Is The Modern Eagle V The Greatest PRS Guitar Ever Designed?

CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome Everyone!
1:33 Opening It Up For The First Time
3:31 Why I Wanted This Guitar (My Gibson Nighthawk Story)...
5:31 A Few Specs About The Guitar
7:01 Let's Hear How It Sounds!
20:17 How Does It Compare To My Old Nighthawk?
22:05 Wrapping It Up...
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[@orsamo79]

All of my teenage life Prs was the guitar of my hereos, and after I had a great Fender Blacktop Tele and has a good amount of trying different guitars I tried my first Prs. It was a P22 in forest green, and it was it. The Pattern neck, the color, the swag and attitude. But obviously I couldn't afford it. Therfore, I made a pact with myself, one day to have the perfect prs if my dreams, and I even made a Word document with a very specific spec, a spec that days to come would be the specific spec of my 2018 special 22 semi hollow limited in River Blue 10 topped with hybrid hardware . Thanks to my past aunt I made my dream come true in summer 2018 after 9 months of waiting. And it names after my wonderful aunt's name, Judie.

[@JayLeonardJ]

That feeling of finally getting that guitar of your dreams... Priceless.

[@drsrsv8884]

Sweet of your Aunt. Why did she buy it, and not your parents?

[@ampgent]

@@drsrsv8884 sounds like maybe she left him an inheritance? “my past [passed] aunt.” At least that’s how I interpreted this part of the comment.

[@ampgent]

Many congratulations on getting such a wonderful instrument.

[@chrishansondc]

Like a kid in the candy store. No one has as much fun as JLJ. Rock on man.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah: definitely a special day over here!!! Great to hear from you :)

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

I really enjoy how your talent and personality shine through your guitar. That PRS sounds outstanding.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks so much!

[@viperBSG]

I've played the Modern Eagle and Modern Eagle II All I can say is it was the first time I played a guitar I knew was So good my talents weren't enough for it. Never played a guitar like that I even owned a 513 Rosewood but the Modern Eagle is in a class all by itself. by the way. It's great to see you happy like this. Congratz on the new guitar.

[@marcinwyc]

I played Modern Eagle V like 3 months ago and it converted me to PRS. It is another level of guitar making. Now I am happy owner of CE24 from 99 with wider, unlackered neck. Killer guitars, definitely not my last one.

[@kenphillips3282]

I have the Gibson 3 pickup Nighthawk and yes it is fun but stays at home in the studio, however I actually put a deposit on the PRS Eagle Modern V today. It is a seriously beautiful guitar in so many ways. Expensive, but it will be my gigging workhorse when I finally get it home. Thanks for your work and enthusiasm. Love it.

[@LunchboxGTI]

Amazing Guitar! Thanks for taking us along on the journey!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Glad to bring you all with me :)

[@BaltimoreRockGuitar]

Gorgeous choice! It sounds fantastic! Loved how genuinely excited you are about it. I've been eyeing one of these at my local shop. You completely sold me on picking it up! Thanks Jay!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Hope you enjoy yours! I have really been connecting with mine :)

[@markcarleton6647]

It was cool seeing you play this guitar that you are so excited about! I’m new to PRS guitars (DGT, Studio) and am blown away by the tone, playability, and aesthetics.

[@baileyva]

The best guitar demo I’ve heard in a long time…. You are the man Jay Leonard J…. I’m gassing for this guitar! Thank you

[@JayLeonardJ]

Really appreciate it!

[@MykToronto]

Jay, your excitement is contagious. Thank you for doing that you do! Also -- great meeting you at Cosmos this summer 🤘

[@JayLeonardJ]

Great to hear from you! Rock on my friend :)

[@matta.4816]

Wow!!! That’s one beautiful guitar man. Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to hear more from it!!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@christopherwaters608]

HAPPY FOR YOU BROTHER. YOU EARNED IT!!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Really appreciate it, thanks!

[@jeremydodds1761]

Haven”t watched you for a while, brilliant player and such a great character, such a joy.

[@JayLeonardJ]

I really appreciate it! Thanks :)

[@ShaneTN]

Love this video man, perfect way of trying a new guitar, I'm so happy for you! Great playing too :)

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@lightonthelandscape]

Killer guitar Jay. Love the sound (great playing as usual). So versatile. No need for multiple guitars on stage - this does it all!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah! Definitely tons of shades of tone in this one!

[@johnpierson8398]

Reminds of the PRS copperhead finish! Beautiful looking and the tones are fantastic.

