Should I buy a Cu22?

[FennRx]

Was looking at the new SAS but an opportunity to purchase a very pretty used custom 22 has fallen in my lap.

If I own a s2 custom 24, does the 22 offer me anything besides cosmetic upgrades? (It does have a great maple top).

FWIW, I own a core studio so the pickup selection on the SAS will be somewhat similar to what I have in the studio. However the bolt on neck, maple board and totally different body woods probably offer a more versatile sound.

 

[Birdsofprey]

I think in fact the 22 will offer a different palate to what you already have for one the number of frets and pickup location. And depending on year and configuration (switching) more tonal options. The SAS will of course be different but they’re both versatile one no more than the other. All depends on what you’re looking for to add to your sound. Is the CU22 your looking at a stoptail or trem, does it have a rotary switch or blade or toggle. Pickups vary through the years and like me some like certain years/configurations.

 

[FennRx]

I think in fact the 22 will offer a different palate to what you already have for one the number of frets and pickup location. And depending on year and configuration (switching) more tonal options. The SAS will of course be different but they’re both versatile one no more than the other. All depends on what you’re looking for to add to your sound. Is the CU22 your looking at a stoptail or trem, does it have a rotary switch or blade or toggle. Pickups vary through the years and like me some like certain years/configurations.

It’s 2019…blade switch with a trem.

I’ll admit it- I am a sucker for flamed maple. I like the idea of the SAS because most of the guitars in my stable are mahogany guitars plus or minus a maple top (fenders aside).

The custom 24 is nice esp with the Jazz/JB combo but I can’t get along with the 24 frets as well as I’d like. And the pattern neck on my studio is much better than the pattern thin on the 24 (the new SAS and this used custom 22 have the pattern as well)

 

[GarrettIvo]

Yes.

 

[Rider1260]

Own a CU22 one must ( Yoda says )
There is something about a Custom be it a 24 or 22 that thin body and in the 22s case that compact playing feel.
and mine just sounds regardless of pickups. I sometimes forget how nice an OG CU22 can be when I am playing the new shiny ones.

IMG_6453 copy by https://www.flickr.com/photos/152274366@N08/

 

[FennRx]

The lust for flamed maple was too great. Buyer accepted my offer.

 

[RobRiggs]

My 99 Custom 22 has a “bassier” (not sure that’s a word) tone than either my Custom or my newer Custom 24. Definitely different sonic possibilities.

 

[bodia]

I’d do it. Still regret selling mine.

 

[gush]

I would opt for the sas if it's core.

I liked the cu22 I had but in order for a cu22 to be different enough in your case, I think an older D2 or even older D1s would make the difference.

SAS have a couple different versions that should be considered as well.

 

[Vonbleak]

I have a 2006 CU22 Stoptail in whale blue with D2 pickups and the 5 way rotary switching and its amazing - Its like a vintage Les Paul with a modern twist... I love it and would never sell it...

 

[gush]

I have a 2006 CU22 Stoptail in whale blue with D2 pickups and the 5 way rotary switching and its amazing - Its like a vintage Les Paul with a modern twist... I love it and would never sell it...

I think the cu22 i had was an 06 as well but it had toggle. I would probably still have it if it was rotary.

 

[JasonE]

The first PRS I ever bought is my 2006 CU22 10 top. Mine has the hard tail with McCarty switching. It is a really good guitar. I struggled with the pickups in it the first few years I had it. Then PRS made the 58/08 pickups and had a pickup promotion in 2009. I was able to take advantage of that and sent my CU22 in to PRS to have 57/08s installed in it. This transformed the guitar. It went from something that I struggles with the sound of to something that I love the sound of. The D2 pickups were just too hot for the tones I play. I still have the stock pickups but can't see a reason they would ever go back into the guitar. They are only being kept because they are original equipment to the guitar. Some day this guitar will go to someone else and they will have the original parts.

 

[dogrocketp]

I have a 2003 custom 22 stop tail. I also put 57/08’s and a rotary in it. If I had to sell all my stoptails, this would be the last one to leave me.