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Posted: 2/24/2015 5:21:39 PM EDT
I have been reading about this PRS NF3 for a few weeks searching forums and found that nearly everyone who owns one loves it. 25 1/4 in. scale, korina body, bolt on neck, and three narrow-field humbucker pickups with the wonderful PRS tremolo. Owners report the guitar has a sound of its own and is very inspiring. I found the below guitar still new and unsold since 2011. Apparently they are out of production. I have never seen one in person, but I bought it and it is shipping today. I have always dreamt of a owning a Strat with a PRS tremolo. From what I've read this comes pretty close and then some, giving single coil sound and nice P90 and HB sounds depending on where you set the volume control. If any of you guys own one, Id love to hear how you like it.
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Posted: 2/24/2015 11:08:37 PM EDT
[#1]
Saw your same post on the Gear Page.  I have two NF3s. One I bought last year (natural color, rosewood fretboard), and one I bought this year used (2011) in frost blue metallic. Took a flyer on the used one because I preferred the color and the maple neck and the price was right. I will be selling the natural/rosewood one. It is a great guitar but I don't need two of them. I haven't been playing the guitar that long so take my opinion for what it's worth. I have some strats and a tele and wanted something different. The narrowfields really offer a different sound, higher output and warm compared to the Fenders I have, yet if you want you can find the quack in the 2 and 4 pickup positions. It plays surprisingly clear and open in the bridge position. Solidly built and a GREAT neck. I mean smooth and perfect shape for my hands. The neck feels like there is no finish--like polished, sanded wood. The tones are quite a bit different than strats/teles, but I think you'll find there is such a range that you'll be able to find something you like. I feel like it can play pretty much any style of music and do it well (even though I can't!). I hope it works out for you. Here are pictures of mine:    |
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Posted: 2/25/2015 10:33:40 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Saw your same post on the Gear Page.
I have two NF3s. One I bought last year (natural color, rosewood fretboard), and one I bought this year used (2011) in frost blue metallic. Took a flyer on the used one because I preferred the color and the maple neck and the price was right. I will be selling the natural/rosewood one. It is a great guitar but I don't need two of them. I haven't been playing the guitar that long so take my opinion for what it's worth. I have some strats and a tele and wanted something different. The narrowfields really offer a different sound, higher output and warm compared to the Fenders I have, yet if you want you can find the quack in the 2 and 4 pickup positions. It plays surprisingly clear and open in the bridge position. Solidly built and a GREAT neck. I mean smooth and perfect shape for my hands. The neck feels like there is no finish--like polished, sanded wood. The tones are quite a bit different than strats/teles, but I think you'll find there is such a range that you'll be able to find something you like. I feel like it can play pretty much any style of music and do it well (even though I can't!). I hope it works out for you. Here are pictures of mine: http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/mianbao1993/prsnf3a_zps7aec2fc8.jpg http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/mianbao1993/179404-2_zpsmf8smbk1.jpg http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/mianbao1993/179404-5_zps1ldcvmrl.jpg Beautiful guitars and thanks for the insight. Can you tell much difference in sound between the rosewood and maple neck? |
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Posted: 2/25/2015 11:30:35 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Beautiful guitars and thanks for the insight. Can you tell much difference in sound between the rosewood and maple neck? You know I've never A/B'd them to compare. Would be interesting since it is essentially the only variable between the two. Although I'd probably have to measure and adjust pickup heights to eliminate any difference there. Now that I think about it, there might be another difference: I think in 2012 PRS started using a treble bleed cap on the volume pot on the NF3s. It's possible my 2013 (natural) has it and the blue one doesn't. I've never taken off the pickguards on either one to look inside. I'll have to check all that out when I have the time. Post your impressions when you get your new NF3. |
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Posted: 2/25/2015 3:30:28 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You know I've never A/B'd them to compare. Would be interesting since it is essentially the only variable between the two. Although I'd probably have to measure and adjust pickup heights to eliminate any difference there. Now that I think about it, there might be another difference: I think in 2012 PRS started using a treble bleed cap on the volume pot on the NF3s. It's possible my 2013 (natural) has it and the blue one doesn't. I've never taken off the pickguards on either one to look inside. I'll have to check all that out when I have the time. Post your impressions when you get your new NF3. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Beautiful guitars and thanks for the insight. Can you tell much difference in sound between the rosewood and maple neck? You know I've never A/B'd them to compare. Would be interesting since it is essentially the only variable between the two. Although I'd probably have to measure and adjust pickup heights to eliminate any difference there. Now that I think about it, there might be another difference: I think in 2012 PRS started using a treble bleed cap on the volume pot on the NF3s. It's possible my 2013 (natural) has it and the blue one doesn't. I've never taken off the pickguards on either one to look inside. I'll have to check all that out when I have the time. Post your impressions when you get your new NF3. I checked the PRS website and they show a 2012 NF3 wiring diagram that includes a 180pf cap on the volume pot and a .033 uf on the tone pot. |
