Great video - so informative!

@JacobL25

2 жыл бұрын

Oh, hi there

So great Hypes! It makes me appreciate my PRS ‘s even more.

@jeffvogt4237

4 жыл бұрын

This just makes me want one even more!

@dettwideo

4 жыл бұрын

Just recently bought a PRS SE, loving it, from the feel of the neck to the diversity in Sound. Took me 20 years to finally get my Hands on it!

@ericmoses8281

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Rick! Love your channel man, nice to see you here!

@belange8701

4 жыл бұрын

I have a Paul Reed Smith S2 Standard 24 Vintage Cherry (Made in the US). It's a really comfortable guitar. The only problem is with the electronics ... it's noisy and doesn't sound half as good as any ESP LTD with Seymour Duncans. I have an import PRS SE ONE (1 P90 pickup) that I got second hand for dirt cheap (190€) ... it's an absolute BEAST, and plays and sounds like a dream. I still don't understand why the U.S S2 Std 24 has issues, and the import SE ONE is perfect. I'll swap the entire electronics for some reliable Seymour Duncan pickups with high end Bourns "82 series" pots and V-Cap capacitors ... refret with stainless steel when the frets are dead ... and the guitar will finally be perfect as it should have been out of the box.

@mcmanustony

4 жыл бұрын

You need a PRS acoustic! Love the channel!

Having worked at PRS from 88 until 94 this was a real walk down memory lane. Thank you for this unique video.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Andluth Cool! Glad you enjoyed it.

I got an early Christmas present from my wife this year ... A Custom 24 and a PRS t-shirt that says "Maryland Made". It's an SE but I don't have the heart to tell her, I just gave her a big kiss and said "Thanks!". It's a beautiful guitar and it plays like a dream. She's a keeper!

@TheVirginianRambler

4 жыл бұрын

Jim Krajick you sound like a good husband to her. If your wife is willing to go that far for you, you most likely go the extra mile for her as well

@juanvaldez5422

4 жыл бұрын

The SEs are some of the best guitars out there, not "for the money", best period. I just often dont like the pups (the modern SE pups, the old HFS SE pups are good) so I just swap them out. After getting a USA prs with USA pups, I can say there is a great difference between there SE pups and there USA pups. Enjoy the guitar

@jkinthewind

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheVirginianRambler Thanks man. I try.

@TheVirginianRambler

4 жыл бұрын

Hey man, I gotta add to this. My fam just got me a custom 24 SE as well! I didn’t even ask for a guitar, or anything. I asked for a Q-Tron, which I got. But when they pulled a giant box out, I just freaked. We I got the brown gig bag out I asked,” does it say SE? Oh god it does, You didn’t!” It’s amazinng

@mikesekula3949

4 жыл бұрын

You did well, sir.

At age 16, I bought my first “nice” guitar, a PRS Custom 22 through Thoroughbred magazine. I worked so hard for years to finally come up with the cash for it, thinking I would receive it the next week after ordering it. Little did my naive mind think at the time. When the customer service guy said it would be at least 9 months, I begrudgingly ordered it anyway. And I couldn’t have been happier or more pleased with a guitar. Not a single flaw and it plays like a dream, even 25 years later. Kudos Keith for such a great in depth look at gear and kudos for Paul making remarkable instruments.

All right, that does it. One kidney has to go, I'm buying one.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Nerenahd Dhaneren ha, just the one?

@davidbarlow431

4 жыл бұрын

Going for an SE then... 😂

@captainalex8003

4 жыл бұрын

No, dude, don't sell one of your kidneys! You never know what side effects that would have.

@GOWTHAMAN466

4 жыл бұрын

It's not that costly ;-)

@commentfreely5443

4 жыл бұрын

just have a baby and adopt it out, you can make $500,000 or become an abortion doctor you can make $500,000 selling baby parts

My dad got me a SE single cut when I was sixteen for Christmas, because to him I was good enough to graduate from the first act I was playing since I was 9. I know it's not a real expensive PRS, and the joy I felt and still do, I don't think any other joy has come close in my life.

Fantastic episide!

@Limbomaniac

3 жыл бұрын

Even legends make spelling mistakes! :)

@ZaneDalton

3 жыл бұрын

Lol “episide”

@auntjenifer7774

2 жыл бұрын

@@Limbomaniac I don't think fluffy is a legend, unless you consider KZreadr influence " legendary 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️🤔👍

One thing you missed to mention,is that Ted McCarty played a big role in the early days of PRS Guitars. Yes,the legendary CEO of Gibson,who designed the SG,ES,Flying V, Explorer,Thunderbird,Firebird and co-designed the Les Paul. Paul Reed Smith seeked him out when he started making guitars and convinced him to come out of retirement. He was a ''special consultant'' and Smith credits the success of PRS Guitars to his collaboration with McCarty. Smith always mentions McCarty in interviews and how much he learned about guitar building and design from him. To honor him,Smith named the most expensive boutique model of PRS after McCarty,meanwhile Gibson has pretty much done nothing to honor the man.

