PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow CA

PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow CA review

The PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow CA pairs two familiar electric-guitar humbuckers with a piezo pickup for acoustic-style tones. Its semi-hollow mahogany body, flamed maple top, and F-hole give it a distinctive look, while the pickup system aims to cover more ground than a conventional solid-body guitar. Available since October 2024, it lists for $1,129 and comes with a gig bag, not a hard case.

That range is the main reason to consider this model. The two 85/15 "S" humbuckers provide the magnetic sounds, and an L.R. Baggs/PRS piezo handles the acoustic side. A dedicated piezo volume control lets you bring that signal into the mix. One player reported using the guitar for acoustic-style parts in a cover band, while also getting warm, rounded electric tones and more aggressive rock sounds from the magnetic pickups. Those are individual impressions, but they point to the guitar's practical appeal: one instrument can cover several roles on stage.

Build and setup

The guitar has a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, maple set-in neck, and rosewood fingerboard. The Charcoal Burst finish is paired with binding on the body, neck, and headstock, plus bird fingerboard inlays and a matching headstock. Nickel hardware completes the look. It is a semi-hollowbody model, not a fully hollow guitar.

The neck has a Wide Thin profile, measuring 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the 12th. Its 254 mm (10-inch) fingerboard radius, 42.9 mm (1.69-inch) nut width, and 635 mm (25-inch) scale give useful reference points for players deciding whether the dimensions suit them. The fingerboard has 24 frets. One owner who described having smaller-to-medium hands found the neck comfortable, while another noted that it felt slightly thicker than a standard SE Custom 24. Neck feel is personal, so trying one in person is worthwhile if you already know your preferences.

One buyer reported careful inspection after the guitar had time to adjust to room conditions. The frets were even and smooth, the neck relief and intonation needed little attention, and the guitar required only minor tuning. The strings sat higher than that player preferred, but string height is adjustable and partly a matter of taste. These reports suggest good out-of-the-box setup on that particular instrument, rather than a guarantee that every guitar will need no adjustment.

Controls, pickups, and tremolo

The control layout includes a magnetic volume control, a tone control with push-pull function, a three-way blade switch, and the separate piezo volume. That gives players several ways to shape the electric signal and introduce the piezo sound. The supplied specifications list a jack connector. A player report describes using separate outputs to send the piezo signal to a clean amplifier or public address system and the magnetic pickups to a guitar amplifier. Check the specific output arrangement and your intended rig before buying, especially if independent routing is essential to your setup.

There is one reported caveat when blending the piezo and magnetic signals through a single output: a player noticed some piezo bleed even with the magnetic signal set to full. The issue was not reported when using two separate outputs. This is a useful point to test in person if you expect precise control over the blend. The same player found that the piezo worked well live with suitable preamp, equalization, and acoustic impulse-response processing.

The PRS tremolo is another part of the package. One owner found it stable in use, with tuning holding well after tremolo operation. Results depend on setup, strings, and playing style, but that report is encouraging for players who use the arm regularly. The guitar also has PRS-designed machine heads.

What to consider before buying

The blend of magnetic pickups and piezo gives this guitar a broad working range, but the acoustic-like sound still benefits from an appropriate signal chain. Players who want a fully acoustic guitar sound should audition the piezo through their own live or recording setup rather than judging it only through a guitar amplifier. The body's semi-hollow construction also contributes to its character, though owner impressions about a rounder sound are subjective.

At $1,129, the included gig bag is a practical way to transport the instrument, but there is no hard case in the package. One buyer chose to purchase a separate case. If the guitar will travel frequently or needs extra protection, include that cost in your budget.

Verdict

The PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow CA makes a strong case for players who need electric tones and usable piezo sounds from one instrument. Its specified hardware and controls support flexible stage setups, while owner feedback praises the finish, fretwork, neck comfort, and tremolo stability. The main checks are whether the neck suits your hand, whether the piezo routing meets your needs, and whether a gig bag is enough protection. For a player seeking a versatile semi-hollow electric with both magnetic and piezo pickups, it is a compelling option to audition.