In 1985, luthier Paul Reed Smith started producing factory-made guitars, and over the next two decades, the cutting-edge, innovative PRS designs permanently changed the electric guitar industry. The original PRS guitars feature 24-fret necks, but in 1993, PRS debuted the Custom 22 to offer a 22-fret variation on their classic design. Because of the different geometry and location of the neck pickup, the Custom 22 delivers a fatter, more vintage-appropriate tone than you get from its 24-fret counterparts.
This Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 dates to 2006 and it features a carved Maple top on a Mahogany body. A wraparound stop-tail bridge helps maximize sustain while allowing for precise intonation. The electronics on this 2006 Custom 22 have been changed to high-quality after market parts. The pickups are both from Seymour Duncan: a Pearly Gates in the neck and SH-5 Duncan Custom in the bridge. While many PRS guitars feature the 5-way rotary switch, this Custom 22 has a traditional three-way pickup selector, and it has two CTS 500 k pots and a Mojo Dijon tone capacitor.
This 2006 Custom 22 has been played, and it shows some scuffs and signs of use, particularly around the edge of the top where the finish is worn and chipped in some spots. There's also some stable finish checking and scuffs around the edges of the headstock. There's a minor chip on the bass edge of the fingerboard at the 20th fret, and there's a ding on the back of the body by the input jack that is worth mentioning. We've done our best to capture what we're seeing in the photos! The pickup covers and bridge show tarnish, and there's some play wear to the top in all the expected areas. It's always cool to see a PRS that someone actually played! This one has unique character and serious vibe.
True to the PRS reputation, this 2006 Custom 22 is a serious player—low action and every note rings clear and true all the way up to the 22nd fret! The frets are in nice condition, especially considering the age. Plugged in, the Seymour Duncans produce powerful—but also versatile—humbucker tone. PRS guitars have style, and the classic amber sunburst looks just right with the Flame Maple and the iconic PRS carve. The bird inlays are cool and all, but what about the Moons? A nice variation from the dots, and certainly more understated than the birds. This 2006 PRS Custom 22 includes its original hardshell case.