PRS SE Custom 24 BG

PRS SE Custom 24 BG review

The PRS SE Custom 24 BG is a practical electric guitar built around a familiar combination: a mahogany body, maple top and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and two humbucking pickups. Its 24 frets and 25-inch scale give it a modern specification, while a push-pull tone control adds access to single-coil-style sounds. At a listed price of $749, it aims to cover several musical roles without requiring a player to bring multiple guitars.

Owner reports describe a comfortable neck, strong overall playability, and a broad range of usable tones. Several reviewers were especially impressed by the construction and setup they received. There are also reports of guitars arriving with high string action or intonation that needed attention, so the factory setup should not be taken for granted.

Construction and finish

The body is mahogany, topped with an arched maple cap and a flamed maple veneer. A maple neck meets a rosewood fingerboard with PRS bird inlays. The neck has a wide-thin profile, and the fingerboard carries 24 frets. Body binding and nickel hardware complete the visible details. The listed finish is Black Gold Burst, within the broader sunburst color category.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the appearance and finish quality, with several reporting clean workmanship and well-finished frets. One player noted a small color variation along the fingerboard, while another received an instrument that required adjustment before it played cleanly. These accounts point to generally positive impressions, but also to the value of checking the individual guitar on arrival.

The neck profile is a matter of preference. Some owners describe it as immediately comfortable and easy to move across; another preferred a slightly thicker neck than those on some other guitars. That difference is useful context for shoppers who are particular about neck feel. If possible, try the profile in person, or make sure the retailer has a clear return and setup policy.

Pickups and controls

The guitar has two PRS 85/15 S humbuckers, identified as treble and bass pickups. A three-way blade switch selects the available pickup combinations. The controls consist of a master volume and a tone control with a push-pull function. Owners describe the split sounds as distinct from the full humbucker settings, adding brighter options for cleaner passages and more varied playing styles.

In full humbucker mode, player feedback points to clear clean tones and a fuller response with overdrive or higher gain. Some owners particularly enjoy the pickups for rock and heavier music, while others value the range across blues and clean parts. One reviewer found the clean tones less convincing than those of a specific Strat-style guitar. That is a personal comparison, but it underlines that the PRS does not aim to duplicate every single-coil sound.

The control layout is straightforward, and the push-pull feature gives the player a useful change in character without adding a separate switch. The available feedback suggests that the split tones make a noticeable difference. Treat them as an additional voice, rather than an exact substitute for a dedicated single-coil instrument.

Playability and tremolo

The 25-inch scale sits between the scale lengths commonly associated with some classic electric-guitar designs. Players report a smooth-feeling fingerboard and a neck that is comfortable for extended use. Several owners received guitars with low action and good intonation, while others made their own adjustments to string height. A setup tailored to your preferred string gauge and playing style may be worthwhile.

The PRS-style tremolo is not a locking system. Owners nevertheless report that it can be stable and usable, with one describing it as particularly satisfying to play. Tuning stability also received positive feedback. As with any non-locking tremolo, results depend on setup, string installation, and how heavily the arm is used.

Verdict

The PRS SE Custom 24 BG makes a strong case as an all-around electric guitar. Its combination of dual humbuckers, a push-pull tone control, 24 frets, and a usable tremolo gives players room to move between cleaner parts and higher-gain sounds. Owners often praise the finish, neck feel, and value, while setup experiences vary. At $749, it is worth considering for players who want one adaptable instrument and are prepared to check its adjustment on arrival.

It includes a PRS SE gig bag. A hard case is not included. The model has been available since February 2021, and its item number is 510496.