Epiphone PR5E Vintage Sunburst

This second hand guitar is in very good condition

The Epiphone PR-5E is an acoustic-electric guitar with a distinctive design that has remained popular for decades. Originally introduced in 1990, the PR-5E was designed with a body shape inspired by Epiphone's classic electric guitars, particularly models such as the Sheraton and Casino. Its sharp Florentine cutaway gives it a look that is quite different from the conventional dreadnought or jumbo acoustic. 

A Distinctive Design

The first thing you notice about the PR-5E is the body shape. The large lower bout gives it a substantial acoustic appearance, while the Florentine cutaway adds a touch of classic Epiphone styling and provides much easier access to the higher frets.

The body is also shallower than a traditional acoustic guitar, measuring around 3.5 inches deep. This makes the PR-5E comfortable to hold and, importantly for a performance instrument, helps reduce the likelihood of feedback when playing at higher volume. Epiphone specifically promoted the model as being suited to live performance. 

Comfortable to Play

The PR-5E has a 25.5-inch scale length, giving it a familiar feel for anyone used to playing Fender-style electric guitars as well as acoustic instruments. 

The relatively slim body makes the guitar particularly comfortable when seated or standing, and the cutaway means lead lines and higher chord voicings are much easier to reach than on a traditional full-bodied acoustic.

It is a guitar that feels designed with the performing musician in mind rather than simply being an instrument for strumming at home.

Acoustic Tone

Acoustically, the PR-5E produces a bright and clear sound. The large lower bout gives it a decent amount of projection and body, while the shallower construction contributes to its relatively focused character.

It is particularly effective for rhythm playing and strumming, where the clear upper frequencies help chords cut through a mix.

Built for Amplification

The PR-5E really comes into its own when plugged in.

Depending on the production period, PR-5E guitars were fitted with different versions of Epiphone's acoustic-electric electronics, including Shadow and later eSonic/Fishman systems. The eSonic-equipped versions incorporated a NanoFlex pickup and preamp, while later examples used Fishman Presys electronics. 

The combination of the pickup system and shallower body makes the PR-5E particularly well suited to live performance. It can be considerably easier to manage on stage than a large, resonant acoustic that is prone to feedback.

The onboard controls also give the player useful control over the amplified sound, allowing the guitar to be shaped to suit a PA or acoustic amplifier.

A Great Stage Guitar

This is where the PR-5E makes the most sense.

It is not trying to compete with a high-end traditional acoustic for pure unplugged tone. Instead, it offers a practical combination of comfortable dimensions, distinctive looks, good acoustic projection and reliable amplified performance.

The Florentine cutaway is especially useful for musicians who regularly move beyond basic open chords, while the relatively compact body makes it easy to handle during longer performances.

A Guitar With Character

One of the best things about the PR-5E is that it doesn't look like every other acoustic guitar.

The design has a definite Epiphone personality, and the sharp cutaway gives it a slightly retro appearance that works particularly well with the brand's electric-guitar heritage.

There is also a strong following for older PR-5E guitars, with examples from the Korean production era still turning up on the used market. The model's long production history means specifications can vary considerably between individual examples, so it is worth checking the electronics and construction of a particular guitar rather than assuming every PR-5E is identical.

The Epiphone PR-5E is an interesting and practical acoustic-electric guitar that has stood the test of time.

Its distinctive Florentine cutaway, comfortable shallow body and 25.5-inch scale make it easy to play, while its acoustic-electric design makes it particularly useful for gigging musicians. The guitar's strength is arguably its versatility: it works as a perfectly capable acoustic at home but really comes alive when connected to an amplifier or PA.

For players looking for an affordable used acoustic-electric with a distinctive appearance and strong stage credentials, the PR-5E remains well worth considering.

A distinctive, comfortable and stage-friendly acoustic-electric, the Epiphone PR-5E is a great example of Epiphone thinking beyond the traditional acoustic guitar design.