Gear article
PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt Lake Blue (2026)
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt is a versatile solid-body electric guitar that expands the iconic Custom 24 platform with enhanced switching options. It features a mahogany body with a quilted maple veneer, a 24-fret maple neck with an ebony fretboard, and TCI "S" pickups designed to provide eight distinct tonal combinations.
Overview
The PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt represents an evolution of the traditional SE Custom 24, incorporating the advanced switching system found on more expensive core models. The '08' designation refers to the eight specific pickup configurations available to the player. Finished in Lake Blue, this model distinguishes itself with a premium quilted maple veneer, providing a high-end aesthetic typically associated with boutique instruments while maintaining the accessibility of the SE line.
Design and Construction
Built upon the classic PRS tonewood foundation, the guitar utilizes a mahogany back for warmth and resonance, topped with a maple surface for clarity and 'snap'. The neck features a 25-inch scale length—a signature PRS middle ground between shorter and longer scale designs—offering a balance of string tension and comfort. The 24-fret neck is paired with an ebony fretboard, known for its smooth feel and bright attack, allowing for effortless playability across all registers.
Electronics and Tonal Flexibility
The core of the instrument's versatility lies in the TCI 'S' pickups and the '08' switching system. The guitar includes:
- A 3-way blade pickup selector.
- Two mini-toggle coil-split switches, one for each humbucker.
This configuration allows players to isolate the individual coils of either or both pickups without volume loss, transitioning seamlessly from thick, high-output humbucking tones to crisp, vintage-style single-coil sounds.
Sound Character
The tonal profile is balanced and comprehensive. The mahogany body produces warm, rounded lows and lively mids, while the maple top and ebony board contribute bright, singing highs. This combination makes it suitable for a wide variety of genres, from sparkling clean passages to saturated modern drive. The TCI (Tuned Capacitance and Inductance) process ensures that the pickups are voiced specifically for the guitar's architecture, providing clarity regardless of the gain level.
Suitability and Comparisons
This guitar is designed for the 'all-rounder' musician who requires multiple guitar sounds from a single instrument. It is particularly well-suited for session players and live performers who need to switch between humbucking and single-coil textures quickly. While players might also consider specialized strings such as Ernie Ball Regular Slinkys or Tim Henson signatures for specific setups, the SE Custom 24-08 provides a broader hardware platform than the standard SE Custom 24, which lacks the individual coil-splitting mini-toggles.
Related gear
£11.40 ($14)Larsen Strings
Larsen Violin E String Gold Plated Ball/Loop End Heavy
£15.40 ($20)Daddario
DAddario Helicore Violin D String 1/4 Size Medium
£19.00 ($24)Thomastik
Thomastik Spirocore Viola G String Chrome Wound 4/4 Size Light
£14.15 ($18)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky M-Steel Set 10-46
£14.99 ($19)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 3826 Tim Henson Signture Slinky Nickel Guitar Strings Set 9.5-46
£13.60 ($17)Daddario
DAddario Zyex Violin Aluminum D String 4/4 Size Medium
£7.99 ($10)Dunlop
Dunlop Ukulele Concert Pro-4 String Set
- £34.60 ($44)
Larsen Strings
Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium
Frequently asked questions
- What does the '08' in the model name stand for?
- The '08' refers to the eight different pickup configurations available through the combination of the 3-way selector and two mini-toggle coil-split switches.
- What is the scale length of the PRS SE Custom 24-08 Quilt?
- It features a 25-inch scale length, which is a hallmark of PRS guitars, offering a tension profile between traditional S-style and T-style guitars.
- What wood is used for the fretboard?
- This specific model utilizes an ebony fretboard, which provides a smooth playing surface and a slightly brighter tonal response compared to rosewood.
- What pickups are installed in this guitar?
- The guitar is fitted with PRS TCI "S" humbuckers, which are voiced using Tuned Capacitance and Inductance to ensure consistent tone.
- How does the coil-splitting work on this model?
- Unlike models with a single push-pull pot, this guitar has two dedicated mini-toggle switches that allow each pickup to be split independently.
- What is the body construction of the SE Custom 24-08 Quilt?
- The guitar is constructed with a mahogany body for warmth and a maple top with a quilted maple veneer for aesthetics and high-end clarity.
- Is the Lake Blue finish transparent?
- Yes, the Lake Blue finish is applied over a quilted maple veneer, allowing the wood grain's natural patterns to remain visible.
- How many frets does this guitar have?
- As specified in the 'Custom 24' name, this model features a full two-octave range with 24 frets.
- What type of player is this guitar best for?
- It is best for versatile players who need to cover a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and blues to metal and pop, due to its varied electronics.
- What is the typical price for this model?
- The typical retail price for this instrument is approximately £929 in the UK market.
- How does it compare to a standard SE Custom 24?
- The primary differences are the '08' switching system for more tonal options and the premium quilted maple veneer and ebony fretboard.
- Does this guitar come with a tremolo system?
- Based on the Custom 24 platform, it features the standard PRS patented molded tremolo for reliable pitch modulation.