Affiliate Disclosure: As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Treblemakers may also earn commissions from Reverb and other marketplace links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more
PRS Custom 24 vs Custom 22 2026: Which PRS Is Right for You?
24 frets with floating tremolo vs 22 frets with stop tailpiece — identical mahogany bodies, subtle tone and playability differences, and a choice between PRS's lead-guitar flagship and its rhythm-guitar alternative.
Choose the Custom 24 if…
- • You play lead guitar and want access to the upper two frets (23rd and 24th)
- • You use the tremolo arm for vibrato
- • You play styles that benefit from the wider tonal range
- • You want PRS's flagship model (in production since 1985)
Choose the Custom 22 if…
- • You want a slightly warmer, more open tone that 22-fret guitars are known for
- • You prefer a stop tailpiece (better for string resonance without a tremolo)
- • You play rhythm guitar where the extra frets aren't needed
- • You value simpler setup and maintenance
Custom 24 vs Custom 22 Compared
| Feature | Custom 24 | Custom 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Frets | 24 frets — full chromatic octave from the 12th fret | 22 frets — standard fret count for most American electric guitars |
| Tremolo | PRS Gen III tremolo (floating) — allows vibrato and pitch-up/down | Stop tailpiece — locked string vibration, slightly more resonance (debated) |
| Pickup placement | Bridge pickup slightly closer to tremolo block — affects tone | Bridge pickup slightly closer to neck — marginally warmer bridge pickup sound |
| Body | PRS mahogany with maple carved top | PRS mahogany with maple carved top — identical |
| Neck | PRS Wide Thin or Pattern Thin — comfortable modern profile | PRS Pattern or Wide Thin — same profiles available |
| Pickups | 85/15 or 58/15 humbuckers (model-dependent) | 85/15 or 58/15 humbuckers — same pickup families |
| Scale length | 25" PRS scale length | 25" — identical |
| Coil splitting | Yes — push/pull for single-coil tones | Yes — same push/pull coil split |
| Country of origin | USA (Core models) — SE and S2 lines made in Korea/Indonesia | USA (Core models) — SE and S2 lines made in Korea/Indonesia |
| Used price | $2,000–$3,500 (Core USA) / $600–$900 (SE) | $2,000–$3,200 (Core USA) / $550–$850 (SE) |
Custom 24 — Pros
- The original PRS guitar — the Custom 24 is PRS's most historically significant and commercially important model
- 24 frets gives access to the full two-octave range from the 12th fret — genuinely useful for lead guitarists who play in the upper register
- PRS tremolo is considered one of the best floating tremolo systems available — stays in tune better than many competitors
- Available in the widest variety of finishes and tops — more limited-run options
- The benchmark by which other PRS models are judged
Custom 24 — Cons
- The floating tremolo requires more maintenance (spring tension adjustment, setup care) than a fixed stop tailpiece
- 24th fret position slightly changes the bridge pickup's character vs Custom 22 — some players prefer the 22's slightly warmer bridge sound
Custom 22 — Pros
- Stop tailpiece is preferred by many rhythm guitarists for its fixed string-to-body connection
- The bridge pickup's slightly different position produces marginally warmer tone — important to some players
- 22-fret neck joins the body at the 22nd fret (not 24th) — gives the final frets more room on some body shapes
- Simpler setup and maintenance vs floating tremolo
Custom 22 — Cons
- No tremolo — vibrato arm is not possible on a stop tailpiece without modification
- Less availability in limited-run colors and tops compared to Custom 24
- Fewer frets limits upper register lead work — a practical limitation for lead guitarists
Custom 24 vs Custom 22 — Common Questions
What is the actual tone difference between Custom 24 and Custom 22?
Smaller than most players expect. The two primary factors: (1) Pickup placement: the Custom 24's bridge pickup is positioned very slightly closer to the bridge (due to the extra two frets), which can produce a slightly brighter, tighter bridge sound. Many players cannot hear this difference blind. (2) Stop tailpiece vs tremolo: a fixed tailpiece is often said to produce slightly more sustain and resonance as more string energy transfers directly to the body. In A/B blind testing: most players cannot reliably identify Custom 24 vs Custom 22 by tone alone. The practical differences (fret access, tremolo availability) are more meaningful than the tonal differences.
Which PRS model do famous artists use?
Both models have significant user bases. Custom 24 users: Carlos Santana (PRS made the guitar for him in 1985 as the original Custom), John Mayer (various PRS models including Custom variants), Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge). Custom 22 users: Orianthi, Ted Nugent (PRS converted user). PRS also produces numerous signature models based on both platforms. The Custom 24 is more commonly associated with PRS's identity due to its historical significance as the first model — most PRS artist conversations reference the Custom 24 as the foundation.
What is the difference between PRS Core, S2, and SE series?
PRS offers three main production tiers. Core (USA): Made in Stevensville, Maryland. Custom 24 and Custom 22 at $3,000–$4,000 new / $2,000–$3,500 used. Best materials, finest fit and finish, made by experienced American luthiers. S2 (USA): Also made in Maryland but on a more streamlined production line. $1,500–$2,000 new. Good quality but less hand-fitting. SE (Korea/Indonesia): PRS's import line. $600–$1,100 new. Excellent value — SE Custom 24 is widely considered one of the best guitars under $1,000. The SE uses the same body shapes and pickup styles but with different woods and hardware quality.
Should I buy a PRS SE Custom 24 or a used American PRS Core?
Used Core, if budget allows. A used PRS Core Custom 24 ($2,000–$2,500) is a different instrument than an SE Custom 24 ($600–$700 new). The Core's Brazilian/Indian rosewood fretboard, better pickups, superior hardware, and American craftsmanship are genuine differences — not just brand marketing. The SE is excellent for its price. The Core is a professional instrument built to last decades. If you can stretch to $1,800–$2,000 for a used Core: it's a worthwhile investment. If $600–$700 is your ceiling: the SE Custom 24 is legitimately excellent and many professional players own them alongside much more expensive guitars.
Is PRS worth the premium over Gibson and Fender?
Yes, for players who want modern construction quality, versatility, and reliability. PRS guitars are built to tighter tolerances than many Gibson guitars (quality control is a common Gibson criticism). They play extremely well out of the box — low action, comfortable necks, and consistent intonation. The coil-split allows single-coil tones from the humbuckers. Where Gibson and Fender win: vintage authenticity, brand identity in specific genres, and tonal character that comes from decades of association with specific music. PRS is more neutral and modern. For a player who wants a versatile, beautifully built guitar without brand allegiance: PRS is often the best choice.