What does the '08' in Custom 24-08 stand for?

The '08' refers to the eight different pickup combinations available on the guitar. This is achieved through a three-way blade switch and two independent mini-toggle coil-tap switches.

What is the scale length of this model?

The guitar features a 25-inch scale length. This is a hallmark of PRS design, offering a feel and string tension that sits between shorter 24.75-inch and longer 25.5-inch scales.

What are TCI 'S' pickups?

TCI stands for 'Tuned Capacitance and Inductance.' These 'S' version pickups are designed to provide a balanced and clear tone that remains consistent when switching between humbucking and single-coil modes.

How many frets does the guitar have?

As indicated by its name, the Custom 24-08 has 24 frets. This provides a full two-octave range on every string, supported by a rosewood fretboard for a comfortable playing experience.

What materials are used for the body?

The guitar is constructed with a mahogany back and a maple top featuring a flame maple veneer. This combination is chosen to balance warm sustain with bright, articulate high frequencies.

Does this guitar feature a tremolo system?

Yes, this model typically includes the PRS patented tremolo. It is designed to offer reliable tuning stability and smooth pitch modulation for the player.

What is the Fire Red Smokeburst finish?

Fire Red Smokeburst is a specific PRS aesthetic where a vibrant red centre fades into a darker, smoky gradient around the edges. It is designed to accentuate the figuring of the maple veneer.

What is the neck material of the Custom 24-08?

This specific version of the Custom 24-08 features a maple neck. This wood choice contributes to the fast feel and bright tonal response of the instrument.

Can I use heavy gauge strings like Ernie Ball 2921 on this guitar?

Yes, the guitar can accommodate various string sets, including Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky M-Steel (10-46). However, changing string gauges may require a minor setup adjustment to the nut or bridge.

Is the fretboard made of ebony or rosewood?

The Custom 24-08 features a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is a traditional tonewood choice known for its warmth and smooth texture under the fingers.

How does the coil-tap system work?

The two mini-toggle switches allow you to 'tap' or split each humbucker individually. This means you can have the bridge in humbucker mode while the neck is in single-coil mode, or vice versa, in addition to both being one or the other.

What is the typical price for this PRS model in the UK?

The typical retail price for this specific PRS Custom 24-08 model is approximately £3,999. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade instrument.

Gear article

PRS Custom 24-08 Fire Red Smokeburst

The Paul Reed Smith Custom 24-08 is a premium electric guitar that evolves the original 1985 design by introducing expanded switching capabilities. Featuring a mahogany body with a flame maple veneer top, this model provides a versatile tonal palette through its TCI 'S' pickups and unique eight-way switching configuration.

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Background and Design

The Custom 24-08 is a modern iteration of the instrument that first established Paul Reed Smith at the 1985 NAMM Show. It retains the signature silhouette and construction methods of the brand, including the 25-inch scale length which sits between the traditional scales used by other major manufacturers. This specific model features the Fire Red Smokeburst finish, a signature PRS aesthetic that highlights the grain of the flame maple veneer.

The guitar is constructed with a mahogany back for tonal depth and a maple top for brightness. The neck is also made of maple, topped with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, providing a fast playing surface designed for technical versatility.

Electronics and Switching

The defining feature of the '08' designation is the electronics package. While standard Custom 24 models typically offer five pickup positions, the 24-08 features two mini-toggle coil-tap switches. These allow the player to split each TCI 'S' humbucker into a single-coil mode independently.

Combined with a three-way toggle selector, this system provides eight distinct tonal combinations. This layout allows for configurations that are not possible on standard models, such as using a bridge humbucker simultaneously with a neck single-coil.

Sound Profile

The Custom 24-08 is designed for a balanced voice characterized by bright articulation and strong mid-range presence. The mahogany body contributes warm sustain, while the maple components ensure that notes remain clear. The TCI 'S' pickups are tuned to provide a musical response whether in full humbucking mode or when utilizing the coil-taps for crisp, single-coil-style sparkle.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is suited for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts who require a single guitar capable of covering multiple genres. Its ability to switch between thick, powerful humbucking tones and glassy single-coil sounds makes it a 'workhorse' instrument for session work and live performance.

Compared to traditional Custom 24 models, the 24-08 offers three additional pickup settings. While players might also consider accessories like Ernie Ball M-Steel or Tim Henson Signature strings to further refine their tone, the fundamental versatility of the 24-08 remains its primary competitive advantage over more rigidly configured electric guitars.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the '08' in Custom 24-08 stand for?: The '08' refers to the eight different pickup combinations available on the guitar. This is achieved through a three-way blade switch and two independent mini-toggle coil-tap switches.
What is the scale length of this model?: The guitar features a 25-inch scale length. This is a hallmark of PRS design, offering a feel and string tension that sits between shorter 24.75-inch and longer 25.5-inch scales.
What are TCI 'S' pickups?: TCI stands for 'Tuned Capacitance and Inductance.' These 'S' version pickups are designed to provide a balanced and clear tone that remains consistent when switching between humbucking and single-coil modes.
How many frets does the guitar have?: As indicated by its name, the Custom 24-08 has 24 frets. This provides a full two-octave range on every string, supported by a rosewood fretboard for a comfortable playing experience.
What materials are used for the body?: The guitar is constructed with a mahogany back and a maple top featuring a flame maple veneer. This combination is chosen to balance warm sustain with bright, articulate high frequencies.
Does this guitar feature a tremolo system?: Yes, this model typically includes the PRS patented tremolo. It is designed to offer reliable tuning stability and smooth pitch modulation for the player.
What is the Fire Red Smokeburst finish?: Fire Red Smokeburst is a specific PRS aesthetic where a vibrant red centre fades into a darker, smoky gradient around the edges. It is designed to accentuate the figuring of the maple veneer.
What is the neck material of the Custom 24-08?: This specific version of the Custom 24-08 features a maple neck. This wood choice contributes to the fast feel and bright tonal response of the instrument.
Can I use heavy gauge strings like Ernie Ball 2921 on this guitar?: Yes, the guitar can accommodate various string sets, including Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky M-Steel (10-46). However, changing string gauges may require a minor setup adjustment to the nut or bridge.
Is the fretboard made of ebony or rosewood?: The Custom 24-08 features a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is a traditional tonewood choice known for its warmth and smooth texture under the fingers.
How does the coil-tap system work?: The two mini-toggle switches allow you to 'tap' or split each humbucker individually. This means you can have the bridge in humbucker mode while the neck is in single-coil mode, or vice versa, in addition to both being one or the other.
What is the typical price for this PRS model in the UK?: The typical retail price for this specific PRS Custom 24-08 model is approximately £3,999. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade instrument.