All user reviews for the PRS Custom 22

The Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Ten-Top is one of PRS's flagship guitars from the 1990's. It features a mahogany body with a carved figured maple top, twenty-two frets, a twenty five inch scale, and Mahogany neck with a Rosewood fretboard. Made in the USA, and solid everywhere. It features the HFS pickup in the neck/treble position, and the Vintage Bass pickup in the bridge/bass position. It has a 5-way blade switch and a tone and volume knob.

UTILIZATION

The guitar is an absolute dream to play. Every aspect of it is so perfect and so well thought out and planned for. It sounds and feels just incredible. Very sweet and quick action, awesome tones and really easy to get lost in. Really comfortable to stand or sit. Well dressed frets, comfortable bridge design, and nice shape. Really tempting to just sit and play it all day long.

SOUNDS

The Custom 22 absolutely sings no matter what you ask it to do. It can go from chunky bass tones to twangier treble tones and all kinds of places in between. It gets heavy too, and sounds great on hot lead tones. I even played extreme drone metal with it! Also sounds great at my local jazz club through an old Fender Twin Reverb. Really responsive to the effects and amps you use on it, and a very unique sound.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall I am blessed by having this guitar in my life. I got a GREAT deal on it, and I'll never give it up! It's basically my dream guitar, but then again so is everything PRS makes. If this were stolen I would track down that thief and do unspeakable things to him! This guitar is a must have everywhere and there are days where I barely even put it down.

This guitar was purchased in Leesburg Virginia at Melodee Music. I paid about 2300.00 for this beauty. It was worth the wait!

Fantastic ACTION! Beautiful artist package with black leather case. Birds add that PRS touch. The pickups are great, from the clean sounds to raw, it performs.

A little pricy, but well worth it. I look at it as an investment.

Artist maple top, better that AAA or Quilt.Rosewood frets with famous birds. Quality is perfect in every way.

I own or have owned a lot of guitars in my time. This guitar was worth the 3 month wait. Strait out of the case, it played effortlessly. PRS really does take the time to set them up, and test them. The only guitar I have not had to set up before I played it. Pickups are superior to any guitar I own.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased the guitar from Professional Music Technology in Birmingham, UK. I paid £3,000 for the instrument, which was a competitive price, as the recommended UK retail price is around £4,400. As for why, I have always wanted a PRS and seeing and playing my example, it was love at first sight.

Just about everything. I have been playing guitar for most of my 40 years of life and also have a Les Paul Standard, US Deluxe Stratocaster (my fourth Strat)and a Martin 00028. Putting the accoustic to one side, this guitar comfortably surpasses all the electrics I have owned so far. I can best describe it as having the soulful sweetness of the Les Paul, whilst careful experimentation with the controls will yield a nice strat-type attack-based sound. It's also as easy to handle as - and actually lighter than - the Fender.

In complete honesty - nothing at all.

Quality and attention to detail is one of PRS's selling points. Everything, the quality of materials, the finish, hardware and set up itself raises the bar far beyond what would reasonably be expected of high end guitar builders. It's very clear that much thought has gone into the design and build of this guitar. My particular example has the Artist pack and is finished in dark cherry quilt, with pau bird inlays and looks simply stunning. I initially thought of going for a conventional (i.e., non-Artist) Custom, but I'm very pleased I went the whole hog. My advice to anyone with a similar dilemma, assuming expense is not an issue, is simply to go for it - you'll be getting a unique instrument which cannot be replicated and is likely to hold it's value well. Besides, the extras, which includes gold hardware, Pau bird inlays & headstock insignia (which under certain types of stage lighting, look as though they are back-lit!!), 10-top and a very smart black leather case (unique to the Artist) are all well worth the extra outlay.

Whilst I am thoroughlly pleased with my guitar, the Custom 22 isn't for every style. Whereas the 22 is sweet, melow and very Les Paul orientated, the 24 on the other hand is very agressive, with an entirely different personality - a shredders dream. The best idea is to try one. Also, be aware that the neck profiles are very different, which itself has implications for the tonal characteristics. Mine is of the 'wide-fat' variety, most consistent with this sweet, bluesy tone.

