prs se custom 24 electric guitar: buyer's guide

If you want a prs se custom 24 electric guitar, the short answer is the PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive. It gives you the Custom 24 layout, a maple top and a PRS molded tremolo at a more affordable level than PRS's top-line models. It suits beginners and intermediate players who want one versatile solidbody. It is a weaker fit if you need a bolt-on neck or you expect the exact sound of a full-price Custom 24. Use the sections below to check the details before you buy.

How we researched

We compared three Amazon listings for the SE Custom 24, the manufacturer's SE Custom 24 page, two retailer listings, two independent reviews or guides, and one owner forum thread. Nothing was tested hands-on. This guide compares products using manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and owner reviews; we did not test them hands-on.

Buying criteria

We weighed the options in this order. First, build and wood: the top, back, neck and bridge set the baseline feel and sound. Second, pickups and electronics. Third, neck feel and playability for your hands. Fourth, price tier and what comes in the box. Every verdict below traces back to one of these four points.

How we chose

The evidence comes in three tiers. Manufacturer specifications are the strongest source for construction details. Retailer listings and independent write-ups are secondary, and we used them only where they agree or where they disagree and we say so. A single owner forum post is an anecdote, not a pattern. No hands-on testing was done. We will update this guide when listings or specifications change.

At-a-glance comparison

PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive

This is the pick for players who want the Custom 24 look and tremolo without top-line money. The PRS page lists a maple top, mahogany back, wide thin maple neck, rosewood fretboard with bird inlays and the PRS patented molded tremolo bridge (PRS SE Custom 24 page). An Amazon-listed version of this guitar is linked here: PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive on Amazon. This site may earn a commission if you buy through the links here, and the price does not change for you.

The pickups are described as 85/15 S pickups with a coil-tap (American Musical listing). The SE line itself was launched in 2001 as a Korean-built line (Guitar Space review).

The drawback is that the sources do not agree on the top. American Musical describes a flame maple top, while Sweetwater's listing describes a solid mahogany body with a flamed maple veneer. Check the listing you buy for the exact construction. On sound, one owner on the PRS forum said the SE pickups sound thinner than a Custom 24 and that the guitar looks and feels less expensive by comparison (PRS forum thread). That is one post, not a pattern, but it is the main reason to play one before you buy.

PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive with Gig Bag

Choose this version if you want a case included and you are starting out. It is the same guitar as the Exclusive listing, with the gig bag named in the title. The listing shows the same 4.6 stars from 37 ratings on Amazon and the same price tier. Read the bundle details before you buy, because the excerpts do not list what the bag contains. You can view the gig bag listing on Amazon.

Where the sources disagree

The sources are not reviewing the same thing. The retailer pages differ on the top, and the owner comparison is with a full Custom 24, which is a different price level. Treat the owner comment as a reason to compare the sound yourself, not as a verdict. PRS also lists an SE CE 24 with a bolt-on maple neck. It is a different model and is not among the Amazon listings in this guide.

How to choose

If you want the Custom 24 look and tremolo at a lower tier, pick the Exclusive. If you want a case in the purchase and you are starting out, pick the version with gig bag, and check what the bag includes. If you are considering the base SE Custom 24 listing, note that it has only 2 Amazon ratings, which is too few to judge. If you need a bolt-on neck, look at the SE CE 24 instead.

Who should skip it

Skip this guitar if you need a bolt-on neck, or if you expect the sound of a full-price Custom 24. In that case, try a Custom 24 in a shop before you decide.

FAQ

Is the PRS SE Custom 24 good for beginners?

One independent guide calls it one of the safer electric guitar buys for beginners through intermediate players who want versatility (University of Rock). That is a reviewer's view, not a measured result, so check how it feels in your hands.

Does the PRS SE Custom 24 have a tremolo?

Yes. The PRS page lists a PRS patented molded tremolo bridge.

Where is the PRS SE Custom 24 made?

Guitar Space says the SE line, launched in 2001, is built in Korea.

Conclusion

If you want the Custom 24 look and tremolo at a lower tier, start with the PRS SE Custom 24 Exclusive. Check the listing for the top construction and the bundle details, and play one if you can before you buy.

Sources

• PRS SE Custom 24 page
• American Musical listing
• Sweetwater listing
• Guitar Space review
• PRS forum thread
• University of Rock