Alright, buddy—let’s talk about the PRS SE Custom 24. This guitar is for anyone who’s ready to leave the “starter” label behind and dive into something more serious, without breaking the bank. I got one myself a while back, and it’s honestly been one of the best moves I’ve made. It’s reliable, comfortable, and looks pretty sleek too. But what really got me hooked was how versatile it is—I can use it for almost anything I want to play, from rock and blues to funk and beyond. So, if you’re itching for an upgrade, let me tell you why the SE Custom 24 might just be your perfect match!

Construction and Design: A Visual Treat

Headstock & Neck

The PRS headstock’s iconic design not only catches the eye but also supports stable tuning, even with frequent tremolo use. The smooth, sealed tuners and well-crafted nut work together seamlessly to maintain tuning precision as you move up to the rosewood fretboard. With rosewood’s increasing rarity, this fretboard feels like a true luxury, offering rich tonal warmth and a beautifully dark aesthetic. The PRS bird inlays add that distinctive character, making the fretboard uniquely PRS.

The maple neck is notably slimmer than the PRS SE DGT model, providing a modern, comfortable grip. With 24 frets, this guitar covers two full octaves, and the high frets are easy to reach, enhancing playability across the board. The neck-through construction ensures excellent sustain and stability, allowing for rich, resonant tones that linger.

Overall, this guitar is a joy to play. Its Indonesian craftsmanship shows in every detail, from the polished fret edges to the flawless neck-through build. While the glossy finish might not appeal to hardcore shredders, the instrument’s versatility makes it suitable for almost any genre, offering a refined playing experience.

Body

This guitar is a real head-turner with its striking looks. The maple veneer instantly grabs attention, showing off that classic PRS aesthetic. Whether it’s a high-end Private Stock or a more affordable SE model, PRS consistently delivers on style, and this one is no exception. My guitar is in a rare charcoal grey finish that I haven’t come across again, but there are other color options available to match your personal taste. The body is made of mahogany that provides a rich and warm tone.

One of this guitar’s most notable features is its gentle contour. It’s not a full archtop, but it’s not flat either, giving it an ergonomic feel that’s very comfortable in hand. With its 25-inch scale, it embodies that classic PRS playability.

Finish and Aesthetics: Eye Candy

The finish on the PRS SE Custom 24 is another aspect where this guitar shines. The transparent, glossy finish allows you to see the quality of the mahogany body, which in my case has a lighter, almost blonde hue. The overall look is sleek, modern, and incredibly appealing. It’s a guitar that catches the eye from the moment you take it out of the gig bag.

Speaking of the gig bag, the one included with the guitar is surprisingly good: very well padded and feels quite nice. Even the gig bag included with a $1,700 guitar like the Jackson Pro Plus Series Soloist SLA3W is much poorer. Kudos to PRS!

Hardware and Electronics: Built for Versatility

The PRS SE Custom 24 is well-equipped in terms of hardware, offering a solid step up from typical beginner guitars. The PRS tremolo system is impressively smooth and dependable, holding tuning much better than a standard Strat-style tremolo. The stock PRS-designed tuning machines perform reliably, but for those looking to upgrade, adding Gotoh locking tuners could be a smart move. This guitar is built sturdy, making it an excellent platform for modifications, and its overall quality gives you the perfect foundation to customize even further.

PRS 85/15 ‘S’ Pickups

The electronics are where this guitar really shines in terms of versatility. It comes equipped with two 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers.

The PRS 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers are a set of versatile pickups designed to deliver a harmonious blend of vintage character and modern clarity. Inspired by Paul Reed Smith’s original 1985 pickups and introduced in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary, these pickups aim to capture the iconic tone that defined PRS guitars. The ‘S’ designation indicates that they are part of the SE line, offering the same extended high and low-end frequency response as the American-made 85/15 pickups but at a more accessible price point. Known for their balanced output, the 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers provide crisp, articulate highs and tight, punchy lows, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres—from clean jazz and blues to high-gain rock and metal. They excel in maintaining note definition even under heavy distortion, allowing players to express nuanced techniques with exceptional clarity. Overall, the PRS 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers are celebrated for bridging the gap between vintage warmth and modern precision, enhancing the tonal versatility of PRS SE guitars.

These pickups offer a bright, clear sound with a good amount of output. The push/pull tone control allows for coil-splitting, giving you access to single-coil tones and adding even more flexibility to your sound palette. This feature provides a wide range of sonic possibilities, from rich, full-bodied sounds to sharp, cutting tones. The PRS SE Custom 24 doesn’t try to emulate the tones of a Gibson or a Fender; instead, it carves out its own unique sonic identity, making it a great choice for players who want a versatile instrument with a distinctive voice. Whether you’re playing rock, blues, jazz, or funk, this guitar can handle it all.

What I love about this guitar is its vibrant, bright tone, making it perfect for anything from metal to funk. When you need warmer, deeper sounds, a quick switch to the humbuckers and a tone adjustment does the trick. This versatility is a big deal, especially since some guitars with naturally dark tones can’t achieve brightness, even with EQ adjustments. In contrast, a bright guitar can easily dial in darker tones. The Custom 24 stands out as an incredibly adaptable instrument, handling any genre you throw at it with ease. Much of this flexibility comes from its versatile pickups, which truly bring out the best in every style.

Are you considering upgrading the pickups? While the stock ones sound great and complement the instrument well, a natural next step would be to install some proprietary PRS pickups, like the PRS \m/ (Metal) pickups for a powerful, high-gain tone or the American-made Dragon II pickups that deliver warm, vintage-leaning tone, but with a higher output than typical vintage pickups so they can cover more styles of music. Alternatively, you could explore options from renowned brands like DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan for even more tonal possibilities.

