PRS Serial Number Lookup & Checker: Decode Your Guitar Instantly

A PRS serial number lookup is the fastest way to identify when and where your guitar was made. Paul Reed Smith guitars have been built in Stevensville, Maryland (USA), Korea, Indonesia, and China since 1985—and each production line uses different serial formats. Whether you own a Core Custom 24 from the USA factory or an SE Standard from Indonesia, the serial number holds the key.

Use the free PRS serial number lookup tool above to instantly decode your serial number. It covers USA set-neck (Core), CE bolt-on, S2, SE (Korea and Indonesia), SE Acoustic (China), PRS Acoustic (USA), Swamp Ash Special, and bass models—no sign-up required. Enter your number and get production year, country, and model line in seconds.

At OwningAFender.com, we're the guitar serial number experts—and that expertise extends well beyond Fender. Our free PRS serial number checker covers every major production era and model line.

Part 1: Where Is My PRS Serial Number?

Before you can run a PRS serial number lookup, you need to find the number. PRS has used several locations depending on the model.

Back of Headstock (USA Core, S2, SE): The vast majority of PRS guitars have the serial number on the back of the headstock. USA set-neck (Core) models, S2 Series, and SE models all use this location. Look near the top, often stamped or printed in small text.

Neck Plate (CE, EG, Swamp Ash Special): Bolt-on neck models—including the CE (Classic Electric), EG, and Swamp Ash Special—have the serial number on the metal neck plate where the neck bolts to the body.

Inside Soundhole (PRS Acoustic): USA-made PRS acoustic guitars have the serial number on a label inside the soundhole.

Pro tip: USA Core models have cleanly stamped serials on the back of the headstock. SE models may have printed serials that can fade over time. If your serial is on the neck plate, you likely have a bolt-on model (CE, EG, or Swamp Ash Special).

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

PRS Serial Number Checker

The tool at the top of this page is a free PRS serial number checker. Enter your serial number and it instantly returns your guitar's production year, country of origin, model line, and era. No sign-up required—use it as often as you need to verify a single guitar or compare multiple instruments.

What's Next? Now that you know your guitar's year and model line, the next step is setting it up to play its best. Factory specs—action height, pickup height, neck relief—vary between PRS tiers. A USA Core Custom 24 needs different measurements than an SE Standard. Want to dial in the right specs? Check out our Action Height Guide and Truss Rod Adjustment Guide.

Part 2: USA Set-Neck (Core) Serial Numbers (1985-Present)

USA set-neck PRS guitars—the Core line including Custom 24, Custom 22, McCarty, and others—use a year prefix followed by a sequential production number. These are built in Stevensville, Maryland, at the PRS private stock and core production facility.

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	Y or YY	Year prefix (single digit 0-9, or two digits 08-24 for 2008+)
2+	NNNNNN	Sequential production number

Single-digit prefix (0-9): Ambiguous between decades. A "5" could mean 1985, 1995, or 2005. Use the sequential number and reference table below to determine the exact year.

Two-digit prefix (2008+): 08 = 2008, 09 = 2009, 10 = 2010, ... 24 = 2024. Unambiguous.

Serial location: Back of headstock.

USA Set-Neck Serial Number Range Table (1985-2024)

Year	Sequential Number Range	Year	Sequential Number Range
1985	1 - 400	2005	92,556 - 103,103
1986	401 - 1,700	2006	103,104 - 114,940
1987	1,701 - 3,500	2007	114,941 - 132,401
1988	3,501 - 5,400	2008	132,402 - 146,419
1989	5,401 - 7,600	2009	146,420 - 159,132
1990	7,601 - 10,100	2010	159,133 - 170,591
1991	10,101 - 12,600	2011	170,592 - 183,862
1992	12,601 - 15,000	2012	183,863 - 196,410
1993	15,001 - 17,900	2013	196,411 - 206,059
1994	17,901 - 20,900	2014	206,060 - 215,491
1995	20,901 - 24,600	2015	215,492 - 224,954
1996	24,601 - 29,500	2016	224,955 - 236,147
1997	29,501 - 34,600	2017	236,148 - 248,633
1998	34,601 - 39,100	2018	248,634 - 271,078
1999	39,101 - 44,499	2019	271,079 - 298,384
2000	44,500 - 52,199	2020	298,385 - 315,748
2001	52,200 - 62,199	2021	315,749 - 340,165
2002	62,200 - 72,353	2022	340,166 - 354,905
2003	72,354 - 82,254	2023	354,906 - 363,798
2004	82,255 - 92,555	2024	375,043 - 397,950

