VERY FEW CLASSIC guitar models have remained in continuous production for 40 years since their initial introduction. Gibson’s Les Paul Model/ Standard lasted only eight years from 1952-60 before its original design was temporarily discontinued and later revived in 1968, and even the venerated Stratocaster narrowly escaped the chopping block in the early Eighties during the final days of Fender’s CBS ownership.
The PRS Custom 24 (originally just called the Custom) has recently joined this rare class of longlived classic instruments by celebrating its 40th anniversary. Introduced in 1985, the Custom was Paul Reed Smith’s first production model, and it made an immediate impressive first impression, thanks to its deft combination of skilled craftsmanship, highquality materials and blend of classic features with modern upgrades. Making its initial bow during the height of super-strat mania, the Custom provided an attractive alternative for guitarists who yearned for the high-quality standards, tones and classic looks of a vintage instrument but with modern, high-performance upgrades.
“PRS collectors seek Custom 24 models made before 1991, when the necks featured Brazilian rosewood fretboards”