Carlsbro PRS 25th anniversary guitar (1993)

[Noah Jender]

Hello, this is my first post, does anyone know anything about the Carlsbro 25th anniversary PRS guitar? I think they had a bolt on neck because the advert I read said they were numbered 1-25 on the neck plate. Are they a thing in PRS world, or have they disappeared in the mists of time?
Noah

 

[WEDGE]

 

[dogrocketp]

It’s not anything I’ve heard of. Where is Carlsbro?

 

[Noah Jender]

It’s not anything I’ve heard of. Where is Carlsbro?

Carlsbro was an English company that made amps/*effects and used to have a chain of shops, I think the name has been bought, and they're distributing now. I can quote the specs from the ad: "amber finish, quilted top, dragon pickups, push/pull sweet switch on tone control, wide thin neck, certificate of authenticity signed by Paul Reed Smith, numbered 1 to 25 on each neck plate" November 1993
It piqued my interest because I had never heard of the guitars, and assumed they must exist somewhere, unless the order was cancelled.
*1970s Carlsbro pedals sell for quite a premium these days

 

[gush]

Never heard of these???? Dragon pickups though..........hmmmmm

 

[DISTORT6]

It stumps the ‘ol Google machine!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Don’t think it’s a thing.

Carlsbro made a Strat copy.

 

[Noah Jender]

Don’t think it’s a thing.

Carlsbro made a Strat copy.

It was definitely a thing, I have the advert in front of me now, the only thing I can think is maybe they never got enough orders and scrapped the idea, but all the specs are there, along with a couple of photos, but they don't tell you much

 

[Noah Jender]

It stumps the ‘ol Google machine!

Absolutely it does, I had a good ol nosey before I asked here, maybe they're out there but the origin is lost, but that wouldn't explain the signed PRS certificates of authenticity. I'll have a look if there's a Carlsbro "fan page" maybe someone who worked for them may know.

 

[Max Headroom]

It was definitely a thing, I have the advert in front of me now, the only thing I can think is maybe they never got enough orders and scrapped the idea, but all the specs are there, along with a couple of photos, but they don't tell you much

So can you post a photo of said advert please?
Very curious!
I used to practically live in the Carlsboro stores in Derby and Mansfield back in the late eighties and early nineties.

 

[Noah Jender]

So can you post a photo of said advert please?
Very curious!
I used to practically live in the Carlsboro stores in Derby and Mansfield back in the late eighties and early nineties.

Apparently not, I'll see if I can upload it to Pintrest and get a link

 

[DISTORT6]

I love a good Scooby Doo mystery!
Here’s to hoping one is found.

 

[aphantomvaper]

This thread went dark credentials than I was expecting. Thanks for sharing that advert!!!

 

[Max Headroom]

Apparently not, I'll see if I can upload it to Pintrest and get a link

Thank you!
That would be one rare axe if any ever actually got made.

 

[FragileThunder]

Anybody else look at the picture and description and immediately think "those aren't amber finish with a quilt top!" ?

 

[SinSir]

Anybody else look at the picture and description and immediately think "those aren't amber finish with a quilt top!" ?

My first thought too and where's the quilt? Lol

Am I alone in thinking the only thing custom about these is a neck plate?

 

[BigChrisW]

So can you post a photo of said advert please?
Very curious!
I used to practically live in the Carlsboro stores in Derby and Mansfield back in the late eighties and early nineties.

I bought all my stuff from Carlsboro in Nottingham and my 52 reissue tele (that I still have was bought) mid-90s in Derby! Small world

 

[Max Headroom]

I bought all my stuff from Carlsboro in Nottingham and my 52 reissue tele (that I still have was bought) mid-90s in Derby! Small world

For whatever reason we never really liked the Nottingham store, buggered if I can remember why.
Bought most of my gear from the Derby shop.
Definitely three Bass guitars( Fender Precision, 2*Charvel).
2*15"Peavey bass cab and a matching 130w tube head.
Equals ferking LOUD...lol

 

[Mark Ray]

Wide-thin?

I'm out.

 

[Simon Says]

PRS used to do small-run dealer anniversary models like this one made for the 20th anniversary of the Machinehead. Jeff, the owner, started World Guitars, which is 10 minute's drive from where I live.

Sadly Jeff is no longer with us. Such a character...

Here's Machinehead's 20th anniversary

2003 PRS Machinehead 20th Anniversary Custom 22 - Purple - Near Mint | Reverb Malta

2003 PRS Custom 22 was created for the UK dealer Machine Head Music, in a lovely Purple finish. Only 20 of these guitars were made, with gorgeous artist-grade maple tops; each hand signed by Paul Reed Smith. This one is number 16/20. Weight 7lbs 11.5oz / 3.5 kg. Nut width 43 mm, depth at 1s...

reverb.com