The Making of the PRS SE DGT | Part 2 | PRS Guitars

Step behind the scenes at PRS to see the development of our brand new SE model, the PRS SE DGT. The original DGT (David Grissom Trem) has been a part of the Core lineup of PRS Maryland-made guitars for many years. In this three-part mini-series, we explore the process of bringing this model into the SE series - ahead of the guitar’s release in January 2023. Watch Part 2 as we explore the “why” behind this new model, our longtime relationship with PRS artist David Grissom, and a high-level overview of the work we have ahead.
Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 3, coming soon!
“I didn’t just rubber stamp this. This guitar is something I have been very involved in and am really proud of. The SE Series is lightyears ahead of anything I could get my hands on when I started playing - it’s amazing how far the quality has come - and I am proud to be able to offer this guitar to more people,” - David Grissom
Learn more about David Grissom and listen to his music at:
Web: davidgrissom.com
KZbin: / davidgrissomguitar
Facebook - / davidgrissommusicpage
Instagram - / davidgrissomguitar
Twitter - / dgrissom4
Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/6IqRT...
Apple Music - / david-grissom

[@TheSeandog1234]

PRS seems to be dominating the PR/marketing game. The SE Silver Sky was a massive success, I'm guessing the SE DGT will be similar.

[@30smsuperstrat]

If the price is the same as the silver sky, maybe. Far fewer young guitarists know who David is vs. John. I have a feeling this one will be priced more than Pauls Guitar SE due to the set neck and trem.

[@LuisMorales-xr1gm]

@@30smsuperstrat Last Friday on Phil Mcknight's podcast, he said the price is $849 for a non burst with moon inlays and $899 for a burst with bird inlays. He mentioned colors are black and gold. I also heard one channel say Gold and McCarty Tobacco burst. I'll just wait until PRS announces the colors and price to be sure.

[@ChrstnSmrvllMsc]

I concur, but at the same time... with this one, like... "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY," ya know!? 🤷‍♂😂😂

[@mattbrown193]

@@30smsuperstrat isn’t Paul’s Guitar SE a set neck as well?

[@30smsuperstrat]

@Matt Brown yes thats what I meant. The silver sky is a simple bolt on. The DGT is a set neck like Pauls plus a trem. I could see it costing more than Paul's.

[@flybynight1929]

Was hoping to hear DG play the SE. I can't believe the time and effort PRS puts into these sub $1000 guitars, it's amazing.

[@BAMozzy69]

That's got to be coming in Part 3 - after all, we have only got to the point in the development story where DG has just received the first Prototypes that PRS were 'happy' to send him. This happened once they were sure they could confidently ensure the 'neck' would be within necessary tolerances as discussed in the video above, and where I'm sure the final Part 3 will include DG playing the SE DGT and passing it for 'release'. It's not just PRS's name on this model and, like we saw JM play the SE SS, we will see DG play the SE DGT

[@zwip778]

It makes sense they would the spend most time on SE and the least time on the private stock because of quantity sold. I’m talking research, product development, engineering, marketing here not time spent building a single guitar obviously the PS takes way more time building a single guitar but has no development to speak of

[@wallclock4648]

@@zwip778 WHO BUYS PRIVATE STOCKS I WANNA KNOW

[@tymattheu4820]

I won't be suprised to see this break $1000......

[@flybynight1929]

@@wallclock4648 I have one, a Santana. Amazing guitar. Every time I play it my hands seem to melt on the fretboard.

[@artecki.songwriter]

Once DGT SE is available I am getting it. I love PRS guitars. These instruments do not fight you they make you play. I hoped for DGT SE and PRS has made them a reality

[@JS-nf1sn]

They are going to sell a ton of these. I think it's awesome that PRS is going to become a guitar that everyone has, like Fenders. They have the best quality of any major guitar company period, and that doesn't get enough credit. Hope they'll make lefty versions, so I can get one.

