on stage at the late-January 2025 PRS Guitars 40th Anniversary concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. A deep crimson back contrasts 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 vintage touch. The Charcoal Phoenix also features the PRS TCI pickups, newly updated for 2025, and EQ mini-toggle switches.
