PRS SE Custom 24

It ranks #2 (A tier) on our consolidated electric guitars board, drawn from 5 independent outlets.

The PRS SE Custom 24 is for players who want one guitar for many styles. Reviewers credit it with a versatile, balanced tone, comfortable play and immaculate build quality, and the research lists no cons. It is the highest-ranked A tier product on our electric guitars board, second only to the Fender American Ultra II Tele in S tier. If you want a Telecaster sound or the most proven long-term reliability, the Fender American Ultra II Tele is the better pick.

Buy the PRS SE Custom 24 unless you want the hand-crafted US build. Both sit in A tier on our board. The PRS Custom 24 is praised for meticulous construction, a low failure rate and premium tone, but its one con is a higher cost than comparable models. The PRS SE Custom 24 ranks two places higher, shares the versatile tone and comfortable feel, and carries no cons in the research.

Buy the PRS SE Custom 24 if you can. It sits in A tier on our board while the PRS SE Custom 24 Standard Satin sits in C tier. The satin model is credited with the same quality as the standard at a lower cost, with a satin finish and a decent warranty, so it is the sensible choice if budget is tight. The standard model has more research behind it and a stronger verdict.

Yes, if the budget allows. Its comfortable feel and balanced tone suit a player who has not settled on a style yet, and a beginner will not outgrow it. It costs more than a starter guitar, so only choose it if you are sure you will keep playing. The PRS SE Custom 24 Standard Satin in C tier is the cheaper way into the same design.

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. A yearly set-up keeps the action and intonation right, and the vibrato bridge stays in tune better when the strings are stretched in properly after a change.