PRS USA Custom 22 Tremolo Artist Package "Violin Burst + Rosewood" (2000)
Specs
• Model: Custom 22 Tremolo Artist Package
• Finish: Violin Burst
• Body: Mahogany
• Top: Artist grade figured maple
• Neck: Mahogany, set neck
• Neck Profile: Wide Fat
• Scale Length: 25"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 10"
• Frets: 22
• Inlays: Artist birds
• Headstock: Rosewood veneer with inlaid Paul Reed Smith signature
• Nut Width: 1.69"
• Pickup Configuration: HH
• Neck Pickup: PRS Dragon II Bass, gold cover
• Bridge Pickup: PRS Dragon II Treble, gold cover
• Controls: Volume and tone
• Switching: 5 way rotary
• Bridge: PRS tremolo, with arm
• Tuners: PRS locking, gold, with black buttons
• Hardware: Gold
• Weight: 8 lb 11.6 oz
• Serial: 0 49281
• Case: PRS hardcase
• Certificate / Documentation: Hang tag dated 11 September 2000, booklets, catalog and tremolo arm
• Country: USA
• Year: 2000Personal Thoughts
Violin Burst on an Artist grade flamed maple top is one of the great PRS looks, and this one has the deep, tight figure that the Artist Package was meant to show off. Gold hardware, gold covered Dragon II pickups and the inlaid Paul Reed Smith signature on a rosewood headstock veneer, with the green Artist birds up the rosewood board, make it obvious this is not a standard Custom 22.
The Custom 22 has always been the slightly warmer, more singing sibling of the Custom 24. Twenty two frets put the neck pickup in a more traditional spot, and the result is a guitar that sits closer to a Les Paul in feel and midrange while still giving you PRS clarity and the extra textures of the 5 way rotary. Wide Fat is the classic carve of this period, a comfortable handful with enough shoulder for chords and enough speed for lead work. At 8 lb 11.6 oz it is a solid, balanced weight.
Dragon II pickups were the voice of PRS Customs around 2000, and they are a big part of why players still hunt these. The neck is round, musical and clear, the bridge has punch and midrange without getting harsh, and the rotary switch adds the in between snap and sparkle that a simple 3 way toggle cannot. Volume and tone keep it straightforward on a gig.
The original hang tag is still with it, marked CU22 Artist, Artist Package, Wide Fat and Dragon II, dated 11 September 2000, serial 0 49281. It comes in the PRS hardcase with the booklets, catalog and tremolo arm. A complete, well kept example of the Artist Package Custom 22 from a very good year for these.
Condition Report
Excellent condition. Presents very cleanly overall with only light signs of careful use consistent with age. No significant wear, damage or issues to mention.
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