I live in Italy and after trying many brands in an "medium price" level, I start to dream about this guitars, it was early 90, I was young, when in a local PUB a guy plays this guitar, maybe one of the few in Italy in whale blue finish I guess...this returns in my mind and I've started searching for the answer.
When the GAS take place in my head was 2007 and there were not a lot of PRS dealer in Italy, most of them far from my city, and it was harder to find what I was looking for at the right price.
You should know that prices is US are quite convenient comparing to Europe market price but if you choose to receive guitars directly from a US shop or dealer you must add the taxes and ,this depends on strange rules but...could be 30% extra to pay.
Even Japan big on-line shop were full of wonderful guitars....but same for import taxes.
I was not satisfied from model I've found in local guitar shop. I want a CORE model but It had to be what I was looking for.
Finally I take the risk of ordering it from UK, no taxes and £ > € exchange was good.
Just 40 Euro shipping extra only.
I found a CU 24 2008 10 top flamed (700€ less than Italy prices) in a beautiful amber finish.
I can't describe the emotion I've felt opening that black case. It takes my breath away. I was with a friend LP Std owner and he remains with no words seeing the top finish. He said in Italian something like "you are f@cking lucky man!!".
This guitar is still one of mine, the favorite maybe. Perfect finishing, comfortable neck and setup...all you could ask from a guitar, with a wide range of sounds (never found in any other model).
Following the 1st lucky trading I've purchased an EX-demo Swamp ash narrowfield 25th anniversary.
Always form UK...another on-line shop.
Again the wondering experience.
White immacolate case, deep blue burst body and maple neck contrast...again the magic moment (and it blows away the American Telecaster just traded with a guy...money needed for 2nd axe)
Different model, different neck profile, different setup...same unbelievable quality under you fingers.
Like your hands says ...ok welcome home...that's the place where I want to live. No doubt.
This 2 guitars help my guitar player "self esteem" growing and were always present in my local gigs.
In 10 years of playing I've never, never break a string use bending as (I'm a rock guitar player who loves David Gilmour and Gary Moore) , this lottery of strings was normal somehow an all other guitars...
After about 10 years, trying to fill the "strat" hole in my head I've found a Silver sky in a local shop at a good price (used for demo). Horizon red.
It's al little bit different approaching with fret board, scale and fret size...but impression of quality, the same.
Still not used out of my home...it will be early at the 1st chance.
Finally I've 3 PRS core Guitars and I'm an happy and grateful customer.
You know, it's like a small producer which became an icon without loosing the dream of the past. Without putting his face behind any choice.
Can you associate it to a Gibson or a Fender?
Maybe to a Suhr or Tom Anderson...but PRS create his own "inconfondibile" model with Custom 24 and following, not just a strat revisited and upgraded.
It will be great to shake the hand of Paul Smith, just to tell him: thanks for all, thanks for no compromises, thanks to let me dream about my next guitar even I've no space in my flat...and I'm invading my son room for practice.
Priceless.