PRS SE Custom 24

The PRS SE Custom 24 is a masterclass in affordable versatility—an instrument that channels the spirit of Paul Reed Smith’s legendary Custom 24 design while remaining roadworthy and approachable. It sports a mahogany body capped with a beautifully figured maple top, whose shallow violin carve offers both visual elegance and resonance. The wide-thin maple neck feels fast and modern, paired with a 25″ scale length and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard inlaid with PRS’s iconic birds.

Under the hood, dual 85/15 “S” humbucking pickups deliver a rich tonal range — thick, punchy, articulate — and with the push-pull tone control plus a 3-way blade switch, you can unlock coil splits or travel through eight distinct voices. This makes the SE Custom 24 remarkably adaptable: it thrives across rock, blues, metal, or anything in between.

Hardware-wise, you get the PRS patented molded tremolo, designed for tuning stability and smooth expressiveness, plus PRS-designed tuners for reliable precision. The finish options — from Charcoal to Turquoise to Vintage Sunburst — bring both elegance and attitude. All told, the SE Custom 24 is a modern classic: rugged enough for the road, refined enough for the studio, and endlessly playable.

PRS SE Custom 24

The modern classic—workhorse versatility, stage-ready feel, studio-grade tone

If you’re searching for the best PRS SE Custom 24 guitar, you’re looking for the sweet spot of playability, tone, and value. The PRS SE Custom 24 distills Paul Reed Smith’s flagship design—24 frets, 25" scale, carved top, PRS tremolo, and coil-split humbuckers—into an accessible, roadworthy platform. At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock a wide selection of PRS SE Custom 24 guitars for sale, including the SE Custom 24-08, SE Custom 24 Floyd, limited finishes, left-handed models (when available), and used PRS SE Custom 24 deals—each inspected and set up by our techs.

Why players choose the PRS SE Custom 24

  • All-style flexibility: Coil-split humbuckers deliver glassy single-coil bite and full humbucker punch—perfect for rock, pop, worship, metal, funk, and studio work.
  • Effortless neck feel: PRS Wide Thin carve with a 25" scale and 24 frets means fast runs, comfortable chords, and easy upper-fret access.
  • Reliable hardware: PRS-designed tremolo and locking tuners (varies by year) hold tune and intonate well.
  • Consistent quality: SE models are built to tight PRS standards, giving you Core DNA at a budget-friendly price.

How the PRS SE Custom 24 came to be

The SE (Student Edition) line was launched to put PRS playability and design into the hands of more players—without sacrificing the elements that made the Custom 24 a modern icon. Built overseas to PRS specifications and final-inspected stateside, the SE Custom 24 keeps the essentials (scale, carve, body recipe, trem layout) while using cost-smart materials and manufacturing to deliver maximum value per dollar.

Popular PRS SE Custom 24 models & variations

  • SE Custom 24 (standard): Mahogany body with maple top & flame/quilt maple veneer, 25" scale, 24 frets, PRS tremolo, and 85/15 “S” pickups with push/pull coil-split.
  • SE Custom 24-08: All the above, plus two mini-toggle coil splits for eight pickup combinations (series/split options for each humbucker).
  • SE Custom 24 Floyd: Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system, often paired with hotter voicing for modern rock/metal stability and extreme vibrato.
  • SE Custom 24 Exotic/Limited Finishes: Special tops and finishes (e.g., quilt maple, burled veneers) with the same core electronics and tremolo.
  • Left-Handed SE Custom 24: Periodic LH runs (check current availability).
  • Older runs: Earlier SE Custom 24s may feature different pickup sets, tuners, or gig bag/case configurations—see product pages for exact specs.

Core specs that matter (and what they do)

  • 25" scale / 24 frets: A PRS hallmark—snappier than a 24.75" single-cut, easier bends than a 25.5" S-style; full two-octave access.
  • Body & top: Mahogany body for warmth; maple top (with figured veneer) adds snap and visual appeal.
  • Neck & fingerboard: Typically maple neck with rosewood fingerboard (spec varies by run), 10" radius for smooth bending.
  • Pickups: PRS 85/15 “S” (most recent) voice—clear high end, tight low end; coil-split expands to S-style chime.
  • Controls: Volume, tone (push/pull), 3-way blade; 08 models add dual mini toggles for series/split options.
  • Bridge: PRS tremolo or Floyd Rose 1000 (Floyd model).
  • Hardware: PRS-designed tuners; some years include locking tuners.
  • Case: Typically ships with a PRS gig bag; hard case options available at CME.

Artists & credibility

PRS’s SE platform is embraced by working guitarists, session players, and touring pros who need reliable, gig-friendly guitars. While many high-profile artists use PRS Core or signature models, the SE Custom 24 regularly appears as a tour backup, fly-date guitar, or daily driver thanks to its stability, tuning, and tonal range. PRS’s broader artist family—including names like Carlos Santana, Mark Holcomb (Periphery), Mark Tremonti, John Mayer—underscores the brand’s reputation for stage-ready design, which informs the SE Custom 24’s feature set.

