PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo - Acoustic AND Electric?! FULL REVIEW

The SE Hollowbody II Piezo from Paul Reed Smith is a UNIQUE guitar. Maybe, just maybe, it's the ONLY guitar you'll ever need. Acoustic? It does that. Electric? It does that, too. Electric and Acoustic at the same time? YUP. Overkill? Maybe...but I don't think so.
PRS HBD II Piezo SE at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/Qyd2XM
PRS HBD II Piezo SE at Zzounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/it...
00:00 Intro
00:20 Acoustic Sounds
00:39 Electronics & Controls
01:10 Electric Pickups Only
01:26 Dual Output - Electric & Acoustic
02:15 Single Output - Electric & Acoustic
02:41 Drawbacks
03:33 My Thoughts
04:51 Full Review
08:20 Your Thoughts?
#prsguitars #PaulReedSmith #electricguitar
#acousticguitar #prs #hollowbody #AcousticElectric
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[@TomButwin]

PRS HBD II Piezo SE at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/Qyd2XM PRS HBD II Piezo SE at Zzounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--PAUSEHBIIP

[@mickeygeer]

When I see and play one in person, if they are near as good as they seem to be. I'll have to have one.

[@TomButwin]

Check one out for sure. One word of caution, at the big box guitar stores, I’ve noticed a lot of Squier/Epiphone/PRS SE instruments are very neglected and poorly setup. Not a good representation of what they can be. Hopefully you find one that’s in good shape and hasn’t been through the floor model ringer.

[@davemyers7421]

Great review thank you.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Dave!

[@deonchase3167]

Run the magnetic output to the Helix guitar input and run the piezo output to the Helix auxiliary input send to sperate channels each with its own effects. You can use the expression peddle to blend the channels and/or assign a foot switch to toggle between them. Very cool guitar, paired with the Helix has amazing possibilities for performing live or recording. And that blue is sooo cool.

[@TomButwin]

I’m not a Helix user, but that sounds AWESOME. Great idea. The color is even better in person. I was seriously impressed with the guitar (hard case wasn’t great, but that’s ok).

[@TheBbtlegit]

Also I'm running into two FRFR alto speakers. So when running into the acoustic side i shouldn't use any cab simulation or amps on that side just effects?

[@StratsRUs]

Thanks !!

[@GypsyLane]

Just used mine last evening, at an outdoor summer show…Piezo output to a Bose L1 model 2…magnet pickup output to a Dr Z Carmen Ghia. Trio sounds perfect between acoustic numbers, including Eagles, Firefall, Doobie Bros. Electric tones for Boz Scaggs, Christopher Cross, Gerry Rafferty, etc. Great guitar, Cheers.

[@TomButwin]

Nice! Dual cable method is the way to go. I’m sure that L1 made the acoustic side sound really good.

[@Nick-ud9hf]

Nice review. I have this guitar in the same Peacock blue and love it. So versatile and really well crafted. However, the tone control is not a master tone control for the entire guitar. It is a tone control for the magnetic pickups only.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, Nick! Good catch on the tone knob. I misspoke there. Appreciate you watching.

[@gregorygetable]

Very cool.

[@Hundenminhelmer]

I had a Godin A6 a couple of years back but was never satisfied with it. The neck was too thin for me and soundwise it didn't hit me. So now I'm very excited on this one. I've never owned a PRS but I've tried a PRS LP model and it felt like a good guitar. I've just ordered this PRS SE hollow piezo and I should have it here in some days. If I like it I'll keep it and then I will have a Eastman T484 up for sale.

[@TomButwin]

Awesome! I wish I got a commission from PRS 😂 I really enjoyed this guitar. Honestly, I was surprised at how much I liked it. I think you’ll be pleased.

[@isaias9516]

You mentioned using the humbuckers with just a tad of the acoustic, but did you ever try using the Piezo pickup with just a touch of the magnetic pickups? I would be interested in hearing that kind of blended tone.

[@TomButwin]

Now that I think about it, I didn’t do that way! I should have. I think it’d actually be cool.

7:00 Forgive me if I'm wrong, but this guitar page on PRS site says you can configure the humbucker to use only neck, only bridge or both.

[@TomButwin]

That just means you have a three way switch. I was referring to being able to split/tap the humbuckers.

@@TomButwin My bad. Almost zero knowledge about pickups here... :)

[@TomButwin]

No worries! Happy to help with any questions.

[@scottbecker3485]

Very helpful to me as a mostly acoustic player interested in having an extra guitar on stage with which to also do some electric stuff. Based on your excellent input, I think I‘ll keep looking… Hoping to find a guitar that sounds a bit better as an acoustic, and also offers coil tapping for more tonal variety (I like the chimey electric stuff better than the growly stuff).

