TEST: PRS Custom 24 RW CB

 Has it really been that long? It's demoralizing when a manufacturer's product maintenance rubbed the flight of time in your face. This has just happened when I hold the Custom 24 from PRS in my hands for testing. With this very model, the perhaps unique career of Paul Reed Smith began in 1985, the same guitar was the first of its kind at the music fair in the same year.

The until then always strived for fusion of classic Fender and Gibson features had hit the mark for the first time and was absorbed by the mass of guitarists like water from a dry sponge. Let's see to what extent the current version of the classic stands up to the competition, which has not diminished in the meantime. Unfortunately, the instrument is not offered as a left-handed model, but a very massive case is included.


Construction:

To lose further words about the body shape would be carrying owls to Athens. PRS has actually managed over the decades to peel out next to the big seven from the USA (5x Gibson - LP, SG, Explorer, Flying V, Firebird and 2x Fender - Strat, Tele) as one of the protagonists in terms of solibody body shape. This underpins the unbroken high popularity of the instrument among musicians.

As for the woods, once again the principle adopted by Gibson of the one-piece mahogany body with glued maple top prevails, of course not without the Fender look in terms of double cutaway and shaping. As always in this price range, very beautifully grained maple was taken for the top, which again supports the depth gradation through selective staining. The top is available in flame or quilted maple. The neck can also be equipped with an Indian Rosewood neck or a Pattern Thin neck profile.

The instrument is lacquered with a new lacquer called V12, which, according to the manufacturer, took 12 years to develop and which aims to make use of the best properties of acrylic and nitro lacquers respectively, i.e. the low vibration damping of the nitro lacquer and the increased protective effect of the acrylic lacquer. The neck, made from a single piece of mahogany, joins the body at the 22nd fret and is glued in place. The neck shape comes with a pleasant amount of mass without looking clunky. As expected, the traditionally used Bird Inlays and the Low Mass Locking Tuners are again used on this guitar.

A really innovative invention in my eyes was the 25" scale length (63,5 cm) established by PRS. It represents a middle ground between the short (Gibson) scale (62.5 cm) and the long (Fender) scale (64.8 cm) and allows both camps of musicians to get along immediately on a PRS.

Two in-house 59/09 humbuckers are used as pickups, which sit in cream-colored frames. Both pickups have the same Alnico mixture in their magnets, but are wound differently depending on the point of use on the body. Both pickups are switched via a 5-way switch, which allows the following circuits:

Pos. 1 - Bridge pickup alone
Pos. 2 - Bridge pickup together with single coil of the neck pickup
Pos. 3 - Bridge and Neck Pickup together
Pos. 4 - Neck pickup together with single coil of bridge pickup
Pos. 5 - Neck pickup alone

In addition, the instrument has a master volume and a master tone control. From the Fender league, the now almost equally famous PRS vibrato system is used, which at its time knew how to give the musician a real Strat vibrato feeling, but designed with a much better tuning stability and smoother movement. For the rest, the guitar is perfectly crafted and gives no reason for even any criticism of the craftsmanship.


Practice:

If you take the guitar in your hand, the first thing that strikes you is the very low weight of maybe 3.5 kilograms, despite a real mahogany battle. Older gentlemen or weight-sensitive minds will appreciate this condition. When you touch the neck of the guitar for the first time, it becomes immediately clear why Paule and his instruments were able to hold their own against the giants of the industry before he became one himself.

The guitar is really well balanced in its overall appearance and sound. Even with the forefathers of the electric guitar like Strat or Paula, which I hold in high esteem, there are always areas where you have to struggle, where wood edges get in the way, where the tone has to be fought for or where you have to have hands as big as toilet lids a la Steve Vai. Here, however, there is no area where the sound does not find its way into the speakers as if by itself.

The perfectly shaped body always takes itself back exactly where you want to go, nothing presses, nothing jams. Likewise, the neck, which is fleshy enough, provided with appropriate mass, takes a large part in shaping the tone, but still does not confront smaller hands with the stick fraction. Unlike the original model almost 25 years ago, the current pickups generate a much more acoustic sound, which does not compress the natural vibrations of the wood to death, but allows it to breathe better.

Both neck and bridge pickups leave a very open sonic impression, made for mainstream to powerful crunch. Chord playing remains transparent, crisp at times, and doesn't tend to muddy even with more powerful levels of distortion. The guitar proves a lot of character in all registers and in all distortion ranges, paired with a very independent basic sound.

The conception of the vibrato system is also convincing. Please keep in mind that this is not another edition of a knife-edge dive-bomb monster, but a systematic extension of the vintage Fender system. The action is softly set with the necessary degree of resistance to be able to use the pitch modulations in a targeted manner. Exactly the degree of haptics to allow the personal game the necessary expansion.

