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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 Wes Dearth (John Wesley) uses PRS Custom 22

Wes Dearth (John Wesley)

Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

John presents his PRS Custom 22 Trem with Piezo Pickup in this video.

See how Ariel Pozzo uses PRS Custom 22

Ariel Pozzo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Ariel Pozzo is shown using a PRS Custom 22 guitar in a photo on his Facebook page.

See how Jakko Jakszyk uses PRS Custom 22

Jakko Jakszyk

Singer, Guitarist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

I like that PRS makes modern guitars with vintage vibe and feel. I was playing a Custom 22, and we thought it would be cool to create an instrument specifically to play on the King Crimson tour.

See how Charlie Simpson uses PRS Custom 22

Charlie Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

Busted

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Charlie can be seen performing with a Custom 22 by Paul Reed Smith. The pickups have been replaced with EMG humbuckers, most likely either the EMG 81+85, or 81X+85X combo.

See how Brendan Bayliss uses PRS Custom 22

Brendan Bayliss

Guitarist

Umphrey’s McGee

...
Verified via Jambands

Brendan is seen using a Custom 22 in this photo.

See how Artur Menezes uses PRS Custom 22

Artur Menezes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Pedais e Efeitos

In an article on Pedais e Efeitos by pee, Artur Menezes is shown using a PRS Custom 22 electric guitar.

See how Lionel Loueke uses PRS Custom 22

Lionel Loueke

Guitarist

Blue Note All‐Stars

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Lionel Loueke plays his PRS guitar.

See how Chris Henderson uses PRS Custom 22

Chris Henderson

Guitarist

3 Doors Down

...
Verified via guitarworld

In an article by Guitarworld, Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down is noted for using a PRS Custom 22 guitar, as listed in the gear section.

See how Ryan Phillips uses PRS Custom 22

Ryan Phillips

Guitarist

Story of the Year

...
Verified via YouTube

Ryan uses a custom 22. He states he has played pr since 2003. His guitar is fitted with a emg pickups, floyde rose bridge, and a custom inlay. he states that he uses this guitar for any of the heavyer songs. this is used for songs where he doesn't need anything extra for stuff like cleans and dynamics

See how Emil Werstler uses PRS Custom 22

Emil Werstler

Guitarist

Chimaira

...
Verified via MetalSucks

"I’ve been playing Paul Reed Smith guitars exclusively for around seven years now. I think they have a lot of character that the majority of other guitars lack. I’m a traditionalist by nature, so I use passive pickups and accent the tone by pairing them with the right wood. With that being said, all of my guitars are completely different in some way. On this tour, and most U.S. tours, I travel with around seven of them. They are used for different tunings — one main and one backup per tuning: Drop C, Drop B, and Drop A. The 7th guitar is used as a bus guitar for warming up or teaching on the road."

See how Ty Dietzler uses PRS Custom 22

Ty Dietzler

Guitarist

Thousand Foot Krutch

...
Verified via Thecootunva

He is seen using a custom PRS Custom 22.

See how Fernando Ruiz Diaz uses PRS Custom 22

Fernando Ruiz Diaz

Singer, Guitarist

Catupecu Machu

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2001 performance of "Puedes" with Catupecu Machu, Fernando Ruiz Diaz is seen playing a PRS Custom 22 electric guitar, as captured in a video by CMTV.com.ar.

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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