The PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitar has been a prominent brand since the mid-1980s, establishing itself as a recognizable name in the industry. The stunning maple finish on these models makes them some of the most visually striking guitars available, setting them apart from the more understated glamour of other classics like the Stratocaster or Les Paul. With a range of more affordable PRS SE models now available, there are even more reasons to choose this exceptional design.
The PRS guitar emerged from the passion of luthier Paul Reed Smith. He aimed to create guitars using exquisite woods and offering enhanced access to the higher frets. His company was founded in 1985, a time when artists were increasingly exploring the lower end of the fretboard. The unique and additional cut-away shape of PRS guitars provided them with the desired accessibility. However, the company faced a legal challenge from Gibson, who claimed that the solid body guitars were too similar to their Les Paul specials. Fortunately, this lawsuit was dismissed as something only an “idiot” would mistake.
One notable advocate of PRS guitars is Santana, whose own custom model, the 24-fret PRS, has become one of the most renowned offerings from the brand. He also lends his name to several of the pickup types personally manufactured by PRS. This exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship behind PRS guitars, as every component, from the synthetic nut to the winding of the pickups, is produced by PRS manufacturers. This attention to detail is best represented in the exquisite wood finishes of the guitars. Mahogany is commonly used as the base wood, with a maple top. The maple is meticulously finished to achieve a distinctive “3D” appearance that defines the instrument.
For those concerned about investing a significant amount of money in a guitar but still desire the experience of playing a PRS, there’s the PRS SE series. These guitars feature the same designs as the standard models but are produced by a Korean manufacturer using some Korean components. The goal is to replicate the PRS experience on every level while utilizing more affordable materials.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME