Mint Condition 1997 PRS Custom Shop Artist Series III
Big Leaf Maple Top – Dark Cherry Sunburst
⭐ Free service plan worth £75
⭐ Free local delivery
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⭐ No swaps, thank you
THE GUITAR
The 1997 PRS Custom Shop Artist Series III is one of the most exclusive and highly regarded guitars to emerge from the Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Custom Shop in the late '90s. Following the success of the Artist I and II, the Artist III continued PRS’s tradition of outstanding craftsmanship, luxurious appointments, and tonal excellence.
Specifications
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Artist Series: #186III
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Serial Number: #32048
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Top: Highly figured big leaf maple
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Back: South American mahogany
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Neck: South American mahogany
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Fingerboard: Indian rosewood
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Pickups: Artist Treble / Artist Bass
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Special Order: Tremolo
Key Features
The Artist III stands out for several reasons:
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Premium tonewoods: Featuring a beautifully figured big leaf maple top, South American mahogany body and neck, and an Indian rosewood fingerboard.
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Abalone inlays: Includes the ornate and distinctive "Artist bird" inlays, adding a touch of elegance.
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Gold hardware and upgraded electronics, with Artist-series pickups delivering a powerful yet articulate tone.
RECEPTION ON RELEASE (1997)
Critical and Reviewer Response
Upon release, the Artist III received glowing reviews from guitar publications both in the UK and abroad, including Guitarist (UK) and Guitar Player (US). It was widely praised for:
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Exceptional build quality and versatile tone.
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Superb playability, with low action, a comfortable neck profile, and flawless fretwork.
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Striking aesthetics, with premium materials that made it as much a collector's piece as a professional-grade instrument.
Some reviewers did note its premium price tag, suggesting it was aimed more at discerning collectors and serious players than those on a tighter budget.
Player Reception
Among professional and semi-professional musicians, the Artist III quickly gained a reputation as a high-performance instrument, equally at home in the studio and on stage.
In the UK, where American guitars often commanded higher prices due to import duties and VAT, the Artist III was considered a luxury item—a status that only increased its appeal and collectability.
LEGACY
Today, the Artist III is regarded as a collector’s guitar, with its value holding steady or appreciating thanks to its Custom Shop pedigree and limited production run. It continues to be admired for blending modern reliability with boutique-level craftsmanship, and remains a firm favourite among PRS enthusiasts.
THE CONDITION
This example is a collector’s dream – presented in genuine mint condition.
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100% original: no modifications, no repairs.
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No signs of use: no fret wear, belt rash, or pick marks.
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Hardware is in pristine condition, still gleaming gold with no tarnishing or dulling.
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Includes the original PRS hard case, push-in tremolo arm, case candy, and owner’s certificate.
The controls are smooth and noise-free, and the setup is superb, with action measuring a comfortable 1.8mm on the bass side and 1.5mm on the treble side.