I also want to add some comments about PRS themselves. I researched my purchase thoroughlly and actually consulted PRS for advice. They were very friendly and astonishingly honest and asked me to let them know which model I eventually decided upon. I did and a few days later, in the post, was a parcel with PRS's name stamp on the front, which contained a friendly letter thanking me for my interest, enclosing a backplate signed by the man himself!! That will be worth something in years to come. In the meantime, it is nice to know that they not only care about their instruments, but also the people that play them as well.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I acquired this guitar at a Guitar Center in Villa Park, IL. The store was selling it for $1964, but since i bought two i payed $1464 for this one, and $2120 for the other, because it had bird inlays and and a flame top.

By far the best thing about this instrument, and the factor that grabbed me, was the beautiful action and ease of playing. Licks that i could only sort of play my Strat or Les Paul came out flawlessly on the PRS' fingerboard. It is also a beautifully made instrument, and is a work of art in itself. The Dragon II pickups are produce red-hot distortion, and distinctively smooth and full clean tones.

The only trouble with this instrument, is I don't believe the pickups produce enough twang for some styles of music, and it doesnt sound as good in low gain settings that are ideal for blues playing.

This instrument is constructed flawlessly. It is beautiful to look at, and it feels very solid in your hands. The weight is perfect. It will only sound better with age, and will last a lifetime. The only problem I had was one of the screws that held the bass pickup to the plastic docking piece came loose soon i after i purchased the guitar. However, I tightened it, and have had no problems since.

Overall one of the best guitars available. While versatile in it's own right, it is perhaps best suited for rock playing, leaving the jazz to a softer sounding intrument, and the blues to a twangier instrument. I would consider this guitar the best middle-ground instrument available.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Richmond Music Center in Richmond VA for $2100. I was looking for my first high-end guitar for a LONG, LONG time. I was considering PRS, Gibson, Strat, etc., etc. I play a wide variety of music, so the ability to get different tones out of the guitar was very important. A friend of mine swore by PRS guitars, so I decided to focus on them. I spent several days in the shop playing all of the different types of PRS - singlecut, custom 22 vs 24, ce 22 vs 24, standard 22 vs 24. I finally came to the conclusion that I liked a set neck, as well as the Dragon II pickups featured in the 22 fret versions of many PRS models. So, I then played every Custom 22 in the shop that had a tremelo (which I initially wanted), but none jumped out at me. Then, the sales guy pulled down this Custom 22 with a stop-tail. No joke, I hit one chord and knew this was "THE ONE." No question - perfect, thank you, done.

Everything. The workmanship is amazing. In terms of sheer beauty, the guitar is perfect - natural maple top, mahogany body and neck, bird inlays, etc. In terms of tone, it is unbelievable. I am able to get a nice thick Les Paul, as well as a clean glassy Strat sound out of this guitar. It features 2 Dragon II pickups with coil tap which allows me to access the single coils. The wide fat neck is very comfortable in my hand and the new tuners that are now offered on PRS guitars are very easy to use. It is set up with 9's at the shop. I usually play with 10's, but I plan to continue with 9's on the PRS. Why mess with a good thing?

Nothing. Some people may say price, and yes PRS guitars are expensive. However, new PRS's start at $1300 (Standard 22's), which is what you'll pay for a high-end Strat. Les Paul's will run you $2,000 and up. I'd say, dollar for dollar it is a great value because of the ability to get a large variety of tone out of one instrument.

Absolutely amazing. No flaws.

PRS guitars are not for everyone. However, if you are like me and enjoy playing many different styles of music, a PRS might do the trick for you. Keep in mind, PRS guitars vary from model to model, and within a model line itself, so play them ALL. You may be suprised at what you like. Ideally, get a blindfold and have the salesperson, or a friend, hand you one guitar after another. Once you find THE GUITAR, you'll know it, and you may be suprised that what you're holding isn't at all what you expected.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I paid $1,800 for my guitar. It was used made in 1996. This model is the stop tail w/ 5-way rotary switch.

This is sweeeeeeeeeetest sounging guitar in the world. No other guitar has the versatility and tone quiality as this guitar. I use a Mesa Triple Rectifier with it. You can imagine the tones I can get out of this. I recomend this guitar for any serious musician!!!!!!