@Bamagolfandguitar

4 жыл бұрын

Most recent word on the street was that McCarty was working with Gibson again in the Custom Shop, doing the aging on their top shelf Collector’s Series and R series LPs.

@bluemooncollision

4 жыл бұрын

@@Bamagolfandguitar Ted McCarty passed away more than a decade ago. Not sure who you are referring to?

@Bamagolfandguitar

4 жыл бұрын

bluemooncollision ddd obviously I’m not a Gibson guy 😂 Someone at the music store said it not too long ago. He have a son maybe? 🤔

@sharonraizor2839

4 жыл бұрын

@@bluemooncollision I think he is referring to Tom Murphy.

@josephlozano4533

4 жыл бұрын

Past tense of seek is saught

I say it every time. Best content on the internet. I have a wood library custom 24 that my wife bought me as a welcome home gift from a deployment to Afghanistan. It is the most amazing instrument I have ever held.

@JohnnyArtPavlou

4 жыл бұрын

Jake Mitchell, post a video on your channel!

@zamplify

4 жыл бұрын

Wife AND instrument goals.

@bobvines00

4 жыл бұрын

Jake, thank you for your service! And congratulations on having a wife that bought you a PRS too!

@BrianVallotton

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for serving and ROCK ON!

@juanvaldez5422

4 жыл бұрын

You must have a great wife, only thing my wife has given me is a hard time

PRS makes me proud to be a Maryland native

@gpdaelemans

4 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@keithjohnston5936

4 жыл бұрын

Same here! I love Georgia, but Chesapeake saltwater will always be in my veins.

@ryanlittleton5615

4 жыл бұрын

Same.

@bgp6656

4 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@Barchenhund

4 жыл бұрын

Thrasher’s French Fries, Boardwalk Ocean City. 👍

Having met Paul Reed Smith himself, I can say that he is a brilliant man who BLEEDS passion, and you are correct, we have all benefited from Paul's brilliance/obsession. I love my PRSi

Paul Reed Smith might not be the easiest person to talk to, but his passion on guitars is undoubtedly huge and it represented well in his products. You can buy PRS guitars from any shop at anywhere in the world and you’ll find a flawless finish and set up from the get go, they have such a high standards on their qc compared to other major brands. Great videos by the way, I’m a fan!

@1davechase

2 жыл бұрын

I beg to differ. Paul is one of the easiest people to talk to on the planet.

@Grayham4

Жыл бұрын

@@1davechase people have had different experiences with him.

PRS did killer job of seeing what players are looking for and delivering in spades. An instrument as good as custom shop for $1500.

You sir are class act. This and the other Short History segments are a wonderful way to get even more emotionally attached to the instruments and their impact on all of us.

@kevinquinn6874

8 ай бұрын

Agreed! Thanks Keith 👏🏻🎸💙

I have a left-handed Custom 24 with the Black Gold Sunburst finish and the computerized fretboard installation. Plays like butter and sounds like a million dollars. Didn’t have to take out a second mortgage on the house to afford it, either. With the coil split, it’s truly the best of both worlds. I can switch between sounding like a Les Paul or a Strat with just a pull of a knob. Of course, there’s some tonal differences due to the wood and fretboard, but it’s surprising how close the sound can come. Bravo, PRS!

The players that come to mind when PRS is mentioned are Mike Einziger, Santana, Kanami Tōno and Mark Tremonti. Mike and Kanami are my personal favorites.

@JohnDoeWasntTaken

2 жыл бұрын

Kanami is doing a good job representing PRS. They weren't on my radar until she switched to them.

@Sulordan

Жыл бұрын

Yes, Mike Einziger is who immediately came to mind for me with that hollow body model he used with the Mesa Boogies. He had such a great sound and style. One of my all time favorites.

I have a PRS SE Custom 24 and love it.

@rileymctaggart8432

3 жыл бұрын

Same even though I got an SE because it is the only lefty available

@timcastle165

3 жыл бұрын

Riley McTaggart A big reason why I purchased the SE was price and also everyone of them get inspected at the Maryland factory before going out to the dealers. FYI: I think you know this, but anyway, PRS now sells and SE locking tuner, if you don’t want to purchase from them then John Mann at Guitar Vault USA which is based in New Hampshire I believe also sells them which he makes (non branded). John Mann can also convert your tuners that came with your guitar to PRS style locking tuners, but you may be without for a how ever long it takes. I did go get a trade in quote just because and was offered $200.00 for a guitar that was only 2 years old and was still in new condition, but I do love the guitar!!! Just FYI stuff.

@rileymctaggart8432

3 жыл бұрын

@@timcastle165 I must say it was in hindsight kind of stupid say I got it because it is the only lefty.

I'm watching this again, it's that good! I'm a manufacturing engineer so I do many experiments on raw materials, machines, setups, etc. When I heard that Paul at PRS did extensive testing to determine what total thickness of paint and clear coat is optimum for sound, it made me smile! How many other people would've even thought of that, and how many less would've acted on it? But it's something that matters, I'm not sure how much, but that kind of mindset is what it takes to come into the ultra mature guitar industry with these almost 100 year old guitar companies...and eat their lunch. PRS has done an incredible job eating away at the market share of middle and high prices guitars..which is the sweet spot of profit in the industry. They've eclipsed Ibanez (one of my personal favorites!) among others, and their guitars are known across the globe as super high end..you get what you pay for with a PRS.