[@RKs_MusicLife]

I have never been more excited about a guitar release. The full blown PRS version ticked all the boxes, but my goodness it's expensive for us mere mortals. Getting the SE DGT certainly seems like a good way to get into PRS guitars for me!

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍💓🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!! RELIC FREE SINCE 1985!

[@synonyx]

I usually only buy Maryland-Made PRS's but this one.... I think I might have to pre-order one of these! Probably going to be the best SE yet.

[@east83music]

this is awesome! in my opinion the dgt is one of prs’ best models, sonically/tonally speaking..and now an affordable version. prs just doesnt stop innovating. 👌🏽

[@yagoravell7944]

OMG! Gold with the moon inlays? Pure perfection!

[@satanpuncher06]

I was kinda hoping for Birds but I’m still really excited about this

[@ahabshell3571]

@@satanpuncher06 : there will be a se DGT with mccarty sunburst and birds

[@satanpuncher06]

@@ahabshell3571 yeah but I want the gold top with birds. Oh well the moons are kinda growing on me

[@liamwagner9160]

PRS -the peoples guitar company. Continue this marketing and you will continue to surpass everyone in the industry. Great job y’all

[@chrisrva710]

Seeing an SE gold top with moons is a dream.

[@jeremydahm2124]

So awesome that everybody knows who Dave Grissom is. Workin man guitar player designs one of the coolest, most versatile PRS guitars in the line up, with the man himself. Love my goldtop. No doubt the SE is going to be a beauty.

[@davidrees1840]

It would be a shame if he became like Les Paul, where everyone knows the guitar but not his music -these guitars may be that good!

[@chuckshaw1593]

The guy cutting the neck in half made my heart drop.

[@rdmkeytohwy]

I have been looking for the perfect electric guitar for years now. I may have just found it. I was hoping and praying they would come out with an SE version of this guitar. Making it just like David’s favorite guitar is a fantastic idea. The finish being a gold top is also perfect. I can’t wait to get my hands on one and hopefully take one home. Great job PRS!!!!

[@wesleymorris1]

You guys are killing it, like usual, no other guitar company, keeps me excited for the next thing, like u guys do. I'm blown away, u make me spend to much money. Lol

[@ImLordBaltimore]

I think there will be no better ad for this guitar than that "Damn!" Grissom let out as he looked it over for the first time.

[@VintageRadius]

Neck profile is so important! Love that this is going to follow a custom DGT profile. It changes the way I approach the guitar and ultimately how I bond with it (or don't). Personally not a fan of thin necks. I love a neck that is full but not too thick at the 1st fret and gets thicker as you go up to the 12th. The DGT neck profile on PRS website is essentially the holy grail specs for me: 0.843" at 1/2 fret and 0.953" at the 12th. Neck width is slightly more narrow than the 1 11/16". Sounds perfect. Can't wait to see how this turns out!!

[@frantisca]

Yeah... Neck carve is crucial. I could have made with a slightly wider neck width and just a tad fatter. My idael profile is the Gibson '64 SG. But I won't go into slicing it like they did for this prototype 😱 Let's hear these pickups now !!

[@oinochoe]

You guys know how to build a suspense

[@joelortiz2281]

When they cut the neck at 8:28, I cried a little. 😢

[@gkott78]

been waiting patiently for this part 2!!!

[@Paul-D]

oooooh its a gold top! Ive been going on about this guitar on my channel since before I knew it was coming haha. can't wait to get on to try

[@satanpuncher06]

Man it’s like Paul is reading my mind. The fact that there are 3 SE guitars on my wishlist says a lot.

[@JD-ey8hw]

Super excited but hope theres some different finishes available and a version with birds 🤞

[@troykelso]

Phil McKnight reported that there'll be a gold top with moons for $849, and burst colors with birds for $899.

[@toneydavis9802]

I am absolutely stoked about this release. I can't wait. Gonna look great next to my 35th Anniversary SE.

[@lawlaw1]

Incredible company that keeps get it right. For love of god please make a lefty of the DGT!!

[@kolchak3578]

Love what I’m seeing. Can’t wait to play one.

