New to the forum, return user to PRS... anyone know about the HB Spruce history?

[Gonkulatedone]

Hello and good evening everyone!

I'm new to the forum but not new to PRS guitars. I strayed away from PRS for about 8 years but have found my way back to what just felt right. I love Hollowbody and Archtop models. Thats actually what brought me here. I figured where better to get good feedback about PRS then the forum dedicated to them.

For anyone familiar with the Hollowbody Spruce history, maybe you can help me with a little research. I just purchased my first new Hollowbody in years. Its a 2011 Spruce. However after talking to a friend something was pointed out that has me scratching my head. Where there ever production model Hollowbody spruces that came with maple backs? I know 2009 and older all have mahogany backs, but info for the model from 2010 until it was discontinued is little to none. I have found only a couple sites that mention 2010 and newer models, and found a pricelist for 2010, if its legit, shows the Hollowbody Spruce having a maple back. However the 2011 pricelist shows the Spruce gone.

I am just curious if the model is genuine with the the maple back? Its a 2011 model per the SN, so it the pricelist for 2011 is legit then I would assume this may be one of the last Hollowbody Spruces made?

Any help with the model history would be awesome!

 

[JMintzer]

I know there was an Archtop Spruce w/a maple back (I had one). But I can't remember if there was a HB with those specs...

 

[garrettb]

Sounds right for the Archtop, but the Hollowbody Spruce had a mahogany back (carved from one big hunk of mahogany).

 

[GC Ron]

You should contact customer service with the serial number.

I wonder if it could have been an Artist Relations guitar?

 

[Gonkulatedone]

I never thought to contact their customer service (didn't think they could give me info based on the serial number).

I know this pricelist (if it's a legit PRS pricelist) shows that in 2010 the Hollowbody, not I, II, or even called Spruce, shows the spruce w/a maple back?

http://www.jedistar.com/pdf/prs/prs_2010_pricelist.pdf

Then the pricelist for 2011 doesn't list a Spruce Hollowbody at all. And the 2009 Spruce has the mahogany back.

The one I bought looks exactly like this one (same color and all)...

https://m.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150208050615813.338414.229114550812&type=3

 

[Gonkulatedone]

Well I sent a message to PRS Customer Service and rep names Matt confirmed it is indeed a 2011 Hollowbody Spruce with maple back.

Email said the following...

"Thank you for writing PRS Guitars. This appears to be a 2011 Hollowbody, spruce top, maple back, mahogany neck with a wide/fat carve, East Indian rosewood fretboard, Black Sunburst finish with Archtop pickups. The order could have been placed at the end of 2010 and the guitar was then completed in early 2011."