News

Paul Reed Smith to Assume Responsibility of the PRS Private Stock Department

Joseph Knaggs, Director of R&D and Private Stock, has decided to leave PRS Guitars to launch his own artistic endeavor. As of July 1, 2009, Paul Reed Smith will assume management of PRS Guitars’ world-renowned Private Stock Department. Both Paul and Joe are looking to a positive future.



Click here for the full press release




PRS Guitars Debuts 59/09 Pickup

The PRS 59/09 is the newest addition to Paul Reed Smith Guitars’ 1957/2008 Series™ line of pickups. Slightly darker and more powerful in the bridge with a touch more clarity and brightness in the neck, the 59/09 provides a tonal alternative to the industry revered original 1957/2008 pickups, known for their articulate clarity and rich harmonic overtones.



Click here for more on the 59/09 pickups!




PRS Guitars Debuts the Starla Stoptail

The all new Starla Stoptail has the same retro-inspired vibe as its predecessor with one noticeable difference: it features a two-piece, adjustable stoptail bridge that dramatically alters the look and feel of the original Bigsby fitted Starla model while bringing out more of a mid-range woodiness in the tone. Exclusive double-screw Starla Treble and Bass Pickups are currently standard on all models in the Starla series and offer a bright high-end bark that allows these guitars to cut through the mix.

Starla Stoptail

Click here for more on the Starla Stoptail!




Johnstown, Pennsylvania Mayor Declares June 26 Johnny Hiland Day

The Johnny Hiland Band will be filming their very first live concert DVD June 25-27 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and in honor of Johnny’s appreciation for the town, the Mayor has declared June 26 Johnny Hiland Day. “A home a way from home” is how Johnny described the town after falling in love with the area and the people during a performance there last year. As reported by Johnstown’s Community Newspaper, “Some of [the DVD] shooting will take place June 25, when a meet-and-greet reception for Hiland will be held at the downtown Holiday Inn from noon to 1:30. It will continue during his 7 p.m. performances June 26 and 27 at the rally's Train Station venue.” During his interview with the local paper, Johnny said, “The DVD will feature "everything from chicken pickin' to rock and blues and eastern swing.” Johnstown’s Community Newspaper went on to say, “the songs, however, will be different, with some selections from his forthcoming third studio album sure to be heard. The album is due in early 2010, while his second effort, ‘Loud and Proud,’ will make its international and digital debut June 30. The live DVD should be ready for release later this year, and Hiland said the video will be packaged with his line of PRS guitars and accessories to reach an audience beyond those already fans of his music.”



For the full article, click here.




New PRS Lifestyle Gear – Shop Online Now
International Shipping Available

The brand new PRS online store is live! Shop now for updated T-shirts, outerwear, hats and lifestyle products for men, women and kids. There are lots of new styles and graphics and a little bit of something for everyone, including your newborn nephew! Look around the new digs by clicking here…and surprise someone or yourself with a new PRS treat. Don’t forget that Signature Club members receive a 10% discount on accessories. Be sure to explore our recently expanded PRS parts and pickups section as well, featuring some of our hottest new pickups and long time favorites. New items will be added as they become available.

Click here to check out the new products!




Enter To Win A PRS On Your Way To The Beach

PRS Guitars’ President, Jack Higginbotham, will be at the Safeway in Chester, Maryland this Friday, June 12th from 2:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. in support of “Laps for Life.” Laps for Life is held each year at the HyperFest event at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia and works much like Relay for Life, but with racecars. Be sure to come by for your chance to learn more about the program and to enter a raffle for a one-of-a-kind custom painted PRS SE guitar autographed by celebrity drivers.

All proceeds benefit the Kimmel Cancer Center at John’s Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit: www.lapsforlife.com.




Nickelback SE Singlecut Giveaway Contest!

From Nickelback:

"Win a PRS SE Singlecut guitar, similar to the one Chad Kroeger plays! You've all seen the video for their new single "If Today Was Your Last Day," you've listened to the song, and we're sure you've thought about it yourself. Here's your chance to tell the world what you would do if today was your last day. We'll pick the best response as the winner."

Click here for full contest details - >




Signature Magazine Goes Digital

The very first issue of Signature magazine will be available as part of Premier Guitar magazine’s digital issue this May. If you have not read the first issue of Signature, be sure to click here.

