🎸 PRS unveils the SE version of Herman Li’s groundbreaking Chleo signature

A world-class guitar made accessible: 

PRS has officially introduced the SE edition of one of its most daring and forward-thinking signature models to date — the Chleo, developed in collaboration with DragonForce virtuoso Herman Li. The newly released SE Chleo brings many of the defining features of the exclusive 2025 PRS Chleo Limited Edition to a more affordable price bracket.

The SE Chleo mirrors much of the original model’s DNA, including custom Fishman pickups, a radically reimagined neck profile, and the distinctive “Eclipse Dragon” fretboard inlays personally coded by Herman Li. At the same time, it opens the door to players who want cutting-edge design and performance without the premium cost of a limited release.

When Herman Li’s signature guitar first launched in June, it was widely praised as a bold and unconventional move by PRS. It quickly became clear that the Chleo stood apart from anything the company had previously produced — and the SE version carries that same boundary-pushing spirit.

At a glance, the Chleo, including its SE counterpart, features a rounder body shape and a noticeably thinner, lighter profile than traditional PRS instruments. Its unconventional contours, fully customized neck shape, and redesigned neck joint contribute to a distinctly modern playing feel. The fretboard also departs from the brand’s iconic bird inlays, replacing them with the unique Eclipse Dragon motif created by Herman Li.

Speaking about the new release, Herman Li explains:
“With the PRS SE Chleo, our goal was to create the best affordable guitar possible — one that delivers effortless playability, exceptional craftsmanship, and a highly versatile tonal palette.
It blends modern innovation with classic style, giving players the tools to explore everything from timeless sounds to cutting-edge tones. The SE Chleo proves that a world-class instrument does not have to break the bank. It brings high-end performance within reach for everyone.”

Like the core model, the SE Chleo is built with a maple top and a mahogany back, paired with a bolt-on maple neck reinforced with carbon fiber. The instrument also features a 20-inch radius ebony fretboard, designed to accommodate fast, technical playing styles.

Further similarities appear in the electronics department, where the SE Chleo is equipped with the same Fishman Fluence Signature Series Omniforce Herman Li pickup set found in the Limited Edition model. These pickups deliver three onboard voicings and an advanced switching system that unlocks a total of 13 distinct tonal combinations.

Completing the package is a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system and a PRS locking nut, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability and allowing players to “dig in and play hard without compromise.”