I worked at Sam Ash during this time, was at a suburb store at the time but eventually worked at the 48th st store. They sent us Salesmen in several batches to tour the factory so we can sell them more effectively, Paul went out to dinner and drinking with us, then gave us the tour personally. Great time, really great guy

I sold my 98 McCarty 13 years ago to someone in England, and regretted it everyday after. I tracked the buyer down and got it back! These guitars hold a special magic, and life. Thank you to everyone at PRS for making such amazing instruments.

@TavisAllen

Жыл бұрын

Out of curiosity, and not that it likely mattered to you, but for how much more did you have to pay from what you sold it?

@onevoicediscoveries

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I sold my Gibson '74 Les Paul 20th Anniversary Model, White w/Gold in the mid-80's for $350. Greatest regret of my ife.

@TavisAllen

Жыл бұрын

@@onevoicediscoveries Ouch! Hopefully you've made a full recovery by now!

@markhorton1718

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I know what you mean. I can't imagine parting with my CE24.

@mymodel6

9 ай бұрын

I had the same thing with a Charvel Model 6, i was very attached to the guitar hence my name, but i was very hard up and it had to go. The guy i sold it to knew i was upset about selling it, and told me stay in touch.. Some years later when i had a bit more money, i called him and asked he still had it and if i could buy it back, he did indeed still have it, but the mother fucker wouldn't sell it back to me for anything...

One of the biggest reasons I am proud to be a Marylander. These fine folks.

Жыл бұрын

And me a Californian! And an AMERICAN!

@trevorgill3560

Жыл бұрын

I grew up in DE and got to visit the factory for my 13th birthday!

@strongereveryday2302

Жыл бұрын

Well it certainly wouldn't be Baltimore.....

@roymartin500

Жыл бұрын

I've lived in Annapolis MD & San Diego CA, yes the Navy, Grandpa was a JAG Captain. I love em both but MD has some magic to it for me. MD has PRS, San Diego has Carvin/Kiesel & Taylor. MD by a nose.

@joshdeveaux6936

9 ай бұрын

I work there, pretty awesome place.

I love hearing the story of PRS and Paul. Thanks for making these, PRS. Paul is such a great storyteller, and seems very down to earth.

@godbyone

Жыл бұрын

The guy hitting with ring again was annoying

I was working for a small independent music store in the 80’s. Paul and another guy came in the store with these two guitars. The owner of the store asked me to check out the guitars while he discussed business with Paul and his friend. I was totally blown away by the guitars and was hoping the owner would order some. Unfortunately, the stores sweet spot at the time was $300-$500 Ibanez, Fender guitars, and Paul’s guitars were too rich for the owners blood. I remember Paul being a very nice guy. I always wondered what model guitars they were, as it was a long time ago and way before cell phone cameras….thanks to this awesome video, I now know!

Yeah, looking at those guitars...the carving on the upper bouts of both horns is just sooo incredibly sexy. That maple-top guitar (which is so gorgeous it hurts) should be reissued for the 40th anniversary, with the same top carving, flecked red maple (looks like really "old world" antique furniture), Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, sweet switch, rounded tremolo, headstock inlay, shrunken thin finish, etc. That would be one for the ages. Either that, or sell me that original one for a ton of money.

Paul Smith is a cool guy, business person and excellent craftsman. I enjoyed him giving grief about the ring! Lol

Takes me back to being a junior in high school when I had saved up 18 straight paychecks to buy a “real” guitar. Was headed for a Steinberg (funny Paul mentioned those), then I played a PRS and it was all over. Makes me nostalgic for the old days. Funny story at the end. Paul’s still standing and you know who is gone. Make it better - the whole guitar was better and the competition wanted to nag over a patent!

Love the 'Archives' episodes. There should be a contest and the winner should get to visit the archives. People would line up for that chance.

@prsguitars

Жыл бұрын

Hmmm... We'll let this idea marinate for a bit

@Steinstra-vj7wl

Жыл бұрын

@@prsguitars ...like establishing a PRS museum?