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Posted: 2/25/2015 5:54:03 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I checked the PRS website and they show a 2012 NF3 wiring diagram that includes a 180pf cap on the volume pot and a .033 uf on the tone pot. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Beautiful guitars and thanks for the insight. Can you tell much difference in sound between the rosewood and maple neck? You know I've never A/B'd them to compare. Would be interesting since it is essentially the only variable between the two. Although I'd probably have to measure and adjust pickup heights to eliminate any difference there. Now that I think about it, there might be another difference: I think in 2012 PRS started using a treble bleed cap on the volume pot on the NF3s. It's possible my 2013 (natural) has it and the blue one doesn't. I've never taken off the pickguards on either one to look inside. I'll have to check all that out when I have the time. Post your impressions when you get your new NF3. I checked the PRS website and they show a 2012 NF3 wiring diagram that includes a 180pf cap on the volume pot and a .033 uf on the tone pot. Yeah, that's the one I'm referring to. I'm guessing my two NFs have different configs from each other based on that change. |
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Posted: 2/25/2015 6:14:07 PM EDT
[#6]
I'm curious why they didn't go with the 25 1/2" Fender scale length.
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Posted: 2/25/2015 7:36:51 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm curious why they didn't go with the 25 1/2" Fender scale length. They are 1/4" shorter scale length. Not sure why PRS did that. Different design, different pickups, different neck, different sound, I guess! |
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Posted: 2/26/2015 11:49:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yeah, that's the one I'm referring to. I'm guessing my two NFs have different configs from each other based on that change. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Beautiful guitars and thanks for the insight. Can you tell much difference in sound between the rosewood and maple neck? You know I've never A/B'd them to compare. Would be interesting since it is essentially the only variable between the two. Although I'd probably have to measure and adjust pickup heights to eliminate any difference there. Now that I think about it, there might be another difference: I think in 2012 PRS started using a treble bleed cap on the volume pot on the NF3s. It's possible my 2013 (natural) has it and the blue one doesn't. I've never taken off the pickguards on either one to look inside. I'll have to check all that out when I have the time. Post your impressions when you get your new NF3. I checked the PRS website and they show a 2012 NF3 wiring diagram that includes a 180pf cap on the volume pot and a .033 uf on the tone pot. Yeah, that's the one I'm referring to. I'm guessing my two NFs have different configs from each other based on that change. Have you weighed your NF3s? The seller advertised the weight on mine as 6.8lbs., which seems really light. I have 4 strats which range in weight from 7.5lbs to 8.5 lbs. |
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Posted: 2/26/2015 1:18:38 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 57Strat Have you weighed your NF3s? The seller advertised the weight on mine as 6.8lbs., which seems really light. I have 4 strats which range in weight from 7.5lbs to 8.5 lbs. I've weighed the 2011 (frost blue) one. It is 7.5 lbs on a postal scale. The natural one is probably closer to 8 lbs but that is just a guess. As another reference point, when I was looking for the frost blue guitar, I actually found two of them used and bought them both to compare. I returned the other one but I weighed it while I had it and it was right around 8 lbs. I'd be surprised if yours is really 6.8 lbs. I don't think korina is really that light of a wood. Maybe if it was made of pine. And it's not like PRS uses cheap hardware. I have a EJ strat which is my lightest guitar and it is just at 7.1 lbs. Feels like a feather to me. |
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Posted: 2/26/2015 2:50:14 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've weighed the 2011 (frost blue) one. It is 7.5 lbs on a postal scale. The natural one is probably closer to 8 lbs but that is just a guess. As another reference point, when I was looking for the frost blue guitar, I actually found two of them used and bought them both to compare. I returned the other one but I weighed it while I had it and it was right around 8 lbs. I'd be surprised if yours is really 6.8 lbs. I don't think korina is really that light of a wood. Maybe if it was made of pine. And it's not like PRS uses cheap hardware. I have a EJ strat which is my lightest guitar and it is just at 7.1 lbs. Feels like a feather to me. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Originally Posted By 57Strat
Have you weighed your NF3s? The seller advertised the weight on mine as 6.8lbs., which seems really light. I have 4 strats which range in weight from 7.5lbs to 8.5 lbs. I've weighed the 2011 (frost blue) one. It is 7.5 lbs on a postal scale. The natural one is probably closer to 8 lbs but that is just a guess. As another reference point, when I was looking for the frost blue guitar, I actually found two of them used and bought them both to compare. I returned the other one but I weighed it while I had it and it was right around 8 lbs. I'd be surprised if yours is really 6.8 lbs. I don't think korina is really that light of a wood. Maybe if it was made of pine. And it's not like PRS uses cheap hardware. I have a EJ strat which is my lightest guitar and it is just at 7.1 lbs. Feels like a feather to me. Thanks for those details. I'm hoping it weighs more in the 7.5 lbs range as 6.8 might be too light IMO. I was looking thru some pics of guitars I owned and ran across this pic of an EJ strat I owned briefly. Serial number 86. It was the first EJ Strat that the Austin Guitar Center got in when the EJ first launched in 2005. I wonder if that serial number adds any value today?..? 