There is nothing that I don't like about this guitar!

This is a handmade quilted t0 top. Esteticaly it is the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. I own five guitars and this one takes it by far.

I recomend that you try out all the guitars you can and research them. Then buy the one you like the best. Don't settle for anything less than the best. You will probably regret it latter down the road.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this guitar from a store in new york. This is my pride and joy in my collection. I paid @ $1,900

The tones that you can get out of this guitar are the best in the industry. The most versatile guitar on the market.

NOTHING....absolutley nothing!!!!!!!!!

The guitar is hand made. It is vitage burst, quilted top. One of the best quilted tops that I have ever seen. The best construction of a guitar that I know of. I own 5 guitars and this one by far is the best.

A+++++++++++++++++++

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this beauty at Guitar Center (Hollywood) back in the summer of 1997. I was looking at buying a Les Paul Double Cutaway, but at the salesman's suggestion, I tried a PRS (a CE22 model). I was so impressed that I came back a week later, tried a Custom 22 that had just come in, and was convinced that I had to have it. Purchase price was $2000.00, including case and taxes.

Buttery-smooth action, excellent playability, incredible tone. Five-position pickup selector, allowing for either single-coil or hum-bucking operation. Quick-release tuners make string changes quick. Outrageously sexy!

The price-tag is definately not for the wallet-consious. But I am convinced...you get what you pay for when it comes to PRS.

Mahogony back, carved maple top, rosewood fingerboard with cresent-moon inlays, wide-fat neck, one volume, one tone, and one pickup selector.
This guitar simply radiates quality. Every aspect of it's construction leaves no questions about the integrity of the individuals that created it. Just pick one up, plug it in, and enjoy. (careful...you may not want to put it down)

In a nutshell, you can't go wrong with this guitar. There hasn't been a single day since the purchase that I have regretted buying it. I have let several people play it, and the looks on those faces says it all. PRS Rocks!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This was a case of being in the right place at the right time. The guitar was on sale by Tokyo's main PRS dealer as a "slightly damaged demonstration model", after the recent Japan Musical Instrument Festival. The"slight damage"amounted to two small nicks in the finish where it had been repeatedly taken on & off the stands, otherwise it was perfect, with a 3 month old manufacture date,and a 40% price reduction! How could I resist it,especially seeing it had the"Artist Package" cosmetic upgrades.(better top, gold hardware etc). I paid 360000yen for it, which roughly converts to US$2950.

The wide,thin neck is wonderful! Probably the finest I've ever played, or likely to play. Marvellous low,fast action. Through Soldano's Astroverb 16 amp, this instrument sounds incredibly warm,especially through the bridge pickup. The P/U's on this model are PRS Dragon II's,and although I'd never had any past experience with them, I've grown to love their sound very quickly. Although others have said that they dislike the rotary p/u selector, I for one like it. It's very positive,and noise free,and its wiring configuration gives the guitar a very wide range of tones.It responds very well to delicate finger-style as well as the usual over-driven tones many players desire. Even standard PRS models are beautiful instruments, but with this AAA+ top, gold hardware and a deep amber finish, it takes my breath away just standing in the corner! I love it, and that's saying something after 36 years of playing, and trying just about everything on the market! It's everything the Les Paul aspires to be, only better.

The tuners are a bit fiddly, but I think it's just a matter of getting used to them. After all, my other guitar is a Parker Fly, and it uses the best(and quickest) tuners of all. Sperzel locking-type. Perhaps my only concern is the durability of the gold hardware. It looks gorgeous at the moment, but it hasn't been exposed to the elements for any length of time as yet. I guess only time will tell.

Construction can be summed up in two words. QUALITY and STRENGTH. It's built to last, and put together flawlessly. These guys know their stuff! The Holy Grail as far as I'm concerned. BLOODY MARVELLOUS!

