Zap!:Dweezil designs mandolin-inspired guitar for PRS
(John Gorbe | Posted 2011-01-25)
PRS's new Dweezil Zappa Private Stock semi-hollow model features a unique Custom 24 mandolin-inspired shape and is patterned after the guitar Dweezil designed with the PRS Private Stock team.
From across the room you’ll spot this guitar out of a pile of Paul Reed Smiths because this guitar has a body style different from anything in their lineup. The upper cutaway is carved in a classic PRS styling but the lower bout of the body features a steep cutaway that flows into a very small horn that’s positioned deep enough for very easy access to the 24th fret.
Something else that will grab your attention are the creative inlays on the fingerboard. Bass clefs are found in the lower register while treble clefs mark the higher register. This is a really creative approach that I’ve never seen before!
F-holes adorn the beautiful quilted maple top showing off the exquisite semi-hollow designed body. Maple binding is provided giving the body a classy tri-color look from a side angle that’s easy on the eyes. 57/08 pickups are seen here with a 3-way toggle switch and a recessed volume and tone control with a coil tap.
Other features include a ribboned mahogany back, ebony fingerboard, 24 fret “Pattern” neck profile with a 25” scale length, a stop bridge or tremolo and an exclusive thin, semi-gloss nitro finish with an array of Private Stock colors to choose from.
“The guitar has a beautiful, natural sustain and fantastic playability all the way to the 24th fret," says Zappa. "The shorter horn gives you great access. It’s one of the easiest guitars I’ve ever had the good fortune to play. The pickup configuration offers some really nice tonal variety as well. The out of phase quack is really cool.”
From a press release.
