CE3?

[Dusty Chalk]

Does anyone know what this is:

...from the serial number, I'm pretty sure it's a 1997 CE, but the tag said it was a "CE3"...? Perhaps the CE went through several iterations, and this is the third? Not clear from the model history. Perhaps I should just email customer service.

I'm asking because I'm being offered it for sale for a fairly decent price.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Any shots of the front? Can you ask them for the MODCAT?

 

[Furtive]

Very interesting... I guess CE1 was the original alder or alder/maple, then CE2 was mahogany? Again, just guessing here.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Any shots of the front? Can you ask them for the MODCAT?

No, sorry, no shots of the front, I could remember what it looked like, so didn't bother. It looks like a guitar. :\

MODCAT is a good idea, I'll be speaking to the guitar tech later in the week, I'll ask him to unearth it.

 

[garrettb]

97 won't have a MODCAT. Bridge pickup cavity writing will tell the story.

"CE3" is written on the PRS hang tag? I haven't heard that before.

 

[G-Man]

I have CE 16872 which is a 1997 CE 22! Almost twins! Pull the pickups. All you will need is there in some cryptic way.

 

[bodia]

Maybe:
CE1=alder
CE2=maple top
CE3=22 fret model
???????

 

[G-Man]

If it helps, based on the serial number, our guitars were probably made on the same day or within a day or two. One piece mahogany body stained red just like the one in the photo. Satin finish neck with the larger heel which seem bigger than my CE 24 and a rosewood fretboard, abalone inlays, etc.

Pulling the pickups revealed one thing that was odd. In the bridge pickup cavity non-modcat guitars include the model number, frets and color hand written. In my case, the letters CE22 are apparent and then a black sharpie cross out. Above it says CS for cherry sunburst. My thought is that the sprayer saw that the top was not a spectacular flame or quilt but very nice and the natural binding in quite amazing and changed the color at the last minute. While I would not call it a one off, it does seem a bit odd.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Thanks for that -- I was mostly interested in what the body material was -- I suspected mahogany, considering the era. You're probably right. Think I'll pass on it for now...

"CE3" is written on the PRS hang tag? I haven't heard that before.

No, the PRS hang tag is long gone -- this was on the handwritten price tag -- so probably what the previous owner told the shop it was (it's being sold on commission).

Maybe:
CE1=alder
CE2=maple top
CE3=22 fret model
???????

Nope, it's 24 fret model. I've seen 22 fret CEs, but they're usually called CE 22s, from what I've seen.

 

[bodia]

Thanks for that -- I was mostly interested in what the body material was -- I suspected mahogany, considering the era. You're probably right. Think I'll pass on it for now...No, the PRS hang tag is long gone -- this was on the handwritten price tag -- so probably what the previous owner told the shop it was (it's being sold on commission).Nope, it's 24 fret model. I've seen 22 fret CEs, but they're usually called CE 22s, from what I've seen.

Right on! Regardless, I think you should buy it.....well.......just cuz!

 

[G-Man]

A super good deal for a box of macaroni.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Right on! Regardless, I think you should buy it.....well.......just cuz!

But it's not purple!

 

[G-Man]

I do not know what the protocol is here but if you are out of the hunt, send it my way? I do not want to break any rules. Scary thing is I am working on a deal for a purple guitar that has faded to almost salmon! A killer 10 top.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I saw that one on reverb and passed (although I do like salmon). Unfortunately, these people don't have much of an online presence, but I'll put you two in touch.

 

[G-Man]

You are the man! I'm thinking of going for it as a somewhat of a project guitar, albeit a very nice project guitar.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Go for it. Sent you the info, the rest is up to you.

 

[fender1punk]

I think that I read that the 3 meant it was a CE with a different carve neck, such as wide/fat instead of wide/thin.

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

Does it have a 3-piece maple cap?

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Don't remember. I've never seen that before, so I think I would have noticed, so I think not, but not sure.

 

[Mark Wilkinson]

the CE-3 was not made after the CE22 was introduced. The CE3 was the initial 24 Fret model but when they introduced the CE22 they changed the CE3 to the CE24. This does not look to be a CE-3.