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PRS (Paul Reed Smith)

PRS (Paul Reed Smith)
Legal Entity	Paul Reed Smith Guitars
Country	United States
Parent Company	Paul Reed Smith
Founded	1985
Employees	≈300
Website	https://www.prsguitars.com

Brand Story

Paul Reed Smith Guitars, commonly known as PRS Guitars, was founded in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith in Stevensville, Maryland. Revered for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and striking finishes, PRS Guitars are celebrated in the music world. Their products, spanning from affordable student versions to custom-made masterpieces, have attracted musicians from various genres. With a focus on quality and excellence, PRS continues to influence the world of stringed instruments from their headquarters in the United States.

Timeline

1985

Company Founded: Paul Reed Smith establishes PRS Guitars in Stevensville, Maryland, crafting high-quality instruments.

1991

Dragon Series Introduced: The first Dragon guitar series is introduced, setting a new bar for luxury and craftsmanship.

2001

SE Series Launched: PRS introduces the SE line offering affordability while maintaining quality, expanding their audience globally.

2009

Acoustic Line Expanded: Announcing a new line of acoustic guitars, PRS enhances its reputation in acoustic guitar craftsmanship.

2014

S2 Series Released: Launch of the S2 series, blending the best features of the PRS American-made guitars with a more affordable price point.

2018

John Mayer Silver Sky Launch: Collaborating with John Mayer, PRS releases the Silver Sky, making waves in the guitar community.

Full Product Range

Other Products

Awards & Achievements

Legacy and Impact

🎸

Shaped Modern Guitar Crafting: PRS Guitars are a benchmark of quality and innovation, influencing guitar craftsmanship for nearly four decades.

🌍

Global Influence: PRS Guitars are played by musicians worldwide, from bedroom musicians to arena headliners.

⚙️

Innovation Legacy: Known for pioneering aesthetically stunning and sonically versatile instruments that are industry benchmarks.

History and Early Innovations

Paul Reed Smith began handcrafting guitars as a teenager and founded PRS Guitars in 1985, driven by a passion for perfecting guitar design. With a focus on combining beauty and function, Paul Reed Smith emphasizes detail and cutting-edge aesthetics, reflected in early designs like the Custom 24. These innovations set PRS apart as an industry leader in quality and visual appeal.

Innovations and Contributions

PRS Guitars introduced several innovations in guitar building, such as their distinctive inlay designs and the development of their unique PRS tremolo system. The company's commitment to innovation extended to their guitar architecture, incorporating meticulously crafted necks and bodies that resonate with clarity and sustain, elevating the guitar-playing experience.

Impact on Music

PRS Guitars are known for their versatility across genres, cherished by artists in rock, blues, jazz, and beyond. Guitarists such as Carlos Santana and Mark Tremonti have harnessed the expressiveness of PRS instruments, contributing to iconic sounds in modern music. PRS's influence continues as their guitars remain essential in recording studios and live performances worldwide.

Future Projects

PRS Guitars is dedicated to future innovation, exploring sustainability and new materials while expanding their line of digital products. The company invests in music education, ensuring access to quality instruments and fostering the next generation of musicians. PRS remains committed to blending their rich tradition with cutting-edge advancements, leading the future of guitar making.