Signature, the official magazine of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, features interviews with signature artists such as Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, Mark Tremonti and Al Di Meola as well as Ricky Skaggs and American Idol house band guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Available seasonally at select Borders, Barnes & Noble, Guitar Center and Sam Ash retail locations across the US, Signature provides a sneak peak into artist and new product line news specific to PRS Guitars. The next issue of Signature will hit newsstands this September.




PRS Guitars Mourns The Loss of Stephen Bruton

PRS Guitars mourns the loss of a dear friend and endorser, STEPHEN BRUTON - a guitarist and songwriter who had played with Kris Kristofferson for nearly 40 years and whose songs had been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett and others, died Saturday. He was 60. Bruton died of complications of throat cancer in Los Angeles. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family during this difficult time.


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PRS Guitars Featured in Guitar Hero ® Smash Hits

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is happy to announce that two of their most popular electric guitar models are featured in the soon to be released Guitar Hero® Smash Hits from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). The Custom 24, the top-selling PRS guitar model in history, and the vintage styled SC 245 are among the new in-game guitar models players can choose from.

Guitar Hero


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PRS Guitars Releases New Metallic Finishes Featuring DuPont Hot Hues™

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is once again teaming up with long-time partner DuPont and their Hot Hues™ palette of colors to present brilliant new metallic guitar offerings. “Twilight,” “Catalina Dream,” and “Sinful Cinnamon” make up the roster of new color options offered.

Starla in Catalina Dream


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Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival 2009 - Your Chance To Win A PRS Santana MD Signed By Carlos Santana!

Imagine having a whale blue, Santana MD, PRS guitar in your hands signed by Carlos Santana himself, a true guitar hero! This guitar will be raffled off on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival at 5:00 p.m. Raffle tickets are $20 each and available on-line or by calling Inspired Events at 410.200.6127. You do not need to be present to win the guitar, but you won’t want to miss this great event!


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PRS Artists To Perform at Meinl Guitar Festival in Germany

PRS Artists including Paul Reed Smith, Tony McManus, John Wesley of Porcupine Tree and Bernie Marsden will be performing at the Meinl Guitar Festival in Germany on June 27th, 2009. In addition to the performances, a selection of PRS electric and acoustic guitars will be on display.

Meinl Guitar Festival


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PRS Guitars Showcases Amps, Acoustics and the New Sunburst Series at Dallas Vintage Guitar Show

The newly released PRS Amplifiers, Acoustics and Sunburst Series will be showcased at this year’s Dallas International Guitar Festival April 17-19 in Texas. Acoustic Guitar Gold Medal Winner Tony McManus, PRS signature artist David Grissom, Paul Reed Smith and other special guests will demonstrate the capabilities of these new lines during performances throughout the show. Acoustics, amps and several electric guitar models including the new Sunburst Series featuring the PRS 1957/2008 Pickups will be on display at the PRS booth.


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PRS Road Show 2009 - Paul Reed Smith Visits Dealers Nationwide

In a move to connect customers and dealers with the new PRS Guitars, PRS Amps and PRS Acoustics on a more individual level, Paul Reed Smith has scheduled a nationwide tour of personal appearances April through August 2009. Demonstrations, clinics and signings by Paul are scheduled for each location along with special artist meet and greets. Participating dealers will also showcase some unique guitars not currently offered as part of the PRS line. These guitars are made from small batches of special wood and will be sold at each dealer location in very limited quantities.

PRS Road Show - April to August 2009


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PRS Receives MIPA Award for Best Acoustic Guitar

Paul Reed Smith Guitars’ new acoustic line of guitars received the Musikmesse International Press Award (MIPA), known as the "Grammy" of the Musical Instrument/ProAudio industry, for "Best Acoustic Guitar." Awards were presented at a special ceremony held during the Musikmesse / Prolight + Sound trade show on April 2 in Frankfurt, Germany, with more than 100 magazines from all over the world voting for the best products of 2008/2009.

Paul Accepting Award


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Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Launches First Rock Residency Show In Las Vegas At The Joint At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Signing on as the first rock and roll resident artist in Las Vegas, Carlos Santana brings his legendary talent to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino through a multi-year deal with AEG Live. Through 2010, The Joint will be the only place west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana perform. Titled to pay homage to his most successful body of work to date, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits debuts on Wednesday May 27 and features the artist’s signature fusion sound in a show designed exclusively for the new venue.