If you really want one, and can afford it, it's everything you expect it to be.Great sound, a high level of playability, and a work of art all rolled into one.Say no more!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

PRS is one of the most respected guitar makers in the industry now but they do not make many lefty guitars. This year they did a limited run of Custom 22's in lefty which all sold for about 3000 bucks. I got to try one out as I could never afford one and I have played other PRS guitars and wanted to compare what a lefty one would be like. These guitars are basic PRS guitars just lefty. The body is made out of mahogany with a maple top. The set neck is the pattern normal or wide fat profile with 22 frets and the old bird inlays. Up top you get the fancy PRS Phase 3 locking tuners and the bridge is the PRS wraparound bridge. The pickup are uncovered PRS pickups and the controls are basic with a volume and tone with a 3 way switch. The tone control has a pull pull function for coil splitting. The finish on this example was a 10 top orange flame type of finish.

UTILIZATION

The factory setup on these PRS guitars are wonderful. The wide fat neck has a really traditional feel to it. It is not uncomfortable to play but it just fills your hand in a right way. The 25 inch PRS scale gives you a good balance between tension and comfort. The locking tuners are great and are PRS's own design. They limit the slip so they are even more locking than most tuners. The Wraparound bridge in most guitars is a sign that the guitar is cheap and will never be in tune but on PRS they have made it work over the years. It is compensated for intonation and as long as you dont do any radical tunings it will be fine. They also make a fine tuner Wraparound bridge that you can retrofit to your guitar if you really need the adjustments.

SOUNDS

This guitar has some of the classy PRS pickups in it. The bridge has a great classic rock crunch to it but when you are playing single note lines it is nice and smooth with just a bit of bite. The clean tones are equally smooth. The bridge pickup in this guitar is smoother than most guitars neck pickups. The neck pickup is like butter on this guitar dirty or clean. These are like exaggerated PAFs in terms of smoothness. They have a really modern voicing to them.

OVERALL OPINION

I wouldnt be surprised if this is the last line of lefties they do for a while. The fact that they are using the old bird inlays makes me think that these necks were old and they wanted to finally get rid of them. So this might be a back handed favor for lefties. Them putting a run of PRS lefty guitars just to get all the lefties on to them so they can go nope all done. I hope they make this a yearly or every couple year thing but I really doubt it. PRS knows what makes them money and im afriad it isnt making lefties. If you are a lefty and have been waiting for a PRS here is possibly your last chance to pick one up.

Of course American-made, with a mahogany body and a maple table reported (flamed, I have chosen mine, and it's so beautiful it could be the top ten). The color is gorgeous, and let the wood show through, you will see by far! The neck is also solid mahogany (beautiful veining) with mechanical self-locking PRS / Schaller and stopbar which alas does not have individual settings for bridges: if you are given "standard" intonation is right, for more severe or different tunings will require investment in an adjustable stop tail prs Retail ... Let then the microphones: 2 humbuckers and bridge dragonsII treble "nickel hardware", all driven by the traditional positions in rotoselecteur 5 PRS, I did change a 3-position toggle (type gibson) + system a push / pull for positions on the knob of splittées tonalité.Le profile of the neck is super nice (wide thin) thicker than on the ce24 it looks like a bit of a gibson, it has classy finish of birds (key rosewood), with medium frets very comfortable ... The set is simply superb, finishing monstrous (the price too), we regret However, the "false binding", which is in fact the Maple unpainted, at this price is a shame ...

UTILIZATION

Access to acute is easy (see the cutout in the lower horn of the guitar), but less easily than a 24 because the handle is very short and bond the 22nd fret on the bass string is not obvious (if if, it happens). Ergonomics, apart from this detail, is perfect, the cut of the guitar is very balanced and comfortable (slight stomach cutting the back of the guitar, etc ...) it still weighs weight (which is here rather a guarantee of quality because we are dealing with a very dense mahogany that promises big sound). Once connected, get the sound is easy: all the knobs to the bottom, and it Partii ! breeze.

