Mozzi
https://imgur.com/user/BAMozzy/posts
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2018
- Messages
- 4,155
Does it really matter what other people buy, anyway? Stores with good PRS stock have 22s and 24s, and stores where you can’t find more than the occasional CU24 aren’t worth shopping in.
PS, it’s great to own both.
AGREED!!!
From my 'current' perspective, the Custom 22 isn't high on my wanted list - not because it isn't a fantastic instrument, its just because it doesn't offer 'me' enough difference or reason that I can't make-do for now with my current guitars and have no intention of losing/trading for a Cu22. I am one of those that opted for several of the other 22 Fret guitars. My 594 is probably the closest - although is also different in numerous 'key' areas that it doesn't really compare either - shorter scale length, different PU's, fatter body and a fixed bridge. The 509 and HBii are further from the Cu22 so I could add a Cu22 at some point but my Cu24 can be used to get close tonally and the bridge position isn't different at all.
A major part of the reason a Cu22 isn't high on my list wanted guitars is because I want a Special 22 semi-hollow, as well as a 594 Hollowbody ii, and these are right at the top. Considering the prices of these guitars (especially in the UK), as well as the very limited space I have in my home, I am not looking beyond these 2 guitars right now. I think the Special 22 could be a great and more versatile option over a Custom 22. If I had the money and space to own more guitars beyond these, the Cu22 would probably be on my list, as well as a Pauls guitar, 24-08/P24, P245SH, 513 (OK the last 2 are unlikely as they are not made anymore) and maybe some other brand guitars too. I am limited on space as well as funds - even if I dropped down tiers to the SE range, I still don't have the space - not unless I sell my Sofa and Bed and stack up the guitar cases to sit and sleep on...
I opted for a Custom 24, partly because it was my realistic (even if at times that was more a fantasy) dream guitar from the very first time I ever saw a PRS. Up until that point, my dream was to own a Gibson Les Paul Custom in wine red burst but that was eclipsed by a PRS Custom 24. Its the iconic and I would say defining PRS guitar. Its the model he launched PRS guitars with and its got its own PRS voice that isn't a Strat/Tele/Les Paul sound. Its got historic and to me sentimental value because it was the 'first' production PRS model and my 'dream' guitar. For me, the Custom 24 is the definitive PRS guitar and a must have where as the Custom 22, whilst being a fantastic and highly desirable model, its not as 'essential' as there are other 22fret models that I like/wanted more.
The correct to decision is to buy both, and I would if money was no object and space permitted but for me, the Custom 22 isn't very high on my list because there are numerous other 22 fret, twin humbucker type guitars on the market and I prefer other options ahead of this specific model. In truth, I don't know if I can realistically add 2 more guitars to my collection and may have to make a tough decision on which one to pick - which may end up being the Special 22 because my HBii does have the 58/15 LT's so I can get the hollowbody humbucker tones, just can't get the split coil tones the 594 HB would offer.
Not sure I would use the split coil Humbuckers enough to warrant the 594 HB but the Special 22 offers me so much more options. I just love PRS Hollowbody guitars, the look, the feel, the sound and they look incredible on the rear with the maple backs. If anything, the HB594 is more of an indulgence than adding to my palette of tones to paint beautiful music with. I know it adds 5 split coil HB tones but I would rather have the option to blend in Piezo chime and stick to the 3 humbucker options in my HBii if I was forced to have 1 or the other. Ideally, I want both holllowbody guitars. As I am at this dilemma, trying to justify fitting both guitars into my space, I can't see me adding in a Custom 22 - not unless some amazing deal crops up that I cannot resist. As Oscar Wilde said, I can resist anything except temptation and PRS guitars are so tempting!!!