It was 33 years ago, in Hong Kong a small guitar shop, not the big name one there, saw for the first time a PRS guitar. Curly maple vintage yellow birds inlaid. Just like this one. Got bitten big time. That quality that beauty was unbeatable. Few years later, got my first one, a 1991 Custom. That one rings like crazy and so responsive it amplifies all my playing mistakes. Love them and hate them 😆

@That70sGuitarist

Жыл бұрын

I own a 1991 Custom 24, and it's a truly amazing instrument in every possible way. It's very responsive, has amazing tone, and feels and plays like nothing else I've ever tried. They built 'em great back then!

He's one of the home town heroes around here

One of the best Archives episodes. I saw my first PRS in a local store in Athens, Greece in 1992 and my jaw dropped. Never seen anything that elegant and wild at the same time. Alien stuff! I bought my first Custom 22 in 2000 and sadly sold it due to financial problems. I now have a 20th Anniversary Custom 22 in Violin burst and I love this guitar to death! Great instrument. Thanks Paul!!!!

As an amateur guitar builder, I often catch myself thinking: "I wish Leo Fender or Ted McCarty was still alive for interviews like this" Paul is! He's at least a much an innovator, he embraces both technological innovation and traditional mainstays. (IE: CNC married to cutting a violin top). I have decided, as a result, that I needed to take advantage of the peculiar opportunity, afforded here, to listen to everything paul has been willing to say. Remarkable!

The brochures and photography were also stunning…This is a great interview

I love the all mahogany PRS's. There are dozens of us, DOZENS!

Please bring back Vintage Yellow with cherry back into the line. And that type of curly maple top. The old school knobs as well. That Custom looks AMAZING! And more Moons too please. Both guitars look killer

I still have my PRS Custom 24 since 1988....it's my go to guitar.

I'm from the same town as paul and he used to come into our high-school guitar class and talk to us ,his old high school, he was always nice ,great guy , that was 25 years ago but will always remember it

I have a wonderful memory being a child going out with my dad on a Saturday in England. We did it every week. It would have been late 80s and we would go to antiques shops buying and selling and we always went into guitar shops If we passed one (dad taught me to play). There was a shop in derby that we frequented and as I walked around I saw a new guitar I had never seen before. It had birds laid into the fretboard and the shiniest finish I had ever seen. I would have been 6 or 7 years old and I instantly fell in love. I literally remember that day, I was in awe, almost shocked. It was beautiful, the most attractive guitar I had ever seen. Still haven't got one to this day 😂😢 maybe one day.. 🤦‍♂️

The very first PRS I ever saw was a 24 fret Custom with a curly maple top, it was during the hair band heyday and I though, "Wow, that's an amazing guitar." I played it for a few minutes before I got the look from the guy behind the counter, so I had to hang it back up. I left that shop thinking to myself; "I have to get one of those someday." I don't have a Custom 24 yet, but I hope to eventually.

I'm still just as madly in love with my 1991 Custom 24 as I was the first time I ever picked it up in Steve's Music in Ottawa in the Autumn of 1991. It took me a few more months to put together the rest of the money (I'd saved up almost 3/4 of the cash) so it finally came home with me on January 20, 1992. A stunning guitar, incredibly lively tone and feel, a great player and a superb performer in every possible way. Thank you so much, Paul!

@MrGibsn1960

Жыл бұрын

Man I played a 91 custom 24 back in 2002 and it is one of the most memorable guitars I've ever played. They were made right.

@That70sGuitarist

Жыл бұрын

@@MrGibsn1960 Yeah, they sure were doing something right back then! That guitar *still* blows my mind every single time I take it out of the case and play it.😉

It's fascinating to hear Paul talking about the early days, and the outro track was superb! I'm with David Grissom and I love the moon inlays - they're an inspired elegant and understated design. I ordered an SE DGT Gold Top on sight. It'll be my first PRS and I'm really excited about it.

PRS with solid tops and moon inlays have a really nice "mojo"! 🎸 Love them! 🖤

I still have the Guitar that was in the Guitar Player Magazine contest. It has been all over the USA with me.

