PRS
PRS Modern Eagle V 10-Top Electric Guitar Charcoal
100
EJ Score
Legendary $5,900.00
The Charcoal finish variant of PRS's flagship Modern Eagle V. Same 17-tone switching system, TCI pickups, and premium tonewoods as other MEV models, just in stealthy charcoal.
100
EJ Score
Legendary Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Dual TCI pickups with coil-splitting mini toggles deliver clear single-coil sparkle and full-range humbucker firepower with perfectly balanced volume
- +NS-01 middle single-coil enables quacky in-between sounds when flipping through the 5-way switch's veritable library of tones
- +Lightweight mahogany body with flame maple 10-Top provides firm tonal foundation with depth, richness, and cutting clarity
- +Old-school PRS Pattern neck carved into mahogany with rosewood fingerboard shaped to 10-inch radius for effortless playability
- +Released in extremely limited numbers (200 of each color) as part of Experience PRS 2020, making it a collectible modern classic
Cons
- −Push/pull tone control and multiple mini toggles require significant time investment to master all 17 available tones
- −Charcoal finish may show wear and fingerprints like other gloss MEV finishes, requiring regular maintenance
- −Limited production run means availability is scarce and pricing remains firm in used market with no discounts
The Verdict
Same stellar 5/5 Guitar World rating as the other MEV finishes. This is Paul Reed Smith’s modern benchmark guitar, combining time-tested maple-capped mahogany construction with forward-thinking electronics that put classic and new tones at your fingertips. The Charcoal finish is more understated than flashy bursts, perfect for players who want pro-level versatility without peacocking. At $5,900, it’s a serious investment, but you’re getting a limited-run USA instrument that perfectly embraces modern design, playability, and tone for home, stage, and studio.