I went to Paul’s dorm in the late 70’s. He showed me his guitar and said he was going to give it to Carlos Santana. Years latter I learned that he had he done just that. It’s pretty amazing what he has created.

Kanami Tono, lead guitarist for Band Maid, an all female rock band from Japan most often plays a PRS Custom 24 with incredible results. I also have a Custom 24 and wish I was half as good with it.

I'm lucky enough to own quite a few guitars. I was always a Gibson guy. Hated Fender anything. I got aggravated with the quality of Gibson a few years back and just started buying top end Epiphones like the Custom Pro and Tribute Plus. Great guitars. Then as a joke I picked up a Fender Telecaster at the guitar store, my wife thought it was funny as she knows I hate Fender. I instantly fell in love and bought it right there. I couldn't put it down for weeks, until I tried a PRS Custom 24 SE. I wanted something different than all my Les Paul's and SG's and semi hollow bodies like my ES339 and of course the Tele. I wish I would have tried the PRS sooner. I feel sorry for all those guitars that are now locked away in their cases now that I have a PRS. I absolutely love it. Feels like butter in my hands. Sounds warm and clean when I want it to and really chugs when i crank up some gain. The neck and fretwork are amazing right out of the box. You can tell right away that they put a lot of care into each guitar whether it's made in Maryland or Indonesia. Its my new favorite! The Standard SE line is a steal at $500! Just don't tell Paul!!!!

Great background information on PRS. I met Paul Reed Smith thru my connection with Joe Knaggs who worked in a wood refinishing shop outside of D.C. in the early 80's. I sold automotive refinish materials and Joe was experimenting with them at this shop. Joe soon went to work for Paul in his shop on Virginia avenue in Annapolis. This was the very beginning of PRS. Paul was interested in the quality and durability of the new "urethane" finishes that had virtually taken over the automotive industry, replacing lacquer and enamels. Paul settled on a brand made by BASF...pre-dating his use of Dupont. The BASF clearcoats were the best money could buy at the time. I can tell you that most PRS guitars after 1985 and thru 1995 had BASF clearcoats on them and were virtually indestructible. I can say that now, but at the time Paul made it very clear to me that I could not disclose to anyone the finishes he was using. I got to know Paul and I can tell you that while a bit of a "nerd", his dedication to quality and his craft were evident to me from the first day I met him.

I consider the the PRS story to be one of vision, goals, dedication and craftsmanship. Paul started small and successfully took on Gibson and Fender....no small feat !! Kinda like a guy building a beautiful car in his garage that gets 100 mpg, opens a factory, and captures a significant portion of the automotive market. I cannot afford their US built guitars but by all accounts their SE line is of high quality at more down to earth prices.

Me: "Well its time to start learning about the important things in life!" *Clicks* Keith: "Hi, and welcome to the 5 watt world..." Me: *stares in amusement*

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Ha! Thanks Stephen, made me laugh.

@mrpane911

4 жыл бұрын

As someone who loves music but doesn't play guitar but does enjoy detailed and well presented history lessons, these videos flipped a switch on me and now i have a new found love for guitars/details of them.

Another stellar addition to your "A Short History" series, Keith! I can't like these videos enough. They satisfy my love of guitars and love of history in equal measure. Can't wait for the next installment.

Been playing for over 4 years now. I have 2 PRS SE guitars and absolutely love this brand.

I love these short history videos! Thank you for putting them out

Outstanding insight to a phenomenal guitar maker. I play nothing but SE's they are fantastic. I hear people saying the SE isn't a PRS, I say BS to that, not everyone can afford $2,500 + guitar. Keep the great info coming 5 watt world you rock!

@utubehound69

4 жыл бұрын

I prefer the SE Custom 24 to PRS Core line of 24's. Still don't care for the pickups. Maybe some PRS PAF knock offs would be much better. I do love the trem system on PRS , great improvement over Leo's Strat Trem & the adjustment screws don't dig into yer hand like a Fender type trem & love the bar w/set screw.

@flybynight1929

4 жыл бұрын

I agree, the SE's are great guitars. I worked hard for years until I wascclose to retirement, the bought two PRS's for myself to go along with the Santana SE I had bought years before. One is an actual older hand carved blue 22, with the moon inlays, and the other is a custom Santana built for the 1999 NAMM show that was purchased by a collector and never played. The PRS's are just magical, and I have 16 total electrics. The SE has the most buttery feel of all my guitars, bar none.

@travishemming3783

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Is there a difference? Yes, of course, but as some who has both USA and SE PRS guitars, I can say without a doubt that both are fantastic.