[@MrSmiley1964]

I've been watching videos for about a month now. I can't wait until I can put my hands around the neck of the Gold Top. The main selling point on that one for me are the moon inlays, followed closely by the lack of a flame veneer. I bought my first PRS used in '87 and I love the old pattern necks. We will see what happens.

[@nabilcharbel4136]

Looks absolutely killer, can't wait to see one in person

[@mikelemon1111]

I’m in love with PRS !

[@lchen3194]

I have a 2009 DGT. Perfect guitar

[@AuroraTone]

Hell yeah! That looks Incredible! Can't wait to order one🍻

[@garyhunter2013]

Can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!!!

[@JonKaneshiroGuitar]

Yes!! Been waiting for this. Can’t wait to pick one of these up for my channel!

[@philipvalenti6464]

Let’s gooo I’m so excited for this model!!

[@justinespinosa7878]

Can’t wait to get my mitts on one!

[@dannysiacovouguitar]

Come on the suspense is killing me!! Part 3 Reveal????? Cant wait really!!! DG is an amazing guitarist with great tone and I have fallen in love with his signature model. Always wanted one and I thought maybe someday I would get my dream guitar. Maybe that day can come sooner than I thought with the SE

[@timothy5974]

I’m very excited, I have been looking for my next guitar and I just think being part of the PRS family is it. I am over the moon about the gold top. I am sure it will be a while before orders are taken but I’m patient. I’m looking for my only guitar, I just want one. Thanx Jack for these updates. 👍🤓

[@marc_leblanc]

It's a beautiful piece of art!!

[@joehiatt1992]

Got the DGT gold w/birds got a great deal off ebay years ago a store went out of business,great guitar,I also like Daves style of playing

[@jonathankvex]

Really excited for this!

[@sigsfast]

DGT has always been my bucket list guitar. I can’t wait for this!

[@troykelso]

Man, I am so stoked.

[@fbvilela]

I will buy one of those sight unseen! I’m in love with my silver sky se and love how well it was setup right out of the box. Can’t wait for it to be launched

[@ClintTucker]

This is amazing!!! I can't wait to try one!!!

[@wallyg3]

Can't wait to hear those pickups

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

What a great team at PRS. I miss it!

[@rodwelles5110]

A great thank you to David and the PRS team in Maryland and the Cort team! I really wanted a backup for my Core Wood Library DGT but an SE version that I can play out with outdoors when the weather is questionable. Thanks for putting in all the effort y’all…. The DGT is such an exceptional instrument in its tones and feel…Got a Goldtop Moons on order thanks to John Mann at the Guitar Vault……..Rod Welles, Seacoast NH/S. Maine 😀😀🎸Tone is Paramount!

[@d3n1fx]

Finally a DGT SE model for all of us :)

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

EXCELLENT.

[@TheCadegoodspeed45]

I want one. Cant wait till they are out!

[@MrAntpre]

Please make an se model of the fiore , mark liettieri's model. 🙏🙏🙏

[@dongypooh]

Shive sighting!

[@christopherlo9446]

I am so hyped for this

[@gregmize01]

Gold top!!!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@LLVG83]

The DGT Standard I owned had the best neck I ever played. Only sold it because I wanted something different, probably missed the maple cap sonically. Glad to hear PRS puts so much effort into this SE model. I'm sure it will be great.

[@EricDeibler]

I am so psyched about this model. And I ain't got no goldtop yet!!

[@jochen970]

That ending shot is gold.... top. Sry couldnt resist

[@mikaelflodstrom6370]

👍🏻 Very interesting!

[@timmy_squibs]

Can’t wait for this guitar. Gives me hope PRS will do a Tremonti SE baritone one day.

[@2550marshall]

I'm still waiting on the PRS SE CE Custom 24.

[@richardb7686]

GOLDTOP!!! YES!

[@vivianlacle1829]

I would love to have the traditional birds inlay

[@troykelso]

Phil McKnight reported that there'll be a gold top with moons for $849, and burst colors with birds for $899.

