PRS CUstom 24 VS Ce 24 (Comparison)
Our pick: The PRS CE 24
Coming in $1700 cheaper than the Custom 24, the CE 24 retains most of the core features that we like to see in mainline PRS guitars. From a value perspective the PRS CE 24 is hard to beat, and easily our winning recommendation in this comparison.
Header | Custom 24  | CE 24  |
|---|---|---|
Body Type | Solidbody | CE 24 Doublecut |
Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
Top Material | Figured Maple | Figured Maple |
Bridge/Tailpiece | PRS Gen III Patented Tremolo | PRS Patented Molded Tremolo |
Neck Pickup | PRS TCI-tuned 85/15 Humbucker | PRS 85/15 Humbucker |
Bridge Pickup | PRS TCI-tuned 85/15 Humbucker | PRS 85/15 Humbucker |
Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone + 5-way blade | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone (push-pull coil tap) |
Nut Width | 1.6875" | 1.6875" |
Scale Length | 25" | 25" |
Frets | 24 | 24 |
In this article we're comparing two extremely similar guitars: The PRS Custom 24 and the PRS CE 24. Are there differences between the two guitars? Do those differences matter that much if you're deciding between just the two of them? This is a comparison where you're truly not going to find a lot of distinguishing features to work with.
What does stand out to us is the difference in the price tags. We think it's important enough to point out first:
- PRS Custom 24: $4000
- PRS CE 24: $2300
Despite the massive difference in price, it's extremely difficult to determine where the Custom 24 is adding back cost. For that reason, I'm perfectly happy recommending the CE 24. In fact, it's my primary guitar - the one I've played most over the years.
PRS Custom 24 VS CE 24 (quick comparison tool)
Use the comparison buttons below to see the PRS Custom 24 and CE 24 side by side. Note the pricing difference between the two.
Rating Note: Even though we have the Custom 24 rated a bit higher, we'd argue the CE 24 is still the better value, just because of the far lower price tag. That said, the Custom 24 is still one of the nicest electric guitars money can buy.
PRS | Model | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PRS Custom 24 | 98.3 | |
 | PRS CE 24 | 95.5 |
One is $4000 and one is $2300. Can you tell? Does it matter?
PRS Custom 24 Details
If you look closely, there are some areas where you can see that the current iteration of the CE 24 isn't quite as pristine as the Custom 24. For example, take a close look at the carving around the knobs on the Custom 24:
The Custom 24 gets some nice body carving upgrades, particularly around the volume and tone knob.
You also have the five-way selector blade on the Custom 24 compared to the three-way toggle switch on the CE 24:
5-way blade on the Custom 24 gets swapped for a three-way toggle on the CE 24.
You can also see some gold accent on the hardware, particularly the bridge and tuning machines on the Custom 24:
It's the little things.
As I've mentioned, the Custom 24 also has the TCI-tuned version of the 85/15 PRS humbuckers which aren't something we're necessarily concerned about either way. If you read this thread, you get a sense there's some ambiguity around this feature, which is - at best - not something we'd really care to pay more money for.
PRS CE 24 Details
The CE 24 still has a carved top, which - to the untrained eye - looks appreciably similar to the carving on the Custom 24. Both are made out of figured maple with mahogany as the body's base tonewood.
In the CE 24 you do have a "bolt on" neck which is a slight downgrade from the "set in" neck of the Custom. It's a modest form of cost-cutting, though certainly not a deal-breaker that's going to ruin the experience of the instrument.
Otherwise, most specs match the sheet of the Custom 24.
Scale length and nut width are the same, and the 85/15 humbuckers are still there (the non-TCI versions), giving you a tone profile similar to the Custom 24.
Summary of our Comparison
Yes, there's some attention to detail in the Custom 24 that we don't get in the CE 24. But is it worth the added $1700 cost?
We'd argue that it's not.
The value in the CE 24 is so high that it's an easy recommendation to make, giving you an opportunity to have all the tone and quality of the PRS brand without the higher PRS price tag.
This comparison further cements our belief that the Custom 24 - while a great guitar - could retail far lower without PRS losing money on it.
Go with the CE 24 and save the money.
Questions and Comments
Do you have questions about the PRS Custom 24 or the CE 24? Maybe you disagree with our assessment? If so, drop them in the comments section below. We'll chat about it and help out as much as possible.
More Electric Guitar Content
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Comparisons
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
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Our disclosure↬
Fortunately I own both, all recent versions of a cu24 and ce24. I keep gravitating towards the CE. The satin neck, 3 way toggle switch, the better spank tones in the middle position (in split and hb) allow me to have versatile tones I cant get on the cu24. The neck on the cu24 feels thicker due to the paint (even being a nitro finish). I find that i only seek the cu24 to admire it and play it with delicacy.
Try to score a CE with black neck and headstock and you’ll be rocking. Also, i prefer the feel of the Korean tremolo on the CE (easy to bend and setup). If needed just but the john mann trem kit (saddles and brass block) for $200 and you’re set.
You’ve got an embarrassment of riches, Mr. Mario 😆
Mine is a 2005 CE 24. Black with gold hardware.
Excellent comparison. I agree that the CE24 is the guitar of choice here. One thing I will add is that (from a guitar tech’s point of view) bolt on necks are far easier to service. I don’t see bolt on as a downgrade at all, in fact IMO it’s one more reason to recommend the CE24 over the Custom 24.
Oh really? Interesting. I always thought the set neck was the better option, albeit not a deal breaker. Is it just easier to service or a better way to construct the instrument?
Just from a service standpoin., Also easier if you needed to, or even just wanted to swap out for a different neck like some do on a strat.
Makes sense.
I love my ce24 semi hollow. It is the only guitar I own that allows me to play all night with my cover band. We play rock, pop and country and this does it all. I wouldnt Call the bolt on a downgrade. It’s actually set deep in the body just like a set neck. But brighter to my ears.
Yep. I’ve had mine for 13 years now.