Great background vid but that song at the end - on those two guitars! So cool. . . .

I really enjoy Paul's stories. He's so passionate about guitars and his company. Makes me proud to have started playing PRS guitars now.

I have quite a substantial amount of respect for Paul. To pull off such a venture is pure dedication and passion. It requires stern willpower and belief in yourself. Chapeau!

I'm in East Tn., and drove to Charolette in 86-7 (?) to try out the first PRS I'd played. I was playing in a classic country band, and wanted away from my Gibson, but not a Fender. It filled the void for 'many' years. I still have it!

I'm a lover of Fender Strats!!! but I must say, I'm a lover of PRS Guitars also now. Great Guitars from PRS!!!!!!!

Man that deep maple top carve is so cool.

Always awesome stories from people that starts something from nothing ! Hat’s off Mr SMITH 👏🥰

I was lucky enough to order one of the first 1987 custom models when it showed up at Gelb Music in California. And it turns out that I purchased my 8th PRS two days ago. Love them all.

I have owned my PRS 20 years. It is a bolt on neck solid mahogany body. It played through my markIV has a tone like no other. I have had people offer me twice what I paid for it. To me it is priceless even though it’s not top of the line. It feels and sounds like no other PRS I have played. You can almost feel the pride it took to build it. Thank you Paul and company.

Love hearing stories where you really get to dive into Paul’s brain and history

Awesome episode, keep em coming!

Bryan Ewald once again showing us what a treasure chest of riffs and licks he possesses. A true player's player.

@prsguitars

Жыл бұрын

A true wizard on guitar.

@seanfitzpatrick7878

Жыл бұрын

Bryan is an amazing musician, and he's such a nice, humble, quality human being.

@BryanEwald

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that

@onevoicediscoveries

Жыл бұрын

@@BryanEwald Hey man, you and Meg used to play on our company's green sound stag during Open Houses in the early 2000s. When I saw you doing demos on the PRS site I was so happy for you. You all are kickin' it!

Love that piece at the end! Incredible story of a self made man. It's also given me an incredible longing for an 80's 24 haha

I agree entirely with Paul's appraisal. The markings on the top of that piece of maple is beautiful. Utterly, entirely, beautiful. That guitar is just as much a work of art as it is a piece of history!

The first production guitars, the Mesa Boogie Carlos gave you, the Gibson Les Paul you designed after to improve, prototypes for Mark Tremonti.... someone will need to make a museum at some point.

Yes. I recognize those locking tuners from my '89 Custom 24. Genius design.

Love these little stories

Man, talk about great content; I could watch these videos every day. Fascinating.

When I was young, my dream guitar was a PRS CUSTOM24 When I finally got that dream guitar in my hands in 2012, I was really happy. The old story of a great guitar is really interesting and feels historic, so I think I should cherish and love my PRS CUSTOM24 even more.

Fascinating little details. Its funny to me that current perception (in some quarters) is of PRS obsessed with bling. Fancy birds, flame tops, ten tops - it seems from this vid the reality is more that dealers+customers drove you down that path, somewhat unexpectedly.

I have a pearly white moon guitar just like that, made in '91... and it IS magic.

First time I saw and heard P. R.S. was WISHBONE ASH in the late 80s. Classy!!!

Best regards from Montreal Paul, that machinist retired from Rolls-Royce and works part time at Steve’s Music now.

I have seen Mr Smith speak several times and he is entirely present and focussing on what he is doing and saying. That quality is both effective as a speaker, and also flattering to the listener. It is not without risk to present yourself to your customers as he does. He does it well and has done so for years. He was early in guesting with Rick Beato, which now seems pretty prescient. Thank you!

You just got to love Paul Reed Smith as a Person and as a Luthier ,humble and full of passion ,what a great Guy he is and thank You Paul 4 all the great guitars ............

I always enjoy hearing Paul and his guests/friends talk about the company history. I especially like the Archives segments!! I love my PRS CE24 AND SE FLOYD!!!

Proud new owner of a SE 277! Can’t wait to explore her possibilities. That’s 3 in the quiver!