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Posted: 2/26/2015 6:12:03 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for those details. I'm hoping it weighs more in the 7.5 lbs range as 6.8 might be too light IMO. I was looking thru some pics of guitars I owned and ran across this pic of an EJ strat I owned briefly. Serial number 86. It was the first EJ Strat that the Austin Guitar Center got in when the EJ first launched in 2005. I wonder if that serial number adds any value today?..? https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pfpB4a47JAI/VO9qCVjM-II/AAAAAAAAFN8/Yb00oPED9bM/s800/EJ_strat.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FKH2EE9w4zU/VO9qm4ZpMzI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/L3iHjU8iK5Y/s800/EJ_strat_b.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7SkKSu7-sjs/VO9qCWqUVPI/AAAAAAAAFOA/7ELCZyZ6ZDs/s800/EJ_strat_a.jpg That's some beautiful grain on that EJ. Don't know if it would be more valuable due to the s/n. I think the EJ serial numbers are all over the place, not put out in sequence, at least the more recent ones, so I am doubtful it would be much of a factor. Most people buy them because they are really great playing guitars for the money. Very much like a '57 reissue (I say to the guy named 57Strat!) but unique in its configuration. The only thing I didn't like about it was the pickups were so noisy through my amps. I ended up shielding all the cavities and grounding everything and now it is much better. Mine is the hot blonde. These pictures were taken by the guy I bought the guitar from, not me. It's hard to tell in the photos but in person you can easily see the wood grain through the finish:   |
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Posted: 2/26/2015 7:06:07 PM EDT
[#12]
That's a sweet looking EJ. I bet it sounds great! Has Fender updated the specs on the EJ since it first launched? I seem to recall hearing that they've made a few changes over the years.
Yeah....I have a Fullerton 1984 57 reissue. It's up for sale in the EE. 
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Posted: 2/26/2015 7:40:51 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's a sweet looking EJ. I bet it sounds great! Has Fender updated the specs on the EJ since it first launched? I seem to recall hearing that they've made a few changes over the years. Yeah....I have a Fullerton 1984 57 reissue. It's up for sale in the EE. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-89SMnNABJcA/VOn_OD_AoSI/AAAAAAAAFK4/ZJxnk65sDaI/s800/IMG_3915%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG I'm not aware of any changes they made to the EJ over the years. Of course they added the bound rosewood models in the different colors but as far as I know everything else is the same. Well, there is the price increase, too.  Sorry you have to sell your '57. It looks great. I really appreciate the authentic relicing (and it is pretty mild on yours), as opposed to the custom shop stuff they put out. I know some people really go for that and they probably play beautifully, but just a little too much fakery for me, my opinion, only. |
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Posted: 2/27/2015 12:31:33 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's a sweet looking EJ. I bet it sounds great! Has Fender updated the specs on the EJ since it first launched? I seem to recall hearing that they've made a few changes over the years. Yeah....I have a Fullerton 1984 57 reissue. It's up for sale in the EE. https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-89SMnNABJcA/VOn_OD_AoSI/AAAAAAAAFK4/ZJxnk65sDaI/s800/IMG_3915%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG There's a music shop here that has one of those '57 AVRI Strats, a 1984 model just like yours. As far as reissues go, it really does feel like an old Strat vs the new reissues that just don't have any mojo IMO. Great guitars. |
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Posted: 3/3/2015 6:07:45 PM EDT
[#15]
My NF3 arrived today. It weighs 6.8 lbs. It feels so light and you don't even notice the weight. My 8 lb guitars start hurting my shoulder after 90 minutes or so. It's amazing the difference 1.2 lbs makes.