Worked Examples

• 132402: Sequential number falls in 2008 range (132,402 - 146,419) → 2008, USA Core set-neck
• 08 132402: Two-digit year prefix 08 = 2008 → 2008, USA Core or CE
• 159133: Sequential number falls in 2010 range → 2010, USA Core set-neck
• 375043: Sequential number falls in 2024 range → 2024, USA Core set-neck

Note: For serials with a two-digit year prefix (2008+), the year is explicit. For older serials with only digits, match the sequential number to the range table above.

Part 3: CE Models (1988-2008, Reintroduced 2016+)

The CE (Classic Electric) is a bolt-on neck PRS, offering a snappier, more Fender-like tone compared to set-neck models. CE serials appear on the neck plate.

CE Format (1988-1998): "7" Prefix

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	7	CE model identifier
2+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

Example: 712345 = CE model, sequential 12345 → Look up 12345 in CE range table → ~1992, USA CE

CE Format (1998-2008): "CE" Prefix

Position	Characters	Meaning
1-2	CE	CE model identifier
3+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

Example: CE 25389 = CE model, sequential 25389 → 2002, USA CE

CE 24 Reintroduced (2016+)

The CE 24 was reintroduced in 2016. These use the two-digit year prefix format (16, 17, 18, etc.) like USA Core models. Serial on neck plate distinguishes them from set-neck models.

CE Serial Number Range Table (1988-2008)

Year	Sequential Range	Year	Sequential Range
1988	1 - 270	1999	20,750 - 21,599
1989	271 - 1,830	2000	21,600 - 23,199
1990	1,831 - 3,200	2001	23,200 - 25,389
1991	3,201 - 4,540	2002	25,390 - 26,399
1992	4,541 - 7,090	2003	26,400 - 27,900
1993	7,091 - 8,820	2004	27,901 - 29,377
1994	8,821 - 10,700	2005	29,378 - 31,800
1995	10,701 - 13,000	2006	31,801 - 32,783
1996	13,001 - 14,680	2007	32,784 - 33,881
1997	14,681 - 17,130	2008	33,882+
1998	17,131 - 19,580

Part 4: EG Models (1990-1995)

The EG was a bolt-on neck model produced from 1990 to 1995. Serial on neck plate.

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	5	EG model identifier
2+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

Example: 51234 = EG model, sequential 1234 → ~1991, USA EG

Part 5: S2 Series (2013-Present)

The S2 Series is built in the USA (Stevensville, Maryland) with streamlined manufacturing, offering American-made quality at a more accessible price than Core models.

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1-2	S2	S2 Series identifier
3+	NNNNNNN	Sequential production number

Serial location: Back of headstock.

S2 Serial Number Range Table (2013-2024)

Year	Serial Range	Year	Serial Range
2013	S2000001 - S2003820	2019	S2043719 - S2049421
2014	S2003821 - S2010529	2020	S2049422 - S2059387
2015	S2010530 - S2017390	2021	S2059388 - S2065338
2016	S2017391 - S2023214	2022	S2065339 - S2067488
2017	S2023215 - S2027902	2023	S2071820 - S2078569
2018	S2027903 - S2036779	2024	S2071820 - S2078569

Part 6: SE Models — Korea (2000-2020)

SE (Student Edition) models bring PRS design to an accessible price point. Korean SE production ran from 2000 to 2020, primarily at World Musical Instrument Co. (formerly Samick).

