PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG

PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG review

The PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG puts a carved-looking quilted maple top, an ebony fingerboard, and a two-humbucker layout into a guitar designed to cover a wide range of electric sounds. Its defining feature is the pair of mini switches that split the pickup coils. Combined with a three-way toggle, they offer eight pickup configurations, a useful source of tonal variety without adding a complicated control layout.

The listed price is $999, and the model has been available since November 2024. Its mahogany body and set maple neck follow a familiar electric-guitar recipe, while 24 frets and a 25-inch scale give the instrument room for both full-range lead work and comfortable chord playing. It comes with a gig bag, not a hard case.

Build, finish, and feel

The charcoal cherry burst finish is paired with a quilted maple top, matching headstock veneer, and binding on the body, neck, and headstock. Product details also refer to the color as Cherry Burst, so buyers should check the specific listing and photos rather than assume all images show the exact shade. One owner found the finish lighter in person than in the pictures, but still attractive. The same owner reported no sharp fret ends.

The maple neck has a wide, thin profile, measuring 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the 12th. Its 10-inch fingerboard radius, 42.9 mm nut width, and 24 frets describe a contemporary playing surface. Bird inlays add a recognizable PRS detail. One buyer said the guitar arrived set up and ready to play, and another praised its comfort. Those experiences are encouraging, though setup and feel can vary from one instrument to another.

PRS-branded tuners and nickel hardware complete the specification. Feedback on the tuners is mixed. One player considered the standard tuners acceptable but replaced them with locking models, while another specifically liked the precision and feel of the supplied machines. Locking tuners are not included according to the listed specifications.

Pickup options and sound

The guitar uses two TCI "S" humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck, with a master volume, tone control, and three-way toggle. Two mini switches split the coils, producing the eight available combinations cited in owner feedback. In practical terms, the guitar can move between full humbucker sounds and thinner, single-coil-like tones. Players reported using those settings to cover sounds associated with Stratocaster-style guitars, Telecaster-style guitars, and Les Paul-style guitars. That is a broad description of its range, not a guarantee that it replaces those instruments in every setup.

Pickup feedback is the main concern raised by one owner. That player reported excessive noise under some gain, even after resoldering, and described the pickups as brittle and inexpensive-sounding. The issue reportedly went away after replacing them. This is a significant caveat for buyers who rely on high-gain tones or expect quiet operation from humbuckers. Other owners were much more enthusiastic about the sound, describing it as clear and enjoyable, and praising the split-coil range. Experiences clearly differ, so try the guitar through an amp and gain level similar to your own rig when possible.

Tremolo and everyday use

The PRS tremolo arm inserts directly, rather than requiring it to be screwed in. One owner appreciated that setup and noted that a small screw adjusts how firmly the arm stays in place. That is a practical detail for players who change their picking-hand position or prefer the arm to remain where they leave it. The tremolo is listed as a PRS unit; the supplied information does not specify a locking system.

For regular use, the combination of a comfortable neck, broad pickup switching, and a tremolo gives this model a strong case as a versatile main guitar. The included gig bag is useful for transport, but buyers who need the protection of a hard case will have to arrange one separately. No extra claims about factory setup or tuning stability should be assumed from the owner reports.

Verdict

The PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt CG has an appealing finish, accessible neck dimensions, and a switching system that earns its place on the instrument. Its strongest argument is flexibility: the coil-splitting controls let players move beyond conventional full-humbucker sounds without adding a bank of complicated controls. The tremolo arm's push-in fit is another thoughtful touch.

The uncertainty around pickup noise and character deserves attention. If the TCI "S" humbuckers suit your amplifier and playing style, the guitar offers a compelling range of tones in a comfortable package. If they do not, replacing pickups may add cost and effort. At $999, it is worth auditioning before buying, particularly if you play with substantial gain. Owner opinions lean positive overall, but the pickup reports make a hands-on test the sensible final step.