PRS and Mark Holcomb (Periphery) have teamed up to bring you a 7-string version of 2016’s widely popular SE Mark Holcomb signature guitar. Here’s your first look.
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The SE Mark Holcomb SVN is a highly specialized 7-string that manages to bring all of Periphery’s defining characteristics — from downtuned jack-hammer speed riffing to far-reaching sweeps and runs — to a highly capable, highly comfortable intermediate instrument.
Fans of the 2016 SE will be pleased to know that the SE Mark Holcomb SVN brings many of the previous model’s key features — Duncan pickups, a plate-style, string-through bridge, a 20″ fingerboard radius, and a wide-thin maple set neck — to a longer-scale 7-string model. The 26.5″ scale length makes a comfortable transition from the previous SE but gives you plenty of tension for drop-tuning and aggressive picking so as not to bottom out your strings.
Stunning Veneered Maple Tops
Both versions of the SE Mark Holcomb SVN feature solid maple tops on rich, resonant mahogany backs. You get your choice of two stunning veneers. The quilted maple veneer in Holcomb Burst gloss makes the perfect match to your existing PRS Holcomb collection — both the 2016 SE and 2015 Core models. Fans of a more stripped-down look will definitely want to check out the walnut-veneered SVN, which is decked out in a natural satin finish to allow the full beauty of the wood to come through.
Scorched-earth 20″ Fingerboard Radius
Highly unique for any guitar bearing the PRS name is the SE Mark Holcomb SVN’s ultra-flat, 20″-radiused ebony fingerboard. This feature minimizes buzz and note loss when bending while at the same time catering to a technically inclined, thumb-behind playing technique.
Fixed “Plate” Bridge
Mark was also particular about the bridge design on his signature SE SVN. He and Paul came up with a fixed plate-style, string-through bridge to maintain a low profile while providing maximum sustain and rock-solid intonation.
“I’m very picky about the way a bridge sits on my guitar, and the way my hand sits on a bridge. This one sits at the perfect height for me.” Mark Holcomb on his SE SVN
Duncan Alpha/Omega Pickups
Like the 2016 SE and the 2015 Core models, the SE Mark Holcomb SVN comes equipped with Mark’s choice of premium Seymour Duncan pickups. The bridge-position Duncan Omega gives you aggressive punch and growling lows, with enough clarity to retain its character when overdriven. The neck-position Duncan Alpha gives you forward mids and searing highs to really sell those palm mutes and descending riffs. Both pickups feature push-pull coil splitting to unearth gossamer clean tones for quieter passages.
“It’s as angry, versatile, and aggressive as the (Limited Edition) 2015 (Core) model.”
Conclusion
There’s your exclusive Sweetwater first look at the PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN 7-string electric guitar. If you have more questions, then feel free to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