@jasonsapp792

4 жыл бұрын

I own SE's and Core models ... Many of my SE's have the same feel as the 1987, 89, 90 Core Custom 24's I own... The SE line is no Squire or Epiphone , which both respectfully are good brands... I would put an SE against a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul any day

@kdogg7882

4 жыл бұрын

There's a difference but a very small one, not a 4 to 5 fold difference from SE to core. I've played most of the models and own both SE and S2. There really isn't much difference at all between the two. The cores look nicer of course, but the feel of the guitar is pretty close.

I’ll have to check this out when I have a second. I think it’s been a minute since your last one. I’m sure it’s stellar, my friend!

You guys do a great job. Thanks for being out there.

You can tell a story like no other. I really enjoy watching.

Best music history channel ever!!!

This year, I got my first PRS, the Silvery Sky SE. I love it. Just ordered a Standard 24-08 SE. Thanks for this wonderful histories.

Love this series, Keith! Your attention to detail is second to none.

I absolutely love this channel and these videos. It's a brilliant series. Hoping you find success wherever you look for it, in whatever way you see it.

Great as usual. I actually got a chance to try some early PRS guitars at a vintage guitar shop near where I was in school in 1986. They had sent them to the shop, where my friend was working, for him to check them out. I remember thinking at the time that they were some of the prettiest guitars I'd ever seen, and very, very well made, though I wasn't a huge fan of the original pickups.

Hey, I'm pretty sure HFS stands for Hot FAT and Screams.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Hmmm, did I read/write/speak that wrong? All are possible. Thanks.

@leeasbury7273

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's "FAT". Easily misspoken. Thanks for the video

@utubehound69

4 жыл бұрын

I say HFS pups stands for Harsh Fidget Sterile.

@davidm2189

4 жыл бұрын

Indeed. HFS: Hot Fat and Screams

@lueysixty-six7300

4 жыл бұрын

@@fivewattworld Took me a second aswell..You said "Fast" - which did make me scratch my head, actually. Might make sense describing a neck..but not so much a p'up. Fat makes a whole lot more sense 😎👍 (Funny, Fat n fast doesn't even rhyme. I could understand a typo...! Ok, I see...I'll bet you misread your notes as you were reading it out) -There you go. That's my Way-too-detailed-breakdown-of-how-you-made-a-minute-tiny-error! ...the *minutia* of errors...😏 OK, Peace, Out! 🤙 👇

In springtime 2022 I owned a SE Hollowbody II PIEZO, and since this time all my other E guitars are wallhangers. For me it´s all I need. And I´m absolute in love with it.

I love these videos. Thanks for the insight into so many different realms of the guitar community.

I never considered a PRS guitar. 2 years ago, via KZread, I bumped into a video from Michael, “Guitargate”, holding a metal blue semi-hollow PRS S2 model. This guitar (shape and tones) intrigued me. Went to my local shop, and tried the only PRS they had: American customs 22 and 24 at > £1900. I thought “meh”. Didn’t like the feel of the necks, frets, and the tones, too bright. So went back home disappointed. May have been just an unusual bad experience with just these guitars. So left it at that. Later on I bumped online on the PRS SE Custom 22 semi hollow models (£690-£750). I gambled and ordered online without having tried the guitar. Loved the guitar straight away. Great neck, great tones, played the whole day. Since, I have tried a number of expensive guitars from friends and shops (e.g Gibson USA Lespaul, Clapton Fender Strat), to me none of them have the comfort of the neck and fretboard of my PRS SE. I have considered replacing the pickups a few times to try other things, I have discarded the idea. I just love the sounds of those pickups. The neck in particular. The only thing I have changed is switch to Ernie Balls 54-11 beefy and I just can’t put it down.

@michaelwallace1189

2 жыл бұрын

In my experience you can never trust a guitar store test play. Maybe it's just my local GC that doesn't know how to set them up, or the fact that every teenager has tried to tune it to drop D. They just never feel right. Then, the sound is never the same as your own rig. Even when its the same crap. How or why this is, I don't know. If I had to rely on my experience with equipment in the store, I wouldn't have any. The only thing I ever played in the store and brought home to still love was the Hoof fuzz. I went to try something else and they didn't have it, so I started messing with the Hoof. It was good in the store, and glorious at home.

@markellegood9697

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelwallace1189 Very spot on, especially electric. I've bought acoustics and one electric from the store but 2 of those where the local family owned. Every electric I have ever tried while in GC pretty much disappointed but have had several shipped from there that were good to great out of the box.

This is shaping up to be a really good series! My hat's off to you. Looking forward to seeing other, slightly more obscure but also storied guitars covered too, such as the Music Man Cutlass / Stingray guitar and bass, Gretsch Streamliners, Rickenbacker, etc.

thank you for another one of your well researched, and well-produced guitar histories. I appreciate the hard work you put into these.

Thanks. A nice PRS is on my bucket list. And happy holidays to all.

When you’ve owned a PRS, you know the secret to their success.

