PRS CE 22

[withrowsp]

"CLASSIC ELECTRIC 22: 1994 - Current. 22-fret versions of CE Bolt-on and CE Bolt-on Maple-Top. Mahogany body/ back from ’95 as well as stop-tail option. Solid Mahogany body discontinued in 2000, stop tailpiece & wide thin neck profile discontinued in 2001. Offered as wide fat, tremolo only from 2001."

Recently picked up a 1997 PRS CE 22 with trem. Black back, dark sunburst finish. The top is plain with only a little wood grain (not flamed at all). I wondered if it might be an all alder guitar, but it looks like if I am reading that excerpt above correctly that it has to be a mahogany back guitar. Am I reading it correctly?

Also it does not have the revealed maple "binding" around the body. So am I to assume this is an all mahogany guitar? Or is it maple topped? Thanks in advance.

 

[David Eaton]

I can't tell from the angle of the picture, but looking in the pickup cavity would let you know if there is a maple cap on the guitar or not. To my eyes, which are not expert, looks like an alder top to me.

 

[withrowsp]

Thanks Dave. It does not looked "capped" to me when I look inside the pickup cavity. I am just confused because the wood looks like alder, but according to that excerpt above these had "Mahogany body/ back from ’95"

This guitar was made in 1997. So am I just misreading that? Do they mean that mahogany just became an option in 95 and that they continued alder, or does that mean alder was not used starting in 1995? Because if alder was not used on 1995 or newer guitars then this 97 model cannot be alder.

 

[David Eaton]

There was a run of solid alder guitars in the 2007 era, don't remember the exact time, is it possible that yours is from that era?

 

[withrowsp]

No. This guitar was without a doubt made in 1997. Serial number matches that time period and there is a date inside the pickup cavity from October 1997.

 

[David Eaton]

Ah, yes, I see the date now. On my way to get more coffee!

 

[rugerpc]

...not sure why the speculation about alder.

Looks like a standard (all mahogany) CE to me.

Nice guitar!

 

[withrowsp]

...not sure why the speculation about alder.

Looks like a standard (all mahogany) CE to me.

Nice guitar!

Thanks! The speculation was merely based on the appearance of the wood. I think you are correct about it being all mahogany though. I emailed the guy I got it from and he confirmed it is all mahogany. I previously owned an early 90s CU 22 in Tortoise finish years back and always regretted selling it. I came across this beauty on eBay and I am glad to rejoin the PRS owners ranks.