PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 24 Satin Limited Edition | Review

PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 24 Satin Limited Edition | Review

To celebrate four decades of the iconic Custom 24, PRS has rolled out a special 40th Anniversary Satin Limited Edition—and it's a real head-turner. Decked out with all the premium specs you'd expect, from a carved maple top to the ever-popular Pattern Thin neck, this Custom 24 is all about classic PRS vibes with a stealthy satin finish. Only 500 are being made worldwide, and Nick Jennison gets his hands on one to tell us more.

When you think of Paul Reed Smith guitars, you think style, performance, and innovation, and their 40th Anniversary Custom 24 Satin is a perfect example of why they have that well-earned reputation. Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide and available in five finishes, this guitar is equal parts celebration and showpiece.

The first thing you'll notice is the mango top—yes, mango, not the usual flame maple—which brings its own striking, wavy figuring under a luxurious satin finish. The Cobalt Smokeburst version is especially eye-catching, set off by painted binding that frames the body like a piece of art. Sure, the satin can pick up fingerprints, but honestly, it just means you've been enjoying it.

Up at the headstock, PRS keeps things classic but adds thoughtful upgrades: the new Phase 3 locking tuners have oversized vintage-style buttons, open-gear backs, and brass posts that are both good-looking and lightweight. You also get a commemorative 40th anniversary truss rod cover and the PRS pre-factory eagle inlay—a subtle nod to the occasion. The proprietary non-slip nut and the third-generation PRS tremolo system mean tuning stays stable, even with expressive whammy use.

The neck is PRS's wide-thin carve—fast and comfortable, but with a bit more substance than shredder-style necks. It's topped with an ebony fretboard, which feels slick and responds beautifully to bends and vibrato. The 10-inch radius, large frets, and the standard 25-inch PRS scale make this a neck you'll feel at home on straight away. The setup from the factory is excellent—low action, buzz-free, and ready to play.

Electronics on this model are all about refinement and versatility. The new DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) pickups make their debut here. Built with Alnico II magnets, they deliver vintage warmth with extra clarity and a sparkling top end. The bridge clocks in around 8.5k output, giving you plenty of punch without getting harsh. Whether clean or driven, these pickups are articulate, responsive, and musical. The five-way switch covers all the core PRS tones—full humbucker, single-coil splits, and combinations. While some of the middle positions may seem a bit similar, the included super switch means you can easily tweak things if you want your own custom setup.

Inside, the electronics are top-tier: CTS pots, a large tone capacitor, and a cap-only treble bleed circuit that keeps your highs intact as you roll off the volume. Everything feels solid and built to last.

Plugged in, the Custom 24 Satin shines across styles. Cleans are lively and full, chords ring with detail, and it holds its own on high-gain settings with tight, controlled low end and plenty of cut. The new DMO pickups respond brilliantly to your touch, making subtle changes in picking and volume instantly audible.

Yes, there's a premium price tag here, but that's expected for a limited edition flagship with this level of detail and unique appointments. For collectors, PRS fans, or anyone looking for a guitar that's genuinely a cut above, the 40th Anniversary Custom 24 Satin is more than just a special release—it's a serious player's instrument that's ready to inspire for years to come.

For more information, please visit:

prsguitars.com