PRS was established in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith, an already successful luthier. Despite not having the “pedigree” or heritage enjoyed by some of the big hitters in the electric world, PRS have nonetheless made quite a name for themselves, and have become firm favourites of many successful guitarists. Anyone heard of Carlos Santana?
Whether it’s a top of the line PRS guitars, or one of their more affordable PRS SE models, PRS offer quality throughout their range, and with features such as coil-tapping available on even their most affordable models, you will struggle to find a more versatile guitar.
From the ever-popular 24 Standard, Custom and McCarty models, their artist models such as the Tremonti and Mark Holcomb models, or even the lesser-known Mira or 245 guitars, PRS offer styles and tones to suit every player.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are the SE models manufactured?
Before 2019, all SE models were manufactured in South Korea at the World Musical Instruments Company factory in Incheon. WMI manufactures guitars for many different brands such as Chapman, Schecter and Line 6 to name a few. After 2019, all SE models are manufactured in Surabaya, Indonesia. PRS set up a factory in partnership with Core-Tek Musical Instruments Company(Cort) and the SE line are the only guitars manufactured at this factory. This brings more focus to manufacture a higher quality instrument as they have more control of the build process. Once completed, all SE models are shipped to the US PRS factory for quality inspection before they are sent to retail stores.
What sets PRS guitars apart from other brands?
PRS guitars are known for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. They use premium materials and unique design elements, such as their signature bird inlays, to create instruments that are both beautiful and highly playable.
What types of guitars does PRS make?
PRS offers a wide range of guitars, including solid body electric guitars, hollow body electric guitars, and acoustic guitars.
What are the different models available with PRS guitars?
(model - where manufactured)
Are PRS guitars good for beginners?
While PRS guitars are certainly high-quality instruments, they may not be the best option for beginners due to their high price point. However, if you're a serious musician looking for a top-of-the-line guitar, PRS may be worth considering.
Why are the USA made models so much more expensive?
The cost of materials and labour for example are more expensive for a US company than an overseas company. This being said, the quality of the work and time put in to each instrument in the US factory is far higher than their overseas builds. The US factory focuses more on quality than quantity. This isn't meaning that the SE models are not quality, they manufacture a higher quantity of guitars than the US factory does. All of the parts that go into the US line are also made by PRS at the US factory. Every aspect of the build is thoroughly checked multiple times throughout the build process to ensure quality. This amount of attention to detail is part of the reason why the cost is higher.
Does PRS offer any warranties or guarantees for their guitars?
Yes, PRS offers a limited lifetime warranty for their guitars. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, and ensures that you can have any issues with your guitar resolved by a PRS technician. For terms and conditions, visit the PRS website.
