PRS 40th Anniversary CE 22 Limited Edition: A Rare Return for a Classic Bolt-On
To celebrate four decades of guitar-making excellence, PRS has brought back a model that hasn’t been seen since 2008: the CE 22. Long admired for its unique blend of bolt-on snap and PRS refinement, the CE 22 has returned for a limited run of just 1,000 guitars worldwide. This isn’t a reimagining or modern update—it’s a true revival of a player-favorite that helped define PRS’s 1990s and early 2000s lineup, now dressed in exclusive finishes and available only while supplies last.
At Detroit Guitar, we’re proud to be one of the few dealers offering every available finish of this rare release. The first two we’ve received—Faded Blue Smokeburst and Black Amber—showcase the depth and character of the figured maple tops under high-gloss nitro finishes. More are on the way, including McCarty Sunburst, Faded Gray Black, and Carroll Blue.
The CE 22 Limited Edition is built from a mahogany body with a violin-carved figured maple top, paired with a bolt-on maple neck that features a scarf joint and Pattern Regular carve. A rosewood fingerboard with bird inlays, 10" radius, and 22 frets keeps the feel classic and comfortable. PRS’s Phase III locking tuners and patented tremolo ensure rock-solid tuning and expressive flexibility. Under the hood, the guitar is loaded with a pair of 58/15 LT humbuckers, offering vintage warmth and clarity with a wide dynamic range. The push/pull tone knob and 3-way toggle provide access to both humbucking power and single-coil sparkle, making this guitar a versatile tool for nearly any genre.
What truly sets this model apart is its limited nature and historical significance. The CE 22 has been absent from PRS’s lineup for over 15 years, and with no indication that it will return beyond this anniversary run, this is likely the only chance players and collectors will have to secure a new one. Combined with the fact that each of the five finishes is exclusive to this run, the 40th Anniversary CE 22 stands as both a celebration of PRS’s legacy and a future classic in the making.
If you’ve been waiting for a CE 22 to make a comeback—or just want a high-performance PRS with a unique voice and genuine collectability—this is your moment. These guitars won’t be around for long, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Check out Faded Blue Smokeburst and Black Amber now, or get in touch to reserve one of the incoming finishes.
