The Paul Reed Smith 40th Anniversary Special Semi-Hollow Limited Edition in Faded Whale Blue stands as a milestone instrument from one of the most influential builders of the modern era. For forty years, Paul Reed Smith has pursued a singular goal: to build guitars with uncompromising consistency, musicality, and craftsmanship. This limited edition celebrates that legacy with a design that blends vintage inspiration, forward-thinking engineering, and meticulous attention to detail in a way only PRS can deliver.

The semi-hollow body construction with a single f-hole adds an airy resonance and harmonic depth, giving the guitar a lively, breathing quality while retaining focus and sustain. An Artist Grade figured maple top, carved in PRS’s elegant violin carve, brings visual drama beneath the rich Faded Whale Blue nitro finish, while the Black Limba back contributes warmth, clarity, and a distinctive tonal character. At just 7 lbs 2 oz, the guitar feels effortlessly balanced and comfortable, whether seated or standing.

The one-piece Black Limba neck is shaped in PRS’s Pattern profile, offering a familiar, confidence-inspiring feel across the full 25-inch scale length. With 22 frets, a 1 11/16-inch nut width, and a 10-inch fretboard radius, the Honduran Rosewood fretboard delivers a smooth, articulate playing surface that suits everything from refined chord work to expressive lead lines. “Old School” bird inlays with outlines and the Pre-Factory Eagle headstock logo pay homage to PRS history, reinforcing the celebratory nature of this instrument.

Sonically, this guitar is exceptionally versatile. PRS McCarty III pickups in the treble and bass positions provide rich, harmonically complex tones with clarity and punch, while the Narrowfield middle pickup adds focus and definition. The control layout, featuring volume and tone controls, a 5-way blade switch, and two mini-toggle coil-tap switches, opens up a wide palette of sounds that move effortlessly from vintage-inspired warmth to modern precision.

Premium hardware completes the package, including the PRS Patented Tremolo Gen III for smooth, stable performance and PRS Phase III locking tuners with wing buttons for rock-solid tuning. The hybrid hardware finish, double-acting truss rod with “40th Special” cover, and PRS Signature 10-46 strings reflect the brand’s relentless pursuit of refinement.

Housed in a PRS ATA Multi-Fit Molded Case with a 40th Anniversary certificate, this limited edition is more than a guitar. It is a celebration of four decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion from Paul Reed Smith, and a fitting tribute to the past, present, and future of PRS guitars.