Carlos Santana


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PRS at Musikmesse 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany

Musikmesse opens April 1st in Frankfurt, Germany. This trade show will run until April 4th and PRS products will be on display at the Headliner booth (Roland Meinl). Stop by and say hi!

Wall of PRS at Musikmesse 2009


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Howard Leese Limited Editions

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Paul Smith announced a limited release of 100 Golden Eagle guitars modeled upon the first maple top guitar Paul ever built. This historic PRS guitar was built in 1985 and became Howard Leese's number one guitar for more than 15 years. And oddly enough, the maple top for this guitar actually came from a dresser drawer given to Paul by a friend. Howard and his guitar were recently featured on the cover of Vintage Guitar magazine and the guitar itself was on display at NAMM. The limited run of Golden Eagle guitars are being built by the Private Stock team and each will have its own private stock number.

Howard Leese


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Paul’s 28 — Collector's Alert

Paul Reed Smith returned to his guitar making roots this winter and created an exclusive set of Private Stock guitars that became known as Paul’s 28. As a guitar maker, Paul Smith has spent his career seeking, testing and refining parts, processes and workmanship used to create musical instruments with impeccable quality and aesthetic appeal. Paying tribute to the craft of making fine musical instruments, Paul set out to create 28 very special electric guitars with the sound, feel, care and appeal of the finest violins and vintage guitars ever made.

Paul's 28 on rack


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Black Label Society Guitarist Nick "Evil Twin" Catanese Joins The PRS Family

Orianthi PRS Guitars is proud to welcome Black Label Society Guitarist Nick "Evil Twin" Catanese as the newest member of the PRS artist family.






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Introducing the PRS Tech Center PLUS Free Pickups Offer!

In response to numerous customer requests, PRS is pleased to officially launch the PRS Tech Center (PTC) to provide factory repair, set-up, electronics upgrades, refinishing, touch-ups and other services to the PRS family of players.

As a way of introducing PRS customers to our new PRS Tech Center (PTC), we're offering a great opportunity to buy a PRS guitar and receive (2) PRS pickups of your choice, factory installed with set-up at our new PRS Tech Center!

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Orianthi Rocks the Grammy’s

OrianthiMany are wondering about the young woman who livened up Carrie Underwood’s performance of "Last Name" with a jaw–dropping guitar solo at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Show. Who was that righteous axe warrior, anyway? Her name is Orianthi and PRS Guitars is proud and honored to have her as part of the PRS family.

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Save the Date – Experience PRS 2009!

We are pleased to announce Experience 2009 will be taking place on September 25th and 26th, 2009 at the PRS factory in Stevensville, MD. If you’ve been to our previous open house events, we’re looking forward to seeing you again. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Check out some highlights from last year’s event:

http://www.prsguitars.com/experience2008/



PRS Acoustics Unveiled at Winter NAMM 2009

PRS Guitars is proud to officially announce the first in a series of acoustic guitars manufactured in its Stevensville, Maryland facility. Nearly four years of design and prototyping with acoustic artist Ricky Skaggs and luthier Steve Fischer have culminated in the Angelus Cutaway and the Tonare Grand models, which are appearing officially for the first time at Winter NAMM. Full production will commence in early 2009.

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PRS Guitars Debuts Tube Amplifier Line at Winter NAMM 2009

After nearly four years of close collaboration with master amp designer Doug Sewell, PRS Guitars introduces the highly anticipated PRS tube amp line at Winter NAMM.

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PRS Guitars Debuts the Mira X at Winter NAMM 2009

PRS continues to expand its guitar concepts with the introduction of the Mira X, the first 22-fret, 24-1/2” scale-length guitar in the Mira series of PRS guitar models. Appearing for the first time at this year’s Winter NAMM in Anaheim, the Mira X’s retro inspired design and appointments compliment others in the Mira series, but the flatter, streamlined Mira X top and lighter weight body gives new options to players in search of instruments with PRS craftsmanship, but with subtle and understated style.

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Paul Reed Smith Debuts New Sunburst Series™ Nitro Finished Guitars at Winter NAMM

Incorporating the highly acclaimed 1957/2008 pickups and finished in never before offered PRS proprietary nitro-cellulose burst colors, the Sunburst 22, Sunburst 245 and Smokeburst McCarty make their debut at NAMM 2009. The guitars feature custom grade curly maple tops, wide/fat mahogany necks, mahogany backs, 22-fret East Indian Rosewood fretboards and abalone bird inlays.