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	Letter (A-U)	Year code
2+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

SE Korea Letter-Year Mapping

Letter	Year	Letter	Year	Letter	Year
A	2000	H	2007	O	2014
B	2001	I	2008	P	2015
C	2002	J	2009	Q	2016
D	2003	K	2010	R	2017
E	2004	L	2011	S	2018
F	2005	M	2012	T	2019
G	2006	N	2013	U	2020

Example: K123456 = K = 2010 → 2010, Korea SE

Serial location: Back of headstock.

Part 7: SE Models — Indonesia (2014-Present)

Indonesian SE production began in 2014 at PT Cor-Tek (Cort) Indonesia. Two prefix formats exist.

Format 1: IA, IB, IC, ID, IE (2014-2018)

Prefix	Year
IA	2014
IB	2015
IC	2016
ID	2017
IE	2018

Format 2: CTIA, CTIB, CTIC, etc. (2018-Present)

Prefix	Year	Prefix	Year
CTIA	2018	CTID	2021
CTIB	2019	CTIE	2022
CTIC	2020	CTIF	2023
		CTIG	2024

Note: IE and CTIA both indicate 2018—production transition year.

Example: CTIC123456 = CTIC = 2020 → 2020, Indonesia SE

Serial location: Back of headstock.

Part 8: SE Acoustic — China (2017-Present)

PRS SE Acoustic models are built in China.

Format

Prefix	Year	Prefix	Year
CTCA	2017	CTCD	2020
CTCB	2018	CTCE	2021
CTCC	2019	CTCF	2022
		CTCG	2023

Example: CTCB123456 = CTCB = 2018 → 2018, China SE Acoustic

Part 9: PRS Acoustic — USA (2009-Present)

USA-made PRS acoustics use a distinct format.

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1	A	Acoustic identifier
2-3	YY	Two-digit year (09 = 2009, 24 = 2024)
4+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

Example: A1512345 = A + 15 = 2015 → 2015, USA PRS Acoustic

Serial location: Label inside soundhole.

Part 10: Swamp Ash Special (1997-2009)

The Swamp Ash Special was a bolt-on model with a swamp ash body. Serial on neck plate.

Format

Position	Characters	Meaning
1-2	8 or SA	Swamp Ash identifier
2+	NNNNN	Sequential production number

Example: SA 2500 = Swamp Ash Special, sequential 2500 → ~2005, USA Swamp Ash Special

Part 11: Bass Models

PRS has produced several bass models with distinct serial formats.

Bolt-On Bass (1989-1991)

Format: Year prefix + "4" + sequential number. Example: 94 1234 = 1989, bolt-on bass.

Set-Neck Bass (1986-1991)

Format: Year prefix + "9" + sequential number. Example: 69 1234 = 1986, set-neck bass.

Electric Bass (2000-2004)

Format: Year prefix + "EB" + sequential number. Example: 02 EB 1234 = 2002, Electric Bass.

Serial Prefix Quick Reference

Complete reference table for all PRS serial number formats:

Format	Year Range	Country	Model Line	Serial Location
YY + digits (08-24)	2008-Present	USA	Core or CE	Headstock or neck plate
Y + digits (0-9)	1985-2007	USA	Core (set-neck)	Headstock
7 + digits	1988-1998	USA	CE (bolt-on)	Neck plate
CE + digits	1998-2008	USA	CE (bolt-on)	Neck plate
5 + digits	1990-1995	USA	EG	Neck plate
S2 + digits	2013-Present	USA	S2	Headstock
A-U + digits	2000-2020	Korea	SE	Headstock
IA-IE + digits	2014-2018	Indonesia	SE	Headstock
CTIA-CTIG + digits	2018-Present	Indonesia	SE	Headstock
CTCA-CTCG + digits	2017-Present	China	SE Acoustic	Headstock
A + YY + digits	2009-Present	USA	Acoustic	Soundhole
8 or SA + digits	1997-2009	USA	Swamp Ash Special	Neck plate
Y + 4 + digits	1989-1991	USA	Bolt-On Bass	Neck plate
Y + 9 + digits	1986-1991	USA	Set-Neck Bass	Neck plate
YY + EB + digits	2000-2004	USA	Electric Bass	Neck plate

How to Read Your PRS Serial Number: Step-by-Step

Follow this process to decode any PRS from 1985 onward.