[@TomButwin]

If you're a primarily acoustic player, then I agree you could probably find a better option. If it were reversed, where you play primarily electric and only occasionally need an acoustic sound, this guitar would be better suited.

[@scottbecker3485]

@@TomButwin A much belated thank you for your kind input on this. As things ended up, I went for a - much cheaper and also very versatile - Michael Kelly Hybrid Special. It‘s acoustic tone is of course just piezo plus a bit of natural body resonance, but being able to add in various types and amounts of humbucker/split coil sound to give the piezo a bit more beef and muscle works great. Price ended up being a major factor in the decision.

[@cybertrophic]

I need one of these in the violin burst colour more than I need oxygen. I’ve had Gibson Les Pauls, I’ve had an array of Strats, I still have some custom Ibanez guitars that I’ve had for years and I’ve had numerous random things like Peavey Wolfgangs and electro-acoustics. This does everything I want, sounds good, looks good and doesn’t cost more than the deposit on a house. And it’s pretty enough to ensure my wife doesn’t moan when it’s left on a stand in the lounge.

[@TomButwin]

I definitely recommend this guitar. I loved it. The piezo acoustic side takes a little bit of tweaking to get right, but it's definitely usable in a lot of situations.

[@smashedbread]

I use the mix plug, plugged into a boss katana 100. Since the amp has an acoustic setting, i use that when i turn the magnetic sound to 0, and just use the piezo. I don’t really blend the pickups together but if i did i would add a touch of piezo like you said. Works pretty well for me

[@TomButwin]

Nice! Cool pairing with the Katana too.

[@JTB--]

This PRS Piezo works great with the Hotone Ampero Stomp II which has 2 inputs. Many cool FX combos to explore

[@TomButwin]

Love that setup!

[@noreaction1]

Does the PRS SE hollow body ii piezo allow you to have simultaneous piezo output on one of the outputs and magnetic pickup output on the other? Or will turning down the magnetic pickups in the mix output also turn it down in the solo magnetic pickup output?

[@TomButwin]

Hopefully I’m understanding your question correctly. If you plug in two cables and use both outputs, they operate independently, volume-wise. If you plug only one cable into the “mix/piezo” output, you still have independent volume control, but both signals come out of that mix jack. If you plug only into the magnetic output, it completely bypassed the piezo side. Hopefully that helps!

[@noreaction1]

@@TomButwin this answers my question thanks! Sounds like you are able to get pure piezo out of one output and pure magnetic pickups out of the other output at the same time, which is what wasn’t apparent in other demo videos (prs own videos included). I thought turning down the pickup gain knob would turn it down in both outputs at the same time, which would defeat the purpose

[@TomButwin]

No problem! Yeah, with the two cable method, you have completely independent control. Also, the mix/Piezo output with one cable allows you to do something similar with both signals coming out of one jack. It’s a bit confusing, for sure. I actually got the tone knob wrong in my video, I think. The tone only affects the magnetic pickups, as far as I remember. I had to send the guitar back, though. Thanks for watching! Hope you’ll subscribe.

[@Zarfilms2007]

What color purse do you guys prefer the blue or the black gold burst?

[@kabroom81]

I'm always in favor of more natural wood tones on anything with f holes. The blue is unique, but a bit too loud.

[@gardnercalibuso]

This works very well for church. We always play a combination of acoustic and electric, perfect!

[@TomButwin]

Absolutely. If it’s a gig where you’d want to bring only one guitar, this would do the job!

[@kirkwilliams2127]

Absolutely be awesome for worship music.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

I bought this guitar because I prefer its nicer finish and details over that of the non-piezo versions. The piezo pickup has a very powerful built-in preamp, that is way too hot for an electric guitar amp. Maybe acoustic amps don't have preamps or something, I don't know. If I crank the piezo volume on the guitar beyond 3 or 4, every preamp in every amp I have will distort, and very unpleasantly so. If I set the clean volume of the amp no higher than 5 and the piezo volume on the guitar no higher than 3, the guitar sounds absolutely beautiful (and still plenty loud enough, btw). I never combine this tone with the magnetic tone. The magnetic pickups sound much better, if pluged into the magnetic only output, so that's how I use the guitar most of the time. I only use the mix output if I want to use the piezo tone, then I plug back into the mag output. Surprisingly, i find the piezo tone quite useful, even though I didn't think I'd ever use it when I bought the guitar. I bought it for the magnetic tone, which still sends goosebumps up and down my back while playing.

