Prestige electrics

The pinnacle of the electric luthier’s art in 2017

Prs Custom 24-08 From £3,565

The humbucking/single coil sonic options once again come under the spotlight with this new version of PRS’s workhorse. Unlike the five preset voices of the standard Custom 24, this version adds the Multi Tap versions of the 85/15 pickups (which originally appeared on the 408) to add, via two mini-toggle switches, three more single coil voices. A Custom 24 that leans on the single coil-side if you need more tonal textures. An exceptional piece. www.prsguitars.com

Patrick James eggle maCon single Cut £4,200

Patrick started out with his eponymous PRSinspired electrics then turned his back to work on acoustics. As of 2017, he’s back again to focus on electrics and this superb Macon Single Cut illustrates just how good he is. With numerous options you can create your own vision. The one we looked at (issue 421) with its hand-burnished nitro finish and Mojo humbuckers achieved a very rare Guitarist Gold award. www.eggle.co.uk

Vigier expert ClassiC roCk £2,275

Known for their high-level virtuoso guitars, the Expert Classic Rock is Vigier’s most Strat-like dish. But with its super-detailed build and proaimed features, not least its graphite reinforced neck, stainless steel frets, six-piece zero fret and ball-bearing pivoted Schaller/Vigier 2011 vibrato, the Classic Rock’s trio of Amber single-coils cook up a dish that references those classic tones but in a thoroughly contemporary manner. Does guitar making get any better? www.vigier.co.uk