I am aware of that and agree that PRS should do what's best for them.
The point initially wasn't about Limited Editions and what that means - although I do think a Limited Edition should be just that. I just think that it should remain 'Limited Edition' in this exact format - whether that means making a Solid version permanent and/or maybe dropping the NF and making a 22-08 - something that is maybe very close to the LE version but with some change on the details...
To decide to keep making it exactly the same as part of the core line just seems wrong to me and it maybe just semantics over the 'Limited Edition' that these were sold as. Making a Solid version as part of the core line for example would be fine - its still a Special just without the 'semi-hollow' bit - like the Limited Edition of a Double Cut 594 for example.
As I said, its not about worrying whether my guitar would be worth less if they decide to make it a permanent thing. That may matter to a collector that bought it as an asset and keeps it cased in storage with the intention to sell sometime in the future but I bought mine as an instrument to play and if it gets the wear and tear that playing it can and no doubt will lead to, I am not going to be counting the potential loss of value as it goes from mint, to excellent to good. Its part of my collection and in circulation. It was also bought with the intention to keep for life so I will not benefit from any 'sale' and wasn't bought as an asset for my son to inherit to set him up for example - it was bought for me to play and enjoy now.
I just think though that if it is to become part of the core line, then it should be 'changed' in some way - even if its nothing more than making a solid body version or even putting a different PU in the middle.
Believe me, Moz, I understand where you’re coming from, I just disagree in a friendly way whether creating a Core model would be somehow untruthful, given that they reserve the right to make changes to their models and lineup, and say so somewhere in their literature.
Fact is, however, that PRS has nearly always changed a detail here or there going from Ltd. to standard production; I don’t know of any where they haven’t, but I of course don’t know every model’s history.
I seem to recall that the guitar you have was limited only as to when dealers could place the orders, thus being similar to my Ltd 594 Soapbar in that way. The numbers weren’t limited, just the timing when the orders.
I have two PS guitars that were limited to runs of (I think) 60 or 80 pieces each. Had nothing to do with why I bought them, of course. I don’t really care about that stuff, since like you, I’m no collector, I’m a player (11Top’s opinion to the contrary notwithstanding!
).
However, I wouldn’t be the least bit upset if PRS were to reissue my limited edition PS models as Core models; in fact, the 20th PS Anniversary model from 2016 remains the coolest (for me, anyway) solid body guitar PRS has ever made, and it really ought to be a Core model for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened, but damn, it’s a wonderful guitar, and folks who have the opportunity to play one would flip over it, no doubt in my mind.
Would they make the Core model with the fancy inlays, wood binding, Madagascar fretboard, and locking saddles like the PS limited? I’d guess not. But it is a phenomenal guitar, and I hope one day they make Cores so other PRS players can get a crack at having one.