@That70sGuitarist

2 жыл бұрын

I am the original owner of a 1991 Custom 24, and I agree wholeheartedly with this comment! My beautiful #1 was made in the first half of 1991, which means it still has the BRW fingerboard, sweet switch and original one-piece bridge. I have played many beautiful guitars since I bought this amazing guitar brand new on January 20, 1992, but none that played or sounded any sweeter. You have to own one to truly understand.

@corneliuscrewe677

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t own a PRS and the only one I’ve ever played was an SE McCarty Hollowbody. If that guitar is any indication of how good the American made ones are, I completely get it.

It seems like PRS is the only bigger guitar company that doesn't have a dark or jaded period in their history where they throw their customers wind. They just start at the bottom and keep rising. That may be a defining characteristic of PRS, they never forgot why they were making incredible instruments and who they were making them for.

@Chiller01

Жыл бұрын

That’s because, like Collings, they haven’t sold out to a larger corporate entity like Norlin or CBS. PRS Remains a company that sells only guitars.

I love your videos and how well researched they are and how articulate you are in your explanations and descriptions of the topics. Well done man. Truly a cut above the typical KZread material.

Over the years as a finisher, I've done a number of guitars including Gibson, Gretsch and Fender. I can't play but love the art of guitars. The variety of colors, visual depth and polish can be as hard to accomplish as playing. I'm here to drool with the rest of you, but through different eyes. Outstanding site with commentary matching the quality of the instruments.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.

@nets1776

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. You mentioned you should (maybe) do one on colors and finishes of the different companies. All I can say is Yes Please! Hell, I now know how to date something by the insulation used on wires :) One on finishes would, I hope, open a few eyes on what goes into producing the visual aspect.

If I ever start a weird Jane's addiction cover band, It will be called Paul's Obsession

@pauldetimofeev8305

3 жыл бұрын

When are you going to do a Special on De Angelico Guitars. Not just just the early models done by deAqisto and De Angelico but reissue by Heritage USA and the current ones made here and Inchon South Korea? Paul deTimofeev

Mr Williams, "Short History " why? I just finished that episode and I feel compelled to tell you that this series is a most satisfying part of my day. I'm a drummer, I don't even play guitar,though I'm willing to bet I know more about guitars than most of my six string friends . This is a beautiful thing. It is curiosity. Pffft. Ask me about ww2 aircraft engines. I can fill your head with real facts,and I've only seen few. This is priceless.

Great overview of the 24 & PRS in general, i'm diggin' all of these "short histories" looking forward to more. I got a 509 a couple years ago, i just love it, it's amazing.

It was 1986, I was on leave from the Marine Corps. I walked into a guitar store in Vegas on Charleston Blvd. I saw an amazing looking guitar on the wall, it had a magnificent Dragon inlay on the body and neck. As I plugged it into a Sovtek MIG 50. It felt like my 60’s Tele and old friend feel. The tones I heard with just a turn of the sweet switch was beyond amazing. The owner of the store was giving me a short history of Paul Reed Smith, I never heard of the brand or the name before but, I’ll never forget the first time my fingers danced on the neck of that killer guitar. I couldn’t afford to buy it at that time in my life. I just know that PRS would turn the guitar industry upside down, and he did it with class and never let the quality of his namesake drop.

Great history lesson Keith. I have followed PRS since the beginning, and they are my "someday, when I can play up to the potential of the instrument" guitar. As others have mentioned, if you're not doing other voice over work, you are missing out on some serious income potential. Your voice on these videos is so warm and calming. My favorite series on KZread by far, keep up the great work!

@guyincascade

4 жыл бұрын

Carey Cummings , the guitar will bring you up, they are that good. I have the Zebrawood with 85/15’s. My playing transformed over night, I have been playing 40+ yrs. The guitar has unlocked/opened doors in me I never knew were there. Mine is the SE Custom 24 Zebrawood, it’s beautiful, and fits my hand like an old tshirt fits your body, comfortable.

Fun fact, in the DC Metro and Baltimore , MD areas, “HFS” was also how people referred to alternative/college radio station WHFS. They were known for their annual summer concert HFStival and later the HFSmas winter concert.

@tball5677

4 жыл бұрын

HFS and 97 Underground were the best!

@ritchtaylor3831

4 жыл бұрын

Ah, the good ole days in Baltimore. Those and WTMD from Towson U. were all you ever needed.

@pulsehead

4 жыл бұрын

@@tball5677 Never heard 97 Underground. But I do miss the days when I had presets in my car for HFS, 98 Rock, DC101, and the Classic Rock Station (94.7?) and they were all different and good in the mid-90s.

@gpdaelemans

4 жыл бұрын

Yes...competing with ‘98 rock’ out of B-more and ‘DC-101’ out of ummm.... DC.

@kelldammit

4 жыл бұрын

Loved HFS!!! I also remember the Greaseman (DC 101) in the mornings at work. I got my '92 custom 24 at Master Musician's in Glen Burnie. They didn't have a wide-thin with tone knob (instead of the sweet switch), so they called the factory in Annapolis, who had one sitting on the dock. The salesguy drove down and picked it up for me (he said he used to work there, so it was cool to say hi to everyone)! It's easily the most comfortable guitar i've ever played. Unfortunately, a decade and a half later, i ended up having to sell it. That was heartbreaking, but since i'm turning 50 this summer, I'm gonna splurge and get another one. Loved that thing...there's just nothing like a PRS.