[@jospoortman9915]

thanks man, you really make me understand all the things this guitar can do. And what you can do! Dude you're a killer, gifted player

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks :)

[@jeremydahm2124]

Congratulations! I've a bunch of PRS cores and love my ole S2 Single cut satin (#7s) as much as any of them. Soo playable

[@andretoyo]

Beautiful! 🎸🤘 congrats

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks :)

[@zackguitar07]

Congrats, J! It sounds and plays beautifully! I’ve got a 594 Singlecut 10 top in the yellow tiger finish and find myself staring at it before I play because I never imagined owning something that stunning.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah, so happy I went with that color. So gorgeous, especially face to face!

[@tvav69]

Amazing guitar!! ✌🏻

[@JTB--]

That's a real beauty right there. Nice choice. I was late to the party on PRS and finally bought a PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow 2022 late last year. Whale Blue Burst with Satin Neck. The Pattern Thin carve neck and satin nitro finish plays like butter

[@JayLeonardJ]

That Whale Blue looks awesome to me! Great choice!

[@enricofiori7641]

Bellissimo brano Stefano! Il colore della magma 7 è fantastico!

[@DeAlexon12]

One of the best looking tops I've seen, exactly what I would want for one of my own!! Enjoy it!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks so much!

[@cooperwallace7824]

You’re getting some beautiful sounds out of that guitar! Seems like an immediate bond between player and instrument

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah, I always have a blast every time I pick up this axe :)

[@bcook6960]

Those nighthawks were cool guitars. I had a chance to buy one that I really liked about 20 years ago but I didn’t have the money, and I find myself thinking about it from time to time as well. The PRS looked cool as well!!

[@waywardsoul4918]

I ordered one in black. 2023 model. Also congratulations on your new guitar 🎸

[@JayLeonardJ]

Enjoy! Amazing guitar: hope you dig yours :)

[@zhengyongkoh]

Not sure if it's something in your plans but it would definitely be a treat to hear more guitar reviews from you Jay

[@JayLeonardJ]

Definitely! I love doing guitar vids!!!

[@dougstever-akesson2088]

Wow! That is just awesome

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@rskirk22]

Congrats on getting the guitar of your dreams! You know it’s a great guitar when it really inspires your playing, which it obviously did for you in this video. This guitar is also my dream guitar, just in fire smokeburst.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Fire Smokeburst would be a killer color!

[@elliotgreen987]

I didn't get a free shirt with my PRS, gutted! Beautiful guitar, love seeing people so excited over guitars

[@edarndt1343]

GREAT video sir. I just got mine a week ago (Dark Cherry Burst) and I am in awe. I feel like a poser it is so nice, and I have been playing guitar regularly since age 7. It really "ups" your game in the milisecond of "think, plan, play" as you improvise, play thin chords and double-stops. It is easy to play with that "plays itself" vibe. Anger and romance sing from this guitar. The most expensive guitar I own after this is $700. I have never had anything this nice, and those shops in NYC and Nashville intimidate me AF. If you ever have an opportunity to play one of these (or acquire one), please do so. You will feel what I mean.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Ooh, another great color! Must be a stunner :)

[@davidmcleandamrecordings3673]

Beautiful instrument.. I think what you'll find over time is it expands what's possible musically. Have fun, record a ton, a see if you're surprised a year or two from now at how much it's helped you blossom.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Looking forward to that journey! Thanks for writing :)

[@francischang]

One thing I like to do in PRSs is to roll down the volume to around 6 and then make up the volume difference with clean boost. The way the treble bleed circuit works, it adds a nice sparkle to the tone. For me, the Modern Eagle V is a pretty tempting guitar, but I can't wrap my brain around how the switching works.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Cool tip. Gonna definitely give it a try!

[@ronsom1976]

here too - yes, vol at 6 - so great tones - got the Black Gold Burst

[@rickc2102]

Both my PRSes are so full spectrum hifi sound I've usually got the tone rolled back a tad.

[@michaeljoyce3286]

Wow man congratulations

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@the_adambaum]

@jayleonardj great review. I’ve been looking at this guitar for some time myself. You’ve shown more of its capabilities than everyone else. For such a versatile guitar, most reviews seem to show it clean. Can you run it through more pedals and post the video? I mean really give a test. Maybe try it with one of those single vendor pedal boards.

[@markfisher2282]

Awesome guitar with a great trem system. Looks high end smooth like the Hip Shot movement. Sweet shit.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah, really loving the bridge so far. Rock solid!