Playing Experience: Comfort Meets Sound

One of the reasons I love this guitar is how comfortable it is to play. The combination of the neck profile, the fretboard, and the body contours makes it a joy to hold and play for extended periods. It’s not just about comfort, though—the PRS SE Custom 24 sounds really good. It’s got character, and that’s something I really appreciate in a guitar.

Paul Reed Smith insists that every guitar bearing his name must sound, look, and feel exceptional—and this PRS SE Custom 24 absolutely delivers on all fronts. It offers premium feel, stunning looks, and fantastic sound, all without the high-end price tag.

About the Price

For a long time, PRS was known for its high-end, expensive guitars, but they’ve leveraged their expertise to create a more affordable line that doesn’t feel like a diluted version of a PRS. This guitar is crafted in Indonesia by Cor-Tek, and you can find the PRS logo on the back of the headstock, a testament to their collaboration and commitment to quality. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with impeccable fretwork that truly stands out.

So, is the $850 price tag high or low? It really depends on your perspective. For a beginner used to $200 guitars, this is a significant upgrade. However, if you’re searching for a serious instrument, you’ll likely need to spend at least $1,000. The PRS SE Custom 24 offers remarkable value for money, providing a solid instrument right out of the box that’s well worth upgrading. While it’s not the cheapest option, it strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatile Sound: Equipped with 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers and a push/pull tone control for coil-splitting, the PRS SE Custom 24 offers a wide range of sonic possibilities. It’s suitable for various genres, from funk to R&B, rock and blues to jazz and metal, providing both rich humbucking tones and sharp single-coil sounds.
• Beautiful Design: The guitar features a stunning flame maple veneer top, especially eye-catching in finishes like charcoal. Classic PRS bird inlays on the rosewood fretboard add a luxurious touch, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Great Playability: With a comfortable neck profile, smooth fretwork, and accessible 24 frets on a 25-inch scale, it’s designed for ease of play during long sessions. The slight body contour adds to the comfort, making it suitable for various playing styles.
• High-Quality Craftsmanship: Indonesian manufacturing showcases great attention to detail, including perfectly finished neck-through construction and smooth fret edges. The use of quality materials like a mahogany body and maple neck contributes to its overall quality.
• Affordable Price Point: Priced around $850, it offers exceptional value for the features and quality provided, making it accessible for both intermediate players and seasoned players seeking a reliable and stylish instrument.
• Included Gig Bag: Comes with a well-padded, high-quality gig bag—an added value that enhances the overall package and provides protection for the instrument.

Cons:

• Neck Stability in Variable Conditions: The neck may require occasional adjustments in environments with drastic temperature and humidity changes, which could be inconvenient for some players.
• Hardware Could Be Upgraded: While the stock hardware is functional, upgrading to locking tuners and higher-end electronics could improve tuning stability and overall performance.
• Glossy Neck Finish: The glossy finish on the neck might not appeal to players who prefer a faster, satin finish for speed playing, potentially affecting playability for certain styles.

Conclusion

The PRS SE Custom 24 is an outstanding guitar that delivers exceptional value for its price point. Its versatility across genres, stunning aesthetics, and superb playability make it a standout choice for players of all levels. The combination of a mahogany body with a flame maple veneer, the comfortable maple neck, and the rosewood fretboard with classic PRS bird inlays results in an instrument that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hands.

The 85/15 ‘S’ humbuckers with coil-splitting capabilities offer a wide tonal palette, allowing you to seamlessly transition between rich humbucking tones and sharp single-coil sounds. This versatility means the guitar doesn’t just emulate the tones of other iconic brands but carves out its own unique sonic identity. Whether you’re into rock, blues, jazz, or funk, the PRS SE Custom 24 adapts beautifully, making it a true workhorse.

Having spent many hours playing this guitar, I can attest to its reliability and the joy it brings to each session. It’s rare to find an instrument that ticks so many boxes without any significant drawbacks. While minor upgrades to the hardware could elevate it even further, right out of the box, it exceeds expectations.

For seasoned players seeking a dependable and versatile addition to their arsenal or beginners ready to invest in a quality instrument that will grow with them, the PRS SE Custom 24 is a compelling choice. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a great-sounding, visually stunning, and comfortable guitar that doesn’t require a hefty investment.

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Specifications

Price: $850 to $900 USD

Body

• Body Construction: Solidbody
• Top Wood: Maple
• Veneer: Flame Maple
• Back Wood: Mahogany
• Top Carve: Shallow Violin

Neck

• Number of Frets: 24
• Scale Length: 25″
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Neck Construction: Multi-Ply
• Truss Rod: PRS Double-Acting
• Neck Shape: Wide Thin
• Neck Depth at the 1/2 Fret: 13/16″
• Neck Width at the Nut: 1 11/16″
• Neck Width at the Body: 2 1/4″
• Fretboard Wood: Rosewood
• Fretboard Radius: 10″
• Fretboard Inlay: Birds
• Headstock Logo: Signature “SE”

Neck/Body Assembly

• Neck/Body Assembly Type: Set

Hardware

• Bridge: PRS Patented Tremolo, Molded
• Tuners: PRS Designed Tuners
• Hardware Type: Nickel
• Nut: PRS
• Truss Rod Cover: “Custom”

Electronics

• Treble Pickup: 85/15 “S”
• Bass Pickup: 85/15 “S”
• Controls: Volume and Push/Pull Tone Control with 3-Way Blade Pickup Switch

Additional Info

• Strings: PRS Classic 9-42
• Tuning: Standard (6 String): E, A, D, G, B, E
• Case: Gig Bag