Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,195

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your musical prowess with the PRS Custom 22, a finely crafted instrument that seamlessly blends elegance with versatility. Renowned for its remarkable tonal range, this guitar is a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. The Custom 22 features a stunning flame maple top that not only captivates with its visual appeal but also enhances the guitar's tonal clarity. Its dual humbuckers and 5-way blade switch offer an expansive palette of sounds, making it perfect for any genre, from blues to rock and beyond.

The PRS Custom 22 is celebrated for its pinpoint-accurate tremolo system, which ensures smooth and stable pitch bends, allowing you to express your creativity without compromise. The mahogany body and neck, paired with a rosewood fretboard, offer a comfortable playing experience and a balanced tonal foundation. Whether you are performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar promises reliability and impeccable sound quality.

As part of a vibrant musician community, owning the PRS Custom 22 not only elevates your playing but also connects you with a network of artists who appreciate the craftsmanship and legacy of PRS guitars. Dive into a world of sonic possibilities and let the Custom 22 inspire your next musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbuckers with 5-way blade switch for versatile tones
  • Flame maple top on a solid mahogany body
  • Pinpoint-accurate tremolo system
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
  • 22 frets for a wide range of musical expression

Product specs

Brand PRS
Model Custom 22 Tremolo
Finish Amber, Antique White, Aquamarine, Autumn Sky, Black, Black Cherry, Black Gold Burst, Black Gold Wrap Burst, Black Sunburst, Blood Orange, Blue Fade, Blue Matteo, Blue Matteo Smokeburst, Blue Smokeburst Wrap, Blue Wrap Burst, Bonnie Pink, Champagne Gold Metallic, Charcoal Blue Wrap Burst, Charcoal Burst, Charcoal Cherry Burst, Charcoal Smokewrap, Cherry Sunburst, Copperhead, Dark Cherry Sunburst, Dark Cherry Wraparound Sunburst, Emerald Green, Eriza Verde, Eriza Verde Smokeburst, Faded Abalone, Faded Blue Burst, Faded Blue Wrap Burst, Faded Denim, Faded Evergreen, Faded Tobacco Wrap Burst, Faded Whale Blue, Faded Whale Blue Smokewrap Burst, Fire Red Burst, Frost Blue Metallic, Frost Green Metallic, Gold Top, Gray Black, Jade, Makena Blue, Matteo Mist, McCarty Sunburst, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, Natural, Obsidian, Old Gold Metallic, Orange, Orange Tiger, Platinum Metallic, Platinum Smokeburst, Purple, Purple Mist, Raspberry, River Blue Smokeburst, Royal Blue, Ruby, Scarlet Red, Teal Black, Tobacco Sunburst, Tobacco Wraparound Sunburst, Tortoise Shell, Trampas Green, Tri-Color Sunburst, Turquoise, Vintage Yellow, Violet, Violet Blue Burst, Violet Burst, Violet Smokeburst, Violin Amber, Violin Amber Burst, Whale Blue, Yellow Tiger
Year 2002 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, Teal, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade, Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family PRS Custom 22
Model Sub-Family PRS Custom 22 Tremolo
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series PRS Core
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the PRS Custom 22?

The PRS Custom 22 features a Pattern neck profile, which is a comfortable, wide-fat shape that suits a variety of playing styles, offering a balanced feel for both chords and solos.

What kind of tones can I expect from the PRS Custom 22 pickups for rock music?

The PRS Custom 22 is equipped with PRS 85/15 pickups, known for their clarity and extended high and low end, making them ideal for rock music with a powerful, articulate sound.

Is the PRS Custom 22 suitable for beginners?

While the PRS Custom 22 is a high-quality instrument that offers exceptional playability and tone, its premium features and price point may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

How does the PRS Custom 22 differ from the PRS Custom 24?

The PRS Custom 22 has 22 frets, resulting in a slightly shorter fretboard and a warmer, rounder tone compared to the Custom 24, which has 24 frets and a more defined sound.

Does the PRS Custom 22 come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the PRS Custom 22 features a tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

What is the top wood used in the PRS Custom 22, and how does it affect the sound?