[@alexanderdeadmansche]

Your playing is so good bro

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks so much :)

[@AJHillis]

I've sold very few guitars so I don't really have a "one that got away". But I do wish I'd kept my first electric, a "Fat Strat" dual HH squier in candy apple red. Could have been modded to be great! My weirdo guitar (which is my number 1) is a B3 Phoenix with Firebird neck/Firebird middle/stacked Tele bridge pu. Amazing and versatile!

[@or1on89]

I have a CE24 and I love it. I will own a Modern Eagle V one day. It looks and sounds like the perfect prog machine.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah! Definitely would do great for prog.

[@monahantp3767]

Congrats on your new guitar!! My story? Years ago I had a Gibson '58 reissue Les Paul that I played the frets off of; had it re-fretted with jumbos, new electronics, bridge, tuning keys...It was MY guitar. Hard times came, sold it, and went a very long time without playing guitar at all. Then I recently rediscovered my desire to play, and wanted to buy just one-- like the old LP, but wanted a trem. Gibson's QC has been iffy lately, so I turned my sight to PRS. Ended up ordering the DGT which features 99% of what my old LP ended up being after all my modifications. Also, I wanted to have a fun color, so ordered one in "Eriza Verde" (green) with a 10-top. Gotta say, my reaction when it arrived was much like yours in this video-- over the moon happy! That was one week ago yesterday :D As a, "only-one-guitar", the DGT is fantastic!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Eriza Verde is such a killer color!!! Everyone I've talked to loves those DGT axes; definitely got to give one a spin :)

[@JS-nf1sn]

Killer guitar. Congratulations

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@MorellioBenoir]

I waited to watch this until I got mine, pretty much exactly the same 10 top. To learn. |D Thank you for inspiring me!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks for watching! Hope you dig yours as much as I do mine :)

[@mylesadams1662]

i have one on the way! 😄 can't wait! it is a wood library version with a faded blue jean quilted maple top, mahogany body,a roasted flamed maple neck and a zircote fretboard 😃😃😃

[@JayLeonardJ]

Sounds gorgeous! Enjoy :)

[@jfinester]

Wow! Great playing, and what a cool guitar! PRS made one for me and didn’t know it! I can’t afford it, and I’m not gigging any more anyway. I’ve already got a PRS Brent Mason model that I got in 2012-it’s sort of a less-fancy bolt-on-neck version of the Modern Eagle V, and I got Brent Mason and Paul Reed Smith to sign the backplate! It’s not as pretty as yours, but it sure sounds good. They didn’t last very long in the line, just a year or two. And I totally agree with you on the Gibson Nighthawk. I tried one in the mid ‘90s, loved it, and didn’t have the money. Gibson didn’t really give those a chance either.

[@JayLeonardJ]

I just checked out that guitar and it looks BRILLIANT!! Gotta get my mitts on one of those to try someday!!!!!

[@telebender]

If you liked the Gibby NightHawk, you'd better hope you don't come across a BluesHawk. Same body style/dimensions, but semi-hollow with an f-hole, P-90s and a varitone, along with a really great c-shaped slim taper neck carve (my fave; hate the d-shaped slim tapers, but I digress). A buddy just got a blue one a couple weeks ago (he also has a NightHawk) and it is awesome. Enough so that I'm on the hunt for 2nd hand deal for one, along with a Gibby Music City Jr (with the std Glaser b-bender) from the early 2010's. Congrats from one Canadian (ex-pat) and former BC resident to another; great looking and sounding axe!

[@johnpaulsecond4626]

the thrill of finding your soul guitar is written all over his face; been there done that got the T shirt; oh what a feeling; it's a love thing from the first moment, of course, but like insurpassable relationship ; don't let a nice guitar go ever; big mistake; and don't ever leave them in an unsafe place; always they should be secure in a safe place;

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

Seems like a truly amazing guitar. I loved Nighthawks too, and wish to God I'd gotten one before they got so pricey. The PRS is incredible, but Over 4 or 5K for a guitar goes against my religion, LOL. Love the control of the coil splits here though - they sound so good and so versatile!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Definitely not a price for the faint of heart! You can definitely see it though when you get it on the lap. Thanks so much for reaching out man, great to hear from you :)

[@Axman66]

+++ congrats Jay, this guitar belongs to Masters Hands... in yours of course+++ This is IT !!! This is Your Guitar and you are worth it as the guitar is+++

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks so much! It is definitely a wonderful experience getting to know this axe, such a wonderful instrument

[@testinguk_Admin]

Gorgeous. I have a 2007 PRS Swamp Ash Special that has some sonic overlap with this one. Enjoy!!

[@JayLeonardJ]

It would be cool to compare: those Ash Specials look absolutely killer!

