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Electric Guitar

PRS CE 24

Name: PRS CE 24
Brand: PRS

PRS · CE 24

Price: 113 EUR – 3.440 EUR

Price history

Cheapest seen Most expensive seen

Availability: 9/10 (Common)

PRS's deliberate answer to its own Core lineup: the same mahogany-and-maple formula and 85/15 pickups as the set-neck Custom 24, built instead on a bolt-on neck to chase a snappier, more Fender-adjacent attack at a friendlier price. It traces back to the original 1988 CE, the first bolt-on-neck PRS ever built, positioned then as now as the brand's rock-and-roll workhorse rather than its flagship.

Where available? Go to the best price – 113 EUR About this instrument

About the PRS CE 24

The CE 24 keeps PRS's signature body recipe intact - a mahogany back roughly 31 mm thick under a 13 mm maple top, totaling about 44 mm of body depth - but swaps the Core line's set neck for a bolt-on construction using three-piece slab-sawn maple rather than a single quarter-sawn piece. That's a genuinely more economical use of readily available wood, built with a separate headstock piece and heel block rather than carved from one solid blank, and it was the first PRS bolt-on design to use this slab-sawn approach when the original CE launched in 1988.

To keep the price gap from the Core Custom 24 meaningful, PRS trims a few cosmetic details rather than core tone-shaping ones: the body skips the carved indentations under the control cavity and uses a less dramatic top carve than Core-series guitars. The pickups, though, aren't a cost-cutting compromise - USA-made, uncovered 85/15 humbuckers identical to the Core specification sit in the CE 24, engineered for clarity across an extended frequency range at both ends of the spectrum.