The PRS Custom 22 has a maple top, which contributes to its bright, clear tone, adding definition and sustain to the overall sound.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Gibson Les Paul Standard v PRS Custom 22 - Let's Fight!

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard v PRS Custom 22 - Let's Fight! by Rob Chapman

Gibson Les Paul Standard v PRS Custom 22 - Let's Fight!

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for The PRS Custom 24 vs Custom 22 | PRS Guitars by PRS Guitars

The PRS Custom 24 vs Custom 22 | PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS Custom 22 Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

PRS Custom 22 Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for NGD: My New PRS Custom 22 by Riffs, Beards & Gear

NGD: My New PRS Custom 22

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for 1999 PRS Custom 22 by GregsGuitars

1999 PRS Custom 22

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for PRS Custom 22 - Orange Tiger by N Stuff Music

PRS Custom 22 - Orange Tiger

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for 1999 PRS Custom 22 Transparent Amber finish | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1999 PRS Custom 22 Transparent Amber finish | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS Custom 22 Carved Figured Maple Top with Gen 3 Tremolo Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

PRS Custom 22 Carved Figured Maple Top with Gen 3 Tremolo Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for 2019 PRS Custom 22 - Orange Tiger by N Stuff Music

2019 PRS Custom 22 - Orange Tiger

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for PRS Guitars Custom 22  •  SN: 11187270 by Wildwood Guitars

PRS Guitars Custom 22 • SN: 11187270

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS Custom 22.  An Accidental Find. by The Gigging Guitar Player

PRS Custom 22. An Accidental Find.

The Gigging Guitar Player

The Gigging Guitar Player

Video thumbnail for Paul Reed Smith PRS Custom 22 Gold Top by South Shore Music

Paul Reed Smith PRS Custom 22 Gold Top

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Video thumbnail for PRS - Custom 22 - After 2 Years by Gholdwayne

PRS - Custom 22 - After 2 Years

Gholdwayne

Gholdwayne

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality with eye-catching finishes like chevron quilt and turquoise

  • 58/15 pickups provide an unexpectedly bright tone, distinct from other PRS models

  • Neck is comfortable and smooth, enhancing playability across styles

  • Versatile sound range, from 1960s tones to modern styles with coil taps

  • Stays in tune exceptionally well, even after extended use

  • Fixed bridge maintains tuning stability, ideal for long performances

  • Intonation is superb across the neck, offering reliable pitch accuracy

  • Guitar maintains value well, considered a worthwhile investment

  • Able to clean up beautifully using the volume knob, offering dynamic control

CONS

  • Pickups may not be as strong as some vintage alternatives like T-tops

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS Custom 22.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lighter weight of the PRS Custom 22 compared to Les Pauls, making it more accessible and comfortable for longer play sessions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Setting up the PRS Custom 22 promptly is advised to enhance playability, suggesting potential initial setup issues.

    Source
  • One user reported severe setup issues with a similar model, including dead frets and sandpaper inside the F-holes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PRS Custom 22 is perceived as versatile, with some users noting its split coil feature provides tones similar to an SSS Strat.

    Source
  • The PRS SE Custom 22 is noted to excel in achieving Trey Anastasio tones, though it may not perfectly capture Jerry Garcia sounds.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The semi-hollow version of the PRS Custom 22 is favored for rock, jazz, and reggae, offering a broad tonal range suitable for multiple genres.

    Source
  • The guitar's warm tones can sometimes feel dull, indicating a potential need for modifications or specific pedal use.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest installing Super 2 pickups for achieving distinct Jerry Garcia tones.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mattbarker

Dream guitar.

Main guitar. I use it through a 3rd Power British Dream. Cleans up beautifully with the volume knob and the coil taps give me a crazy amount of tones possible. Can cover everything from 1960s to modern stuff with just this guitar plugged straight in. Plays like a dream. PRS fixed bridge is the best, stays in tune for days and PLAYS IN TUNE better than any other guitar I have. Stays in tune after 8+ hours in a trailer. Mine has the 5-way rotary knob, which I prefer to the push pull, but I know I'm in the minority there. 2001 Model, emerald green, moons, fixed bridge. PRS guitars are extremely versatile and seem to do everything well. The coil taps twang better than my strat, and can nail hendrix tone. I love this guitar.

joeley_g

Great guitar

This is the 3rd guitar I have had and it is by far the best, to my knowledge they do not make these anymore.

paulcarpenter

PRS Custom 22

This is the best of the PRS guitars I've ever owned.

matthew_fogg

my first prs

mine is turquoise absolutely love this guitar

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Trent Reznor uses PRS Custom 22

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

"Trent Reznor is pictured playing a PRS Custom 22 electric guitar in a user-uploaded photo, believed to be from 1995."