[@testinguk_Admin]

@@JayLeonardJ I was always surprised they discontinued the models ... they were always one of the few PRS' that offered maple fretboards, which I greatly prefer. The current Fiore Mark Lettieri model seems to carry a bit of the lineage, too.

[@LucasHaneman]

The one that got away for me was a 1977 Yamaha SG 2000 that I had in high school, then sold right afterwards not knowing what I had or what I really liked at that time. While I had it I upgraded the pickupss and hardware, then sold it with the original pickups included in the case sometime around 2008 for less than I paid for it initially. Woops. I sold it to get a Gibson 137 that I ended up really disliking in the long haul, then eventually traded that for an Eastman t185 that I love and gig often to this day, so all is well. That said that Yamaha SG 2000 was the lp inspired guitar that I really ended up bonding with, and it still haunts me to this day. It was a Beautiful cherry red tone monster that came in its original case. The case by the way was leather bound and had an interior I can only describe as puke green fir. Certainly a product of its time, but man that thing had character! :-)

[@JayLeonardJ]

I was just talking about that guitar the other day!! Yeah, those things are just amazing. Sorry for your loss man!

[@LucasHaneman]

@@JayLeonardJ yeah. Things happen as you know. Haha. I suppose the serendipitous thing is that I have had an SG 800 (almost the same guitar) on long-term loan from a student of mine for about three years now, so it’s been nice to have that sound around when I want it Nice guy. I still lust for an LP style but there’s plenty of time to find the right one. I’ve got to say that Eastman 185 is killer though. Have you ever tried one of those? It’s very much in the Collings I35 vein. Love the 335 style, but the fact that it’s smaller with carved mahogany back and sides and a maple top. Wonderful guitar for the bluesy, jazzy and r&b thing.

[@RossHutch85]

Super nice ! curious how much diff this sound then the studio model with the narrow field pickups.

[@JayLeonardJ]

My buddy has one of those. I should definitely check his out!

[@deddiev1718]

I have a 594 with the same color and 10 top. And years ago I had a Nighthawk custom natural color. It’s the only Gibson I regret selling.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Looks like I am not alone on the Nighthawk regret! And it looks like we have the same choice in PRS colors too: great minds think alike, haha

[@nevillecragg9066]

I have the Paul’s Guitar with those new TCI pickups. They’re glorious animals. 🔥

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah, this guitar seems to be a PG with a trem and and extra pup and I am loving it!

[@nevillecragg9066]

@@JayLeonardJ You look stoked! Which is so rad to see, keep up the cool content and enjoy the Eagle!

[@ronsom1976]

I got the Black Gold Burst one - even exactly the one we find as foto on the PRS homepage - looks so beautiful. Great sound, great variations by the pickups and fine by the volume knob. Great fretboard - seems the fingers go by themselves. One question - it‘s my first PRS and I’m a little wondering about to have to retune more often than my Ibanez ones with Floyd Rose. Any feedback for me? Have fun.

[@JayLeonardJ]

I was REALLY close to going for the Black Gold Burst. Yours must be a stunner! My tuning is pretty solid on mine, but locking Floyd Roses, properly, set up will definitely have to the potential to be much more rock solid after massive dive bombs than the more vintage inspired design of the Eagle.

[@rickstafford2375]

Still debating on Modern Eagle or Semi hollow special .. Sigh not sure probably both eventually

[@JunKungMusic]

what a BEAUTY...

[@JayLeonardJ]

Great to hear from you brotha!!!! Miss you tons man :)

[@Smart-Alex]

$5K wow. Enjoy it!

[@deanallen927]

WoooooooW! That's really something. I have an HDRX 20 that got me all interested in PRS guitars. I can't afford one like that but I'll be getting one.

[@Ollonskog]

Epiphone makes a Nancy Wilson signature model, which is basically a simplified Nighthawk model (two pups instead of three). Some of you might be interested in that.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Speaking of another cat who deserves a signature Nighhawk: My buddy Shaun Verrault from Wide Mouth Mason used to rock a 2 pup Nighthawk too! Didn't even know Nancy rocks one: super cool!

[@tomfoolery2082]

Yeah man , thts sharp .