Love these histories. Thanks so much!

I've been playing guitar non-stop since 1965. I bought my first PRS in 2001 when I was at the House of Guitars in Rochester, NY looking to buy a Parker Fly when a friend who was with me asked if I ever tried a PRS. I never heard of PRS but I gave it a try and WOW, I had to get one. I ordered a Custom 24 the way I wanted it. That guitar needs to be refretted which I will get done at PRS. The other day I sold my fishing boat and took the money and bought a Custom 24 P in Yellow Tiger from Sweetwater. The first time I mail ordered a guitar I was anxious about playability and sound. The guitar arrived last week and it played, looked, and sounded awesome right out of the box. I pulled it out during band practice and it blew the guys away. Being a strat guy since the 70's I use my PRS for all the double coil songs we play which turns out to be about 75% of our tunes. I'm looking forward to my trip to the factory when I bring the 2001 Cu24 for it's refret.

Great video, I am loving this series. I would l love to see a short history of Rickenbacker 12 string or 4001 bass. Thanks

PRS is a new thing, and yet 30 years after, there are more new guitar blood that is as good, amazing

Great video Keith! Love the detail. Thank you.

Thanks for an outstanding overview and history. I love my PRS guitars.

I just got an S2 Custom 24 35th Anniversary Edition and all I have to say is wow.. it’s simply spectacular! I did try out and play a core 10 top version of it and I see why it’s price pint reflects the way it does but for playability the S2 at 1/2 the cost is equal I terms of playability. Now do I want that 10 top with the upgraded bridge and tuning machines hell yes! But I absolutely love my S2. Wonderful video! I really enjoyed it!

@oldrrocr

4 жыл бұрын

love mine too! see my review on Sweetwater.

@GOWTHAMAN466

4 жыл бұрын

What did that cost you?

Another simply excellent video on the history of the "upstart's" signature model. Critics will call them guitars for lawyers and doctors, but I have yet to see the consistent 'fit and finish' in other high volume American electric guitar manufacturers. Paul Reed Smith just gets it.

@mmpatriot2170

4 жыл бұрын

Sassy Cat, For non doctors and lawyers, the SE line provides some amazing guitars at very reasonable prices.

@sassycat

4 жыл бұрын

@@mmpatriot2170 - oh I agree, that was more a commentary on those decrying the price. There has arisen a segment within the guitar community that any American made guitar costing over $1,000 is a rip-off and is made for the top 1%.

@kdogg7882

4 жыл бұрын

@@sassycat I have an S2 that plays just fine for a fraction of the Core price. Bought new as a floor model for $850 vs. its original $1250 price. The prices actually scale back in time if you consider inflation on the old Les Paul and Strat prices.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Did you buy that one from Mann?

@kdogg7882

4 жыл бұрын

@@fivewattworld : I would have liked to but in both cases, I found what I wanted online at other shops, the SE from Moore Music in Indiana, the S2 from Metronome in Ohio. There was one S2 that i was looking at that was at the store that I saw at Mann's event with Paul in September, but I didn't have the money at the time and didn't know they would be having a sale at the event. I will be saving more this year and you never know, maybe I will buy one from Mann's at some point. They are the local shop and if I'm going to buy PRS locally, it should be there and not Guitar Center. He was very nice when I got to meet him at the event and seeing and talking to Paul in person was very cool.

I always look forward to your vids Keith. Great research, narration and overall content!

That was simply awesome. Enjoy your passion for guitars and their history.

11:21 I was hoping you’d mention Tim and 311. 😁

@TravelinDevil76

4 жыл бұрын

Tim is the reason I bought my first PRS and I'm one click away from buying another :D

@jsauce311

3 жыл бұрын

@@TravelinDevil76 same

You forgot to mention Mark Holcomb of Periphery representing PRS in the metal world! He specifically asked for .5 in more in the scale length since he need to down-tune and it’s also (to my knowledge) the only PRS that comes with aftermarket pickups out of the factory. It comes with Mark’s signature Seymour Duncan Alpha Omega set Thank you for these amazing videos!

@michaelwbuncher7599

3 жыл бұрын

The Dustie Waring comes with Mojotone pups.

I love these! Thank you for producing this series :D

Excellent presentation Keith as usual. Comprehensive, insightful and measured information in a friendly, relaxed style. Really enjoyed. Thanks K

You forgot to mentioned Chris Haskett from Rollins Band and Mike Einziger from Incubus who really exclusively used PRS guitars in the nineties that really introduce the guitar to les paul / strat users

@jsauce311

3 жыл бұрын

Same with Daniel Johns from Silverchair. You'd be here all day naming PRS users from the late 90s/early 2000s

I'm a fan of PRS as much for the interviews I have seen with the man himself, as I am for the phenomenal build quality and melt in your hands playability. After seeing Paul's TED talk, I realized "hey, this guy is weird and obsessive JUST LIKE ME!" and I have always been impressed by the company ethos around function first, then beauty, THEN profit. I only have SE's thus far, but I am a fan for life.