I do wonder if being 6.8lbs is a negative tone-wise. She sure is pretty 
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Posted: 3/3/2015 11:05:38 PM EDT
[#16]
So it really is 6.8 lbs. That's REALLY light for a NF3. Would be interested to hear what you think about how it plays and sounds.
Looks great, by the way. |
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Posted: 3/4/2015 11:56:06 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So it really is 6.8 lbs. That's REALLY light for a NF3. Would be interested to hear what you think about how it plays and sounds. Looks great, by the way. I made a quick video of playing it right out of the box. Just tuned it and plugged it into my Mesa Tremoverb that was adjusted for a vintage strat. I wanna put some heavier strings on it and set it up, adjust pickup height etc before I really critique the tone. But so far I love it! The neck is perfect IMO. Best neck profile on any guitar I own. Fret job is superb! http://youtu.be/1N89ODErQcw |
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Posted: 3/17/2015 12:45:57 PM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 3/18/2015 3:30:10 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistorySounds great, man! What kind of amp are you playing through? |
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Posted: 3/18/2015 4:55:18 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sounds great, man! What kind of amp are you playing through? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sounds great, man! What kind of amp are you playing through? Thanks! It's a 1991 Mesa Tremoverb w/ a 2-12 cab loaded with EVMs. 
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Posted: 3/18/2015 8:25:13 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks! It's a 1991 Mesa Tremoverb w/ a 2-12 cab loaded with EVMs. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dC7fpjT1nR8/VCF09cyJsaI/AAAAAAAAEw8/lH9uA2wcUQI/s800/IMG_3849%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Sounds great, man! What kind of amp are you playing through? Thanks! It's a 1991 Mesa Tremoverb w/ a 2-12 cab loaded with EVMs. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dC7fpjT1nR8/VCF09cyJsaI/AAAAAAAAEw8/lH9uA2wcUQI/s800/IMG_3849%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG |
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Posted: 3/18/2015 10:28:59 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Looks sweet. What's the thing on the top? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Sounds great, man! What kind of amp are you playing through? Thanks! It's a 1991 Mesa Tremoverb w/ a 2-12 cab loaded with EVMs. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dC7fpjT1nR8/VCF09cyJsaI/AAAAAAAAEw8/lH9uA2wcUQI/s800/IMG_3849%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG That's my tuner, and effects device which is set to provide a little reverb and delay. A friend made the housing for the two units. The entire rig is 24 years old. I bought it all new in 91 and have been playing it since. |
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Posted: 3/19/2015 6:38:27 PM EDT
[#23]
I have been playing this PRS NF3 a couple of weeks and I have to say it is the best guitar I've ever owned. I was just jamming and banged out this Blues jam. The guitar inspires me like nothing so far.
https://youtu.be/zCL5gQpnhsE |
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Posted: 3/30/2015 3:34:16 PM EDT
[#24]
I'm bumping this thread because I just found a used 2012 NF3 at a local shop for under $1K and I played it for a while and was very impressed. It plays as well as any Strat, but the tone of those pickups was truly inspiring. I didn't want to put it down. The only thing I didn't like was the color, vintage white.
I'm GASing bad for an NF3 now. 
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Posted: 3/30/2015 8:21:53 PM EDT
[#25]
Can someone tell me where the NF3s are made? Korea? USA?
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Posted: 4/9/2015 9:14:50 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can someone tell me where the NF3s are made? Korea? USA? Made in Maryland. Still part of the USA? Well, as a native Marylander, now living in NY state, I'd have to say no. |
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Posted: 4/9/2015 9:20:07 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm bumping this thread because I just found a used 2012 NF3 at a local shop for under $1K and I played it for a while and was very impressed. It plays as well as any Strat, but the tone of those pickups was truly inspiring. I didn't want to put it down. The only thing I didn't like was the color, vintage white. I'm GASing bad for an NF3 now. I'll be selling this one soon--it is a 2013 NF3 in natural/rosewood. The same one pictured earlier in the thread. Here is the photo of it from Sweetwater before I bought it. I can't sell it for under $1K though. It is in excellent condition:  |
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