[@JayLeonardJ]

Definitely :)

[@JB19504]

Just bought one in Charcoal Cherry Burst. Getting it tomorrow. It will be my 5th Core. Perhaps with the exception of my Ten Top McCarty 594 Hollowbody II in Tobacco Burst, this might be my best guitar. Then again it might be better tham my Hollowbody. Both cost about the same. Not to brag, but I also have a Studio Ten Top in Eriza Green and a McCarty SC 594 in McCarty Burst and a Custom 24-08 in Aquamarine. So many choices, so little time. Now if I could just play a little better!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Charcoal Cherry is a RAD color! Enjoy :)

[@mlkorade]

I have a 2000s Nighthawk reissue and it's one of my favorite guitars. Nothing else plays like it. They are mojo machines. Also 1/10th of the price of the Modern Eagle.

[@zenrun2913]

If you want a PRS to sound like a Strat you install a single coil like this model has. Splitting the humbucker doesn’t sound like a Strat, it just sounds weak.

[@siegmac3267]

JLJ the man! You have to have your own PRS sig!

[@JayLeonardJ]

One can only dream, haha :)

[@andreil1234]

I really don't think there's anything to regret about the Nighthawk as long as now you can afford a Modern Eagle :)))

[@GuitarJawn]

For the price, it better be

[@deanallen927]

I hear the wood in the tone. That's a really good guitar.

[@billcoleman2009]

Hey J, does this mean you're giving away your tele with the bigsby? ;)

[@JayLeonardJ]

Not in a million years ;)

[@Mpcoluv]

There was not a hang tag?

[@JayLeonardJ]

They were in the case but not actually on the axe - I think I even pulled them out when looking for the tremolo.

[@Glicksman1]

I suss that you already know, there are many Gibson Nighthawks out there. I saw a gorgeous Ebony one selling for $1,100. Now, that is well within most people's budget for such a fine guitar, I think Just mentioning,

[@JayLeonardJ]

The holy grail ones to find are the Nighhawk Customs in Translucent Amber! You find one of those in a shop, never let it go!

[@Glicksman1]

@@JayLeonardJ Found this on Reverb: "Epiphone Nighthawk Standard 3 1993 - 1999 - Trans Amber Used - Very Good Price$799 If you would be so kind, please me m ore about the Nighthawk and why is good guitar as I am very interested in owning one of an colour (I usually play with my eyes closed, looking inward, so what the bloody thing looks like means little to me). Thank you

[@bryanspencer4856]

What amp is that???!!!

[@JayLeonardJ]

A Bad Cat Hot Cat. Great amp :)

[@kevmac1230]

No woman can match the grief i feel for losing my early Gibby G-3.😢

[@JayLeonardJ]

The bass??? Those things look awesome, but I have never actually seen one face to face!

[@kevmac1230]

@@JayLeonardJ Now they're worth crazy money.I also let a pristine B-15 Portoflex amp go.I was in my metal phase,I needed more power and pointy basses. What an idiot!

[@spaghettimeatballswow]

The inbetween positions sounded really straty

[@wheelsdetroit8608]

So on a completely separate note, who is going to be the first KZbin guitar gear guru to test the new T-Rex Binson?

[@JayLeonardJ]

Yeah... Those just might be the big thing of 2023, so cool!

[@baileyva]

If you like this model, play a PRS Studio and give us your thoughts….

[@JayLeonardJ]

My buddy has one. I should definitely give it a proper shoot out!

[@metallicmonkey4519]

When I first saw this guitar I thought "PRS? HSH? Coil split? Different pickup configuration options? PERFECT!!". UNTIL I realized... It's just 22 frets. That's a killer for me for that type of guitar.

[@rickc2102]

It's more a Jerry Garcia 3pu than a Super Strat HSH

[@robsonf6683]

No build is like a PRS

[@iansmirna5183]

Got interested, watched it, got more interested, checked the price, chocked, stopped the video.

[@felixayala05]

tHeY hAvE nO cHarAcTer.

[@TheBlackzat]

Define character in this context?!In my opinion they do VeRy MuCh! It’s a matter of the player. It’s very much a PRS sound. Stop trying to hear a Fender or a Gibson in a PRS.

[@dezionlion]

Once the pretty wears off you’ll be back on the tele

[@collinsmith6565]

Doubt it. Completely different animals.

[@jamesdickinson4186]

Jay is that a BadCat Amp behind you? I have a Hot Cat 15, love it.

[@JayLeonardJ]

That is actually a Hot Cat too: mine is the newer EL34 version and it definitely rocks!

[@thenumber1bobo]

Sorry to say, but I played one of these and had a wood library Pauls guitar...they changed the specs for the narrow field 408 hum buckers a few years ago and they suck compared to the OGs. I had a 20th anniversary private stock with a similar configuration but 24.6" scale and a narrow field in the middle with two 408s flanking it...and they almost certainly had ceramic magnets and sounded fucking amazing. They sound sterile to me now.