Initially, PRS serial numbers were imprinted with ink on the headstock. Every PRS guitar possesses a serial number that begins with a prefix indicating the year of production. This prefix comprises one or two digits that correspond to the production year and is used across all models.
Where to find the serial number
The location of the serial number on a guitar varies depending on the model, with some having it hand-painted or printed on the headstock, while others feature it printed on the neck plate.
To determine the production year of your PRS guitar, you can utilize the serial number decoder or refer to the information about the dating system PROVIDED BELOW.
Paul Reed Smith, the founder of PRS, started building guitars as a hobby in college. After graduating, he continued to refine his craft and eventually founded PRS in 1985. At first, PRS only produced a small number of custom guitars each year, but the quality of these instruments quickly gained attention from professional musicians.
PRS guitars are known for their attention to detail in every aspect of construction, from the selection of woods to the hand-wiring of electronics. In addition to their meticulous craftsmanship, PRS guitars also have a distinctive look. The bird inlays on the fretboard have become an iconic symbol of the brand.
One of the key influences on PRS guitars has been the Gibson Les Paul. Smith was fascinated by the Les Paul’s sustain and rich tone, and he worked to incorporate those elements into his own designs. At the same time, Smith also drew inspiration from Fender’s Stratocaster, and he sought to combine the tonal characteristics of both instruments in his own guitars.
Over the years, PRS has expanded its lineup to include a wide range of models, from the classic Custom 24 to the hollowbody Archtop. In addition to electric guitars, PRS also produces acoustic guitars, basses, and amplifiers.
In 1995, PRS moved to a new factory in Stevensville, Maryland, where it continues to operate today. The company has also partnered with Cort Industries in South Korea to produce the more affordable SE series of guitars, which are also manufactured in Indonesia.
Despite its growth and success, PRS remains committed to its core values of quality and craftsmanship. Each guitar is still made by hand, with great care and attention to detail, and the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in guitar design and construction.
Serial numbers
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.
Prefix for year code
PREFIX
YEAR
0
1990 or 2000
1
1991 or 2001
2
1992 or 2002
3
1993 or 2003
4
1994 or 2004
5
1985 or 1995 or 2005
6
1086 or 1996 or 2006
7
1987 or 1997 or 2007
8
1988 or 1998
9
1989 or 1999
08
2008
09
2009
10
2010
11
2011
12
2012
13
2013
14
2014
15
2015
16
2016
17
2017
18
2018
19
2019
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.
SERIALS
YEAR
0001 – 0400
1985
0401 – 1700
1986
1701 – 3500
1987
3501 – 5400
1988
5401 – 7600
1989
5401 – 7600
1990
10101 – 12600
1991
12601 – 15000
1992
15001 – 17900
1993
20901 – 24600
1995
24601 – 29500
1996
29501 – 34600
1997
34601 – 39100
1998
159133 – 170591
1998
39101 – 44499
1999
44500 – 52199
2000
52200 – 62199
2001
62200 – 72353
2002
72354 – 82254
2003
82255 – 92555
2004
92556 – 103103
2005
103104 – 114940
2006
114941 – 132401
2007
132402 – 146419
2008
146420 – 159132
2009
17901 – 20900
2010
170592 – 183862
2011
183863 – 196410
2012
183863 – 196410
2013
206060 – 215491
2014
215492 – 224954
2015
224955 – 236147
2016
236148 – 246650
2017
246651 – 257655
2018
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
7
0001 – 0270
1988
7
0271 – 1830
1989
7
1831 – 3200
1990
7
3201 – 4540
1991
7
4541 – 7090
1992
7
7091 – 8820
1993
7
8821 – 10700
1994
7
10701 – 13000
1995
7
13001 – 14680
1996
7
14681 – 17130
1997
7 or CE
17131 – 19580
1998
CE
19581 – 20749
1999
CE
20750 – 21599
2000
CE
21600 – 23199
2001
CE
23200 – 25389
2002
CE
25390 – 26399
2003
CE
26400 – 27900
2004
CE
27901 – 29377
2005
CE
29378 – 31800
2006
CE
31801 – 32783
2007
CE
32784 – 33881
2008
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
5
0001 – 0920
1990
5
0921 – 1290
1991
5
1291 – 2070
1992
5
2071 – 2870
1993
5
2871 – 3190
1994
5
3191 – 3300
1995
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.
SERIALS
YEAR
S2000001 – S2003820
2013
S2003821 – S2010529
2014
S2010530 – S2017390
2015
S2017391 – S2023391
2016
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
8
00001 – 00410
1997
8 or SA
00411 – 00760
1998
SA
00761 – 00969
1999
SA
00970 – 01179
2000
SA
01180 – 01399
2001
SA
01400 – 01899
2002
SA
01900 – 02099
2003
SA
02100 – 02287
2004
SA
02288 – 02700
2005
SA
02701 – 02800
2006
SA
02801 – 03055
2007
SA
03056 – 03256
2008
SA
03257 – 03312
2009
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
4
0001 – 0030
1989
4
0031 – 0140
1990
4
0141 – 0200
1991
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
9
0001 – 0230
1986/87
9
0231 – 0350
1988
9
0351 – 0680
1989
9
0681 – 0730
1990
9
0731 – 0800
1991
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.
PREFIX
SERIALS
YEAR
EB
00007 – 00072
2000
EB
00073 – 00199
2001
EB
00200 – 00422
2002
EB
00423 – 00501
2003
EB
00502 – 00650
2004
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.
LETTER
YEAR
A
2000
B
2001
C
2002
D
2003
E
2004
F
2005
G
2006
H
2007
I
2008
J
2009
K
2010
L
2011
M
2012
N
2013
O
2014
P
2015
Q
2016
R
2017
S
2018
T
2019
U
2020
V
2021
W
2022
X
2023
Y
2024
Z
2025
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.
FAQ
How can I tell what year my PRS guitar was made?
Initially, PRS serial numbers were imprinted with ink on the headstock. Every PRS guitar possesses a serial number that begins with a prefix indicating the year of production. This prefix comprises one or two digits that correspond to the production year and is used across all models. To check the production year of your PRS guitar, you can utilize the serial number decoder or refer to the information about the dating system.
How do I find PRS guitar serial number?
The location of the serial number on a PRS guitar varies depending on the model, with some having it hand-painted or printed on the headstock, while others feature it printed on the neck plate.