The Story of the PRS Modern Eagle Series

Introduction

The “Modern Eagle” name evokes a sense of soaring design ambitions: premium tonewoods, refined craftsmanship, and aesthetics to match. The Modern Eagle line sits at the upper echelon of PRS’s Core models, blending the company’s signature birds‑in‑flight inlays and figured maple tops with advanced electronics and exclusive finishes. In the larger PRS story (founded by Paul Reed Smith in 1985) the Modern Eagle is a high‑water mark of ambition—designed for players and collectors who demand more than “just another guitar.” 

Origins & First Generation (2004‑2007)

The Modern Eagle’s introduction is listed in PRS’s Model History as beginning in 2004. 

Key features of that first run included:

• Carved highly figured maple top + mahogany back. 

• Brazilian rosewood neck and fretboard (in many cases). 

• 22‑frets, 10″ radius, ripple abalone bird inlays, and a Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay with “Modern Eagle” inlay. 

• Ultra‑thin satin nitro‑cellulose finishes in eight special colours, and the “RP” pickups. 

• A “Singlecut Modern Eagle” variant was available in the same timeframe. 

This first generation was very much a statement piece: premium materials, luxury aesthetic, and built to stand out. As one forum poster put it:

“The Modern Eagle was basically the production version of Paul’s personal guitar.” 

Modern Eagle II & Anniversary Editions (2008‑2012)

Following the initial run, the “II” version was introduced around 2008‑2009. According to PRS:

• Modern Eagle II (2008‑2009) used carved maple tops, mahogany back, Indian rosewood neck/fretboard, 10″ radius, 22 frets, ripple abalone bird inlays, Indian rosewood headstock overlay, Phase II locking tuners, gloss nitro finish. 

• For the 25th Anniversary of PRS (2010), we saw: Modern Eagle II (25th Anniversary) and Modern Eagle III Narrowfield (25th Anniversary). The “III Narrowfield” included three Narrowfield pickups. 

• Also in 2010: “Modern Eagle Quatro” (2010‑2012) with four pickups (3–? layout) and other premium touches. 

These iterations show PRS keeping the “Modern Eagle” identity alive, innovating in pickup configuration and aesthetic while retaining top‑level materials and craftsmanship.

Modern Eagle V / Current Era (2012‑present)

The “Modern Eagle V” is the present‑day embodiment of the line and represents a further leap in electronics and tone‑versatility. From PRS’s site:

“Modern Eagle models have always been built to stand up to history while celebrating tonewoods and the discovery of new tones.” 

Key specs include:

• 25” scale length, 22 frets, pattern mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, maple top + mahogany back. 

• Innovative pickup layout: hum‑single‑hum (5‑coil) configuration, 5‑way blade switch selecting groups of pickups (treble, treble+middle, middle, middle+bass, bass). Push/pull tone control allows accessing all three pickups simultaneously; mini‑toggles further split humbuckers into single‑coil mode. 

• Gen III tremolo, Phase III locking tuners, premium one‑piece top options, etc. 

Thus, while the original gave premium wood and finish, the Modern Eagle V adds a quantum jump in electronics versatility—making it more than just a luxury instrument, but one for serious tone‑hounds and studio players.

Why It Matters (for Buyers & Collectors)

For your boutique store, the Modern Eagle line offers several compelling narrative threads you can use to enhance product descriptions, blog posts, and customer education:

1. Craftsmanship & Materials – Premium maple tops (10‑Top) and often Brazilian rosewood necks/fretboards set these guitars apart. That “top wood calibre” story resonates strongly with discerning buyers.

2. Limited Runs & Variants – Early runs (2004‑07) are finite; anniversary editions and “III/Quatro” variants add collector appeal.

3. Evolving Features – The progression from luxury tonewoods to advanced electronics (especially in the V) shows PRS responding to guitarists who want both premium aesthetics and performance versatility.

4. Brand‑Heritage Statement – The Modern Eagle line sits at the intersection of PRS’s high‑end heritage and its future‑oriented design, making it a flagship model in many retailers’ showrooms.

5. Resale & Legacy – Given the materials, finish quality, and brand prestige, a well‑maintained Modern Eagle holds resale value, making it a more investable instrument for the buyer who treats guitars as both tool and collectible.