PRS and Ed Sheeran unveil a new baritone guitar aimed at metal, jazz and beyond
May 23, 2026, 9 a.m.
PRS Guitars has officially revealed its second baritone model created together with global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The new instrument arrives under the name PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo Baritone, continuing the collaboration between the British artist and the renowned American guitar company.
Earlier this year, the Maryland-based manufacturer introduced the limited-edition SE Cosmic Splash, a baritone guitar featuring an extended 27.7-inch scale length. That release was capped at only 1,000 units worldwide, instantly turning it into a sought-after collector’s piece. This newest version, however, is designed to be much more widely available to players everywhere.
In terms of specifications, the latest model largely follows the blueprint established by its “cosmic” predecessor, but now arrives in several standard catalog finishes. Available color options include Kaleidoscope, Pink Ombre, and Orange Tiger Smokeburst.
The instrument features a hollowbody construction with a maple top paired with a mahogany back. A center block has also been incorporated into the design to enhance resonance and improve tonal stability.
Electronics include a set of PRS 85/15 “S” humbuckers alongside a PRS/LR Baggs Piezo system, offering impressive tonal flexibility. Players can blend the magnetic pickups and piezo tones together or use them independently for different sonic textures.
The guitar also brings back the iconic bird inlays on the fretboard — one of the most recognizable design trademarks of PRS instruments. By comparison, the earlier SE Cosmic Splash model replaced the birds with graphics inspired by Ed Sheeran’s Stereo album series.
Speaking about the new instrument, Ed Sheeran emphasized that the guitar reaches far beyond his own musical style:
“Metal guitarists are absolutely going to shred on this thing; jazz players are going to love it as well. It’s the kind of guitar that can work in so many different musical settings.”
The artist also addressed those who may not associate him with electric guitar playing:
“For all the guitar players out there who see me as someone who doesn’t really play electric guitar, don’t judge the instrument by the person holding it. This is an incredible guitar, and I genuinely believe it belongs in a lot of players’ collections.”
After celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, PRS is preparing for another major milestone in 2026 — the 25th anniversary of the company’s highly successful SE Series, the more affordable range within the brand’s lineup. The series also includes last year’s platinum-certified SE NF 53.
Company COO Jack Higginbotham explained how important collaborations with modern artists remain for the brand:
“Working with new artists is one of the most energizing and inspiring aspects of what we do as a company. Developing this guitar alongside Ed Sheeran is a perfect example of how these creative partnerships can lead to something truly fresh and exciting.”
He added:
“This project also demonstrates that the SE Series is fully capable of handling both studio work and major live performances at the highest professional level.”
