Comprehensive Guide to PRS Guitar Prices in 2025

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Contents

• Why PRS Guitars Are More Popular Than Ever
• The PRS Lineup: A Quick Overview
• PRS SE Series: The Best Place to Start
• PRS S2 Series: The American-Made Workhorse
• PRS Core Series: The Heart of the Brand
• PRS Private Stock: The Ultimate Custom Guitars
• The PRS Custom 24: A Closer Look at a Modern Classic
• A Guide to PRS Pickups: Finding Your Tone
• FAQ

Why PRS Guitars Are More Popular Than Ever

PRS guitars have become a major force in the guitar world. And for good reason.

They offer a unique blend of stunning looks, incredible playability, and versatile tones.

But with so many different models and series, it can be tough to know where to start.

That's where this guide comes in.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about PRS guitars in 2025, including:

• The differences between the SE, S2, Core, and Private Stock series.
• The history of the iconic Custom 24.
• A complete guide to PRS pickups.
• Practical tips for buying a new or used PRS.

So, if you want to become a PRS expert, you've come to the right place.

The PRS Lineup: A Quick Overview

PRS guitars are divided into four main series, each with its own unique features and price point.

Here's a quick overview:

Now, let's take a closer look at each series.

PRS SE Series: The Best Place to Start

The PRS SE series is the most affordable way to get your hands on a PRS guitar.

But don't let the price fool you.

These guitars are built to the same high standards as their American-made counterparts.

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The SE series is made in partner factories in Indonesia and South Korea, which helps to keep the cost down.

But PRS still has a hand in every step of the manufacturing process, ensuring that every guitar meets their strict quality standards.

Popular models in the SE series include the SE Custom 24, SE Silver Sky, and a variety of signature models.

Bottom line: The PRS SE series is a great option for beginners, intermediate players, or anyone who wants a high-quality guitar at an affordable price.

Explore models: PRS SE Series

PRS S2 Series: The American-Made Workhorse

The PRS S2 series is a step up from the SE line, offering American-made quality at a more accessible price point.

These guitars are built in the same factory as the Core series, but on a separate, more streamlined production line.

This allows PRS to offer a US-made guitar at a lower price point.

S2 guitars feature solid American craftsmanship, but with simplified appointments.

For example, they have flatter tops than the Core models, and they often use multi-piece necks.

But don't let that fool you.

These are still high-quality instruments that are built to last.

Bottom line: The PRS S2 series is a great option for gigging musicians and serious players who want a genuine American-made PRS without the premium price of a Core model.

Explore models: PRS S2 Series

PRS Core Series: The Heart of the Brand

The PRS Core series is the flagship line of PRS guitars.

These are the guitars that made PRS famous, and they continue to be the benchmark for quality and craftsmanship.

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Core models are made in the main PRS factory in Stevensville, Maryland.

They feature the highest quality materials, including high-grade tonewoods, the iconic deep "violin" top carve, and premium in-house hardware and pickups.

The level of detail, finish quality, and overall craftsmanship is a significant step up from the S2 and SE lines.

Bottom line: The PRS Core series is for professional and studio musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts who want the definitive PRS experience with no compromises on quality.

Explore models: PRS Core Series

PRS Private Stock: The Ultimate Custom Guitars

At the very top of the PRS pyramid is the Private Stock.

These are custom-built instruments made from the finest materials available.

Each Private Stock guitar is a work of art, with prices often exceeding $10,000.

Image Source: PRS Guitars

Private Stock guitars are hand-built by a small, dedicated team of luthiers in the Maryland factory.

Customers can select their own woods from "The Vault," which houses the finest and most exotic tonewoods available.

These instruments feature intricate inlays, unique finishes, and unparalleled attention to detail, with each guitar treated as a one-of-a-kind creation.

Bottom line: PRS Private Stock is for collectors and professional artists who desire a completely custom, no-compromise instrument built to their exact specifications.

Explore builds: PRS Private Stock

The PRS Custom 24: A Closer Look at a Modern Classic

The PRS Custom 24 is the guitar that started it all.

It was first introduced in 1985 at the Winter NAMM show, and it has been in continuous production ever since.

The Custom 24 was designed to be a hybrid of the best features of Fender and Gibson guitars.

It has a 25-inch scale length, which is right in between the shorter Gibson scale and the longer Fender scale.

It also has a mahogany back with a figured maple top, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.

But the Custom 24 is more than just a copy of other guitars.

It has its own unique voice and feel, thanks to its innovative features, such as the PRS patented tremolo system and locking tuners.

Over the years, the Custom 24 has undergone numerous refinements and updates.

But the fundamental design has remained the same.

And it continues to be one of the most popular and sought-after guitars in the world.

A Guide to PRS Pickups: Finding Your Tone

PRS offers a wide range of pickups, each with its own unique tonal character.

Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular PRS pickups:

FAQ

What's the best PRS guitar for beginners?

The PRS SE Custom 24 is a great choice for beginners. It offers the classic PRS look and feel at an affordable price. The SE Silver Sky is another great option, especially for players who are into a more vintage-inspired sound.

Are PRS guitars good investments?

Yes, especially Core and Private Stock models. These guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they tend to hold their value well. Limited edition models are also a good investment.

Should I buy a new or used PRS guitar?

It depends on your budget and preferences. A new PRS will come with a warranty and the latest features. A used PRS can be a great way to get a high-quality instrument for a lower price. The used market for PRS guitars is currently very favorable for buyers.