Thanks for the Short History. I have a 20th Anniversary and a 35th Anniversary, those 2 are my favorites! A couple of SEs round out my love affair of the PRS lineup. Everything PRS is top notch! They really have pushed the industry in a good direction.

Amazing video. What’s tough to get across in a video like this, is just how incredible the people working at PRS are. Fantastic folks with a passion for making these wonderful instruments.

I suppose my Gibson Les Paul will always be my favorite, mostly because Jimmy Page is by far, my greatest influence and when I think of Jimmy, he is playing a Les Paul. I own a customized American Deluxe Strat mostly to imitate Jake E Lee's Badlands sounds with the JB bridge pickup. I enjoy owning a EBMM John Petrucci Ball Family Reserve because the quilted maple top is stunning, the ergonomics are so different from my others and I enjoy the piezo pups. BUT the PRS Custom 22 is the one I play the most BY FAR. And it's the 1 I play the best. The 25" scale, for me, is perfect. The tones are all very good. Neck shape is excellent and everything about this instrument shows highest quality in every detail. That's my PRS story. Thank you for the incredible research you put into this video.

@patricksantana3337

4 жыл бұрын

I was wandering around in the shipping department at PRS at the original factory in Annapolis, some 30 years ago or so, and noticed a guitar set to go out with a shipping tag with Jimmy Page's name on it and an address in England. Not sure if he ever used it in public.

@foesfly3047

4 жыл бұрын

@@patricksantana3337 I think that's cool.

@julianthesmooshyhusky8976

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve always thought guys like Jimmy Page and Clapton would sound great on a custom 22. My old man has some fantastic Les Pauls and a really nice 61 reissue SG, but my artist package custom 22 absolutely smokes them. Far better of a guitar than I am a player no doubt.

@foesfly3047

4 жыл бұрын

@@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 I really appreciate your comment Brother. Stay Awesome!

@julianthesmooshyhusky8976

4 жыл бұрын

There are actually a handful of pictures of jimmy playing a PRS live, I had never seen them before today. I wish I could’ve heard how that sounded!

Another great video. I might just use this in one of my classes if that’s alright by you.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

I would be honored.

Thank you for all your videos man. I can tell you put so much effort, research and time in to them and it just means so much to me and your viewers. Love watching your videos, they're informative, calming and paradoxically cure my g.a.s. Although, I do know the next guitar I'm getting is a Fender Custom Shop from the 90's thanks to you. Only have one guitar thanks to you, i've made very thoughtful and researched purchases for the core gear that I absolutely need, love and appreciate. Thank you.!

I'm currently in search of my first PRS, watching this has helped narrow my focus. Very informative and useful.

Don't forget the S2's I love my Vela ❤

@bueller8278

4 жыл бұрын

S2's need their own video

The custom 24 is the “perfect” guitar, in my opinion. The electric guitar is an imperfect instrument by nature but the custom 24 is a perfect representation of it. I’ve owned Strats, Les Pauls, Teles, Jacksons, Ibanezes, the works...but nothing has ever managed to top my 2002 custom 24 in terms of sheer playability, quality sound, rock solid stability and “old faithful” caliber reliability. Seriously....I’ve set that guitar up MAYBE 5 or 6 times in the last two decades...and I play professionally, for hours a day. I love my strats, I love my teles, the jaguar, they’re all incredible and certain guitars I’ll NEVER get rid of...but I have one signal chain that’s never let me down regardless of venue/genre/instrumentation. CU24 into King of Tone into my Bassman. It’s just an unimpeachable signal path that’s paid for itself more times than I can count. The cali76 is slowly working its way into that same wheelhouse...it just takes a while for something to become *that* piece of gear for you...

I just got my first PRS in August...and I absolutely love it. I do plan to add more to my collection.

I love love love these "Short History " videos so very much! I'd love to see a dvd of all of them combined...

I'm not sure what that $1200 check is meant for, but I know where it's going towards ❤

I had almost given up on playing guitar before I bought my SE. I was working and in college and in a rutt. I felt uni spired to even pick up a guitar most days. Half the time as I stood over the fryalators or gazed hopelessly at my algebra text book I wanted the feeling I had when I started playing back. I had issues with my Jackson Soloist SLXQ and my Ibanez RGT42DX. The necks weren't stable enough and the parts felt cheap and wore out too quickly the pots gave out on me, the knife edges were worn out and the tuners kept binding. As a last ditch effort to get back into playing guitar, I bought an SE Standard 24 I found on eBay for $420. I didn't put it down for several months because I enjoyed playing it so much. All I've done is installed Hipshot locking tuners and Dunlop strap locks. It plays so nicely that nothing else really needs to be done. It's got it's fair amount of dings, dents, scrapes and pick scratches but I love it nonetheless. I don't notice the blemishes when I'm playing it. All I notice is an attention to detail that culminates into the best guitar I own.

