N(U)GD! 1994 CE24

[24Semi]

Well, my search for a nice early 90s CE24 is over. Found this one, and so far, I'm impressed. The tuning machines have been swapped out, and the original HFS/VB pickups have been swapped out for a pair of Bareknuckle Abraxas pickups, which sound good, but I'll need more time with them to see if they're going to stay in. I assume I'll need to check the pickup cavities to determine if it's an alder or 'hog body (I've heard there may be some 94s that were mahogany...)

I'm also noticing two things I'm already really pleased with: there are no gaps around the neck heel (like there are on my 2019 CE24 Semi Hollow), and I dig the original headstock with the straighter D and G string pull. Anyone know what the current headstocks seem to have a slightly greater angle to the D and G strings?

Now, the dilemma...do I swap out the black pickup rings for Ivory or Wood ones?

 

[WEDGE]

Black looks right on that one. Great looking CE.

 

[bodia]

Love it!

 

[The Guitar Hunter]

the black look great, but I'm sure the ivory would as well. Nice find!

 

[dmatthews]

That's purdy!
Congrats, and I like the black.

 

[DISTORT6]

Awesome! Congrats.
My first PRS was also a 94 CE24, the “Gateway” guitar.

 

[Going Modal]

Nice score! I think it's purdy as-is. But hey, it's your guitar--make it your own! Those knobs definitely aren't from '94, either, but they look great on there.

As for the headstock angles of the D & G strings, I think it's due to the tuners. Those winged tuners have quite a wide post; the later (current) tuners have a narrower post, which I suspect might be why the strings appear to angle out a little bit more sharply on the newer ones (with narrower tuning posts). I would guess that when PRS left the winged tuners and launched the newer ones, they would've left the tuner holes in the headstock in exactly the same place... which I think would support my theory/answer on the string angles.

 

[24Semi]

Thanks...they are definitely newer lampshades.

Thanks for the explanation on the string angle and the tuner post width. I just looked at the posts on my 2019 CE, and see exactly what you mean. Makes total sense now!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Congratulations, gorgeous guitar.

 

[aphantomvaper]

Black rings, and fantastic guitar!!

 

[Davey]

Congrats! That is a beautiful color. I like the black rings.

 

[shimmilou]

Sweet score! Congrats

I say Ivory rings, but more importantly, straighten up that tree.

 

[24Semi]

Tree? Oh wait, the board? Yeah, will do when I change strings!

 

[DISTORT6]

Tree? Oh wait, the board? Yeah, will do when I change strings!

The wings.

 

[Going Modal]

So, I'm not sure if you're well-experienced with the winged tuners or not (and forgive me if you're already knowledgeable about them). But if you need some tips, you'll find some good demonstrations here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=prs+winged+locking+tuners

 

[24Semi]

The tuners were this way when I received the guitar. But thanks--I haven't used winged tuners before, so this should be helpful.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I’m confused by the TRC!

 

[24Semi]

Ha! I assume that was installed by the previous owner.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

If it’s ironic, it’s quite humorous!

 

[dogrocketp]

By the way, according to Maryland law #546, statute 47, line 7- “black rings must be used on 1994 CE24. Failure to do so may result in a visit from Angry Larry in a truly angry state” He has been known to detune a guitar string as punishment and not tell you which one. If you are guilty of repeat violations, the Ancient Egyptian curse of the syphlitic flea may be visited on you and your household. How about ebony wood rings?