Just Started Watching! These are Episodes Great! Thank You Paul and Marc!

I would so much like to know how Paul experienced the design process of his now Custom 24: how long did it took, and what was the idea behind it, how many drawings did you had to make before the moment came when you said: 'This is it' ? And do these original on paper drawings still exist ?

It is amazing that Paul brought back one of the best things about guitars. Curly maple.

Love the history! Please do more episodes!

@prsguitars

Жыл бұрын

More in the works!

This series is awesome , i will most likely never get to go on a factory tour or own a top end prs due to the restrictions placed on me my by my health. But this series just brings me closer to those dreams than I thought I’d experience

I loved listening to the story.

Bryan's conclusion on guitare was... WAW!

@BryanEwald

Жыл бұрын

🙏

@larryh.3173

Жыл бұрын

I thought to myself… Ok, interview over. Sooo great. So interesting. Wow. …Then came that splendid surprise _dessert_ of Bryan’s piece. OMG. Thx!!!

What an absolutely 100% American success story. Talent, hard work, and the guts to go for it. And the point about the second round of orders was spot on. Thanks for putting this one together and thank you for the tone comparison at the end - I was hoping for that!

I’ve been a Paul Reed Smith appreciator but never have liked the guitars too much due to not having much time. I’ve been watching a lot of PRS Videos trying to get an appreciation and I have to say Paul is a chill ass guy

I have a McCarty semi hollow that looks nearly identical to the curly maple top!! LOVE it!!

That outro song was awesome

I still remember the first time I played a PRS like it was yesterday. Back in '87 I ventured into my local guitar shop to see what was new. I had the intention of buying a Hamer or a Marshall Jubilee 50 watt which I loved. Then I saw a wall of PRS Customs. I had to try one. I tried a white Custom. This is when they had the Volume, Tone, Dial selector and Sweet Switch. I was just blown away by this guitar from he second I saw it. But once I plugged it in and played it and heard the great tones coming out of it, I was won over. I couldn't think about anything else. I was telling all my guitar friends about PRS. It would be many years till I actually owned one but that moment, trying that Custom, was a revelation. I always wanted to see a guitar that was its own thing, taking hints from the great instruments of the past but doing its own thing. A little bit of modern and a little bit of classic making for a timeless classic. The first endorsers I remember at the time were Al DiMeola and Carlos Santana. I saw a number of metal players using them as well. Ted Nugent would start playing PRS as well. The list goes on and on. I saw Alex Lifeson playing a PRS.

I’ve always wanted a white custom 24 they are just so classy.

I’d love to hear how the PRS Sweet Switch came into being. It was there from the very beginning, so what was the genesis of the sound and design? I understand what it does, but the concept was/is so unique. I bet Paul has even more of a story there.

@mikemalone9404

Жыл бұрын

I would too! Mine has the sweet switch, which was the selling point for me….and very useful!

Thanks 4 the wishbone ash guitar ending..

Really enjoy watching the videos with Paul, and how passionate he is about any of the products he makes and the people that play them. Currently not so patiently waiting for my gold top DGT SE to be off backorder and shipped. but because of my lack of patience, I also ordered and received a S2 white satin finish 22 that plays and sounds fantastic. And to repeat myself. It’s the passion and joy Paul has creating, and seeing the things he creates, put to use that I just love.

I bought my first PRS from Jimmy Wallace at The Arlington Guitar Show In Oct. 1992! It’s a whale blue Custom 24 10 top and it’s been my go to guitar for nearly 31 years! I’d be lost without it! 😉🎸

😎👍💓🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!! RELIC FREE SINCE 1985!

I bought an ‘01 McCarty with moon inlays and a somewhat understated flame burst a few years ago, and it’s visually my favorite guitar I own. Happily, it also happens to play and sound fantastic.

PRS and Paul story is Amazing to hear. Makes me inspired to have PRS guitar

Esto está fuera de mi "Realidad", escuchar a Paul contar sus historias del comienzo, ver esas Obras Maestras. Que ganas de probar esos instrumentos, admirarlos, tocarlos, estoy maravillado con estos capítulos de PRS Archives. La Dragon, la Modern Eagle, Las primeras McCarty. Mi sueño es ir a esa Fábrica y encargar mi propio instrumento. Saludos Paul. Sos un verdadero Artesano de la Guitarra.

