Description
The PRS NF 53 is Paul Reed Smith’s modern interpretation of the iconic T-style guitar — and arguably the Maryland brand’s most daring design since the Silver Sky debuted in 2018! Inspired by one of Paul’s favourite vintage instruments from 1953, this model blends a resonant Swamp Ash body with a 22-fret, 25.5″ Maple neck and a unique set of PRS Narrowfield DD (“Deep Dish”) pickups. Speaking of…
PRS Narrowfield DD pickups
These innovative “Deep Dish” pickups inject some modern warmth into this retro-inspired instrument. They’re made with taller bobbins to fit more winds and extra metal pieces in between the magnets — yielding a more powerful, focused tone.
Vintage vibe meets modern precision
The NF 53 is loaded with thoughtful appointments: master volume and tone controls, a 3-way blade switch, reliable PRS Phase III tuners, a bone nut, plus a steel plate-style bridge with brass saddles for that old-school sound and aesthetic with rock-solid performance.
Paul Reed Smith on the NF 53
“I am so pleased with the feedback from the artists who have played this guitar — everyone is telling us that we have something special here,” said Paul Reed Smith. “If you are a fan of this style and tone, the NF 53 will take you where you want to go. To me, to have this kind of beautiful high-end without the hum is game-changing.” — Paul Reed Smith
Key Features
- Satin nitro finish: A sleek, understated finish that feels silky smooth and lets the wood breathe for a rich, open tone. Over time, it’ll gracefully age and develop a unique vintage character that’s all yours!
- ‘Pattern 53’ neck profile: Comfort meets tradition — this custom carve offers a familiar feel that’s perfect for both rhythm and lead work.
- PRS Narrowfield DD pickups: The “Deep Dish” design combines mixed magnets and steel pole pieces for sparkling highs and tight lows, delivering clarity without sacrificing warmth or punch.
- Plate-style bridge: Crafted from steel for a lively sound, paired with brass saddles for exceptional sustain.
- PRS Phase III tuners: Lightweight, elegant and engineered for tone transfer — boosting resonance while keeping your guitar locked in tune.
- Included premium gig bag: Travel in style and confidence with a rugged, high-quality gig bag designed to keep your NF 53 safe wherever you go.
Specifications
Body
- Top Carve: Flat Top
- Body Wood: Swamp Ash
- Body Construction: Solid Body
Neck
- Neck Wood: Maple
- Neck Construction: Scarfed
- Neck Shape: Pattern 53
- Neck/Body Assembly Type: Bolt-On
- Fingerboard Wood: Maple
- Fingerboard Radius: 10”
- Fingerboard Inlay: Birds
- Number of Frets: 22
- Neck Width at the Nut: 1 41/64″
- Neck Width at the Body: 2 7/32″
- Scale Length: 25.5”
- Truss Rod: PRS Double-Acting
- Headstock Logo: Signature
Hardware
- Bridge: PRS Plate-Style, Steel
- Tuners: PRS Phase III Non-Locking with Wing Buttons
- Hardware Type: Nickel
- Nut: Bone
- Truss Rod Cover: “NF 53”
Electronics
- Treble Pickup: Narrowfield DD
- Bass Pickup: Narrowfield DD
- Controls: Volume & Tone Controls with 3-Way Blade Pickup Switch
Miscellaneous
- Strings: PRS Signature, 10-46
- Case: Premium Gig Bag (Included)
