NGD! took my first step into PRS land

[JeffB]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

And can someone explain why the pre 95 PRSs are so desireable? I hear people say that all the time, which is why I jumped on this one as quickly as I did

Because they started doing the majority of the tough labor with CNC machines to keep up with demand.

 

[jmh151]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

And can someone explain why the pre 95 PRSs are so desireable? I hear people say that all the time, which is why I jumped on this one as quickly as I did

IMO- the biggest difference which makes them better is the bridge, at that time, was made by Mil Com. It was solid one piece- meaning the block and baseplate were both milled out of a single piece of metal. After 95, they switched to a 2 piece design- like a strat or Floyd Rose- where the block bolts onto the baseplate.

Then there's the neck heel. PRS started increasing the size of the neck heel to eliminate dead spots. However, there is misinformation on this. The huge heel was used on the 22 fret models, the 24 fret models just increased a little, and IMO did not effect playability.

The fretboard on pre 95 tended to be Brazilian rosewood. After 95 they switched to Indian rosewood.

PRS was a smaller shop then, so the quality of the wood- particularly the maple on a 10 top tended to be better than what you would find on a present 10 top. Mahogany was Honduran mahogany, as they grew they had to use mahogany from other sources. Inlays were solid mother of pearl. In time they had to switch to abalone laminate. These are all changes that had to be made for environmental concerns as they grew.

These are points that a PRS collector nitpicks over. I have a recent PRS, and IMO they're just as good or better than the early ones.

IMO alot of the hype is due to misinformation Ed Roman spread, particularly comparing the large heel on the 22 fret models to the small heel on the pre 95 24 fret models.

Also, I believe they stopped using the sweet switch that year.

Sometime near 95 they started using CNC machines, as compared to completely by hand. However, the CNC only does the rough cutting of the body and neck, there is still alot of hand work performed. The CNCs are more accurate and consistent, but some view them as robots building guitars. There's still alot of handwork to be performed

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

are those the little curved things on the heads? should they curve out instead of in?

No but they are on upside down. The "collar" that you press against to release the string lock should sit below each string.

Next time you change strings, undo and remove the lock wheel, slip off the collar section, replace it the other way up, refit the locking wheel.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

No but they are on upside down. The "collar" that you press against to release the string lock should sit below each string.

Next time you change strings, undo and remove the lock wheel, slip off the collar section, replace it the other way up, refit the locking wheel.

Oh ok, I see what you're saying. Thanks! Ill be sure and remember that

 

[VHTJay]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Sexy Custom 24 bro! Play it in good health!

 

[JOLLY]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Congratulations!! That's a good looking guitar.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Don't change a thing on that guitar. You scored an early PRS that's going to be a valuable guitar....and already is.

Don't do anything that's not reversable, and keep every part. Actually, you should sell it to the right buyer and buy another 3 things!

If you were a dude in the 60's who bought an early Gibson or Fender, that's what you just did, only with a PRS.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Don't change a thing on that guitar. You scored an early PRS that's going to be a valuable guitar....and already is.

Don't do anything that's not reversable, and keep every part. Actually, you should sell it to the right buyer and buy another 3 things!

If you were a dude in the 60's who bought an early Gibson or Fender, that's what you just did, only with a PRS.

Wow ok I see your point haha. It's not exactly in 10/10 condition though. It has been played. Buckle rash on the back and the top has its share of dings. Would it be worth it value wise, to get some rubbing compound and buff out some of the scratches? Or just let them be?

 

[Diego]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

GJ is 101% right. Hold onto that thing and do NOT buff it or anything. See how cool 60's Les Pauls/Strats/etc. look with all the wear?
It gives them credibility and value. You scored a fantastic guitar and an investment.

 

[bpeel]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Very nice trade! The only thing I don't like about some of the older PRS's is the original locking tuners. I had a '97 CE22 with those tuners that I couldn't get along with. Harder to use than the Phase II or Phase III versions. Hope they work out for you. Happy NGD!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

I want to say one thing about vintage PRS guitars.

PRS is the 3rd or 4th most important guitar company. The way the company sits in the grand scheme of the guitar world dictates that it will be seen as a company that makes collectible guitars.

Nobody knows how long the guitar business will be effected by economic problems. Let's say that everything swings back to normal like it always does after some tough times.

Right now, I'd like to suggest that you all go on Ebay and search PRS from high to low, and soak in what that company has become in terms of pristine quality and beauty....and real tone. Great tone.

Now, think of how the American company started in the mid eighties, and how the first thousand guitars they made will be seen a few decades from now. The originals. Unmolested guitars with a couple nicks and a little bit of play wear.....or completely unplayed. These will be the ones worth big bucks. And a trans black flametop 10 Top!
PRS made a lot of weird finishes in the late 80's, and many of them had their worst neck profiles. That means this one is one of the desirable ones from that era.

So don't make a mistake and thrash, butcher, modify, or sell for a bargain. Baby it and keep it. Know what it's worth. You scored a guitar that's going to go up in value.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

I want to say one thing about vintage PRS guitars.

PRS is the 3rd or 4th most important guitar company. The way the company sits in the grand scheme of the guitar world dictates that it will be seen as a company that makes collectible guitars.

Nobody knows how long the guitar business will be effected by economic problems. Let's say that everything swings back to normal like it always does after some tough times.

Right now, I'd like to suggest that you all go on Ebay and search PRS from high to low, and soak in what that company has become in terms of pristine quality and beauty....and real tone. Great tone.

Now, think of how the American company started in the mid eighties, and how the first thousand guitars they made will be seen a few decades from now. The originals. Unmolested guitars with a couple nicks and a little bit of play wear.....or completely unplayed. These will be the ones worth big bucks. And a trans black flametop 10 Top!
PRS made a lot of weird finishes in the late 80's, and many of them had their worst neck profiles. That means this one is one of the desirable ones from that era.

So don't make a mistake and thrash, butcher, modify, or sell for a bargain. Baby it and keep it. Know what it's worth. You scored a guitar that's going to go up in value.

Ya I for sure wont be tearing the thing apart. I don't want to baby it too much because I do want to play it. It sounds really good and plays well. I wont be beating it to hell, but I also don't want to lock it away and never touch it

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Ive seen '88 and '89 PRS cu24's in "mint" "unplayed" condition listed for around $5000 and up.

 

[d1dsj]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Ya I for sure wont be tearing the thing apart. I don't want to baby it too much because I do want to play it. It sounds really good and plays well. I wont be beating it to hell, but I also don't want to lock it away and never touch it

Good for you Chris, play the hell out of it! I finally paid off my PRS and although I have gigged it, now is the time to get some serious playtime on it. Like you, mine won't be beaten and mistreated but it won't be a case queen either.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

Looks like your guitar tastes are almost exactly the same as mine. Both guitars I know you have are awesome.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: NGD! took my first step into PRS land

The guitars really balance each other out nicely. The LP has really thick, ballsy tone........The PRS is much brighter and has lots of snap and cut to it