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1957/2008 Paul Reed Smith Pickups

Paul Reed Smith acquired exclusive rights to the original pickup wire from the original machine used to make the most revered ‘50s era pickups in 2008, and 1957 was the year the humbucker was first commercially available, giving rise to PRS Guitars’ newest and most exclusive pickup, the 1957/2008.

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PRS Guitars Debuts Al Di Meola Signature Model – The Prism

The Al Di Meola Prism, world renowned Jazz guitarist Al Di Meola’s first signature model PRS guitar, will appear for the first time at NAMM during the winter trade show in Anaheim. The model, which unofficially debuted during Experience PRS 2008, features a stained top with a full spectrum of colors unlike any finish PRS has ever offered. The Prism prototype was completed just in time for Di Meola to play the new model on stage alongside legendary jazz band mates Chick Corea, Lenny White and Stanley Clark during the Return to Forever world tour in 2008.

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PRS Guitars Modern Eagle II on Display at Winter NAMM 2009

Paul Reed Smith Guitars’ Modern Eagle II officially debuts at Winter NAMM 2008 after making its initial appearance during Experience PRS 2008. The newly updated Modern Eagle II builds on the tradition of the original Modern Eagle with premium grade wood, classic Modern Eagle frets and a Modern Eagle wide fat neck carve and adds to that an all new exclusive pickup system, updated finishing techniques, new colors and a Modern Eagle case.

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PRS Guitars New Classic – The Starla

The Starla, still a newbie in a line of retro inspired solid-body electrics from Paul Reed Smith Guitars, will be on display for the first time in PRS Guitars NAMM booth #5320. Unofficially unveiled as part of the Experience PRS 2008 open house event, the guitar is similar in spirit to the double cutaway Mira model introduced at Experience PRS 2007. The single cutaway Starla has many vintage themed appointments and is PRS Guitars’ first solid-body electric guitar featuring a standard Bigsby B5 tailpiece and a Grover bridge. The guitar also includes exclusive double-screw Starla Treble and Bass pickups.

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PRS Guitars Mira Maple Top

The Paul Reed Smith Guitars Mira Maple Top is making its NAMM debut in Anaheim this January. First unveiled during the Experience PRS 2008 event in Maryland last fall, the instrument combines the retro vibe of the PRS Mira with the figured maple tops that PRS customers have come to expect. This new model is an evolutionary instrument stemming from the increasingly popular Mira. The maple top provides the guitar with both a distinctive visual and tonal identity.

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Paul Reed Smith Guitars Signature Club

PRS enthusiasts from all over the world can now sign up online for the Paul Reed Smith Guitars Signature Club. Open to anyone who has an interest in PRS Guitars, Signature Club gives people who want to learn more about the guitars, the artists and the people who make the instruments a place to develop a closer connection. Benefits include a special welcome pack, a subscription to the Signature Club e-newsletter featuring "Paul’s Tech Tips", admission to "Members Only" sessions as they are scheduled throughout the year and much more. Visit www.prsguitars.com/signatureclub to register today.

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Signature – The Official Magazine of Paul Reed Smith Guitars

Signature, the official magazine of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, published in conjunction with Future US, is the first of its kind for PRS Guitars and features interviews with signature artists such as Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, Mark Tremonti and Al Di Meola as well as Ricky Skaggs and American Idol house band guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Available seasonally at select Borders, Barnes & Noble, Guitar Center and Sam Ash retail locations across the US, Signature provides a sneak peak into artist and new product line news specific to PRS Guitars.

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Seether Head to the UK in Two Weeks as Special Guests to Staind and Release New Single

South-African bred, Los Angeles-based rockers SEETHER hit UK soil IN TWO WEEKS TIME to tour as Special Guests with STAIND!! PRS endorser, Troy McClawhorn will be rocking out with his various PRS models.

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PRS Guitars Limited Run Featuring 1957/2008 Pickups

Paul Reed Smith Guitars unveiled a limited run of solid body electrics featuring the new 1957/2008 pickups during the Experience PRS open house event in Stevensville, Maryland September 19. PRS acquired exclusive rights to the original pickup wire used in the most revered ‘50s era pickups in 2008, and 1957 was the year the humbucker was first commercially available, giving rise to the name for PRS Guitars’ newest and most exclusive pickup.

read more - >



PRS Guitars Debuts Al Di Meola Signature Model – The Prism

The Al Di Meola Prism features a curly maple custom “9” top with mahogany back, 25” scale length, 22 fret Mexican rosewood fingerboard, custom Al Di Meola neck carve, grommet style locking tuners, standard abalone bird inlays and a tremolo bridge.