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eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR Best price View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Kabelbaum - CTS Push / Pull - Coil Split - 3 Wege Blade Switch 113 EUR View details
Reverb PRS SE CE 24 Standard Stoptail Satin Electric Guitar Metallic Gold with Gig Bag 512 EUR View details
Reverb PRS SE CE 24 Standard Electric Guitar Ice Blue Metallic with Gig Bag 512 EUR View details
Reverb Used PRS SE Swamp Ash CE 24 Limited Edition Electric Guitar - Sandblasted White 512 EUR View details
Reverb PRS SE CE 24 Standard Electric Guitar Charcoal Satin with Gig Bag 539 EUR View details
eBay PRS E-Gitarre SE CE 24 STANDARD SATIN gebraucht 572 EUR View details
eBay PRS E-Gitarre SE CE 24 STANDARD SATIN gebraucht 572 EUR View details
eBay Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE CE 24 Standard Satin AA63J395400 f145 601 EUR View details
Reverb Paul Reed Smith PRS SE CE 24 STANDARD SATIN ICE BLUE METALLIC 2025 644 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Black Cherry 2023 E-Gitarre 656 EUR View details
eBay [Paul Reed Smith (PRS)] CE 24 Standard Satin Used Mahogany Turquoise w/Soft Case 687 EUR View details
eBay [Paul Reed Smith (PRS)] CE 24 Standard Satin Used Mahogany Turquoise w/Soft Case 687 EUR View details
Reverb PRS SE CE 24 Electric Guitar Charcoal Burst w/ Gigbag 689 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted - Bareknuckle Nailbombs 799 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Vintage Sunburst mit Gigbag 2025 Kauf 811 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Bareknuckle Nailbombs PUs 819 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Sandblasted Bareknuckle Nailbombs PUs 819 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
eBay PRS SE CE 24 Blue Matteo Limited E-Gitarre Neu 3,58 kg aus Japan 1.013 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2021 - McCarty Tobacco Sunburst 1.350 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Maple Top Tremolo 2002 - Cherry Sunburst 1.397 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Satin Nitro 2023 - Gold Top 1.421 EUR View details
Reverb P.R.S. USED CE 24 (Champagne Gold Metallic) [SN.247323] Paul Reed Smith 1.479 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Standard 2023 LTD ED Nitro 57/08 -Vintage Cherry 1.582 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE-24 Semi-Hollow, NOS Exceptional condition, 2023, Factory paperwork & case, USA Paul Reed Smith 1.583 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Maple Top Tremolo 1995 - 2008 - Scarlet Red 1.600 EUR View details
eBay Paul Reed Smith PRS CE 24 Champagne Gold Metallic mit Tracking mit Gigbag GEB... 1.613 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash Limited Edition 2025 Red Apple Metallic 1.631 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition - 7.52 LBS 1.676 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Bolt-On Pattern Thin Black Amber Nitro Finish Electric Guitar w/Bag 1.677 EUR View details
Reverb Paul Reed Smith CE 24 1992 1.690 EUR View details
Reverb PRS 　CE 24 Semi-Hollow 　（2019’USED） -Whale Blue- 1.706 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE-24 Alder Maple Top 1988 - 1995 1.720 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2019 - Frost Blue Metallic 1.750 EUR View details
Reverb 2016 PRS CE 24 Double-Cut Bolt-On Electric Guitar Green Burst + OGB 1.766 EUR View details
Reverb 2023 PRS CE 24 Special Run Wild West Guitars w/GigBag 1.766 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2016 - Present - Eriza Verde 1.770 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 CLASSIC PRS CE 24 CLASSIC 2001 1.800 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash Limited Edition in Satin Frost Blue Metallic #0402365 1.861 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow 2019 - 2020 - Blue Matteo 1.862 EUR View details
Reverb PRS Ce 24 - 08 limba 2024 1.870 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE Mahogany 24 2006 Royal Blue USA HFS Rotary 3,72 kg mit... 1.881 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 - Trampas Green Smokeburst 1.924 EUR View details
Reverb RARE! PRS CE 24-08 Black Limba 2024 - exceptional wood grain 1.949 EUR View details
Reverb CE 24, Metallic Black (Pre-Owned) 1.954 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Standard Satin 2021 - Vintage Cherry 1.960 EUR View details
eBay Paul Reed Smith (PRS) CE 24 - Black Amber - 2018 [MADE IN USA] [3,36kg] mit G... 1.966 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2021 - Unique Custom Blue 1.980 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 3 - Classic Electric - CE 24 Black Cherry 1994 (Pre-owned) 1.995 EUR View details
eBay PRS Reclaimed Limited Peroba Rosa CE 24 S/H - Natural 1.998 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2023 - Blue Matteo Smokewrap Burst 2.012 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition 2025 - Black Amber 2.027 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition 2025 - Black Amber 2.027 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition 2025 - Faded Grey Black 2.027 EUR View details
Reverb PRS (Paul Reed Smith) CE 24 Semi-Hollow Custom Configuration Ruby 2023 USA 2.041 EUR View details
Reverb Unplayed! 2022 PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Sunburst + OGB 2.045 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 LTD Satin Nitro 57/08 - Black 2.068 EUR View details
eBay Paul Reed Smith PRS CE Mahogany 24 Royal Blue E-Gitarre Gebraucht Getestet 2.071 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE-24 Semi-Hollow 2.100 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash LTD in McCarty Tobacco Sunburst 2.150 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 E-Gitarre 2.222 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2016 - Present - Gray Black 2.269 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Limited Edition 2023 2.276 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash Satin Frost Blue Metallic 2.290 EUR View details
eBay PRS DW CE 24 Hardtail Limited Edition - 2023 Faded Blue Smokeburst 2.300 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Cherry Sunburst 2.350 EUR View details
Reverb Paul Reed Smith PRS CE 24 Vintage Purple Excellent Condition PRS CE 24 1994 - Purple 2.377 EUR View details
