The PRS SE Chleo is the product of a close partnership between PRS Guitars and acclaimed guitarist Herman Li, best known for his lightning-fast work with power metal band Dragonforce. Built upon the foundation of the exclusive 2025 PRS Chleo Limited Edition, this new SE model was crafted with the modern metal guitarist in mind. Designed to deliver exceptional playability, precision, and versatility, the SE Chleo invites players to push boundaries and forge their own musical path.
Li explained: “With the PRS SE Chleo, we set out to create the best affordable guitar that delivers a unique combination of effortless playability, outstanding craftsmanship, and versatile tonal range. It combines modern innovations with classic style, giving players the tools they need to create everything from classic tones to cutting-edge new sounds. The SE Chleo proves that a world-class instrument doesn’t have to break the bank — it’s a guitar that brings high-end performance within reach for everyone.”
The SE Chleo combines a maple top with a mahogany back, paired with a maple neck and ebony fretboard. Its sculpted body design makes it thin and lightweight, providing comfort for long sessions and energetic performances. The neck profile is engineered for speed and ease, featuring a thin front-to-back shape, a slightly elevated playing surface, and a 20″ fretboard radius. To reinforce the neck and sustain, PRS added high-modulus carbon fiber strength rods. The fretboard is adorned with striking “Eclipse Dragon” inlays, while PRS’s signature scoop has been reworked for optimal upper fret access. A Floyd Rose locking tremolo system rounds out the hardware, giving players the freedom to play hard without compromising tuning stability or control.
Electronics-wise, the SE Chleo uses the same Fishman Fluence Signature Series Omniforce Herman Li pickups found in the Limited Edition. These pickups utilize copper-free layered PCBs for precise, noise-free tones and offer three distinct voicings through a versatile switching system that provides up to 13 tone combinations. From punchy, aggressive rhythms to smooth leads and crisp single-coil tones, the SE Chleo is built to adapt to any style or setup. The intuitive control layout makes switching sounds effortless during live performances, whether you’re plugged into a high-gain amp, a modern digital modeler, or working in a DAW.
Over the past two decades, Herman Li has become one of the most celebrated and technically gifted guitarists of his era. He’s twice received Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods “Best Shredder” award and was honored with the “God of Riffs” award in 2024. He has also topped multiple categories in Guitar World’s Readers’ Poll. Beyond his work with Dragonforce, Li has performed alongside guitar icons such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Tony MacAlpine, and Paul Gilbert.
Born in Hong Kong, Li has also built a strong presence in the digital world. He connects with fans on YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch, offering livestreams, educational videos, and creative content that blend entertainment with guitar instruction. His reach extends into technology and gaming as well, having collaborated with major companies like Nvidia, Meta, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, Harmonix, Asus ROG, Razer, Logitech MEVO, and Supercell, among others.
Li’s philosophy as a guitarist centers on understanding the instrument in depth. He previously helped design the EGEN signature guitar series, released between 2008 and 2019, and continues to share his knowledge through lessons in publications like Young Guitar (Japan), Total Guitar (UK), and Premier Guitar (USA).
When he’s not performing or teaching, Li enjoys technology, martial arts, and Porsche racing. A multilingual artist, he is fluent in English, French, and Cantonese — a reflection of his global influence both on and off the stage.
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