1. Locate the serial number on the back of the headstock (Core, S2, SE) or neck plate (CE, EG, Swamp Ash Special, basses).
2. Check for letter prefixes. S2 = S2 Series (USA). CE = CE bolt-on (USA). A-U = Korea SE. IA-IE or CTIA-CTIG = Indonesia SE. CTCA-CTCG = China SE Acoustic. A + YY = USA Acoustic.
3. For numeric-only serials: If 5-7 digits with no prefix, it's likely USA set-neck. Match the sequential number to the USA range table.
4. For two-digit year prefix (08-24): The first two digits = year (08 = 2008, 24 = 2024). Check serial location: headstock = Core, neck plate = CE.
5. For single-digit prefix (0-9): Could be USA set-neck, CE (7), EG (5), or Swamp Ash (8). Use the sequential number and range tables to determine year and model.
6. Verify with the "Made in" label. USA models say "Made in USA" or "Stevensville, MD." SE models indicate Korea, Indonesia, or China.

Pro tip: If the serial doesn't match any format, the guitar may be a limited edition, Private Stock, or—in rare cases—counterfeit. Check physical features and consult the troubleshooting guide below.

PRS Model Tiers: Understanding the Lineup

Once you've decoded your serial number, understanding your PRS's model tier helps you assess its value and specs.

Core (USA Set-Neck) — Top Tier

The pinnacle of PRS production. Handcrafted in Stevensville, Maryland, with premium woods, PRS pickups, and exceptional fretwork. Year prefix + sequential serial. $3,000-$10,000+ new. These hold value exceptionally well.

S2 (USA) — Mid-Tier American

Built in the USA factory with streamlined processes. S2 prefix + sequential. $1,200-$2,000 new. Excellent value for American-made PRS quality.

CE (USA Bolt-On) — Discontinued / Reintroduced

Original CE production 1988-2008; CE 24 reintroduced 2016+. Bolt-on construction, snappier tone. 7 or CE prefix (1988-2008), or year prefix (2016+). Serial on neck plate. $1,500-$2,500+ used for vintage CE.

SE (Korea, Indonesia) — Accessible Tier

Student Edition—PRS design at an accessible price. Letter prefix (Korea) or IA/CTI prefix (Indonesia). $400-$900 new. Korean SE from 2000-2020; Indonesian from 2014-present.

SE Acoustic (China) — Entry Acoustic

PRS acoustic design at an accessible price. CTCA-CTCG prefix. $300-$600 new.

PRS Acoustic (USA) — Premium Acoustic

Handcrafted in Stevensville. A + YY + sequential. $2,000-$4,000+ new.

Just Got a Used PRS?

If you're looking up a serial number, you probably just bought a used guitar—congratulations! The next step is getting it set up properly. Used guitars almost always need a fresh setup after changing hands.

Why used PRS guitars need setup:

• PRS necks are sensitive to climate and humidity changes
• Tremolo bridges (if equipped) need precise setup after shipping
• Previous owner's string gauge and action preferences may not match yours
• Factory setups are often conservative—a custom setup unlocks the guitar's potential

Your next steps:

1. Check Action Height — PRS players typically prefer medium-low action (1.5-2.0mm at 12th fret)
2. Adjust Truss Rod — Dial in the right neck relief
3. Choose the Right Strings — String gauge affects tremolo balance and playability
4. Check Factory Specs — Find the exact specs for your model
5. Add to My Garage — Track your guitar's serial number, specs, and setup history

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What's Your PRS Worth?

Serial numbers help determine a guitar's age, but condition and playability are what really drive value. A well-set-up guitar with proper action and intonation can sell for 10-20% more than one that plays poorly.

Key factors that affect PRS value:

• Model line — Core commands the highest prices; SE is most affordable
• Country of origin — USA > Korea > Indonesia > China for resale value
• Pickups — PRS 85/15, 58/15, and Dragon pickups add value
• Top grade — Figured maple tops (10-top, Artist) command premiums
• Neck condition — Fret wear and neck straightness significantly affect value

If you're selling or just want your guitar playing its best, a proper setup is the highest-ROI improvement you can make.

