Help me decipher the year of manufacture of this PRS Electric

[jcolmn]

Hello I was at the local guitar shop and found what appeared to be a very old PRS Electric bolt on. The serial was on the headstock and was 870341

The PRS website says that all CE models start with 7. Could this be a 1988 model?

Thanks

 

[ChrisCst22]

CE's almost defintely did not exist in '88. I'd have to check my PRS history book.

If it was a CE, the serial would be on the neck plate, not the headstock. The "signature" looks all sorts of weird and wrong.

Without more photos it's tough to tell, but at first glance, I don't think that's a PRS.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Nice find! Yup, it's an 88.

 

[toothace]

That's an '88 alright! What's the rest of it look like?

 

[ChrisCst22]

Ah I stand corrected. So it was before they moved the serial #'s to the neck plate, and obviously the original tuners have been replaced and installed all sorts of screwed up. But what's up with that signature? You guys think that's legit?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

....But what's up with that signature? You guys think that's legit?

Probably. I can't see why someone would fake it.. doesn't really add any monetary value to the guitar. It just looks wonky 'cause there's not that much room between tuners, and Paul probably couldn't do his usual big swoopy.

 

[AP515]

88 was the first year (you probably already know) and the serial was indeed on the back of the headstock. There should be a "PRS Electric" on the front of the headstock. Yours was the 341st one made. Mine was the 487th. It's an Alder body. Don't sell it. There aren't many of them. I'd put the original tuners back on.

Also check the pups to see if they are original. Should look like this:

 

[jcolmn]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have not bought it. It is basically in relic condition (except the frets are near perfect amd it still plays well). The pickups have been replaced. The original tuners are long gone. I am not sure it even has a case. It is at the local GC for $1099. I liked it, but do not have the cash.

88 was the first year (you probably already know) and the serial was indeed on the back of the headstock. There should be a "PRS Electric" on the front of the headstock. Yours was the 341st one made. Mine was the 487th. It's an Alder body. Don't sell it. There aren't many of them. I'd put the original tuners back on.

Also check the pups to see if they are original. Should look like this:

 

[G-Man]

Go in aggressive. you know that the pickups and tuners are not original. Offer 899 and build it back over time,