The early 1985–1987 PRS Custom 24s have become highly sought after by collectors and players alike. Built during the company's formative years in Annapolis, Maryland, they represent the guitars that established Paul Reed Smith's reputation for combining exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and outstanding consistency. Today, they are regarded as some of the most desirable PRS instruments ever produced.

Offered here is a 1987 PRS Custom 24 in Vintage Yellow, and what a striking example it is.

The first thing that catches your eye is the incredibly dense flame maple top. Vintage Yellow has always been one of my favourite finishes on an early PRS, and on this guitar it works beautifully, allowing the figuring to take centre stage. Combined with its Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, the guitar has exactly the look enthusiasts hope to find on an early Custom 24. It is one of those tops that looks impressive in photographs but even better in person.

This is not a closet queen. It has spent decades doing exactly what it was built to do—making music. The guitar has seen plenty of stage time, was professionally refretted, and plays effortlessly. There is something very reassuring about an instrument that has clearly earned its wear honestly.

The electronics have one thoughtful modification. The original Sweet Switch has been replaced with a dedicated two-way stage switch that bypasses the rotary selector and immediately engages the bridge pickup. It is a clever and practical solution for live use, allowing you to jump straight to the bridge when you need that extra presence to cut through a band mix. The original Sweet Switch is included in the case, although its resistor has been replaced with a newer component.

Equipped with its original Treble & Bass pickups, this Custom 24 delivers exactly the kind of authoritative voice that made early PRS guitars famous. It is balanced, focused, and incredibly versatile, yet always retains a strong personality. Clean tones are clear and articulate, while overdriven sounds have punch, sustain, and excellent note separation.

One feature I have always appreciated on these early PRS guitars is the neck shape. It is fuller than many modern players expect, yet somehow never feels bulky. Instead, it fills the hand in a very natural way, making long playing sessions effortless. Combined with the excellent upper fret access of the 24-fret design, it is an instrument that constantly encourages you to keep playing.

The birds, the dense flame, the original T&B pickups, and decades of honest stage use all come together to create a guitar with real personality.

This one has lived the life these guitars were built for, and it still has plenty more music left in it.