PRS MIRA Vintage Cherry 2008 USA

The 2008 PRS Mira in Vintage Cherry was part of PRS’s “Core” USA-made lineup and became popular as a lighter, stripped-down alternative to the carved-top Custom models. It combined vintage-inspired simplicity with modern PRS playability and hardware reliability. The Mira debuted in late 2007 and continued through the late 2000s as one of PRS’s more affordable Maryland-built guitars. 

Overview

The Mira was designed around:

• Lightweight all-mahogany construction

• Flat-top double-cut body

• Simpler controls

• Retro styling with a pickguard

• PRS tuning stability and craftsmanship

Players often compare it to a cross between a PRS Custom, an SG Special, and a Les Paul Special, but with PRS ergonomics and a 25" scale length.

2008 PRS Mira Vintage Cherry – Specs

Hardware Details

Pickups

The original Mira pickups were unique to the model:

• Open-coil humbuckers

• Medium output

• More vintage-voiced and articulate than hotter PRS pickups

• Known for excellent coil-split tones

Many players describe them as:

• Clear and balanced

• Bright but not harsh

• Good for indie, alternative, classic rock, punk, and modern rock

Coil splitting gives surprisingly convincing single-coil tones.

Bridge & Tuners

PRS Wraparound Stoptail

The Mira used PRS’s compensated wraparound bridge:

• Excellent sustain

• Simple setup

• Strong tuning stability

• Lightweight design

Phase II Locking Tuners

Standard USA PRS locking tuners included:

• 14:1 gear ratio

• Fast string changes

• Excellent tuning reliability

Tone Character

The all-mahogany construction gives the Mira:

• Warm mids

• Fast attack

• Strong resonance

• Slightly rawer, more aggressive tone than carved-top PRS models

Compared to other PRS guitars:

• Less polished/compressed

• More open and “garage rock” feeling

• Lighter and more resonant

The 25" scale length sits between Fender and Gibson feel/tension.

Notable Features of Early Core Miras

The 2007–2008 USA Core Miras are especially liked because they:

• Were fully USA Core models

• Had the original Mira pickups

• Used lightweight mahogany bodies

• Had very simple electronics

• Felt more “vintage rock” than typical PRS guitars

Many owners consider them underrated “working musician” guitars.