[@TomButwin]

The piezo tone is definitely useful. What you’re finding is why I’d never recommend running the acoustic side into anything other than a DI going to a PA or a dedicated acoustic amp. I use Fishman amps for acoustics and they handled this guitar just as well as any of my actual acoustics. Piezo into an electric amp is usually a no-go.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

@@TomButwin Yeah, you're definitely right, but I only play electric, and I only have valve amps, which I also use exclusively on stage to create my tone. All I have other than that is a cry-baby, so there you have it, the old genX player for you. The piezo set to 2 or so sounds absolutely beautiful to me, maybe not like an acoustic, but I really don't care what it sounds like, as long as it sounds good.

[@TomButwin]

Agree. That was my big hurdle. Once I got over the fact the at it wasn’t going to recreate an acoustic (or even a piezo pickup in an acoustic), I could enjoy the fact that blending a little of that pickup in to an electric setup makes for some really interesting tones. Overall, that guitar was a joy to play. So happy they let me demo it!

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

@@TomButwin And a good demo it is, too!👍

[@TomButwin]

Really appreciate that. Thank you.

[@pnksk8r390]

If you can't afford more than one guitar, this might not be the guitar for you though. For the extra 400.00 to purchase the piezo version of this guitar, you can buy a budget acoustic.

[@TomButwin]

For sure. Just depends on the person and application. It’s tough to find a $400 acoustic with a decent pickup for live performance, but if that’s not the goal, then you definitely can. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@nunezkant]

First! This guitar is the missing piece in my PRS collection

[@TomButwin]

I was pleasantly surprised!

[@S.Lang7]

Tom, Thanks for the video! Very similar to my Godin A6 ultra which also has two output. Small gigs , church music what not, where you would need to take two guitars this will do it. I have an A/B/Y pedal where I can have the piezo pickup or the humbucker or both going to the AMP. Yes I also have the blend output just like in here on the piezo side and yes you need to keep it down around 30%. Piezo itself does sounds like any acoustic guitar with a piezo pickup, no miracle there. You can make an acoustic base/backtrack looped and you play over with the humbucker. Were this thing( Godin)is really got me: is it`s slim, its very light, has electric string on it with a very low action, its very easy to play. Also it produces enjoyable sound without being plugged in. How's the PRS sounds like unplugged? At night I can practice in the house without waking anyone up . I like it . The only downside with the Godin for some reason the Fender Micro Amp I have does not work with the guitar, which I only found out after the purchase. How's the Tears for fears tribute recording coming along? :)

[@TomButwin]

The true “acoustic” tone of the HBII was actually really, really good. Quite loud too. I actually played it unplugged for the first day I had it! Godin’s seem to do this hybrid thing pretty well, I agree. The big hangup for me is the feel of an electric with the acoustic sound. I just can’t get used to it. I’m used to those thicker strings, slightly higher action, etc on my acoustic and I like it. I tend to dig in pretty hard on the acoustic and I miss that resistance with the electric strings and low action. Overall, though, for the types of situations you described, I think these guitars are great and really versatile.

[@TomButwin]

And the Tears for Fears thing is on my very long list…which is all behind about 4 hours of raw video I’m editing😂

[@nunezkant]

@@TomButwin you should try the piezo with an acoustic amp, I think that it is one of the best "acoustic" sounds coming from this kind of guitar I have heard, close to it the Schecter EC .

[@nunezkant]

And yes, surprisingly for me, the HBII is really loud unplugged.

[@TomButwin]

I've got a Fishman Loudbox Performer (older version) and the SA330X tower PA system and played it through both of those. The full range/multiple speakers in an acoustic amp DEFINITELY help the piezo...but it still comes back to a feel thing for me. I couldn't get beyond the electric strings, thinner gauge (I play 12's on my acoustic and 10's on the electrics) and the lack of wood in contact with those pickups. It did sound really good, but my attack is really heavy and for some reason the piezo in that guitar just didn't react well to really percussive/heavy picking like my acoustics do. I use Fishman Matrix undersaddle pickups in those and they really retain the clarity and headroom when I dig in. For fingerpicking, the HBII was awesome though! And yes, when an electric of any kind is that fun to play unplugged, you know it's going to be pretty damn good plugged in. My Silver Sky is the same way, even though it's a solid body. I love playing it unplugged even.

[@jabespagan]

I own one. I love it! It is a great guitar, specially if compared to the Core. Is a bargain.

[@Prajnana]

There was a bit of a Linsey Buckingham / Fleetwood vibe to some of those tones.

