Introduced in 1988 as part of Paul Reed Smith’s CE (Classic Electric) line, the CE 24 was PRS’s first bolt-on neck guitar, blending the brand’s signature style with the bright, snappy response of Fender-inspired designs. Featuring a double-cutaway body, 24 frets, and versatile humbuckers, it became a favorite for modern players. The SE (Student Edition) line, launched in 2000 and built in Indonesia, brought PRS quality to a wider audience, with the SE CE 24 debuting in 2019. In 2024, PRS released the SE CE 24 Standard Satin, a stripped-down model with an all-mahogany body, satin finish for enhanced resonance, and 85/15 “S” pickups for balanced tone. Priced at $499, this budget-friendly version, championed by PRS COO Jack Higginbotham, offers pro-level playability in a lightweight, stage-ready package, making it a standout in the SE lineup.Famous Artists Who Used the PRS SE CE 24 Standard
- Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge/Creed): A longtime PRS endorser, Tremonti relies on SE CE 24 models for their high-gain versatility, using them in studio and live settings for albums like The Last Hero.
- John Mayer: Has incorporated SE CE 24 variants in studio sessions, valuing their bolt-on clarity for bluesy leads and clean tones.
- Tim Mahoney (311): Known for using PRS SE models, including the CE 24, for their smooth playability and tonal range, complementing 311’s reggae-rock fusion on tours and records like Mosaic.