SOUNDS

Then it is the highlight of the beast: the microphones 2 dragons are fabulous, and I think can be better than the couple HFS / Vintage usual brand. The treble answer tremendously in all registers and saturated crunch, it has a large output level, not too metal, but rather large rock facing very strong, hard ca! large mediums singing very balanced (put the equation of the amp flat and you have sound!), plus ca remain accurate (more accurate than the HFS in any case, who can be an output level a little more grain and a superior metal, but that sounds more rough). For the neck pickup, it reminds a little bang, in more modern, and works just as well as saturation in the clear, unlike the vintage EC 24, it sounds on the other hand can be a little less bright, but it is warmer, and if the need be felt in brightness, you can always add a little presence to the amp ... Finally, the intermediate positions splittées are excellent, and will revive your clean sounds, when used there is no imbalance with humbuckers, and it reminds me a little of his very good strats. "Forward, funky rhythms and casseroles! , arpeggios and ballads ... I plugged into an Engl Ritchie Blackmore, and I can tell you it sends! She can play in all contexts: blues, rock, metal, funk and also (thanks to the split that are actually usable and not gadget) and jazz (the neck pickup, setting the tone). In general it's a guitar very balanced, versatile, with a sound that has a lot of body heat and definition, what the dream ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use this guitar for a month now, and currently they are only good surprises, because I was used to model the same brand ce24, which is fundamentally different, the difference between an CE and one custom is enormous ! (SE then, forget it) ... I have tried almost every brand models (McCarty, CE, customs, single cut, hollowbody ...) and it's really a excellent model in the mid-range Prs (which is after all already in the very high end!) the model being the closest Mc Carty, since it is exactly the same except for a mechanical violin and micros.Le value for money here is correct (lai I paid € 2600) in view of the sound and quality of woods and finishes, however the options available on this model as the top 10 or the gold hardware (even the artist with package race Brazilians) are downright expensive! It is at this time in the luxury of the guitar than anything else ... In any case this model it seems to me a very good investment if you want to keep guitar long time when one has eclectic taste in music

Manufacturing USA
22 jumbo frets I believe
2 Dragons II a split, three positions, as a les paul which
easel prs 1 volume 1 tone
the handle is wide fat, ie a thin

UTILIZATION

As with all guitars on his préférences.Mais the handle is very comfortable and easy to play even for me who has small hands.

SOUNDS

Then it maintenantqu'on because of the beast and it perceives that a super scratch, may not be suitable to his style, or less than another.
I play a Rivera chubster 40 and is obtained (as any good tube amp I'll assume) very nice distorted sounds, powerful warm, accurate, and sounds smooth and crystal clear celon settings.
I love all the sounds of this guitar, but unfortunately for me it is not vintage touch that I love for my style, blues-rock.
I put 10 anyway because the guitar is flawless, the guitar is at stake.
Sisi, let's be humble

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 months and I made an impulse purchase (which does not mean that I have a whim to the seller and the store ran out, guitar in hand) was a I had a dream a long time and I came across a good okaz.
I had not taken the time to essyer this model before and it is so beautiful that I broke down without trying ....
This guitar is really excellent in every way and its possibilities are immense. You can really play anything and it will sound.
The value for money seems high if you buy new (between 4100 and 4750 euros) but good Okaz is ok. Finally when you love it does not count.
I personally do not have that choice would do. It's not the guitar that is in question again, but the guitarist. This scraper is perfect for someone to mind a little more modern than I, but my style is no substitute for good old stratum could

U.S. guitar, mahogany body + one pice table relates Saddle Flamm Top 10
+ mahogany neck rosewood fingerboard
Prs driv vibrato vibrato of strato; Silet in the top graph tech
2 PRS Dragon II humbucker pickups 1 volume 1 1tonalit rotocontacteur 5 positions (seu default on this guitar when it was customary for conventional toggle switch)
Guitar ANY BEAUTY

UTILIZATION

The ACCS is very acute in aismanche on which one is comfortable right now is top gamme.pods 4 kgs is intermediate-between the stratosphere and paul

SOUNDS

The slap sound is the norm in both saturated clear that this guitar knows of rotocontacteur faire.les 5 positions:
An acute single humbucker
2 the two windings of the 2 humbuckers's outdoor sets
3 for 2 double sets
4 the two windings together interiors
5 micro serious
Having tried many guitars equipped with humbuckers splitable, this guitar is THE FIRST offer real sounds simples.Une particularity is very intressant is using the volume knob, Lord using this one it n'altre not the timbre, the sound of low volume is the same quality that merits very interesting to assay the disto.
I plug in a head into a Marshall 2205 or Rivera sound is standard.

