Some tops are nice.
Some tops are ridiculous.
This 2010 PRS 25th Anniversary Custom 24 10-Top in Faded Whale Blue is in a completely different category. The figuring on this 10-Top is exactly what the designation was meant for — deep, three-dimensional flame that moves and shifts depending on the angle. In person, it has that liquid ripple effect that almost looks holographic under light. The Faded Whale Blue finish gives it incredible depth — darker ocean blues around the edges opening into vivid, dimensional flame toward the center.
It’s the kind of top that stops conversations.
And it’s not just the front. The transparent blue back shows off the mahogany grain beautifully, and the natural binding around the carved maple top frames everything perfectly. The contrast between the flame, the binding, and that blue-stained back gives it serious presence.
This is the 25th Anniversary model, and PRS didn’t treat it like a standard production run. It carries several commemorative and limited features that set it apart:
- 25th Anniversary bird inlays unique to this run
- “25th Anniversary” script on the headstock
- Rosewood headstock veneer
- Hand-wound gold-covered 57/08 pickups
- 25th Anniversary white PRS hard shell case
The 57/08 pickups are a huge part of what makes this guitar special. These were some of PRS’s most celebrated early vintage-inspired pickups, hand-wound and originally limited in production. With Alnico II magnets, they deliver warmth, clarity, and exceptional articulation. Clean tones are glassy and full. Under gain, they stay harmonically rich without getting muddy.
This model features the classic PRS 5-way rotary pickup selector rather than a blade switch — an era-correct Core Custom 24 design. The rotary cycles through multiple humbucker and split-coil combinations while keeping the top clean and symmetrical. It’s a hallmark of earlier Core Custom 24s and something many PRS purists appreciate.
Specs follow the legendary Custom 24 formula:
- Mahogany body
- Carved maple 10-Top
- 25” scale length
- 24 frets
- PRS tremolo
- PRS Phase II locking tuners
- Pattern Thin carve for fast, comfortable playability
The setup is nice and low. Frets are in great shape. It plays effortlessly across the board.
Condition is exceptional for a 16-year-old guitar. It truly looks like it was purchased and carefully collected. The body is free of any major dings or scratches. There are a few small blemishes on the back side (pictured), but they are very minor and purely cosmetic. One plastic tone knob has a small crack — again cosmetic and does not affect functionality. Overall presentation is outstanding.
Between the anniversary features, the rosewood headstock veneer, the 57/08 pickups, the rotary selector, and that white anniversary case, this is a highly collectible and incredibly playable PRS.
And then there’s that top.
It absolutely earns the 10-Top designation. The flame depth, the movement, the color saturation — it’s easily one of the coolest Faded Whale Blue examples out there and completely worthy of the 10-Top title.
Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.
⏳ Quick note
These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 1–6 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!