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Value Estimates by Model Line

Serial number dating is the first step to valuing your PRS. Once you know the year and model line, you can estimate market value.

USA Core (Set-Neck)

• Custom 24 / Custom 22: $2,000-$4,500 used (depending on year, top grade, condition)
• McCarty / McCarty 594: $2,200-$4,500 used
• Vintage (1985-1995): $2,500-$5,000+ (early PRS are highly collectible)
• 10-Top / Artist Package: Add 15-30% premium
• Private Stock: $5,000-$15,000+ (custom orders)

S2 Series (USA)

• S2 Standard 24/22: $700-$1,200 used
• S2 Custom 24: $800-$1,400 used
• S2 Vela / Mira: $600-$1,000 used

CE (USA Bolt-On)

• Vintage CE (1988-2008): $1,200-$2,500 used (sought after for bolt-on tone)
• CE 24 (2016+): $1,500-$2,200 used

SE (Korea)

• Korean SE (2000-2020): $250-$600 used (early models have a following)
• SE Custom 24 / Standard 24: $300-$550 used

SE (Indonesia)

• Indonesian SE (2014+): $250-$500 used
• SE Paul's Guitar / Hollowbody: $400-$700 used

SE Acoustic (China)

• SE Acoustic: $150-$350 used

PRS Acoustic (USA)

• USA Acoustic: $1,200-$2,500 used

Swamp Ash Special (1997-2009)

• Swamp Ash Special: $800-$1,800 used (discontinued, bolt-on fans seek these)

Tools for Evaluating a PRS

Whether you're buying, selling, or just checking your guitar's condition, these tools help verify setup and authenticity:

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Authentication Tips: Spotting Fake PRS Guitars

Serial numbers are your first line of defense against counterfeits. Fake PRS guitars exist, especially for popular models like the Custom 24, McCarty, and SE Custom 24.

Red flags:

• Format doesn't match the model. An SE serial (letter prefix) on a guitar with "USA" or "Stevensville" markings is suspicious. SE = Korea, Indonesia, or China.
• Wrong serial location. Core and S2 serials are on the headstock. CE, EG, and Swamp Ash serials are on the neck plate. If the location doesn't match the format, investigate.
• Font and stamping quality. USA PRS stamps are clean and consistent. Blurry, shallow, or printed-looking serials on a "Core" guitar are a red flag.
• Physical features don't match. A serial suggesting USA Core but with budget hardware, thick finish, and poor fretwork indicates a fake.
• Bird inlays. PRS bird inlays are distinctive. Poorly executed or generic "bird-like" inlays are a red flag.

Verification steps:

1. Run the serial through our decoder. Does the result match the guitar's apparent age and features?
2. Check the "Made in" label. USA = Stevensville, MD. SE = Korea, Indonesia, or China.
3. For Core models, check for the PRS headstock shape, bird inlays, and quality of the finish.
4. Compare to official PRS product photos for that model year.
5. For high-value guitars (vintage Core, Private Stock), consider professional authentication.

Core-specific checks:

• PRS Core guitars have a distinctive headstock shape and "Paul Reed Smith" or "PRS" logo
• Bird inlays on the fretboard (or optional moon inlays)
• Set-neck construction (no visible neck plate)
• Quality tuners (PRS, Phase III, or similar)

Serial Number Mysteries Solved: Real Case Studies

These real-world examples demonstrate how PRS serial number analysis, combined with physical inspection, solves authentication and dating puzzles.

Case Study 1: The Ambiguous Single-Digit Prefix

The Mystery: A PRS Custom 24 with serial number 520900. The owner wanted to know if it was a 1985, 1995, or 2005 model.

The Investigation:

• Serial format: Single-digit prefix "5" followed by sequential number 20900
• Sequential number 20900 falls in the 1995 range (20,901 - 24,600)
• Physical inspection: Phase II tuners (introduced 1991), 5-way rotary switch
• Headstock logo: Script "Paul Reed Smith" (consistent with mid-1990s)

The Solution: The sequential number 20900 falls squarely in the 1995 production range. Physical features confirmed mid-1990s production. This was a 1995 USA Core Custom 24.

