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MGR/Pete « Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 »
Published on 12/12/02 at 15:00Richmond 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
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