PRS Guitars, celebrating its landmark 40th Anniversary, has announced the limited-edition return of a beloved, yet often overshadowed, model: the PRS CE22. This iconic 22-fret bolt-on electric guitar, a cult classic within the PRS lineup, is back for a fleeting moment, with only 1,000 instruments being crafted.
PRS CE22
First introduced in 1994 and last seen in production in 2008, the CE22 has long held a special place in the hearts of players seeking a unique voice within the PRS family. Often positioned alongside its 24-fret sibling, the CE24, the CE22 offers a distinct sonic and feel profile that sets it apart.
Paul Miles, Director of Manufacturing at PRS Guitars, emphasizes the CE22’s alignment with the brand’s core philosophy of blending vintage inspiration with modern design. “This limited-edition, 22-fret model in our CE line offers classic PRS aesthetics and a voice that blends warmth with bolt-on articulation for vintage-inspired tone and modern versatility,” he stated.
58/15 LT pickups
While both the CE22 and CE24 reside in PRS’s bolt-on range, key differences define their character. The CE22 features vintage-voiced 58/15 LT pickups (with “LT” signifying “low turn”), controlled by a three-way selector, volume, and a push/pull tone pot. This push/pull functionality expands the tonal palette to five core voicings, encompassing full humbucker, single-coil, and blended configurations.
22 Fret
The 22-fret configuration contributes to the CE22’s more traditional feel. It boasts a Pattern Regular neck shape, offering a substantial and comfortable grip.
Notably, the electric guitar pickup placement differs subtly from the CE24. The shorter fingerboard shifts the neck pickup further from the bridge, resulting in a demonstrably warmer and rounder tone.
Remaining true to PRS’s commitment to quality, the CE22 features a solid mahogany body with a stunning figured maple carved violin top, finished in a gloss nitro lacquer.
The instrument boasts a 25” scale length, a maple neck, and a 10” radius rosewood fingerboard adorned with PRS’s signature bird inlays. High-quality hardware appointments include open-gear Phase III locking tuners and the renowned PRS Patented Tremolo.
Price & Availabilty
Available at Thomann in a range of exquisite finishes – McCarty Sunburst, Black Amber, Carroll Blue, Faded Blue Smokeburst, and Faded Gray Black– the limited-edition CE22 is priced at £2,999 / $2,699.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
While PRS playfully refers to the CE22 as a “workhorse,” its premium features and exceptional craftsmanship firmly place it in the realm of a high-end, versatile instrument.
This resurrected model is a must-have for collectors and players seeking a unique piece of PRS history and a sonic identity all its own. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a part of PRS’s 40th Anniversary celebration – these limited-edition CE22 guitars are expected to disappear quickly.
More Information
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