Takeaway: For single-digit prefix PRS serials, always match the sequential number to the range table. The prefix digit alone is ambiguous across decades.

Case Study 2: Korean SE vs Indonesian SE Confusion

The Mystery: A PRS SE Custom 24 with serial number starting with "I" followed by digits. The owner assumed it was a 2008 Korean SE (I = 2008 in the Korea letter table) but the guitar said "Made in Indonesia."

The Investigation:

• Serial prefix: "I" could mean Korea 2008 (letter I in A-U table) or Indonesia (IA-IE prefix)
• Physical inspection: "Made in Indonesia" on headstock
• Full serial: IA followed by 6 digits
• IA prefix = 2014 Indonesia SE

The Solution: The "I" was actually the start of an "IA" prefix (Indonesia 2014), not the Korean letter code. Indonesian SE serials use two-character prefixes (IA, IB, IC, ID, IE) while Korean SE serials use a single letter (A-U). This was a 2014 Indonesian SE Custom 24.

Takeaway: Always check the full prefix. A single "I" = Korea 2008. "IA" through "IE" = Indonesia 2014-2018. The "Made in" label on the headstock is the quickest way to resolve this.

Case Study 3: The "Fake" Core That Was Real

The Mystery: A PRS Custom 22 with serial number 08 145000 purchased at a pawn shop. The buyer was suspicious because the price seemed too low for a USA Core.

The Investigation:

• Serial format: Two-digit prefix 08 = 2008, sequential 145000
• Sequential 145000 falls in the 2008 range (132,402 - 146,419) — confirmed
• Serial location: Back of headstock (correct for Core)
• Physical inspection: Set-neck construction, bird inlays, PRS Phase III locking tuners
• Pickup rings: PRS 57/08 pickups (introduced 2007, standard on 2008 Custom 22)
• Headstock shape: Correct PRS profile with truss rod cover

The Solution: Every detail checked out. The serial, construction, hardware, and pickups all matched a legitimate 2008 USA Core Custom 22. The low price was simply because the pawn shop didn't know what they had. Estimated value: $2,200-$2,800.

Takeaway: Don't assume a low price means a fake. Always verify serial format, sequential range, physical features, and construction type before concluding.

Case Study 4: CE Neck Plate vs Core Headstock

The Mystery: A PRS guitar with serial number on the neck plate reading "7 8500." The owner thought it was a Core model because it had bird inlays.

The Investigation:

• Serial location: Neck plate (not headstock)
• Serial format: "7" prefix + sequential 8500
• "7" prefix = CE (Classic Electric) model identifier
• Sequential 8500 falls in the CE 1993 range (7,091 - 8,820)
• Physical inspection: Bolt-on neck construction (4 bolts visible on back)
• Bird inlays present (CE models offered bird inlays as an option)

The Solution: The neck plate serial location and "7" prefix confirmed this was a 1993 USA CE, not a Core model. CE models could be ordered with bird inlays, which caused the confusion. CE guitars have bolt-on necks; Core guitars have set necks and serials on the headstock.

Takeaway: Serial number location is the fastest way to distinguish CE from Core. Neck plate = CE (bolt-on). Headstock = Core (set-neck) or S2. Bird inlays alone don't indicate a Core model.

Key Lesson: PRS serial numbers are powerful tools, but they're just one piece of the identification puzzle. Always combine serial analysis with physical inspection—check construction type (set-neck vs bolt-on), serial location, hardware, and the "Made in" label for complete verification.

Troubleshooting Guide: Can't Find or Decode Your PRS Serial Number?