Reverb Prs Ce 24 Cherry 1995 2.380 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Maple Top Tremolo 1991 Tortoise Shell 2.380 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Sprayer's Choice - Purple Gold Sparkle 2.497 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 Black 2.499 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Fire Red Burst 2.500 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Sprayer's Choice - Ice Blue Crackle 2.510 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Sprayer's Choice - Sunburst Crackle 2.510 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar Flame Maple Faded Gray Black Purple Burst with Gig Bag 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Faded Blue Smokeburst | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Faded Blue Smokeburst | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Fire Red Burst | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Fire Red Burst | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Black Amber | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Eriza Verde | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar | Eriza Verde | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.515 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Electric Guitar Fire Red Burst w/ Gigbag 2.516 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Faded Grey Black #373148 2.543 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Electric Guitar | Carroll Blue | One of 1,500 | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.561 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Electric Guitar | Black Amber | One of 1,500 | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.561 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Electric Guitar | McCarty Sunburst | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.561 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Electric Guitar | Faded Gray Black | Brand New | FREE Worldwide Shipping! 2.561 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition Electric Guitar Black Amber w/ Gigbag 2.562 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash Satin McCarty Tobacco Sunburst 2.579 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE-24 1993 - sunburst 2.599 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 Special Faded Gray Black - Custom E-Gitarre 2.599 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Faded Gray Black 2.599 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 Special Faded Gray Black - Custom E-Gitarre 2.599 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Burnt Amber Sunburst 2.600 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Black Amber 0387523 2.608 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Fire Red Burst 2023 w/Gig Bag (104146:FR:MC5) 2.608 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow - Carroll Blue 424960 2.608 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash 2024 - Satin McCarty Tobacco Sunburst 2.619 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 CC Blue Matteo Burst 2.662 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash Limited Red Apple Metallic 2.668 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 Special McCarty Sunburst - Custom E-Gitarre 2.699 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 Special McCarty Sunburst - Custom E-Gitarre 2.699 EUR View details
Reverb PRS Dustie Waring CE 24 "Floyd" Electric Guitar Faded Blue Smokeburst w/ Case 2.702 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 LTD McCarty Sunburst 2.999 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 LTD Black Amber 2.999 EUR View details
eBay PRS CE 24 LTD Faded Blue Smokeburst 2.999 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Standard Satin 2023 - Gold Top with Natural Back 3.000 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Standard Satin 2023 - Powder Blue with Natural Back 3.000 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi Hollow Electric Guitar Quilt Maple Top Fire Red Burst w Gig Bag 3.036 EUR View details
Reverb PRS PRS CE 24 Dustie Waring 2024 - Waring Burst 3.100 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS Ltd CE 24 Special E-Gitarre Black Amber 3.199 EUR View details
eBay 3.199 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 2024 - Present - Black Amber 3.199 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Faded Gray Black 3.199 EUR View details
Reverb Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Special Limited Edition - Black Amber 3.199 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS Ltd CE 24 Special E-Gitarre Black Amber 3.199 EUR View details
Reverb PRS Limited Edition Dustie Waring Signature DW CE 24 Hardtail 2023 - Present - Faded Blue Smokeburst 3.200 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 - Faded Gray Black Purple Burst 3.200 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 Faded Abalone E-Gitarre 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - HA Faded Gray Black Purple Burst Electric Guitar 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - GF Faded Gray Black Electric Guitar 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - VN Vintage Natural Electric Guitar 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - 84 Carroll Blue Electric Guitar 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - KN Black Top Electric Guitar (Natural Back) 3.239 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 Faded Abalone E-Gitarre 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 - KN Black Top Electric Guitar (Natural Back) 3.239 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 Faded Abalone E-Gitarre 3.239 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 Faded Abalone E-Gitarre 3.239 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Early Solid Alder Body 1990 - Scarlet Red 3.249 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow 2019 - Present - Faded Gray Black Purple Burst 3.250 EUR View details
Reverb Owned By Orianthi! 2017 PRS SE Swamp Ash CE 24 Limited Edition Sandblasted Green Signed By Alice Cooper & Orianthi + OGB 3.256 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Special Limited Edition 2025 - Faded Blue Smokeburst 3.299 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow 2019 - Present - Faded Blue Smokeburst 3.350 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 - Carroll Blue 3.350 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - AF Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Faded Abalone 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - 84 Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Carroll Blue 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - VN Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Vintage Natural 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - HA Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Faded Gray Black Purple ... 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - DS Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Dark Cherry Sunburst... 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - GF Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Faded Gray Black 3.359 EUR View details
Reverb PRS - Paul Reed Smith CE 24 Semi-Hollow - KW Semi-acoustic electric guitar - Black Amber 3.359 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 E-Gitarre Bolt-On Carroll Blue 3.399 EUR View details
eBay NEU: PRS CE 24 E-Gitarre Bolt-On Carroll Blue 3.399 EUR View details
Reverb PRS CE 24 Fire Red Burst 3.440 EUR View details