Great ending tune!

It's always nice listening to a living legend talks....

I miss my CE 24. Wish I could afford to get another one. PRS makes the best guitars currently in production.

Thanks for sharing this Paul. Your story is truly inspiring to us all. Your answer to the question of what was a relief was when the re-ordered and then you know your off. Not just making rent the next orders set things in motion

It's not always about symetry, the top on that early PRS is absolutely perfect and stunning!

PRS History 📖 ⏰ Thanks For Sharing 🎸 🎸 🎶 🎶 💪 ✌

18:00 I had that poster, I got one off a guy on eBay in like 2003 for like 5 bucks, it was a beauty on the wall

Finally! I love these videos I’ve been waiting for another one

Paul's enthusiasm and love of guitars is contagious, it's a sickness. I never had a PRS because I'm an old foggy who likes the old classic styles. But recently I was into korina, and wanted a korina Les Paul or Junior, found a 2009 korina SC, and "korina One" (one pickup, one knob). It was $650 for the korina One, $550 for the korina SC. They are simple and beautiful guitars, the way I like them, with moons instead of birds - I'm with Grissom about that, I want a DGT SE. PRS has become legendary, and Paul built the company from scratch, an amazing accomplishment, and it's obviously about love of guitars first, making money is just a means to an end.

I could listen to Paul tell stories all day. He's passionate about guitars first and a businessman second. That coupled with poor quality control is the reason I stopped playing Gibsons and switched to PRS.

My 2016 PRS C24 Goldtop is at the pinnacle of my collection…love it!!

thank you guys for posting these videos!

@prsguitars

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

My number 1 is my 1987 white PRS. I have owned it since 1995. My number 2 is a 1988 10 top. I have tried many newer PRS guitars, the newer ones feel to different. I have many vintage guitars, but end up picking up my old PRS when it is time to lay down a track or write a part/riff. Thanks Paul for your original design. Great guitars!

@jasongregory8943

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome . They are hand crafted true instruments . I got the 86' s one made . And it is literally magic

Great story from a great man.

Absolutely love my Paul Reed Smith custom 24 wood library grey fade to black flamed maple neck and Floyd rose. Truly a masterpiece.

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing. So inspiring man!

The white one....OMG!!! 😍😍😍😍

Total respect.

Love that particular Maple top!

love it. PRS is what got me into guitars.

jeeez i love from the archives so so much

@prsguitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank for watching @arca9090!

This is a delightful video, we've all heard the story before but Paul here shows there's more fascinating details to be heard. I find it inspirational to have the self-conviction to do something different to the rest of the world and then achieve success with it. I don't like having a lot of possessions, apart from a stack of records, my PRS is the oldest thing I own .

I love PRS Guitars and the Story behind these.

Awesome video guys. Bought my first PRS in 1989 (sunburst, rotary, sweet switch, birds) and many more since. And yes, it sat next to a '84 Kramer Baretta, a Charvel model 4, and a '76 Les Paul Custom. My 2020 c24 is one of the best I've ever played.

On The other End of The Scale. .My Paul Reed Smith History is a 2013 Angelus SE (non Pick up). A Bernie Marsden SE and a A50e SE. .In Life You Cut Your Cloth According To Your Means. And These Three Guitars Will be With Me Till The day i Die. They Are My Brothers In Arms...Paul Reed Smith Is a Legend. And So Are His Guitars.

Wonderful to get to know a bit about PRS history. I remember seeing these PRS guitars advertised in the guitar magazines in 1985-6 and thinking that they looked so cool. I tried a CE24 (I think it was that) in a guitar shop in Richmond (UK) in 1988 and wanted one. But, it was only in 2008 when I got my first CU24. I still have that guitar today. I added a Silver Sky (USA) to my collection in 2020. Wonderful guitars...

LOVE watching these!

Amazing playout!!!!