If you're having trouble locating or identifying your PRS serial number, follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check All Common Locations

Back of Headstock (Core, S2, SE):

• Look carefully near the top of the headstock back—serials can be small
• Use good lighting and a magnifying glass if needed
• USA Core stamps are typically clean and deep; SE prints may be lighter

Neck Plate (CE, EG, Swamp Ash Special, Basses):

• Check the metal plate where the neck bolts to the body (4 bolts)
• Serial may be stamped on the plate itself
• Some CE models have the serial on the edge of the plate—check all sides

Inside Soundhole (PRS Acoustic):

• USA PRS acoustics have a label inside the soundhole
• Look for a paper or foil label with the Yamaha logo and serial
• Use a flashlight and mirror if needed

Step 2: Serial Number Is Unreadable

If Worn or Faded:

• USA stamps are durable, but SE printed serials can fade over time
• Try different lighting angles—raking light across the surface reveals impressions
• Take a high-resolution photo and enhance contrast digitally
• Use the pencil rubbing technique: place thin paper over the serial and rub gently with a pencil to reveal stamped impressions

If Partially Visible:

• Even partial serials can help narrow down the model line and era
• If you can read the prefix (S2, CE, 7, letter, CTI), that alone identifies the model line
• Compare visible characters to the format tables above

If Completely Missing:

• Check if the neck plate has been replaced (CE, EG models)
• Look for any internal markings or stickers inside the control cavity
• Check the neck pocket for date stamps or production codes
• Examine the truss rod cover for any markings

Step 3: Serial Number Doesn't Match Any Format

Possible Reasons:

1. Private Stock — PRS Private Stock guitars may have unique serial formats
2. Limited Edition or Artist Model — Special runs may use non-standard numbering
3. Prototype or Pre-Production — Very early or prototype guitars have unusual serials
4. Replacement Neck or Plate — The serial may be from a different guitar
5. Counterfeit — Fake serial number (see authentication guide above)

What to Do:

• Check physical features (hardware, inlays, construction type) to estimate the model line
• Look for the "Made in" label on the headstock or neck heel
• Contact PRS customer service with photos—they can verify serials
• Post on PRS forums (forums.prsguitars.com) with photos for community help
• For high-value guitars, consult a PRS-authorized dealer

Step 4: Serial Number Format Is Ambiguous

Single-Digit Year Prefix (USA Set-Neck, 1985-2007):

• The prefix digit (0-9) repeats every 10 years — "5" could mean 1985, 1995, or 2005
• Match the sequential number (all digits after the first) to the USA range table
• The sequential number uniquely identifies the year
• Example: prefix "5" + sequential 20900 = 1995 (range 20,901-24,600)

Korean SE Letter Prefix (A-U):

• Letters A through U map to 2000-2020
• If the guitar has a CTI prefix instead, it's Indonesian (not Korean)
• Check the "Made in" label to confirm country

Indonesian SE Prefix (IA vs CTIA):

• IA-IE = 2014-2018 (early Indonesia format)
• CTIA-CTIG = 2018-2024 (current Indonesia format)
• IE and CTIA both indicate 2018 (transition year)

Step 5: Still Can't Identify It?

Final Steps:

1. Take Clear Photos: Serial number close-up, headstock (front and back), neck plate, body, hardware, bird inlays
2. Document Physical Features: Construction type (set-neck vs bolt-on), pickup type, tuner brand, bridge type
3. Check the "Made in" Label: USA, Korea, Indonesia, or China
4. Contact PRS: Customer service can verify serials — email support@prsguitars.com or use the PRS support page
5. Consult Experts: Post on PRS forums or contact PRS-authorized dealers with photos

Remember: Not every serial number will match a standard format. Private Stock, limited editions, and very early production guitars (1985-1987) may have non-standard serials. Physical inspection and PRS customer service are your best resources for unusual cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the PRS serial number lookup?

Use the free tool at the top of this page. Enter your serial number exactly as it appears on your guitar. Click Decode to get production year, country, model line, and era. No sign-up required.

What is a PRS serial number decoder?

A PRS serial number decoder is a tool that interprets the characters in your serial number to determine production year, country of origin, and model line. Our decoder covers USA Core, CE, S2, SE (Korea, Indonesia), SE Acoustic (China), PRS Acoustic (USA), Swamp Ash Special, and bass formats from 1985 to present.

Where is the PRS serial number?

USA Core, S2, and SE models have the serial on the back of the headstock. CE, EG, and Swamp Ash Special models have it on the neck plate. USA PRS acoustics have it on a label inside the soundhole.

How do I date a PRS guitar?