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PRS Guitars Debuts Modern Eagle II at Experience PRS 2008

The newly updated Modern Eagle II builds on the tradition of the Modern Eagle with premium grade wood, classic Modern Eagle frets and a Modern Eagle wide fat neck carve and adds to that an all new pickup system and updated finishing techniques.

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PRS Guitars Gears Up For New Product Launches With Additions To Executive Team And Multimillion Dollar Facility Expansion

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is proud to welcome Frank De Fina and Jamie Mann as new members of the executive management team. The pair adds nearly 40 years of combined marketing, sales, management and organizational leadership experience to PRS as the company prepares to bring new product lines to market in 2009. PRS Guitars’ new state of the art manufacturing facility is scheduled to open early next year and will increase the current manufacturing and research and development footprint by five times. PRS is dedicated to finding new ways to incorporate cutting edge technology and even more old world craftsmanship while taking great care to ensure that customer satisfaction, innovation and quality remain at the forefront of every product bearing the PRS name.

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PRS Guitars Returns To Rock & Roll 400 With Fourth Custom Built NASCAR Trophy

2008 Rock & Roll 400 TrophyChevy and Richmond International Raceway have given PRS Guitars the honor of custom building the rock & roll themed trophy for the winner of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for the fourth consecutive year. This trophy ranks amongst the most valuable trophies in the sport, worth more than $20,000 and is the only trophy in NASCAR that features a fully functional Paul Reed Smith guitar. As in years past, racing fans will have the chance to see the trophy up close and personal in the Chevy Fan Fest tent. The trophy can also be seen throughout the day on the sets of Speed and ESPN, strapped to the back seat of a golf cart (racing to and from press appearances) and on a pedestal in Gatorade Victory Lane.

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PRS Guitars Introduces the Mira Maple Top

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is pleased to introduce the Mira Maple Top model; an instrument that combines the retro vibe of the PRS Mira with the figured maple tops that PRS customers have come to expect. This new model is an evolutionary instrument stemming from the increasingly popular Mira. The maple top provides the guitar both a distinctive visual and tonal identity.

read more - >



Paul Reed Smith Band to Perform at the 27th Annual Bay Music Festival

The Paul Reed Smith band will perform at 8:30 p.m. at the 4-H Park in Centreville, Maryland on Saturday, June 14 as part of the 27th Annual Bay Music Festival. TheTommy Lepson Band, Tranzfusion and Bird Dog & The Road Kings are also scheduled to perform.

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Free, Autographed PRS Guitar for One Lucky Hyperfest 2008 Attendee

PRS Guitars has teamed up with NASA Racing and Summit Point Raceway to co-sponsor the 7th Annual Hyperfest, a unique event for auto and racing enthusiasts. Over the years, Hyperfest has provided road racing, drift competitions, rollover contests, the opportunity to drive or ride out on the race track and much more. To add to the excitement this year, one lucky attendee will go home with a one-of-a-kind, autographed PRS guitar…completely free.

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PRS Guitars Brings “Laps for Life” Back To Summit Point Raceway

Paul Reed Smith Guitars, the National Auto Sports Association Mid-Atlantic (NASA) and the 944 Cup premier amateur racing series are working together again this summer to raise funding and awareness for the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center with the unique pledge-based “Laps for Life” racing event. PRS Guitars President Jack Higginbotham, a 944 Cup racer himself, helped create the charity event last year as an extension of PRS Guitars’ ongoing philanthropic efforts for the center.

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Check Out PRS Guitars and Paul Jackson, Jr. on FOX’s American Idol

Back for a 7th season, FOX’s American Idol is well underway and America has voted the contestants down to a final 6. You may have noticed a PRS guitar or two in the background or even more recently, on stage, as the house band provides instrumental support to the contestants as they compete for a shot at stardom and the chance to become the next American Idol.

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“GO Charity”- Santana Experience Auction!

Including a VIP Meet 'n Greet with Carlos, a PRS Guitar, Mesa Boogie Amp and more!!!

