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Journey - Neal Schon's Personal Custom Built 2001 Paul Reed Smith Guitar

Estimated price for orientation: 8 750 $

Category: Electric Guitar
Class:











Description
Brand: PRS Guitars Body Color: Amber
Body Type: Solid Body Material: Solid Wood
String Configuration: 6 String Model Year: 2001
Dexterity: Right-Handed



I have been a huge Neal Schon fan for as long as I can remember. When opportunity knocked in 2002 with a chance to own one of Neal's personal custom built Paul Reed Smith's at the end of Journey's 2001 tour... a dream came true for me.Now is your unique opportunity to make your dream come true.This 2001 Paul Reed Smith Serial Number 522857, will be that guitar.
This PRS was built for Neal to his own exacting specifications with a Floyd Rose, Sustainer pickup and Roland Synth pickup.
It is _NOT_ and endorsee or signature model guitar that you can buy at any music shop
It is _NOT_ a "limited run" or authorized "artist proof" guitar or a guitar that has a signature decal on it.
It is _NOT_ a guitar that is loosely associated with him through some merchandising dealThis guitar was built for Neal, played by Neal and sold to me by Neal.It comes with the certificate of authenticity that was signed by Neal in 2002 when I picked up the guitar shortly after the 2001 tour ended. (see picture)
In 2004 I had the chance to meet up with Neal again, and I had him sign the back of the guitar.
The signature is still very readable after all these years - see pictures of the back of the guitar and picture of me and Neal with the guitar when he signed it. 
(PS - I am very camera shy and not the most photogenic guy around, hence the cut out. ). I'll include the full picture if you request it, but consider yourself warned ;-)The guitar is _EXACTLY_ the same as the day I received it.
Nothing has been changed, modified or altered except for the 9V battery that powers the Sustainer pickup.
The strings, the tuners, etc all are exactly as they were when I received it, dust, dirt, grime and all.
The guitar was kept in the display area of my smoke free, pet free private home studio and faithfully played on very very special occasions. You will notice, that it has a small crack in the finish on the left side edge of the guitar.
I took several pictures and zoomed in way way down to show it clearly.
On the pictures I have arrows and circles that point to the spot on the guitar where it is. 
The guitar came that way. This guitar was toured and played by Neal, so little imperfections are expected.
The back of the guitar has a very little bit of swirling only visible with a camera, again, noting significant, but all part of a working guitar's life.
The guitar has character and has had a real life with a real Rock n Roll Icon... seriously, what more could you ask for?
People pay crazy sums for guitars that have been scarred with screwdrivers, dragged in the streets and hit with hammers to make them pretend-look like they had a a rock n roll life, this one actually had one, big difference...
Which would your prefer? How does it play?
It is the nicest and easiest playing PRS that I own. Period.
Perfect feel, super easy access to the top frets, beautiful neck and jointHow does it sound?
Exactly as you would hope, amazing.
Lots of bite and grit when you need it to with superb sound for soloing as you would expect.
Lots of clarity for cleans
Sustains for days... The pictures say it all, this custom built PRS has:
- A magnificent 10+  top- Floyd Rose locking tremolo- Roland midi synth pickup with dedicated midi jack next to the audio jack
(Neal incorporates guitar triggered synth parts in his rhythm and solo playing )
( Search online for several great rig rundowns and backstage interviews where he describes the use of synths in his playing) - Sustainer neck pickup (the pickup has a small black tape on it to mask the brand name).
The two switches behind the Floyd Rose activate it and selects the Sustainer mode for unlimited sustain.
(Neal has always been a trend setter. He was the first to use a sustainer pickup in his live and recording setups and now just about every guitar player uses them including the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and many others. )- Humbucker bridge pickup. I never removed it and I didn't write down what it was at the time I picked up the guitar, and I do not remember what it is.
If that is critical for you, I will remove it and take a picture of it - bottom line, it is the pickup that Neal installed in it.- The hard shell case it came in.- The original strap locks used by Neal that came with the guitar- I will include the original copy of the certificate of authenticity that has a stamped/embossed seal on it. This guitar has been the central piece of my collection for many years.    It is now time to us to part and make it part of yours.A custom built Paul Reed Smith that was built for, owned and played by Neal Schon.   Doesn't get better than that.SHIPPING:
Bidding and Shipping to Canada and USA only.
Will ship UPS or FedEx (your choice) fully insured
Item will be very carefully packed and I will send pictures of everything when I ship. Any other questions, just contact me. Thank you,