Paul Reed Smith guitars occupy a rare position in the market — built to a standard that rivals vintage American instruments in fit, finish, and tone, but with the consistency and playability that comes from three decades of obsessive refinement. Whether you're looking at a Core Series carved-top with vintage-spec pickups, a CE with its bolt-on snap, or one of the limited runs from the Maryland shop, PRS guitars reward players who care about how an instrument is actually made.
At Mahar's, we carry PRS electrics across the range — from pre-owned Players and SE models for the working guitarist to Core, Private Stock, and artist-run pieces for the serious collector. Every guitar is personally inspected and listed with full condition notes, so you know exactly what you're getting before it ships.
Browse the current PRS inventory below, and check back often — these can move quickly!
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Used PRS
Understanding PRS's product lines
PRS organizes its guitars into several distinct tiers. The Core lineup (like the McCarty and Custom 24) represents the brand's flagship American-made instruments. Private Stock sits above Core as PRS's fully custom, made-to-order division, often featuring premium tonewoods and one-off specs. The S2 line offers Core-adjacent specs at a more accessible price point, while SE models are imported and positioned as PRS's entry-level tier. Knowing which tier a used guitar belongs to matters significantly for both expected quality and resale value.
What to know about specific PRS features
-
Set neck vs. bolt-on (CE) construction — PRS's set-neck models offer traditional, Gibsonesque feel and tone, while CE (bolt-on neck) models deliver a snappier, more Fender-like attack favored by some players.
-
Wood grade and figuring — PRS grades its maple tops (10-Top being the highest standard grade), which affects both cosmetics and, to some players' ears, subtle tonal character; this is a meaningful factor in resale value.
-
Piezo and hybrid electronics — some PRS models, like certain Hollowbody configurations, include piezo pickup systems alongside magnetic pickups for acoustic-like tones from an electric guitar; understanding whether a used piece has this feature affects both value and functionality expectations.
What drives value in a used PRS
-
Tier and rarity — Private Stock and limited-run anniversary models (like 20th or 35th Anniversary editions) carry documented rarity and often command premiums well above standard Core pricing.
-
Condition and originality — because PRS guitars are relatively modern, most examples on the used market are in good original condition; any modifications or non-original hardware should be disclosed and factored into value.
-
Included paperwork and case — PRS guitars, especially Private Stock and higher Core models, typically come with a certificate of authenticity and hardshell case; having the original paperwork supports both value and resale confidence.
How we grade and document our guitars
Every PRS in this collection is personally inspected before listing, with full condition notes so you know exactly what you're getting. Every guitar also receives a professional setup before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between PRS Core and S2 models?
Core models are built at PRS's Maryland factory to the brand's flagship specifications, typically with higher-grade tonewoods and more refined appointments. S2 models share many of the same shapes and general specs but are built with a more streamlined manufacturing process and typically more modest wood grading, landing at a lower price point while still being made in the same facility.
Are older PRS guitars (2000s and earlier) considered collectible yet?
Increasingly, yes, particularly for early production examples, limited anniversary editions, and Private Stock pieces. PRS as a company is still young relative to Fender or Gibson, but certain early and limited-run guitars have begun developing real collector interest, especially those with premium woods like Brazilian rosewood or documented rarity.
Do you ship guitars internationally, and how are they insured?
Yes — we ship internationally, and every instrument is insured in transit, packed carefully to protect it from damage during shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility and vary by destination country.
What's included in a professional setup before shipping?
Every guitar receives a full setup — action, intonation, and truss rod adjustment, and fresh strings — so it's playable straight out of the case, whether it's headed to a stage, studio, or living room. We state the string gauge on the guitar and the action measurement at the 12th fret in every listing. We can't set guitars up exactly to a player's individual spec, but our setup process tells us whether the guitar will play ball for different setups. We'll note if a truss rod or bridge won't allow for certain setups.
Can I trade my current guitar toward one of these?
Yes, we accept trades toward the guitars in this collection. Reach out with details and photos of your guitar and we'll provide a trade valuation.