Changes over the years

  • Pickups: Earlier SE Custom 24s may use prior SE humbuckers; recent models generally feature 85/15 “S” for improved clarity and output balance.
  • Tuners & nut: Incremental upgrades in tuners and nut material over time; some limited runs include locking tuners out of the box.
  • Finishes: New colors and veneer patterns appear annually; special runs (CME exclusives, limited editions) may carry unique cosmetics.
  • Electronics: The SE Custom 24-08 adds mini-toggles for expanded coil options; Floyd models swap the bridge and sometimes tweak voicing.

Pricing & value

  • SE Custom 24 (standard): typically $749–$999 new, depending on finish/spec.
  • SE Custom 24-08: usually $899–$1,099.
  • SE Custom 24 Floyd: often $1,049–$1,249.
  • Used PRS SE Custom 24: great savings with pro inspection and setup at CME.

At Chicago Music Exchange, each guitar is photographed, weighed, and set up—with detailed specs listed—so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Which SE Custom 24 is right for me?

  • All-around: SE Custom 24 (standard) for maximum versatility.
  • Studio flexibility / broad palette: SE Custom 24-08 for eight distinct coil combos.
  • High-gain / heavy vibrato use: SE Custom 24 Floyd for rock/metal stability.
  • Visual pop: Limited or exotic veneer finishes.
  • Budget-smart: Used PRS SE Custom 24—same platform, better price.

Why buy from Chicago Music Exchange?

Chicago Music Exchange is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and new PRS guitars. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Hand-selected inventory, pro setups, accurate weights & specs
  • Trade-in, financing, and a deep bench of PRS-savvy staff
  • Exclusive and limited-finish runs, plus used PRS SE Custom 24 deals
  • Fast, insured shipping—packed by guitar people

PRS Guitars

Founded by Paul Reed Smith in 1985, PRS Guitars has earned a legendary reputation for crafting high-end electric guitars and acoustic guitars that perfectly blend exquisite artistry with unparalleled performance. Each PRS guitar, from the renowned USA-made Core models and Private Stock custom shop creations to the accessible SE Series, showcases meticulous craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, and innovative design elements like their signature bird inlays. Known for exceptional playability and incredibly versatile tone, PRS electric guitars are a favorite among professional musicians and enthusiasts seeking a superior instrument capable of delivering everything from soaring leads to rich, articulate clean sounds. When you choose PRS Guitars, you're investing in an instrument built for a lifetime of musical inspiration.

Shop Now!

PRS Custom 24

Discover the pinnacle of modern electric guitar craftsmanship with our PRS Custom 24 collection—where timeless design meets flawless playability. Introduced in 1985, the Custom 24 remains the flagship model of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, celebrated for its balanced tone, sleek aesthetics, and unmatched versatility. Whether you’re a touring professional, studio player, or tone enthusiast, these instruments deliver the legendary PRS experience in every note.

Each PRS Custom 24 features signature appointments like meticulously carved maple tops, mahogany bodies, 24-fret rosewood fingerboards, and PRS’s renowned Pattern Thin or Pattern Regular neck profiles. Equipped with 85/15 or HFS/Vintage Bass humbuckers and a 5-way switching system, these guitars offer a wide tonal range—from crystalline cleans to aggressive, high-gain punch. Perfect for rock, fusion, blues, and progressive styles, the Custom 24 adapts effortlessly to any genre.

Our curated selection includes Core, Wood Library, Artist Package, and Private Stock models, showcasing extraordinary flame and quilted maple tops, exotic tonewoods, and stunning custom finishes. With premium hardware, PRS Gen III tremolo systems, and Phase III locking tuners, every detail is engineered for tuning stability, sustain, and performance reliability.

Shop Now!

PRS SE Custom 24 FAQ

Is the PRS SE Custom 24 good for beginners and pros?
Yes. It’s a gig-ready workhorse with easy playability and a wide tonal range—great first “serious” guitar and a reliable pro backup.

SE Custom 24 vs SE Custom 24-08—what’s the difference?
The 08 adds two mini-toggle coil splits for eight pickup combinations, expanding single-coil and humbucker flavors beyond the standard push/pull.

What pickups are in the PRS SE Custom 24?
Most current models use PRS 85/15 “S” humbuckers with a coil-split. Check each CME listing for exact pickups by year.

Does the SE Custom 24 stay in tune?
Yes—proper setup plus the PRS tremolo (or Floyd 1000 on the Floyd model) offers solid tuning stability. Many models feature PRS locking tuners.

SE vs S2 vs Core—what’s the difference?
SE = best value import line; S2 = USA-made with simplified construction; Core = flagship USA builds with premium woods and finishes. The SE Custom 24 delivers Core design DNA at an accessible price.

Is there a left-handed PRS SE Custom 24?
PRS periodically releases left-handed SE runs. Check current availability on the CME site or contact our team.

Does the SE Custom 24 come with a case?
Typically a PRS gig bag is included; hard cases are available separately at CME.