[@RaspySquares]

Yes dude. And it has moon inlays. Need to hear it...part 3 please.

[@gregeddins5854]

Cool to see the Saxon Pub on display!

[@jasonsapp792]

I bet that was a proud/happy moment when David said..."DAMN it looks JuSt like mine!" I own a 2008 DGT and am excited to try the SE version...I own SE's now that I really love...S2 and Core also but something really great in the SE line

[@thomashubbell1960]

It's really exciting to see how involved David Grissom has been in the development of this. He comes across as someone with a ton of integrity and someone who definitely doesn't want his name on a guitar if he's not happy with it. I'm really excited about this, but I'm a little worried about one thing....They talked about key elements of the Core model that they wanted to get right for the SE version but they didn't mention the fret wire. I REALLY hope these have larger frets than they typically use on their SEs.

[@LuisMorales-xr1gm]

My dealer already put my name to one of the 4 they are getting in January. One of the colors available for the SE DGT is Tobacco McCarty Burst with a flamed maple top(veneer) and bird inlays. As you see at the end of this video , it's also available in a Goldtop. Whether it's true or not, I heard it is also available in black as well,but either way, I chose the flamed top Tobacco Burst. The only things I "might" upgrade are the tuners to PRS locking tuners, swap out the pots to core CTS pots, put a core PRS nut on it, core PRS strap buttons, and core lampshade knobs. I will send it to the PRS factory to have the PTC do all the work.

[@DiscoScottie]

Goddamn I love me some PRS. Best guitar company ever.

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Cant WAIT!

[@diegomahoudeau934]

Il definitely buying this

[@jasong546]

Im on the list baby

[@walbinruiz4969]

That goldtop with the moon inlays (or dots) That David revealed, is the SE that I have been waiting for, please release it.

[@theeagleandponyshow7732]

Please make sure the back plates are recessed! and it would be nice to see the famous PRS KNOB INDENTS!

[@RadityoPramAdi]

give us part 3 already !! its killin me lol...

[@SenXu]

can't wait

[@Arch_Stanton.]

Gold top + moon inlays. 🤝

[@chrislancaster7162]

I’m so excited about this release. DGT has been on my wish list for so long but has always just been out of reach financially. If it’s half as good as the full fat USA version from a neck feel point of view and pickups they can take my money now!

[@smcmestriner]

The first SE ever that is going to have recessed knobs...? 😀 Those first shots looked really good!!

[@troykelso]

It looks like it has a beveled top like the other SEs - I don't see any recessed knobs.

[@Morten6842]

​@@troykelso me neither, the carve looks very shallow too. But that is to be expected from an se. Looks Nice.

[@chadp.7420]

@@troykelso The guitar shown @ 9:21 has recessed knobs, but I didn't see them on the prototype DG took out of the bag. I think this one is an SE because it looked like the back plates were not recessed. We'll know soon enough.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

@@chadp.7420 My Korean SE has recessed plates, but my newer Indonesian one does not. S2's are not recessed either. One more cost cutting step I guess.

[@charlesoxley7242]

@@chadp.7420 I'm guessing that the one that you are referencing is a core DGT. I would be very happy if I'm wrong.

[@Takeiteasy11]

I’m not a PRS guy but I love these videos!!

[@hkguitar1984]

It was good to end this second part with Dave's obvious pleasure at the cosmetics. I've never considered a PRS due to the finishes they use, I've tried to own instruments with only a very thin nitro or shellac finishes. That being the case, for the lower cost I might have to bend my own rules and seriously consider a SE DGT!

[@KenithCopeland]

well damn it. my favourite guitar players always, ALWAYS say how much they love the DGT and it was just not an option for me to find one (hard to find in australia and at a reasonable price is even sillier). i was lucky enough to get a pre order for the se silver sky and i love it. ill be putting in a pre order for one of these bad boys the second i can

[@JackTheSkunk]

Give it a beautiful hand applied Dark Cherryburst finish and I'm in.