OVERALL OPINION

High-end guitar designed by a guitarist for guitarists, I've had three days but frankly this guitar has it all, the quality has a price that excellence this guitar is the guitar of a lifetime. Despite my les paul and this guitar other will be my No. 1.
I bought used, I think it is around nine to 2600.

. PRS Custom 22 Blue matteo Made in USA
.22 Frets
.2 Dual microphones "Dragon" split-
. Fixed bridge
. 3-position selector with the tone controls to "push pull"

UTILIZATION

The handle is very nice because it is thin and not very wide! the key is slightly curved and allows beautiful jazz acrobatics types ...
I find that the thickness of the handle is between Fender Start and Ibanez Joe Satriani (perfect for little hands wide enough as Stevie Ray Vaughan or Joe Satriani for example ...).
spacing between frets is Fender Start and lag!
all frets are accessible without worries!
the overall weight and mass of the guitar is balanced! guitar seems a bit heavy it weighs 4 pounds, such as guitars with a very good sustain!

SOUNDS

My style is blues rock, but being a high end guitar can do everything without worry, and with quality, within the party microphones course!
sounds ranging from the Chrystalina are bold. the clean and saturated hard rock types (but no more) does not frighten him!
the sound is vintage and modern at once
the guitar is the touch sensitive musician as much on the attacking force of the strings on the phrasing of each single, or even the acidity of the fingers also see the rugeur skin! it's a really fine guitar!
the pickups are powerful, so that one moves from clean to saturated by increasing the volume of the guitar, it's useful!

I really like all sounds!

OVERALL OPINION

After thinking and tried many guitars over four years, I bought used was 1600 euros. it's upscale very effective, very fast and powerful, and very sensitive!
value for the bargain price is great!
I would do the same choice without hesitation!

And she is very beautiful! the guitar of a lifetime!

USA made, wide fat neck, 22 frets, push-pull selector Pisit 3, Dragon 2 pickups

UTILIZATION

Frankly everything is perfect for all levels. The grip is really very good guitar and well s'quilibre CASC to treble is smoothly

SOUNDS

You can really play all styles, are sharper and saturated type death, hardcore, neo metal passing by the alternative rock or blues with a warm and well

OVERALL OPINION

Since I got this guitar I saw a dream awakening must say that was 13 years since I expected and although I had Idalis I have absolutely no t d u. has cost an eye but worth it at least once in your life if you really love the PRS and we are not ready to drop the guitar

PS: This model is no longer manufactured since 2006

The PRS Custom 22 Birds Orange was made in the USA and, as the name states, has 22 frets and a beautiful pattern of birds along the in lay of the neck. It has two humbucker style pick ups that each have their own controls knobs for volume and tone.

UTILIZATION

I'm not sure what the neck of the PRS Custom 22 is made out of, but it has a great overall feel to it that makes it easy to play. You can access all parts of the neck, including the last frets quite easily, which makes it easy to play both lead and rhythm guitar on this guitar. The guitar is quite light, which makes it easy to carry around. The shape is awesome and has become the signature look of PRS guitars. It is quite easy to get a good sound from the Custom 22 as the inherent sound is thick and rich.

SOUNDS

The PRS Custom 22 Birds Orange is great for all types of music, but really excels for funk and for using modulation effects with it, because of the thick tone you get with this. I usually use this guitar with a '76 Fender Twin Reverb and effects pedals like the Boss PH-3 phase shifter and the Morley Stereo Chorus Vibrato. I find that because I like these effects to be as thick as possible, this guitar is a great option for these types of effects. It also sounds great just clean and the two pick ups and their control knobs allow for a good deal of versatility in terms of tone. Overall, the sound quality of the PRS Custom 22 is more than above average.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the PRS Custom 22 Birds Orange for about four years and have found it to be unique and rich in tone, while being stunningly beautiful visually. The orange burst and the silver birds on the in lay make for a truly awesome look that is completely of its own. While the price of this guitar isn't the cheapest, you get a great product for your money. This is a high end guitar and is unique, which is why I would encourage those looking for a high end instrument like this to try out some of the other guitars like a Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul as well as the PRS. All in all, highly recommended!