See how Steven Wilson uses PRS Custom 22

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

Steven shows his guitar specifically used for songs tuned to drop-D.

See how Brad Delson uses PRS Custom 22

Brad Delson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Brad Delson can be seen using a PRS Custom 22, with very similar specs, and the same exact finish/graphic as his main Custom 24.

See how Paul Gray (2) uses PRS Custom 22

Paul Gray (2)

Singer, Bassist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo, Paul Gray is seen with a PRS Custom 22 guitar, highlighting its use in his collection.

See how Adam Nolly Getgood uses PRS Custom 22

Adam Nolly Getgood

Guitarist, Bassist

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

Nolly owns three PRS guitars. This is his custom 22 with a Bareknuckle Juggenaut in the bridge and a VHII in the neck.

See how Mikael Akerfeldt uses PRS Custom 22

Mikael Akerfeldt

Singer, Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:42, he's seen playing this guitar

See how Dean DeLeo uses PRS Custom 22

Dean DeLeo

Guitarist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

During the Stone Temple Pilots' 2010 live performance in New York, as seen on MetalChannel's YouTube video, Dean DeLeo plays a PRS Custom 22 guitar during the song "Sour Girl."

See how Neal Schon uses PRS Custom 22

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via YouTube

While touring with the Steve Augeri fronted version of Journey, Neal endorsed PRS Guitars. He used them up until 2003. In this video, he can be seen using a custom-built Private Stock Custom 22. You can see the Private Stock logo on the headstock at 1:50. He uses several of them throughout the entire Journey 2001 concert.

See how Daniel Johns uses PRS Custom 22

Daniel Johns

Singer, Guitarist

Silverchair

...
Verified via Photo

Nicknamed “Liberation” due to Dan’s righteous sticker decor This PRS Custom 24 is actually a one of a kind originally made for Helmet’s Page Hamilton as part of an endorsement/signature deal with PRS, the prototypes for Page were built but were never sent to production and eventually went back to the PRS HQ Enter Daniel Johns getting his own Deal in 1995 and found Hamilton’s former guitar. Being a massive Helmet fan John’s chose this guitar over new PRS’ and has since been used extensively throughout his career. From 1995-2003 it was Daniels main guitar and has since used it for Silverchair Drop D songs almost exclusively at almost every show. The following songs have been played with this guitar: Freak, Slave, Tomorrow , Pure Massacre, Anthem for the Year 2000, The Door, Freak, Faultline, Abuse me, Leave me out, No Association

Johns has gone on record saying it’s his favourite guitar. Hear it on this live version of “Slave” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEkFbuMMDwY

See how Toru Yamashita uses PRS Custom 22

Toru Yamashita

Guitarist

One Ok Rock

...
Verified via Photo

Toru Yamashita frequently uses the PRS Custom 22 guitar. According to his Instagram post, he owns several, including versions in red and whale blue.

See how Orianthi uses PRS Custom 22

Orianthi

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Orianthi here in this video has appeared with a custom 22, with Richie Sambora holding a 1959 Gibson Les Paul.

See how Kanami Tono uses PRS Custom 22

Kanami Tono

Guitarist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Photo

PRS Custom 22 artist package in Fire Red Burst with PRS 408 pickups.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PRS Custom 22, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
keeby

keeby

Gear IQ 103

R

richard_akers

Gear IQ 62

erik_vaughan

erik_vaughan

Gear IQ 241

joe_clutton

joe_clutton

Gear IQ 61

jungebez

jungebez

Gear IQ 80

1 alternative for PRS Custom 22, curated by the Equipboard community.

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