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 Adam Dutkiewicz uses PRS Custom 22

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via Photo

Adam used a PRS Custom 22 after leaving Parker. In this interview, he talks about using a Custom 22 to record Times of Grace's "The Hymn Of a Broken Man"

http://www.musicradar.com/guitarist/interview-adam-dutkiewicz-times-of-grace-killswitch-engage-361860

"A Custom 22 – I have a green one and a blue. I'm using the Dragon 2 pickups."

See how Tyler Larson uses PRS Custom 22

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via Youtube

Tyler Larson uses a PRS Custom 22, as demonstrated on his YouTube channel.

See how Fredrik Åkesson uses PRS Custom 22

Fredrik Åkesson

Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:35, he's seen playing this guitar

See how Ben Bruce uses PRS Custom 22

Ben Bruce

Guitarist

Asking Alexandria

...
Verified via YouTube

My best guess is that it's a Prs Custom 22, it could be a 24 but from my research it seems like the 22 is the better call. You can get a better look at it around the 2:50 part when Ben begins to sing. You can see the number of knobs, the style of the fret board and head stock, as well as the pick ups all pointing to it being a Prs Custom 22. There is another live video with him using the same guitar but this one give you a better look at it.

See how Akira Yamaoka uses PRS Custom 22

Akira Yamaoka

Guitarist, Composer

Konami Kukeiha Club

...
Verified via Photo

In the image from Wired, Akira Yamaoka is playing a PRS Custom 22, identifiable by its distinctive root beer color.

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses PRS Custom 22

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Fluff shows off the Prs custom 22 guitars He owns

See how Brad Whitford uses PRS Custom 22

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Photo

According to 80's advert from PRS, Whitford played the Custom 22 in advert.

See how Clint Lowery uses PRS Custom 22

Clint Lowery

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Photo

Clint has played PRS guitars since 1999, using their Custom 22 guitar almost exclusively. His main guitar is a black PRS Custom 22 he named "Bruce Lee."

See how Isaiah Sharkey uses PRS Custom 22

Isaiah Sharkey

Singer, Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

in this post sharkey can be seen using a prs custom 22

See how Korey Cooper uses PRS Custom 22

Korey Cooper

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Skillet

...
Verified via Prsguitars

Korey Cooper uses a PRS Custom 22 in antique white with gold colored pick ups and tuning knobs.

See how Kerem Özyegen uses PRS Custom 22

Kerem Özyegen

Singer, Guitarist

mor ve ötesi

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Kara Kutu" by mor ve ötesi, Kerem Özyegen plays a Paul Reed Smith PRS Custom 22 Gold Top.

See how Dave Hollingworth uses PRS Custom 22

Dave Hollingworth

Guitarist, Bassist

Dorje

...
Verified via Photo

in this post Dave shows off his Prs custom 22. this guitar is fitted with gold hardware and pickup covers.

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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2

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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