Inquiry - Future of Artist Package Wood Options

[hubbdub]

Hey everyone, wanted to ask about something I've noticed over the past few years. I recall back in '14 / '15 when PRS had a wider variety of wood options for the artist package guitars.

I recall a time when you had the option of choosing flame or quilt maple tops, and different neck options including figured maple and solid rosewood necks.

I've seen since these options being removed as time goes by (tops are now flame maple only; necks are mahogany only) and wondered if there were any plans of these options returning to the catalog?

 

[markd21]

No proof or evidence to support the following statement, but....

I think Wood Library runs have sort of replaced the old Artist Package concept.

 

[GuitarJammin]

I always thought the Artist guitars and Woodlibrary were similar as they were both dealer spec'd. The difference being wood library guitars did not have to have Artist grade tops/materials. The wood library I owned would've have been a standard top no where near even a 10 top appearance...BUT...you ain't getting a Korina neck and body, brazilian board, uncovered 57/08s, hollow abolone birds on a standard floyd rose custom 24.

 

[hubbdub]

If I'm not mistaken though, you can't go to a dealer and spec out a wood library guitar to your liking correct? Weren't those done as small order runs (thinking 10 or so) spec'd out by the dealer?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I honestly think it’s all about the availability, or more likely a surplus of wood. I have no knowledge or evidence besides lengthy observation.

 

[g.wizz]

I ordered my 513 AP in August 2013 (Avatar) and Got it after 4 months just before Christmas
the only downer for me is I couldn't specify the chevron of the flame top (although it is very nice top) it was the luck of the draw
but I did specify everything else ( IRW neck, ebony board, birds, color and mixed hardware)

 

[11top]

.... a surplus of wood.

Wait! There is such a thing?

 

[Callan]

Wait! There is such a thing?

Yes, but surprisingly it still can't be made into a surplus of guitars.

 

[bodia]

AP is currently not an available option. I seem to recall someone starting a thread about it in the past couple of months. I just looked at the product page for the Cu24 and under Artist Package it states "Currently Unavailable"

 

[GADonis]

AP is currently not an available option. I seem to recall someone starting a thread about it in the past couple of months. I just looked at the product page for the Cu24 and under Artist Package it states "Currently Unavailable"

I wouldn't be surprised if their focus won't be even more on "production" line guitars for the near future. I don't remember how long the factory was offline but they likely have a significant backlog to try and make (or come close to) production goals that were set before current $#!+ storm hit.

 

[GuitarJammin]

If I'm not mistaken though, you can't go to a dealer and spec out a wood library guitar to your liking correct? Weren't those done as small order runs (thinking 10 or so) spec'd out by the dealer?

Yes. Correct. Small dealer runs. You see a Wood library or artist guitar that toots your horn and you buy it! Gives us guys who don't want/can't to spend PS money to at least get some unique guitar builds at the core model level. I gotta say too I've always thought it fun to see dealers spec their WL guitars...kinda a personality of the dealer if you will.

 

[veinbuster]

AP is currently not an available option. I seem to recall someone starting a thread about it in the past couple of months. I just looked at the product page for the Cu24 and under Artist Package it states "Currently Unavailable"

This could well be a way to manage the order backlog.
I would bet two dozens tacos they will be back some time in the next two years.

 

[bodia]

This could well be a way to manage the order backlog.
I would bet two dozens tacos they will be back some time in the next two years.

That was my thinking, as well.

 

[FunkyFreeman]

This could well be a way to manage the order backlog.
I would bet two dozens tacos they will be back some time in the next two years.

I think so regarding PRS backlog clearing. But 2 year waiting?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I think so regarding PRS backlog clearing. But 2 year waiting?

I blame John Mayer.

 

[Dead&Co]

 

[dcm_guitar]

I've heard rumors that AP wood tops are scarce.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

No disrespect, John.

 

[Silvertree]

Wait! There is such a thing?

Yes, but not since I since I was 20. Wait, what are we taking about again?