All in all, it must be said that this instrument is a very high-quality version of the model. Processing, implementation of the concept and the detail solutions are at the highest level and live up to the reputation of PRS across the board.


Conclusion

The Custom 24 from PRS is and remains one of the flagship models in the now very rich product range of the manufacturer. the model, which was introduced almost a quarter of a century ago, has undergone several improvements in the course of its career and is now in the Champions League in almost every respect.

The changed points such as new varnish, new pickups and the neck profile swept again give the instrument, which was already very good in its original version, a few extra points. That such an instrument with a manufacturing in the USA has of course also its price, the experienced musician will take without grumbling to the knowledge. As long as we are willing to pay gas prices of almost 2 € per liter, the price is always put into perspective. Just do not fill up the car 20 times and the guitar is yours.


Additional Informations:

PRS Guitars - Crafting Excellence in the World of Musical Instruments

Introduction:
PRS Guitars, short for Paul Reed Smith Guitars, is a prestigious American guitar manufacturer renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovative designs. Founded in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith, the company has established itself as a major player in the competitive musical instrument industry. With a strong focus on producing high-end electric guitars and amplifiers, PRS has earned a dedicated global following among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

1. Company History and Founder:
The journey of PRS Guitars began with its founder, Paul Reed Smith, who developed a passion for music and guitar-making from an early age. Born on February 18, 1956, in Bethesda, Maryland, Smith's fascination with guitars led him to experiment with creating his own instruments during his teenage years.

In 1985, after years of refining his craftsmanship and gathering valuable insights, Paul Reed Smith officially launched his guitar company. Initially operating out of a small workshop in Annapolis, Maryland, PRS Guitars quickly gained recognition for its distinctive designs and impeccable attention to detail.

2. Vision and Philosophy:
At the core of PRS Guitars' philosophy lies a commitment to excellence in every aspect of their instruments. The company strives to create instruments that inspire musicians to reach new heights of creativity and expression. Their vision is to bridge the gap between traditional guitar designs and modern innovation, catering to a wide range of musical genres and player preferences.

PRS Guitars places a strong emphasis on handcraftsmanship, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to ensure that each guitar is meticulously built to perfection. They believe that every instrument should be a work of art that embodies the passion and dedication of the skilled luthiers who create them.

3. Product Range:
PRS Guitars offers an extensive range of electric guitars, catering to various playing styles and tonal preferences. Their iconic models include the Custom 24, Singlecut, McCarty, and SE series, among others. Each model showcases unique designs, premium materials, and versatile electronics that appeal to a wide spectrum of musicians.

Aside from guitars, PRS also manufactures top-notch amplifiers and guitar accessories, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive brand for discerning musicians.

4. Artist Collaborations:
One of the key factors contributing to the success of PRS Guitars is its collaborations with world-renowned artists. Over the years, numerous legendary musicians and guitarists have endorsed and used PRS instruments on stage and in the studio. Notable endorsers include Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Mark Tremonti, and David Grissom, among many others. These partnerships have not only elevated the brand's visibility but have also led to the development of signature model guitars tailored to suit the specific needs of the artists.

5. Innovations and Technological Advancements:
Innovation is a constant driving force behind PRS Guitars. The company continuously explores new technologies and materials to enhance the performance and playability of their instruments. From the proprietary PRS tremolo system to the versatile electronics configurations, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of guitar design.

Moreover, PRS actively engages in research and development, collaborating with engineers, luthiers, and musicians to ensure that their products remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving music industry.

6. Manufacturing Process:
The production of PRS Guitars involves a combination of modern machinery and skilled handwork. The company's state-of-the-art factory in Stevensville, Maryland, spans over 150,000 square feet and houses dedicated departments for wood preparation, guitar assembly, finishing, quality control, and more.

Skilled artisans work meticulously to shape and assemble each guitar, paying close attention to every detail, from the selection of premium tonewoods to the application of immaculate finishes. The careful craftsmanship ensures that every PRS instrument meets the highest standards of playability, aesthetics, and tone.

7. Social and Environmental Responsibility:
Beyond their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, PRS Guitars is also committed to social and environmental responsibility. They source their tonewoods from sustainable and responsible suppliers, and the company actively engages in initiatives to minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact.

Furthermore, PRS supports music education programs and charitable organizations that promote access to music for aspiring musicians and underserved communities.

Conclusion:
With over three decades of experience, PRS Guitars has earned its place as an industry leader, revered by musicians worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and artist collaborations has resulted in iconic instruments that continue to inspire generations of musicians. As the company continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the guitar-making industry, contributing to the world of music with its timeless creations.