The PRS CE 22 Limited Edition isn’t just another guitar – it’s a statement piece that manages to blend premium craftsmanship with player-friendly features in a way that only Paul Reed Smith can achieve.
First Impressions
When you first take this beauty out of its case, the figured maple top immediately catches your eye. The finish work is absolutely flawless, with that signature PRS depth that seems to change as light dances across it. The Limited Edition variants typically showcase some of the most spectacular wood selections from PRS’s inventory, and this model certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Specs & Construction
- Body: Mahogany back with carved figured maple top
- Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fretboard
- Scale Length: 25″ (PRS’s sweet spot between Gibson and Fender)
- Pickups: 85/15 humbuckers
- Controls: Volume, tone with push/pull coil-splitting, 3-way toggle
- Bridge: PRS patented tremolo system
- Tuners: PRS low-mass locking tuners
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo
- Weight: Typically around 7-8 pounds
The “CE” stands for “Classic Electric,” representing PRS’s vision of taking their core design principles and making them available at a more accessible price point than their Core line – though as a Limited Edition, this particular model still commands a premium.
Playability
This guitar feels like it’s been custom-made for your hands. The Pattern Regular neck carve strikes that perfect balance – substantial enough to grip comfortably but not so chunky that it slows you down. The 25″ scale length is genuinely the best of both worlds, offering the snap and articulation of a Fender with the warmth and playability of a Gibson.
The fretwork is, predictably, immaculate. Bends feel effortless, complex chord voicings ring out clearly, and the neck just disappears in your hands after a few minutes of playing.
Sound
Here’s where the CE 22 Limited Edition truly shines. The 85/15 pickups are something special – designed by Paul Reed Smith himself to deliver vintage PAF-style warmth but with improved clarity and a more extended frequency response.
In the bridge position, you get that perfect balance of midrange growl and top-end articulation. It’s aggressive when pushed but never harsh. Switch to the neck pickup, and you’re greeted with warm, singing sustain that’s perfect for leads and emotional blues playing.
The push/pull coil-splitting adds tremendous versatility. When split, these pickups deliver convincing single-coil tones without the typical thinness that plagues many coil-split designs. The middle position with both pickups split gives you some genuinely Strat-like quack that’s fantastic for funk and clean playing.
Standout Features
What makes the Limited Edition special goes beyond just the premium aesthetics:
- Enhanced figure maple top – typically featuring more dramatic flame or quilt patterns than standard production models
- Exclusive finish options – often colors or bursts not available in the regular lineup
- Premium wood selection – even the mahogany back and neck are chosen from superior cuts
- Limited run numbering – each guitar is marked as part of its exclusive production batch
Real-World Performance
Whether you’re playing small clubs or big stages, this guitar cuts through a mix beautifully. The tonal balance is spot-on, with enough midrange presence to be heard without being piercing. The tremolo system stays perfectly in tune even with aggressive use, thanks to those excellent locking tuners and properly cut nut.
Value
While definitely not a budget instrument, the CE 22 Limited Edition represents solid value when you consider what you’re getting. It delivers about 90% of the magic found in PRS’s highest-end Core models at a more attainable price point, while still offering exclusivity and premium appointments that separate it from standard production models.
Final Thoughts
The PRS CE 22 Limited Edition is a guitar that inspires you to play better. It responds to your touch in a way that feels almost conversational – it gives back what you put in. Whether you’re a collector looking for something special or a working musician who demands versatility and reliability, this instrument delivers in spades.
With only a limited run of 1000, for those lucky enough to get one, it’s not just an acquisition – it’s the beginning of a musical relationship that will likely last a lifetime.