How To Choose PRS Guitar | Buying Guide

About PRS Guitars

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars is a high-end American guitar manufacturer that was founded in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith. The company is known for producing high-quality electric and acoustic guitars that are designed for professional musicians and collectors. PRS guitars are built with attention to detail and use high-quality materials, such as exotic woods and top-of-the-line hardware. The company offers several guitar lines, including the Core line, the S2 line, and the SE line, which offer varying levels of features and price points. PRS guitars have a reputation for their exceptional craftsmanship, stunning aesthetics, and versatile sound, making them a popular choice among guitarists across a range of genres.

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars was founded in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith, who had been building guitars since the 1970s. Smith began building guitars while attending college in the 1970s, and he quickly developed a reputation for his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

In 1985, Smith founded PRS Guitars with the goal of creating high-quality electric guitars that combined traditional guitar-making techniques with modern design features. The company's first guitar, the PRS Custom, was a single-cutaway solid body guitar that featured a carved maple top, mahogany back and neck, and two humbucking pickups.

Over the years, PRS Guitars has expanded its product line to include a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars, as well as basses and amplifiers. The company is known for its commitment to quality, with each guitar being hand-crafted in the company's Maryland factory by a team of skilled luthiers.

Today, PRS Guitars is considered one of the top high-end guitar manufacturers in the world, with a reputation for producing exceptional instruments that are highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors alike. The company has won numerous awards for its guitars, and its instruments have been played by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Carlos Santana, John Mayer, and Mark Tremonti.

PRS offers a wide range of Guitars, Amplifiers, and Pedals that are known for their superior tone, playability, and craftsmanship. Here are some of the most popular types of PRS guitars available:

Factors to Consider When Buying a PRS Guitar

When buying a PRS guitar, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you choose the guitar that best suits your needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Body Shape: PRS guitars come in a variety of body shapes, including the iconic double-cutaway design of the Custom 24 and the single-cutaway design of the Singlecut. It's important to consider which body shape feels most comfortable and natural for you to play.

• Wood Type: The type of wood used in the guitar's construction can have a significant impact on its tone and overall sound. PRS guitars are available in a range of woods, including mahogany, maple, and rosewood, among others. It's important to consider which wood type will give you the tone and sound you're looking for.

• Pickups: Pickups are a crucial component of any guitar's sound. PRS guitars are available with a range of pickup options, including humbuckers, single-coils, and P90s, among others. It's important to consider which pickup configuration will give you the tone and sound you're looking for.

• Hardware: The hardware on a guitar, including the tuners, bridge, and knobs, can have an impact on the guitar's performance and playability. PRS guitars offer a range of hardware options, including locking tuners and the PRS patented tremolo system. It's important to consider which hardware options will best suit your playing style and preferences.

• Price: PRS guitars are available at a range of price points, from entry-level models to high-end, custom-built guitars. It's important to consider your budget and what features and options are most important to you when choosing a PRS guitar.

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can make an informed decision when choosing a PRS guitar that will meet your needs and provide you with the tone, sound, and playability you're looking for.

Understanding PRS Guitar Series

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars offers several different series of guitars, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular PRS guitar series

PRS SE SERIES

The PRS SE (Student Edition) series is a line of electric guitars made by PRS Guitars in Asia. These guitars offer an affordable entry point for players looking to own a PRS guitar.

The SE series features solid construction with a variety of tonewoods, including mahogany, maple, and rosewood. The necks are usually made of maple and have a comfortable profile that makes them easy to play. The fingerboards are typically made of rosewood or ebony and feature PRS's signature bird inlays.

SE series include PRS-designed tremolo bridges, tuners, and hardware. These guitars offer excellent build quality and playability, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced players on a budget.

The PRS S2 (Stevensville 2) series is a line of electric guitars made by PRS Guitars in the United States. These guitars offer a more affordable option compared to the flagship Core series, while still maintaining high-quality construction and components.

The S2 series features a range of solid body designs, including single-cutaway and double-cutaway models. The bodies are made from mahogany or maple with a variety of finishes. The necks are typically made of maple and feature a comfortable profile that makes them easy to play.

The S2 series features a range of solid body designs, including single-cutaway and double-cutaway models. The bodies are made from mahogany or maple with a variety of finishes. The necks are typically made of maple and feature a comfortable profile that makes them easy to play.

The PRS Core (Custom, Original, and Signature) series is the flagship line of electric guitars made by PRS Guitars in the United States. These guitars are made by hand using high-quality materials and components, and are built to the exact specifications of the artists who endorse them.

The Core series features a range of solid body designs, including single-cutaway and double-cutaway models. The bodies are made from high-quality tonewoods, such as mahogany, maple, and figured woods. The necks are typically made of mahogany or maple and feature a variety of profiles, including the popular "Pattern" and "Pattern Thin" profiles.

Core series guitars come with a range of pickups, including PRS-designed humbuckers, single-coils, and P-90s, as well as pickups made by third-party manufacturers like Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio. Other features of the Core series include PRS-designed tremolo bridges, tuners, and hardware, as well as high-quality finishes and inlays. These guitars offer exceptional build quality, playability, and tone, and are often used by some of the world's most famous and respected guitarists.

The PRS Bolt-On series is a line of electric guitars made by PRS Guitars in the United States. These guitars feature bolt-on necks, as opposed to the set-neck construction found on most other PRS models.

The Bolt-On series features a range of solid body designs, including single-cutaway and double-cutaway models. The bodies are made from mahogany or maple with a variety of finishes. The bolt-on necks are typically made of maple and feature a comfortable profile that makes them easy to play.

These guitars offer excellent build quality, playability, and tone, making them a great choice for gigging musicians and serious players who are looking for a high-quality American-made guitar at an affordable price point

The Private Stock series is PRS's top-of-the-line series, featuring the highest-quality materials and the most detailed craftsmanship. These guitars are made to order and are completely customizable, allowing players to choose everything from the wood type and pickups to the inlays and finish.

The benefits of each series depend on your needs and budget. The Core Line offers the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, making them ideal for serious players who demand the best. The S2 Line offers excellent quality and playability at a more affordable price point, making them suitable for intermediate to advanced players. The SE Line offers great value for money, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate players who want a quality guitar at an affordable price.

In summary, PRS Guitars offers a range of series with varying features, materials, and price points. The Core Line is the flagship series, offering high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making them ideal for serious players. The S2 Line offers similar quality and playability at a more affordable price point, making them suitable for intermediate to advanced players. The SE Line is the most affordable series and offers great value for money, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate players.

When choosing a PRS guitar, it's important to consider factors such as body shape and size, wood type and quality, pickups and electronics, neck profile and scale length, hardware and bridge, and finish and color options. It's also important to understand the different PRS series and the benefits of each to choose the right guitar for your needs.

When buying a PRS guitar, it's important to consider your budget and whether you want to buy new or used. You can buy PRS guitars from music stores, online marketplaces, or directly from PRS. It's also important to consider the warranty and customer support offered by the seller.

To maintain the longevity of your PRS guitar, it's important to use recommended cleaning and maintenance products and follow best practices for storing and handling your guitar.

Overall, PRS Guitars offer excellent quality, playability, and tone across all their series. By considering your needs and budget and understanding the different PRS series and models, you can choose the right guitar for your playing style and enjoy years of quality sound and performance.