[@henryrodriguez2054]

Within this past year, I have accumulated 3 PRS SE guitars. Two of them used, a 245 Singlecut, a Bernie Marsden, and then a new 2022 Pauls SE. I was thinking to myself, that it would be great if they made a DGT SE. Talk about wishful thinking. I can't wait to hear and play one of these DGT SE guitars myself.

[@Wanderer_XJ]

Stoked! Curious to see when the price tag is released.

[@TheMujiFuji]

Is David going to use an off the shelf SE DGT for his clinics like he does the Core DGT? Looks like I need one. My SE Kestrel is excellent!

[@franckrichard8077]

I wish there could be 2 graphite rods at 8:31.... most "modern" builders such as EVH, Charvel, Schecter have them on their guitars and honestly I would pay gladly more on the PRS SE if they had also those reinforcements .... I can't wait to ear what those DGT can do, especially if they have also the push pull

[@zwip778]

FINALLY 🎉🎉🎉

[@TomTheWise_]

I really hope for an updated SE245 with violin carve in 2023...

[@DeadLySk1ttL3s2113]

If the SE comes out with a gold top. I'm buying it. That's my final word it.

[@gorlagOv]

There’s a gold top one!

[@nicvortec]

yeah yeah tease tease im waiting for, allready

[@crystaloffrost]

What about the jumbo frets on DGT, they are also propriatry to DGT and in fact it is the only model of PRS to fetaure jumbo frets. You wont skip on that detail right :)..?

[@nevessl576]

Y'all are killing me with the video per week thing.

[@bescanocft]

woohoo! I've always wanted to try a DGT. Will the pickups be a DGT TCI version or inspired by/ standard "S" version of the 2010 model?

[@jamesnichols5998]

So glad you guys pulled this off. Now where do I get one and how much is it?

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Allegedly! $845, goldtop+moons $895, sunburst+birds

[@mikasihite5346]

Noooooo I should’ve waited !!

[@philf4086]

My guess - painted tops (3 colors) standard, sunburst or special top additional $150. Market price - $1500. Might cause me to sell my Epi '59 LP.

[@troykelso]

Phil McKnight reported that he heard there'll be a gold top with moons for $849, and burst colors with birds for $899.

[@roncollins6259]

PRS puts this much effort into the SE line, and Gibson can't get there U.S. quality control consistant. Yeah, it's gotten better recently, no doubt, but every single SE guitar I pick up (lots since a friend is PRS dealer in MD) is spot on. I have never picked up even 1, out of hundreds over the years, that had any "issues" at all! That is super impressive. Seems to me, that the very early 2000's is when import guitars started getting so good with some manufacturers (fender) etc... I feel like PRS had a big impact. They either stepped up, or step aside for PRS to totally dominate that market(average income players). I haven't been this exciting about a new model guitar ever. Please PRS... give it jumbo frets! I'll buy one anyway, just sayin! Lol.

[@Roomsound101]

Would really like to see a DGT in the S2 lineup!

[@Roomsound101]

Absolutely!!!!

[@Roomsound101]

Looks like a SCAM in the works here! Using a PRS logo too BEWARE!!!!

[@jscotarm2540]

I still wear my "PRS Guitars Maryland Made" long sleeve t-shirt, but will have to add "except SE's". Why build SE's halfway around the world when you could have opened up a "SE building" in Stevensville or just about anywhere on the Maryland Eastern Shore? All of these "challenges" that Jack mentions. Instead of getting up for a 3 a.m. conference call or flying for 24 hours in order to "hit the ground running" for some assembly glitch the biggest problem you'd have is whether to walk to the SE building or drive. Pretty substantial investment for, I guess, low-cost labor. Do you have to follow the model that every other guitar manufacturer follows with low-cost guitars? Silver Sky's and now the DGT show the demand is there, so expand your production capacity in Stevensville and let the sales volume do the talking. Love my SE Starla, btw. Wish it read "Made in Maryland".