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Source: https://reverb.com/item/95193493-paul-reed-smith-prs-ce-24-vintage-purple-excellent-condition-prs-ce-24-1994-purple

Sound character of the PRS CE 24

Pushed into amp grit, the CE 24 lands somewhere reviewers describe as power-Fender tone with noticeably more weight behind it - enough low-end heft to work for modern country as readily as classic rock. The 85/15 pickups' extended-frequency clarity combines with the bolt-on neck's snappier, more upper-midrange-forward attack to produce a sound that splits the difference between Stratocaster snap and Les Paul push rather than fully committing to either.

Bright Punchy Crisp Midrange-forward

What owners of the PRS CE 24 say

Owner discussion consistently frames the bolt-on-versus-set-neck question as a genuine but subtle tonal difference rather than a dramatic one - smaller in practice than swapping pickups or adjusting pickup height, according to forum consensus. Players who've compared the CE directly against set-neck Custom 22 and 24 models describe the CE as snappier and more Strat-like, with its coil-split mode landing tonally closer to a Silver Sky than to a Custom 22 from the same brand. Set-neck guitars are generally described as feeling a touch fuller and more connected, with notes blooming slightly more smoothly, but very few owners treat the bolt-on construction as a downside to tone or sustain.

Playability & handling of the PRS CE 24

The Pattern Thin neck carve, finished in satin nitrocellulose rather than gloss, is built for fast, low-friction playing - a deliberately slimmer profile than PRS's fuller Pattern or Pattern Vintage shapes. Reviewers note that despite the cost-saving measures elsewhere on the body, build quality and intonation hold up to full professional standard, so the savings genuinely come from cosmetic simplification rather than anything that affects how the instrument plays.

Recommended accessories & strings for the PRS CE 24

The 25-inch scale sits between Gibson's 24.75 inches and Fender's 25.5 inches, taking standard .010-.046 sets comfortably while giving a string feel that splits the difference between the two traditions. Players chasing the amp-pushed, power-Fender-with-more-weight tone reviewers describe will get there fastest through a straightforward overdrive or amp gain rather than heavy modulation, since the 85/15 pickups are voiced for clarity rather than scooped mids.

Technical data for the PRS CE 24

Type	Solid-body electric guitar, double cutaway
Body	Mahogany back (~31 mm) with maple top (~13 mm), total depth ~44 mm
Neck	Bolt-on, three-piece slab-sawn maple
Neck carve	Pattern Thin, satin nitrocellulose finish
Scale length	25 in.
Fingerboard	Rosewood, 24 frets, 10 in. radius, bird inlays
Pickups	2x PRS 85/15 humbuckers, USA-made, uncovered
Controls	Volume, tone with coil-split push-pull, 3-way blade switch (per PRS CE 24 standard wiring)
Body contouring	Simplified vs. Core series (no carved control-cavity indentations, less pronounced top carve)
Price positioning	Between PRS S2 and Core Custom 24
Origin	Made in USA

Price history for the PRS CE 24

Cheapest seen: 113 EUR · Most expensive seen: 3.440 EUR

Cheapest seen Most expensive seen

The history of the PRS CE 24

PRS itself only exists because Paul Reed Smith dropped out of college to build guitars by hand, landing early customers like Peter Frampton and Carlos Santana before officially founding the company in Annapolis, Maryland in 1985. Santana's endorsement took four attempts by Smith to secure after the two first connected around 1980, but once Santana genuinely loved the guitar he became the brand's defining long-term ambassador - and the bird fretboard inlays that are now a PRS signature trace back to a guitar Smith built specifically for Frampton, carried forward through the 1982 Sorcerer's Apprentice prototype that eventually led to the Custom 24.

The CE line entered that story in 1988 as PRS's first-ever bolt-on-neck guitar and, at the time, its cheapest model - a deliberate rock-and-roll workhorse positioned against the brand's more refined set-neck instruments. Production ran until 2009, then the CE disappeared from the US lineup entirely for nearly a decade before PRS brought it back in 2016, a gap long enough that its 2016-plus return reads less like a minor spec refresh and more like PRS deciding the bolt-on concept still had a place in a catalog that had grown considerably since 1988.

About PRS as a manufacturer

PRS occupies a deliberately middle position in the American guitar landscape - founded decades after Fender and Gibson, but built fast enough credibility through players like Santana that it's treated as a genuine third major brand rather than a boutique upstart. The CE line captures something true about that positioning: rather than copying Fender's bolt-on formula outright, PRS applied its own mahogany-maple body philosophy and 85/15 pickup voicing to a bolt-on neck, producing an instrument that sounds like neither a Stratocaster nor a Les Paul but something recognizably PRS's own synthesis of both traditions.

Notable players & recordings featuring the PRS CE 24

Carlos Santana remains PRS's single most historically important endorser, but his association runs through the brand's Custom-series and his own signature models rather than the CE line specifically - no CE-24-specific professional endorsement could be verified for this research, so that connection is presented as brand history rather than a claim about this particular model.