The PRS Custom has been the flagship instrument of the Paul Reed Smith company since the 1980'due south. The guitar'due south cost point approximately averages between $2000-$3000. Obviously, this isn't a price point that every guitarist can manage. The wonderful people at Paul Reed Smith created the PRS SE Custom 22 (and 24) to bring the PRS Custom wait and feel to the hands of guitarists on a tighter budget. (We actually did a review on the 24-fret "Floyd" model a while back!)

At the comfortable price point of $749, does the PRS SE Custom 22 hold upwardly to the PRS name?

Let's find out!

Specifications:

-Mahogany Torso-Maple Top w/ Flamed Maple Veneer

-Vintage Sunburst/Whale Blue Cease

-22 Frets

-25" Scale Broad Thin cervix

-Mahogany Cervix

-Rosewood Fretboard

-1xVolume, 1xTone with 3-Way Toggle Pickup Switch

-PRS Bird Inlays

-PRS Designed Stoptail Bridge

-PRS Tone Furnace Pickups

-Nickel Hardware

While the guitar isn't exactly a x-Top Private Stock PRS, the look of the SE is very true to the archetype PRS Custom 22 aesthetic. The fretboard features the famous bird inlays, and the flamed maple veneer top has some nice overall figuring.

It's worth noting that even though this guitar is crafted by World Musical Instruments in South korea, the PRS SE models still must laissez passer PRS American quality-control checks before beingness shipped out. Likewise, I should mention that when it comes to factory model quality control for guitars such every bit these, PRS is second to none.

Tone

Unlike the 24 fret counterpart, the SE Custom 22 features a mahogany cervix. While it doesn't offering the same stability equally maple, the mahogany neck paired with a mahogany body brings a warm, mellow sound with a greater presence in the mids.

The SE's "Tone Furnace" pups are unique and fairly responsive. They accept first-class assault and great highs to assist residual the mahogany wood. The medium output evangelize a satisfying "crunchy" tone that contains a nice thick mid-range and handles the realm of classic rock quite well.

With that being said, in terms of versatility, the pickups do fall curt of the college end PRS past a groovy bargain. Although the medium output humbucker does shine when playing in the realm of classic rock, it falls brusk when playing metal or jazz styles. Playing single note parts such as leads tend to sound a bit thin, which can mostly be stock-still with a nice boost in front, and cleaner parts are missing some of the depth and resonance that make the Us Custom models then praised.

(If y'all're looking for a metallic tone, maybe check out the PRS Holcomb SE!)

Build Quality

Something that separates PRS Korean models with a lot of other outsourced models is the quality of the top wood. Instead of just throwing a veneer on, PRS actually uses a thick piece of maple every bit a acme then adds a flamed maple veneer to that. Information technology's nice to run across that even on their cheaper instruments that they don't cheap out.

The electronics are put together quite well. No common cold solder joints, fairly clean wiring, and the pots functioned well without any dissonance.

The frets were outstanding, as expected with PRS quality control. Maybe a few small scratches, simply no sharp ends or dings to be found.

Overall, the SE is by far i of the all-time made Korean guitars I've touched. PRS does a standup job making sure these exit with flaws.

Final Verdict

The PRS SE Custom 22 manages to deliver the feel and look of a high-end PRS guitar at an affordable cost.

The guitar is very comfortable to agree and the neck will experience at dwelling in the hands of modern or classic players.

Although it sounds great for a crunch tone, I would probably suggest a pickup swap if you're looking to apply this guitar for metallic or cleaner sounds.

(If you need help picking out some pickups, we take a sweetness article on Alnico vs. Ceramic to go you started! Or if yous merely desire to contact u.s. for some more than personalized help, check out our Seymour Duncan Custom Order option and we can aid find the right pickup for you!)

All in all, at $749, the PRS SE Custom 22 is a killer guitar for the cost.

8-10-8

Nosotros upload new manufactures daily so if you lot liked this ane, brand sure to cheque out some more! We are also authorized PRS dealers and can help y'all pick the best Paul Reed Smith for your needs.

This commodity was written by Zac Buras, our editor located in Louisiana.