PRS introduced TEN new models at NAMM this year, during what proved to be the busiest NAMM ever. We’re working on getting all new 2007 models updated on the website (the all NEW PRS website) and will keep you posted as to when the first new guitars will hit authorized PRS dealers (which will be sooner than you think)! If you did not have the pleasure of attending NAMM this year, let us recap the show for you, starting with our ten new models…

All New Signature Artist Models

The new Mark Tremonti Signature Model is a Singlecut model that features a Tremonti wide-thin carved neck with mother of pearl bird inlays and Phase II locking mini tuners. The instrument now comes with a PRS Tremolo with a trem-up routing. 3 Doors Down guitarist Chris Henderson’s exact guitar is also offered as the new Chris Henderson Signature Model. This Singlecut guitar is available with three special humbucking pickups, flame maple top, 10-top flame or 10-top quilt. The SE Paul Allender Model pays tribute to Cradle of Filth’s lead guitarist Paul Allender’s Private Stock guitar. The Paul Allender SE Signature Artist Model guitar is based on the SE Custom and features a set-in maple neck with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard and Paul Allender’s “Bats in Flight” inlay.

The Singlecut and 513 Rosewood…Revisited

After years of feedback from PRS artists and players around the world, PRS Guitars has revamped their Singlecut model to the new SC 250. This guitar features new powerful 250 pickups, adjustable PRS Stoptail, Phase II locking mini tuners and comes set up with .010 gauge strings. The SC 250 Satin model is also offered with these same specs. These changes provide for thicker sound, power and more sustain for players looking for a more modern “rock” sound. The new SC 245 model appeals to those players looking for a more vintage look, sound and feel. This Singlecut model features a 24.5” scale length, a thinner headstock, PRS Stoptail and vintage style tuning pegs. And, the new 513, a modified version of the 513 Rosewood Model, now includes a mahogany neck, a rosewood fretboard and a 10-top option.

The 1980 West Street Limited

This new, limited edition guitar is a faithful recreation of the guitars Paul Reed Smith was building in his garrett work shop at 33 West Street in Annapolis in the eighties. Only 300 1980 West Street Limited guitars will be made world wide. An artist grade Sapeli wood top is a unique update that was not available to Paul in 1980 but other features remain true to the original design. Features incude the pre-factory dragon inlay on the top of the body, the small original eagle on the headstock, a Mahogany neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, green heart abalone bird inlays and Santana II electronics.

New SE Models and Our Very First SE Semi-Hollow

The SE Custom Semi-Hollow is PRS’ very first semi-hollow SE model guitar ever…and includes the same features as the SE Custom. The SE Semi-Hollow is available in a light-weight semi-hollow package and features a unique pallet of colors. The new SE One includes a solid mahogany Singlecut body with a top carve unique to the model. This guitar also features a solid mahogany set-in neck, moon inlays, PRS designed tuners and stoptail, a single soapbar pickup with a single volume control and a pickguard.

Paul’s Favorite Mistake

The tradeshow officially opened on Thursday and kicked off with the “Breakfast of Champions” hosted by NAMM. Paul Reed Smith sat on a panel with fellow industry champions Henry Steinway of Steinway & Sons and Bill Evritt of Brook Mays to share their “favorite mistake” with a very captive industry audience. And Paul’s favorite mistake…or suggestion rather…was how important mentors are in the musical instruments industry. Paul Smith shared that the biggest mistake he felt he could have made would have been looking past any opportunity to learn from mentors…no matter the scale.

The Press Conference

Just a few hours after wrapping up another great PRS NAMM party, PRS artists Mark Tremonti, Chris Henderson, Johnny Hiland and Gary Grainger were all on hand at the booth to talk about their signature PRS models during the PRS press conference on Saturday. The booth was filled with press from all over the world and a slew of guest endorsers were also there to show support for the unveiling of ten new PRS models including Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, Pat Travers, Rich Eckhardt, Bernie Marsden of WhiteSnake, Dan Toler of the Allman Brothers, Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge, David Grissom, Derek St. Holmes, Alex Grossi of Quite Riot, Chris Morrison, John Wesley Dearth of Porcupine Tree, Marcus Curiel of P.O.D and Nicky Moroch of David Sanbourn and American Idol star Dave Delhomme.

The Artists

Demos and performances by Nicky Moroch, Gary Grainger, Paul Smith, Johnny Hiland and David Grissom also kept the booth lively during the four-day show while NAMMers mingled and squeezed there way through the packed booth to see all of the new models firsthand. Matin Barre, Pat Travers, Chris Henderson, Paul Allender, Mark Tremonti, Myles Kennedy and Johnny Hiland also signed autographs and spent time with the hundreds of fans that lined up single file for the chance to meet their guitar heroes. Members of the Latin super group Mana also stopped by the PRS booth on Sunday to catch up with Paul Smith.

The All Stars

Paul Smith performed with fellow guitar star Johnny Hiland for a packed show in the Hilton Ball Room during Guitar Player’s All Star Guitar Night. All Star Guitar Night is a benefit concert for the Music for Life Alliance, an organization that supports music education for disadvantaged children. Not only did Paul Smith perform, but PRS also donated a Johnny Hiland model guitar to raise proceeds for the charity. Featured performers also included Muriel Anderson, Gil Parris, Willy Porter, Richie Kotzen, Frank Vignola, Michael Chapdelaine, Trey Alexander, Guitar Legend Dick Dale & his guitar prodigy son Jimmy Dale, Mark Egan and Danny Gottlieb.

PHOTOS - Thursday, January 18th, 2007 (click here)

PHOTOS - Friday, January 19th, 2007 (click here)

PHOTOS - Saturday, January 20th, 2007 (click here)