For USA set-neck models, match the sequential number to the range table. For two-digit year prefix (08-24), the first two digits = year. For SE Korea, the letter = year (A=2000, B=2001, etc.). For SE Indonesia, the prefix (IA, CTIA, etc.) indicates the year.

Is there a free PRS serial number checker?

Yes. The tool at the top of this page is a free PRS serial number checker. Enter your serial for instant results—production year, country, model line, and era. No sign-up or payment required. It covers USA, Korea, Indonesia, and China models.

What does S2 mean in a PRS serial number?

S2 stands for the S2 Series—PRS guitars built in the USA (Stevensville, Maryland) with streamlined manufacturing. They offer American-made quality at a more accessible price than Core models. S2 prefix + sequential number identifies these guitars.

What does CE mean in a PRS serial number?

CE stands for Classic Electric—PRS bolt-on neck models. The CE was produced 1988-2008 (7 or CE prefix) and the CE 24 was reintroduced in 2016 (year prefix format). CE serials appear on the neck plate.

Are USA PRS better than SE?

USA Core and S2 PRS guitars are generally considered higher quality, with superior fretwork, premium woods, and hand-finished details. SE models offer excellent value and PRS design at an accessible price. The gap has narrowed, but USA PRS remains the benchmark.

How much is my PRS worth?

Value depends on model line, year, condition, and country of origin. USA Core: $2,000-$4,500+ used. S2: $600-$1,400 used. CE: $1,200-$2,500 used. Korean SE: $250-$600 used. Indonesian SE: $250-$500 used. Vintage USA (1985-1995): $2,500-$5,000+. For a complete breakdown of the factors that affect guitar prices, see our complete guide to guitar valuation.

What year is my PRS with a letter prefix?

For SE Korea: A=2000, B=2001, C=2002, ... U=2020. For SE Indonesia: IA=2014, IB=2015, IC=2016, ID=2017, IE=2018, CTIA=2018, CTIB=2019, CTIC=2020, CTID=2021, CTIE=2022, CTIF=2023, CTIG=2024.

What is the difference between PRS Core and S2?

Core models are the top-tier USA set-neck line. S2 models are built in the same USA factory with streamlined processes but at a lower price. Core has more premium woods, hand-finished details, and options. S2 offers American-made quality at a more accessible price.

How do I tell if my PRS is made in USA?

Check the serial format and "Made in" label. USA models: year prefix + sequential (Core), S2 prefix (S2), 7 or CE prefix (CE), A + YY (Acoustic). USA serials are on the headstock (Core, S2) or neck plate (CE). The neck or headstock may say "Made in USA" or "Stevensville, MD."

What does CTIA mean in a PRS serial?

CTIA is the Indonesia SE prefix for 2018. The CTI prefix (CTIA, CTIB, CTIC, etc.) indicates production at PT Cor-Tek (Cort) Indonesia. CTIA=2018, CTIB=2019, CTIC=2020, CTID=2021, CTIE=2022, CTIF=2023, CTIG=2024.

Does PRS have an official serial number lookup?

PRS provides serial number information on their support page. Our decoder offers instant results with model line identification, year ranges, and production volume estimates—all for free. The PRS support page has additional range data for verification.

Why does my PRS have the serial on the neck plate?

If your serial is on the neck plate, you have a bolt-on model: CE (Classic Electric), EG, or Swamp Ash Special. These are the only PRS guitar models with neck plate serials. Set-neck Core and S2 models have serials on the headstock.

Cross-Links: More Serial Number Resources

We're the guitar serial number experts—and we cover more than PRS. If you own multiple brands, these tools will help:

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Setup & Maintenance Guides

• Action Height Guide — Learn how to measure and adjust string action
• Truss Rod Adjustment — Safely adjust neck relief for optimal playability
• String Gauge Guide — Choose the right strings for your playing style
• Action Height Calculator — Calculate ideal action for your setup
• String Gauge Recommendation — Get personalized string suggestions

More Tools

• My Gear Tracker — Save your guitar's serial number, specs, and setup history
• How to Use Serial Number Lookup — Detailed guide for all brands

Whether you're dating a Custom 24, a Strat, or a Les Paul, we've got you covered.