“Completely shatters the expectations for a guitar geared toward modern metal”: PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN review

Guitar World Verdict

A superb 7-string guitar that’s got a lot more going for it than just modern metal tones, the PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN is an eminently playable extended-range guitar with a surprising amount of tonal versatility.

Pros
+Surprisingly versatile pickups.

+Ultra playable satin neck.

+Stunning build quality.

Cons
-Pickups might not be high output enough for some.

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As one-third of Periphery’s triumvirate guitar attack, it’s safe to say Mark Holcomb knows a thing or two about crushingly heavy riffing. Periphery has fast become one of the most influential bands in the world of progressive metal and one of the flag-bearers of a sound affectionately known as ‘djent’ alongside bands like Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, Tesseract, and many more.

Prototyped back in late 2017/early 2018, the PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN resulted from a close collaboration in design between Mark and the Maryland-based guitar giant. An affordable version of his core signature model, it’s one of few 7-string guitars in the PRS lineup, making it a unique proposition for players who want an extended-range guitar that isn’t just a shred or metal machine.

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Matt is a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World and has been playing guitar as his main instrument for well over 20 years. He also plays drums, bass, and keys – producing out of his home studio in Manchester, UK. He has previously worked for Dawsons Music, Northwest Guitars, and freelanced for various magazines and blogs, writing reviews, how-to’s, and features. When he’s not downloading the latest VSTs or justifying yet another guitar pedal purchase, you’ll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS.