Help with IDing and repairing an old PRS

[jsalerni]

I bought it new and have had it since...I think it was late 80s or early 90s. It has a bolt-on neck, 24 fret, sunburst flame maple top, 1 volume and 1 tone plus 5 position rotary. Front of headstock is painted black. Locking tuners with "wings". Serial number on neck bolt plate is 173301. Any idea what model this is and what year?

Some wires came loose from the back of the 5 position rotary switch. I can't find a diagram anywhere that seems to match the existing wiring. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for any info and/or help

John

 

[24Semi]

Sounds like a CE-24.

 

[24Semi]

Also, it appears it may be a 1991 model year, but I'll leave it to the experts on the forum to confirm.

 

[Herr Squid]

IIRC the numbering scheme, that sounds like a '91 CE. They were all 24-fret back then, so they didn't distinguish between the 24-fret model and the 22-fret model that didn't exist yet. The rotary switch probably looks like a blue plastic death star with wires running all over the sides of it?

 

[Jazzedout]

Yeap, as others have said, 1991 CE 24.
The wiring should be the same as the Custom of that era with the same pickups (HFS and Vintage Bass) and 5 way rotary.

 

[jsalerni]

IIRC the numbering scheme, that sounds like a '91 CE. They were all 24-fret back then, so they didn't distinguish between the 24-fret model and the 22-fret model that didn't exist yet. The rotary switch probably looks like a blue plastic death star with wires running all over the sides of it?

TY for all the info.

Yes...thats the switch. I found a schematic diagram on the PRS site, but its not an actual picture of a switch and the wires don't match up with what I have. Does anyone have a picture or another diagram I could use to get this wiring right?

Thanks,
John

 

[RickP]

There is a diagram thread here that has some things you might find useful.

 

[jsalerni]

Looked at the diagrams, but they are not easy to follow. Does anyone have a photo of a wired 5-position rotary (blue plastic from 1991 era)? It would likely be the easiest way for me to figure out where my 2 broken wires connect. TY.

 

[RickP]

Does anyone have a photo of a wired 5-position rotary (blue plastic from 1991 era)? It would likely be the easiest way for me to figure out where my 2 broken wires connect. TY.

Check this auction... I think you can at least see which connectors are used, though it’s not a complete wiring.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2544635311...=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[jsalerni]

Check this auction... I think you can at least see which connectors are used, though it’s not a complete wiring.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254463531181?nma=true&si=O88uzJ1ZqS%2BjBOrRgxDHO9yp78c%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

TY. Yes...that's the switch, but all connections are missing in that pic. I've searched awhile and can't seem to find a pic of the back of this switch wired in a guitar...

 

[RickP]

TY. Yes...that's the switch, but all connections are missing in that pic. I've searched awhile and can't seem to find a pic of the back of this switch wired in a guitar...

Yes sir. That was all I saw. Hopefully someone on here has one and can get a “working wiring” picture to help you out.


Ok... one more possibility, but it’s an 86. Ish Guitars as lots of large pics on this one.
https://ish.guitars/products/1986-paul-reed-smith-metal

 

[jsalerni]

TY again. I looked at diagrams and pix and was finally able to match it to late 1991 diagram and 2 quick soldered wires fixed it all.

 

[RickP]

TY again. I looked at diagrams and pix and was finally able to match it to late 1991 diagram and 2 quick soldered wires fixed it all.

Awesome! I just ran into a 5 watt world video that had a view of it at about 3:23 in. Came back to add it here and saw you had it solved. Glad to hear it!