PRS Charcoal Phoenix Limited Edition Electric Guitar - Charcoal Phoenix

Crafted with exotic Private Stock–level tonewoods

As the Charcoal Phoenix was inspired by the 2023 John McLaughlin Private Stock guitar, this instrument sports an equally Private Stock–level set of top-shelf timbers from the depths of the PRS tonewood vault in Stevensville, Maryland. It starts with a thicker-than-usual slab of “fat back” mahogany, supporting a wondrously figured maple top that PRS stamps with its Private Stock seal of approval. Sporting a Charcoal Microburst finish, this top radiates with complex and rippling grain lines that are sure to demand the eyes of any audience.

While the body is reasonably traditional in spec — maple-topped mahogany is the de facto PRS standard, after all — Paul swerves far from the standard PRS recipe on the Charcoal Phoenix’s chaltecoco neck. Hailing from the forests of Central America, chaltecoco is a dense, stable, and durable wood that forms a superb foundation for the Charcoal Phoenix’s smooth-as-glass ziricote fingerboard.

Time-tested PRS Pattern neck for playing comfort

The PRS Pattern neck is an exceptionally comfortable profile inspired by one of Paul’s earliest pre-factory shapes: the Wide Fat Pattern. It’s a slightly substantial neck that never feels too hefty, with a fast feel and carve that perfectly conform to the natural bend of your hand while moving up and down the neck. It's a favorite among Sweetwater guitarists of all stripes, and Paul’s clearly also a fan — this is his signature model, after all — but it’s also been endorsed by legendary guitarists such as Carlos Santana, Peter Frampton, and Howard Leese of Heart fame.

Revamped and revised TCI pickups

PRS is revered for constant innovation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the company’s always-evolving pickup designs. Fresh for 2025, the TCI pickups found in this Charcoal Phoenix feature modified wiring, winding, and American alnico magnets. The result is a clear, bright, and musical sound that tackles everything from spanking single-coil shimmer to soapbar growl. What’s more, the Charcoal Phoenix leverages EQ mini-toggle switches that function as tuned highpass filters, eliminating shelved low-end mud and ensuring your trebles shine through with the utmost clarity and musicality.

The peak of Paul’s 6-string philosophy

“When we released the Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition in 2023, I was inspired by its exceptional sound and playability. For the Charcoal Phoenix, I wanted to create something equally remarkable but with a stoptail bridge. Using chaltecoco for the neck and ziricote for the fingerboard, I achieved an instrument that sustains beautifully and rings with clarity. The deep crimson back and the Charcoal Microburst top inspired the name ‘Charcoal Phoenix,’ evoking the imagery of a phoenix rising from fire and ashes.” — Paul Reed Smith

Tech Specs

• Model:Charcoal Phoenix
• Special Release:Limited Edition
• Neck Finish:High Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Number of Strings:6
• Left-/Right-handed:Right-handed
• Body Type:Solidbody
• Body Shape:PRS Doublecut
• Body Material:"Fat Back" Mahogany
• Top Material:Private Stock Grade Figured Maple
• Body Finish:High Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Color:Charcoal Phoenix
• Neck Material:Chaltecoco
• Neck Shape:Pattern
• Neck Joint:Set Neck
• Radius:10"
• Fingerboard Material:Ziricote
• Fingerboard Inlay:Birds
• Number of Frets:22
• Scale Length:25"
• Nut Width:1.6875"
• Nut Material:Bone
• Bridge/Tailpiece:PRS Stoptail with Brass Inserts and Steel Studs
• Tuners:PRS Phase III Non-Locking Tuners, 18:1
• Neck Pickup:PRS TCI Bass Humbucker
• Bridge Pickup:PRS TCI Treble Humbucker
• Controls:1 x volume, 1 x tone
• Switching:2 x mini-switch (high-pass filter), 3-way toggle pickup switch
• Strings:PRS Signature, .010-.046
• Case/Gig Bag:Hardshell Case
• Manufacturer Part Number:114855::19: