PRS Custom 24 Electric Guitar Review: A Deep Dive

In this ous PRS Custom 24 Body review, we take a deep dive into the PRS Custom 24 electric guitar. From hand-selected tonewoods to signature bird inlays, every aspect of the PRS Custom 24 showcases the meticulous attention to detail that Paul Reed Smith is known for.

History and Background of PRS Guitars

Founded in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith, PRS Guitars quickly gained recognition for their commitment to quality and innovation. The PRS Custom 24, introduced in 1985, represents the culmination of years of research and development. Furthermore, it was designed to offer players a versatile instrument that could excel in any musical genre.

Today, it stands as a testament to PRS Guitars’ unwavering commitment to producing instruments of the highest caliber.

Key features and specifications for PRS Custom 24

The PRS Custom 24 is a true work of art. Its stunning aesthetics are matched only by its exceptional playability and sonic capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features and specifications that make this guitar stand out in the industry.

Exquisite tonewoods

The PRS Custom 24 is available in various tonewood options, each offering its unique tonal characteristics. From the warm and balanced tone of mahogany to the bright and articulate sound of maple, there’s an option to suit every player’s preference. The top wood, often made of figured maple, adds both visual appeal and tonal complexity.

Signature bird inlays

One of the most recognizable features of the PRS Custom 24 is its signature bird inlays. These meticulously designed and crafted inlays adorn the fretboard, adding a touch of elegance to the guitar’s overall aesthetic. They are visually stunning and serve as a practical guide for players, making it easier to navigate the fretboard with precision.

Versatile pickup configuration

With a combination of humbuckers and single-coil pickups, players can seamlessly transition between genres, from sparkling cleans to aggressive overdrives. The pickups are carefully selected and designed to deliver clarity, warmth, and a balanced response across the frequency spectrum.

The different wood options and their impact on tone

The tonewood selection plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of the PRS Custom 24. Each wood option brings its own unique tonal characteristics to the table, allowing players to tailor their tone to their specific preferences.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a popular choice for the body and neck of the PRS Custom 24. It offers a warm and balanced tone with a strong midrange presence. This tonewood delivers excellent sustain and a rich, full-bodied sound that is well-suited for a wide range of musical styles.

Maple

Maple is often used for the top wood of the PRS Custom 24, adding brightness and clarity to the guitar’s tone. In addition, it enhances the upper harmonics, resulting in a more articulate sound with increased note definition.

Maple also adds a touch of visual appeal with its attractive figures.

Rosewood

Rosewood is commonly used for the fretboard of the PRS Custom 24. It is known for its smooth feel and warm, rounded tone. Rosewood adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the overall sound, enhancing the guitar’s playability and tonal complexity.

The PRS Custom 24 pickups and electronics

The pickups and electronics of the PRS Custom 24 are meticulously designed to offer players a wide range of tonal options and exceptional clarity. Let’s take a closer look at the different pickup configurations available and how they contribute to the guitar’s sonic versatility.

85/15 pickups

The 85/15 pickups in the PRS Custom 24 offer a balanced and transparent tone with excellent clarity and articulation. They are capable of delivering a wide range of tones, from warm and vintage-inspired sounds to modern and high-gain tones. These pickups are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of playing styles and musical types.

PRS patented tremolo system

The PRS Custom 24 features a patented tremolo system that offers smooth and precise control over pitch variation. This tremolo design allows players to easily add subtle vibrato or perform more dramatic pitch bends.

Versatile switching options

The PRS Custom 24 has a 5-way blade switch, allowing players to access a wide range of pickup combinations. This enables them to explore different tonal possibilities and find the perfect sound for any musical situation. Furthermore, the switching options and the versatile pickup configuration make the PRS Custom 24 an incredibly versatile instrument that can adapt to any playing style.

Exploring the range of tones from clean to distorted

One of the standout qualities of the PRS Custom 24 is its ability to deliver a wide range of tones, from pristine cleans to blistering high-gain distortion. Let’s dive into the different tonal possibilities offered by this remarkable instrument.

Clean tones

The PRS Custom 24 excels at delivering shimmering, clean tones that are full of warmth and clarity. Combining the guitar’s tonewoods, pickups, and electronics creates a balanced, articulate sound perfect for jazz, blues, and clean chord progressions.

The clean tones are characterized by their pristine clarity, tight low-end response, and smooth high-end sparkle.

Crunch and overdrive tones

When it comes to crunch and overdrive tones, the PRS Custom 24 truly shines. The humbucker pickups deliver a rich and harmonically complex sound that is perfect for classic rock, blues, and fusion.

The guitar’s tonal versatility allows players to dial in anything from a smooth and creamy crunch to biting and aggressive overdrive. The notes retain clarity and definition even when heavily distorted, allowing for expressive and dynamic playing also.

High-gain and lead tones

For guitarists who crave high gain and lead tones, the PRS Custom 24 delivers in spades. The powerful humbuckers and versatile switching options enable players to achieve soaring screaming lead tones with little effort.

The ergonomic design and comfort of the PRS Custom 24

In addition to its exceptional tonal capabilities, the PRS Custom 24 is designed with player comfort in mind. The guitar’s ergonomic design ensures that it feels comfortable to play, even during extended playing time.

Lightweight and balanced

The PRS Custom 24 is known for its lightweight construction, which makes it a joy to play. In addition, the guitar is well-balanced, with the weight evenly distributed across the body, allowing for optimal comfort and reduced fatigue.

Accessible upper frets

The PRS Custom 24 features a double-cutaway body design, providing easy access to the upper frets. Furthermore, this allows players to easily reach higher notes, facilitating fluid soloing and expansive chord voicings. The guitar’s upper fret access is a testament to PRS’ commitment to ensuring that players have full access to every inch of the instrument.

The PRS Custom 24 is a Top Choice

The PRS Custom 24 is a versatile and high-quality electric guitar that is well-suited for a variety of playing types and styles. Furthermore, It’s is comfortable to play, sounds great, and is built to last. Overall, the PRS Custom 24 is an excellent electric guitar that is worth the price.

Some of the pros and cons of the PRS Custom 24

Pros

Versatile sound
Comfortable to play
Well-built
Great value for the price

Cons

Some may find the neck to be too thin

In short, if you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality electric guitar, the PRS Custom 24 is a great option. It is comfortable to play, sounds great, and is built to last also.