PRS Custom 24

It ranks #4 (A tier) on our consolidated electric guitars board, drawn from 4 independent outlets.

Higher cost than many comparable models.

The PRS Custom 24 is for players who need an instrument that lasts and will pay for hand-crafted construction. Reviewers credit it with meticulous construction, a low failure rate, a robust warranty, premium tone and excellent playability, and it sits in A tier on our electric guitars board. Its one con is a higher cost than many comparable models. If cost matters, the PRS SE Custom 24 in A tier ranks higher and carries no cons. If you want the single best-rated guitar on the board, that is the Fender American Ultra II Tele in S tier.

Longer than most. The verdict calls it a top choice for players who need an instrument that lasts, and the research lists a low failure rate and a robust warranty among its pros. Strings are the only scheduled replacement. A yearly set-up keeps the action and intonation right.

Buy the PRS SE Custom 24 unless the hand-crafted US build is what you want. Both are in A tier on our board and the PRS SE Custom 24 ranks two places higher with no cons in the research. The PRS Custom 24 earns its place with meticulous construction, a low failure rate and premium tone, but it costs more than comparable models.

It plays well enough for anyone, but it is a high-cost instrument and a beginner does not need it. The PRS SE Custom 24 in A tier gives the same design and a versatile tone for far less. Buy the PRS Custom 24 when you know you will keep playing and want an instrument you never need to replace.

Wipe the strings and neck down after playing, keep it in a case or on a stand away from heat and direct sunlight, and avoid big humidity swings. Change strings when they sound dull, every one to three months for a regular player. Stretch new strings in so the vibrato bridge returns to pitch, and have it set up once a year.