Some designs endure because they resolve competing priorities rather than favoring one at the expense of another. The PRS Private Stock #11785 Custom 24 in Desert Sands reflects a disciplined balance of precision, responsiveness and visual restraint, shaped through careful material selection and exacting execution. A curly maple top paired with an African mahogany body—hand selected from the PRS Vault—produces a sustaining, articulate voice with focused low-end response and clear note separation, enhanced by a high-gloss nitrocellulose finish that allows the instrument to resonate naturally over time. Uncovered 85/15 pickups translate that clarity with extended frequency range and definition, delivering a response that remains balanced and expressive across clean and driven settings. The 25" scale length offers a familiar sense of tension and elasticity, while a pattern thin hormigo neck supports fast movement and confident control across all 24 frets. Designed to remain consistent under demanding use, this Private Stock Custom 24 invites long-term engagement rather than momentary impression.
Pattern Thin Hormigo Neck for Fluid Playability
Playability is shaped by a pattern thin neck carve that prioritizes speed and accuracy without feeling insubstantial. Hormigo, a dense Central American hardwood often compared to rosewood for its smooth feel and stability, is used for both the neck and fingerboard, contributing a fast, controlled response and a uniform playing surface across the fretboard. A 10" radius supports expressive bends and controlled vibrato with ease, while 24 frets extend the instrument’s range for modern lead work. Original bird inlays in gold and white mother-of-pearl, paired with an old-school eagle, provide clear visual orientation with understated refinement.
85/15 Pickups Shaped for Range and Definition
The tonal character of this Custom 24 is anchored by a pair of uncovered 85/15 humbuckers selected for their wide frequency response and balanced output. Clean tones remain open and detailed, while driven sounds retain focus without masking nuance. Direct body mounting enhances immediacy and sustain, keeping individual notes articulate even within dense chord voicings. A push/pull tone control paired with a 3-way toggle introduces additional single-coil textures, expanding the instrument’s range without disrupting its core voice.
Gen III Tremolo and Hardware Built for Stability
Hardware choices reinforce this Private Stock Custom 24’s emphasis on consistency and control. A PRS Gen III tremolo delivers smooth response and accurate return to pitch, supporting subtle vibrato as well as more expressive pitch movement. Tweaked Phase III locking tuners provide dependable tuning stability, while the hybrid hardware finish balances durability with a refined visual presence. Details such as maple-stained tuner buttons and pickup rings, matched to the top, contribute to a cohesive presentation without distracting from function.
Construction Details That Support Long-Term Use
Every element of this instrument reflects attention to detail intended to endure years of professional use. Natural reveal binding frames the body cleanly, while the nitrocellulose finish protects the tonewoods while allowing them to age and respond organically. A black nut and carefully matched back plate reinforce a sense of cohesion throughout the build. Housed in a black paisley case with black interior, the guitar is presented with the same level of care applied to its construction.
A Custom 24 Designed for Sustained Musical Exploration
The PRS Private Stock #11785 Custom 24 is built for players who value consistency, responsiveness and depth over time. Its balanced construction, articulate electronics and refined feel make it equally suited to studio environments and demanding stage work. It all adds up to an instrument designed to support ongoing musical development, rewarding attention, nuance and evolving technique with a voice that remains reliable and expressive.