[@TomButwin]

Definitely! It has a little bit of that Rick Turner Model 1 vibe with the blending of electric and acoustic-ish tones.

[@jazzsounds8159]

All SE's coming in from China get a real setup in Maryland before they are shipped out. Too bad no lefties. Good review.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks for watching. Much appreciated. It was definitely set up well and it’s a super nice touch that they do that for their imported stuff.

[@evanstheframe]

How would it be with the cable plugged into the mix jack and then using a Katana Artist and program position 1 as an acoustic Chanel and 2 as a clean or driven Chanel then have the ability to switch between the two using a footswitch?

[@TomButwin]

If I’m understanding you correctly (that you’d be using one cable from guitar to amp), I think that’d work great, as long as you dial back the appropriate pickups on the guitar.

[@franknavarro9364]

The light Weith and balance is a super-plus for me, it invites me to play it !!!

[@TomButwin]

It's a really comfortable and balanced guitar to play. Would totally recommend.

[@MidoriMae]

Wish they would make an se or even s2 solid body with piezo. My ears just cant be friends with a hollow body. It sounds kinda deflated or like a potato chip thats been left out for too long. Maybe its just my rig. Idk.

[@TomButwin]

It’s definitely a different vibe, but I think it can be cool. I was pretty happy with what I got out of this guitar!

[@aliengrey6052]

Nicely made piece of furniture though.

[@rgvt5638]

I’m don’t think that blending a mag/piezo tone that you personally don’t care for is a “drawback” with the guitar; the whole point is that the blend is to taste. It would be a legitimate drawback if it was a fixed 50/50 blend.

[@TomButwin]

If it were fixed, it definitely wouldn’t work. I just song think much of that piezo signal is usable in an electric rig. So, adding more that 30% would turn me off. Certainly, it depends on every individual player and application, though! Appreciate you watching.

[@doctortangent6446]

Are these made in China or the US?

[@TomButwin]

These are made in China. Same factory as their SE acoustics. I will say, don’t let that deter you if you’re interested in this type of guitar. I was surprised at the quality in a good way.

[@jkruegs9568]

If i found one user for $999, should I jump on it?

[@TomButwin]

If it’s in good shape, I would!

[@paulmurphy8993]

Lots of talking not much playing. Sigh.

[@TomButwin]

🤷🏻‍♂️ You know what’s interesting? My analytics show a big drop in viewership whenever I play for too long (maybe it’s my playing? Haha), so that’s why I keep it short. I have tons of footage of this guitar and how it sounds. Maybe I’ll cut together a video with only playing and no talking. Would that be of interest? I’m very curious to know. Thanks for watching, either way.

[@revzone3544]

The color is blah! looks like my friends bathroom tile and counter top.. awful.. the sound is okay...

[@TomButwin]

I gotta see this bathroom tile and counter top…

[@Prajnana]

The Peacock blue looks much prettier in the flesh, as does the depth of the flame in the maple, but I prefer the Black Gold Burst myself.

[@TomButwin]

If I bought one, I’d probably buy the BG Burst, honestly.

[@aliengrey6052]

Don’t like the tone. Stick to my Gibson.

[@TomButwin]

What model Gibson? 330?

[@aliengrey6052]

@@TomButwin nope. Les Paul. I know it’s not a hollowbody but after hearing the demos of this guitar I concluded it’s strengths lie in its clean tones. The overdriven sounds just seemed “woolly “ to me and lacked substance. Shame as these are selling for 799.00 gdp in the uk now and they look stunning.

[@TomButwin]

I agree with you on the clean tone being the strength. 100%.

[@KrisGee]

Sorry man, nicely shot video but you've made the guitar sound horrible.

[@TomButwin]

One out of two ain’t bad. I’ll take it.

[@MikeHenrick1]

Can’t put my finger on why, but I’m not enjoying this video, and for that reason I’m out.

[@TomButwin]

If you figure it out, let me know.

[@kirkwilliams2127]

Then why even comment… you do realize you could just leave.

[@MikeHenrick1]

@@kirkwilliams2127 yes but when KZbin keeps showing you channels you don’t even want and you can’t stop it.

[@MikeHenrick1]

@@TomButwin watching again after someone’s comment dragged me back it’s not as bad as I thought, probably had a bad day, and just like now, KZbin and all media trying to show and pull you into stuff really bothers me. But camera angle bothers me, also very slightly over emphasis sometimes with expressions but admittedly I’d rather have that than the robotic nature of some KZbinrs, also the background also is distracting, I just think it’s probably me being over picky, Anyway Parker fly was funny, we had three stolen off the wall where I worked. lol. I have this PRS. Love it.