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Serial numbers
PRS serial number date decoder
Enter only the serial number.
(No type or model)
[ only if a space is in the serial number, this also fill ]
For example: 8 SA03071 of 01 52211
Enter only the serial number.(No type or model)
[ only if a space is in the serial number, this also fill ]
For example: 8 SA03071 of 01 52211
PRS background information in short
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PRS (Paul Reed Smith), founded in 1985, has had its headquarters and factory in Stevensville, Maryland since 1995.
Now it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of guitars and amplifiers. There is a co-operation with Cort industries in South Korea, which also has branches in Indonesia where the cheaper SE series is made. PRS has distinguished itself for years by having an eye for detail with which the guitars are built. The types of wood are carefully selected and all parts are thoroughly tested and matched before a guitar leaves the factory. |
Sources of inspiration for PRS include Gibson and Fender. The characteristic sound of these two brands, especially the Les Paul and the Stratocaster, PRS tries to unite to get a clear and warm sound. In addition to the high quality, the guitars also stand out visually due to their shape, typical bird inlays and finish. |
 Paul Reed Smith |
 Bird inlays on fretboard |
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Prefix for year code
The serial numbers on all guitars and basses start with a prefix indicating the year. This one or two digit prefix stands for the last digit (s) of the production year and applies to all models below.
Set-Neck Serial Numbers
The serial number of a set-neck model is located on the back of the guitar’s headstock.
After the year prefix, the remaining numbers indicate the sequential order of that year.
CE Models
The serial number is located on the neck plate on the back of the guitar.
After the number for the year follows a 7 or CE prefix, concerning the CE model, then sequential number.
EG Models
The year of manufacture for the EG-models is determined in the same way as for the CE-models.
Just like the CE-models, the serial number is located on the neck plate at the back of the guitar.The next number, after the year number, determines the model (5 or EC) for the EG-models and then the sequential order of that year.
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S2 Models
The serial number of an S2-Series model is located on the back of the guitar’s headstock.
After the prefix of the year, the remaining digits indicate the sequential order of the set neck models built.
Swamp Ash Special Models
The serial number is located on the neck plate on the back of the guitar.The year of manufacture is determined in the same way for the Swamp Ash Special as for the CE and EC. The next number, after the year number, determines the model (8 or SA) for the SA-models and then the sequential order of that year.
Bolt-On Bass
The serial number is located on the neck plate at the back of the bass.After the prefix of the year, these models have the code number 4, which indicates a bolt-on neck bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.
Set-Neck Bass
The serial number will be located on the back of the headstock.After the prefix of the year, these models have the code number 9, which indicates a set-neck model bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.
Electric Bass
The serial number will be located on the back of the headstock.After the prefix of the year, these models have the letter code EB, which indicated Electric Bass. The following digits are the production order for that year.
SE Model Serial Numbers
The serial number on SE models will be located on the back of the headstock
The year of construction for SE guitars can be determined by a letter prefix prior to the series of digits.
In addition to manufacturing in Stevensville, USA are also in Asia produced guitars for PRS. Most guitars with a year letter are produced by World Musical Instruments in Korea. But SE models are also made for PRS in China and Indonesia. These guitars have a 3 letter code for the letter of the production year. CTC = Cort China CTI = Cort Indonesia |
