The Two Guitars That Launched PRS | From The Archives | PRS Guitars
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2023
- From The Archives is a series where we unbox historically significant instruments that helped shape our company’s future. In this episode, Paul Reed Smith and Marc Quigley take a look at the two instruments that helped launch PRS. In the 1980’s, Paul used these guitars, known as the “PRS and PRS Custom,” as samples - taking them on the road to secure orders and funding to start his business. Watch the episode to hear all of the stories about these special instruments!
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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
One of the biggest reasons I am proud to be a Marylander. These fine folks.
And me a Californian! And an AMERICAN!
I grew up in DE and got to visit the factory for my 13th birthday!
Well it certainly wouldn't be Baltimore.....
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.
I work there, pretty awesome place.
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.
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?
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.
@@onevoicediscoveries Ouch! Hopefully you've made a full recovery by now!
Yeah, I know what you mean. I can't imagine parting with my CE24.
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...
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.
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!
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.
Hmmm... We'll let this idea marinate for a bit
@@prsguitars ...like establishing a PRS museum?
Paul Smith is a cool guy, business person and excellent craftsman. I enjoyed him giving grief about the ring! Lol
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.
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!
He's one of the home town heroes around here
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 😆
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!
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!
I still have my PRS Custom 24 since 1988....it's my go to guitar.
I have a 1989 red PRS that I just love to play. It has the moons and the string cams for fast string changes. bought it in 1989 and what a fun guitar. I talked to Paul at a NAMM show and told him one of the cam pieces broke. He arranged for a full set of cams sent to me. The sweet switch is great and I use it all the time.
Bryan Ewald once again showing us what a treasure chest of riffs and licks he possesses. A true player's player.
A true wizard on guitar.
Bryan is an amazing musician, and he's such a nice, humble, quality human being.
I appreciate that
@@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!
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!!!!
Great background vid but that song at the end - on those two guitars! So cool. . . .
The brochures and photography were also stunning…This is a great interview
PRS with solid tops and moon inlays have a really nice "mojo"! 🎸 Love them! 🖤
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!
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.
@@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.😉
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'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 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.. 🤦♂️
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
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!
Always awesome stories from people that starts something from nothing ! Hat’s off Mr SMITH 👏🥰
Man that deep maple top carve is so cool.
I love the all mahogany PRS's. There are dozens of us, DOZENS!
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.
Love the history!
Please do more episodes!
More in the works!
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.
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.
First time I saw and heard P. R.S. was WISHBONE ASH in the late 80s. Classy!!!
Awesome episode, keep em coming!
I still have the Guitar that was in the Guitar Player Magazine contest. It has been all over the USA with me.
Love these little stories
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!
Yes. I recognize those locking tuners from my '89 Custom 24. Genius design.
Love hearing stories where you really get to dive into Paul’s brain and history
Bryan's conclusion on guitare was... WAW!
🙏
I thought to myself… Ok, interview over. Sooo great. So interesting. Wow.
…Then came that splendid surprise _dessert_ of Bryan’s piece. OMG. Thx!!!
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
Thanks 4 the wishbone ash guitar ending..
Man, talk about great content; I could watch these videos every day. Fascinating.
I'm a lover of Fender Strats!!! but I must say, I'm a lover of PRS Guitars also now. Great Guitars from PRS!!!!!!!
I loved listening to the story.
Just Started Watching! These are Episodes Great! Thank You Paul and Marc!
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.
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.
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!!!
That outro song was awesome
Best regards from Montreal Paul, that machinist retired from Rolls-Royce and works part time at Steve’s Music now.
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
thank you guys for posting these videos!
You're welcome!
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!
I have a pearly white moon guitar just like that, made in '91... and it IS magic.
It is amazing that Paul brought back one of the best things about guitars. Curly maple.
I love PRS Guitars and the Story behind these.
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...
PRS and Paul story is Amazing to hear. Makes me inspired to have PRS guitar
My 2016 PRS C24 Goldtop is at the pinnacle of my collection…love it!!
Proud new owner of a SE 277! Can’t wait to explore her possibilities. That’s 3 in the quiver!
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.
Amazing playout!!!!
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing. So inspiring man!
Great story from a great man.
😎👍💓🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!!
RELIC FREE SINCE 1985!
Finally! I love these videos I’ve been waiting for another one
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.
love it. PRS is what got me into guitars.
Amazing just like the guitars. Thanks!
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
It's always nice listening to a living legend talks....
Absolutely love my Paul Reed Smith custom 24 wood library grey fade to black flamed maple neck and Floyd rose. Truly a masterpiece.
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 ?
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.
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’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
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
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.
Love the archives videos!
Thanks for watching... more to come!
Total respect.
Great stories!!
LOVE watching these!
I have a McCarty semi hollow that looks nearly identical to the curly maple top!! LOVE it!!
Beautiful instrument!!
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.
I would too! Mine has the sweet switch, which was the selling point for me….and very useful!
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! 😉🎸
My 93 Ce24 looks like that and it is my end all be all! I love it!
Great ending tune!
PRS History 📖 ⏰ Thanks For Sharing 🎸 🎸 🎶 🎶 💪 ✌
I purchased an 86 custom a few months ago, it’s really special!
Love that particular Maple top!
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!
That's awesome . They are hand crafted true instruments . I got the 86' s one made . And it is literally magic
I remember first seeing the vintage yellow one in the mid 80s and wow! Got a CU24 vintage yellow in 2003 and it’s still a wow! guitar for me