Always love these videos, keep up the fantastic work!

I love these. SO much more informative than watching gear review videos. This teaches me an in depth knowledge of specific guitars so I can make educated choices on what I want to get next.

I owned a SE SANTANA when they first came out and did not like it at all. But now I own a 408 10 top a 2004 McCarty with a Rosewood neck and a S2 Single cut semi hollow traded many Gibson & Fenders for them NO REGRETS. I don't get why some think these guitars have no soul or "a sound " I would be willing to wager that on a recording most would not be able to tell a Les Paul from a PRS a Strat probably.

I've never played a PRS, but will hopefully one day take one for a spin.

@utubehound69

4 жыл бұрын

I wasn't impressed w/the High $$$ Core w/10 tops…or The SE versions. They play good look amazing but the pickups imo are really lacking. The Pickups /Electronics are the SOUND of an Electric don't get that right you have nothing but a family heirloom.

@auntjenifer7774

4 жыл бұрын

@@utubehound69 live never really played the top dollar $5,000+ guitars but the se multiplies that i've played are top notch and play so easy like nothing else and the pickups are humbucker that get great snappy telecaster and stratocaster tones which is the best of both to me an why I play the prs.

@utubehound69

4 жыл бұрын

@@auntjenifer7774 True they are a piece of art.

@PapaWheelie1

4 жыл бұрын

Last weekend I spent about 6 hours in Sam Ashe in Ny. Played every guitar in the place. The PRS guitars were nice, but not what I expected.

Thanks Keith, I really enjoy these!

Awesome job, love these videos! I grew up near Annapolis and was playing saxophone in my high school jazz band in the early 90's. I lusted after the Custom 24s on display in the music shops around town but couldn't come close to affording one. When I got my first real job out of college and bonus that's where the money went and I've been playing now for almost 20 years. When you can develop a product that actually influences the direction of people's lives that's an amazing thing. I'd like to say thanks to Paul and everyone at PRS for continuing to demonstrate that passion.

I'd love to see a history on the Ibanez RG. It's one of the best-selling guitar shapes and the video could be used to also deliver a short summary of the evolution of the "super strat" in general, and how Ibanez managed to survive the shred genocide of the 90s unlike so many similar brands.

The only thing I don't like about Paul is how much he just spews about "Tonewood". However much it may be an actual thing, if he really cared as much as he said then he would be paying upfront for all the pretty woods for tops and such like Kiesel does so they can get a better selection before everyone else

These videos are gold. Thanks!

I’m just overjoyed each and every time I see Keith’s face on a new video! Every release is well done and the rarity makes them special. Gear is such a big deal here in Nashville, and just when I think I know it all, or anything at all, here comes 5 Watt World, brightening mine. Thank you

Too afraid to scratch the finish.

@rollipollirock

4 жыл бұрын

Yea I don’t imagine PRS guitars looking great Reliced ....either faked or real time earned playing. I’d love to be corrected though. I love my Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic in Surf Green.

@fernank017

4 жыл бұрын

in canada a used PRS goes for less than 1000 CAD. They don't hold their value

@Gynra

4 жыл бұрын

@@fernank017 Are you sure you're not looking at the SE models?

Can you make short story about Music Man guitars PLEASE!

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting idea.

@SnackGodd

4 жыл бұрын

And basses

@clicheguevara9917

4 жыл бұрын

a Post fender leo vid would get ALL THE LIKES

@EdmHistorEE

4 жыл бұрын

I believe JHS recently did a spot on Ernie Ball in the last few months

@RealZacharyLee

4 жыл бұрын

Yesss!

This channel was a big reason why I fell in love with PRS guitars and guitars with coil tapping knobs. Very informative, well researched, well spoken.

Thanks for another great video Keith

I know they are well built but I don't know if I'll ever own one because so many Nu-Metal artist used them and that's what I associate them being used for. They are beautiful though.

@fivewattworld

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I know that they sort of got pulled into that camp, sort of like what's happened with Strandberg. But like them, these are their own thing and respond to each player in their own way. The DGT's, McCartys, etc are a more vintage sort of tone.

@avielkharrat5788

4 жыл бұрын

PRS guitars respond to what you give them. They can fit your match if you will. John McLaughlin plays PRS and he's not nu-metal 🤪 It all comes down to "do you like it ?"

@marc8828

4 жыл бұрын

@@avielkharrat5788 Also, John Mayer

@kdogg7882

4 жыл бұрын

You can use any guitar to play any style. I never associated PRS just with Nu Metal.

@juanvaldez5422

4 жыл бұрын

Alot of the Nashville studio guys are using them now.

I would say PRS are 1 of the Big 3 in the US - not the world. Ibanez would certainly have something to say on that. I love my PRS guitars - I have a Custom 24, Custom 24 Floyd, 594, 594 Hollowbody, 509, Hollowbody II and the Limited Edition Special Semi-Hollow - all absolutely incredible instruments and the highest quality build, fit and finish guitars on the market!!

Just saw this, will watch tonight! Can’t wait! ❤️

Awesome series!