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Jane's Addiction Reunite At NME Awards

Dave Navarro and Perry Farell of Jane's AddictionAll four original members of Jane's Addiction performed together for the first time in too long at the El Rey on April 23rd. The occasion was the NME Awards USA, where the legendary LA band accepted a Godlike Genius Award (joining godlike alumni Clash, New Order, and Primal Scream). Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, and Eric Avery (the holdout since '91) played "Jane Says," "Mountain Song," "Ocean Size," and "Stop."

:: Full story on Stereogum: link
:: Exclusive NME interview on YouTube: link



Chris Henderson Fan Letter

Chris HendersonHey Shawn and the folks at PRS,


You are not going to guess what happened this weekend!


My wife and I went to the 3 Doors Down show in St. Augustine, FL. A few weeks before the show, we made arrangements to meet Chris and have him sign my Chris Henderson model. After thinking about how great this is, I got to thinking; the signing is before the concert. I would have to carry the guitar to meet & greet and then carry it back out to my truck while the other concert goers are walking in – not good. So we emailed Chris to see if there was a place for me to store the guitar during the concert because of this reason. His response was unbelievable...

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Paul Reed Smith to Demo New PRS Models at the Dallas Guitar Show

PRS Guitars is once again a proud sponsor of the Dallas International Guitar Festival, the world’s oldest guitar festival, April 18, 19 and 20. Many of the new 2008 PRS models will be on display and performances by the Paul Reed Smith Band, David Grissom, Bugs Henderson and Johnny Hiland are planned. Paul Reed Smith will also be onsite demonstrating many of the newly released 2008 PRS models with Michael Ault and a PRS sponsored rhythm section beginning at the top of the hour each day in Booth #100. PRS artist performances during the show are summarized here. Please visit www.guitarshow.com for more details.

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Watch The PRS 2008 DVD Online

From Carlos Santana to Paul Allender, PRS artists discuss why they have come to rely on PRS guitars. Many of our key executives and designers have also contributed thoughts on what it is like to have a part in creating instruments known the world over for their distinct style and quality. The DVD quickly cuts to the chase and conveys the spirit of PRS as experienced by the people that count on these guitars to make their living. An additional hour of artist interview footage and candid commentary is also included that gets to the heart of what PRS guitars are really all about. The DVD will be released soon. Please check the PRS website for release updates.

Paul Smith

http://www.prsguitars.com/dvd2008



Four SE Models Receive 2008 Guitar Player Readers’ Choice Awards

The survey results are in. Guitar Player magazine readers have selected the SE Custom Semi-Hollow as the Best Hollowbody or Semi-Hollowbody and have selected the SE One, the SE Paul Allender and the SE Custom Semi-Hollow as guitars with the Ultimate Value. Further details will be published in Guitar Player’s May 2008 issue (hitting news stands mid-April).

2008 Reader's Choice Awards

http://guitarplayer.com/article/exclusive-web-preview/mar-08/33871





Follow the Guitar: HARP and PRS Guitars at South-by-Southwest

Walker Howle @ SXSWIn theory, it’s simple: take two guitars to Austin’s South-by-Southwest music festival and get them in the hands of cool bands for at least one song. Since guitar players are loyal to their gear, it’s easier said than done. But both HARP and Paul Reed Smith were pretty confident we could sell some of these guys on the instruments we were packing.

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PRS Guitars Supports Indie Music Scene at SXSW 2008

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is proud to be a part of this year’s SXSW music conference in Austin, TX, March 13 – 16 and has teamed up with Indie music magazine HARP, Yep Roc Records, Yep Roc Records’ distribution arm Redeye and Press Here Publicity for three daytime parties showcasing some of the hottest Indie music acts such as Lightspeed Speed Champion, Thurston Moore and the New Wave Bandits, She & Him, Golden Dogs, Chuck Prophet, American Princes, Reckless Kelly, Truckee Brothers, Born Ruffians and many others. Please visit www.myspace.com/prsguitars and www.harpmagazine.com for photos and details about PRS guitars being played, seen and heard during the conference.

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Experience PRS 2008 - Save The Date!

PRS Experience 2008 is scheduled for Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, 2008. We had a great time last year and are very excited for this year's event. Be sure to check out the photos and videos from Experience PRS 2007 (link). Check back regularly for more details and sign up for our email newsletter to receive the latest “Experience PRS” updates. We're looking forward to seeing you in Stevensville!



Carlos Santana Unveils New Signature Model PRS Guitar – Santana MD

Author Tom Wheeler, Carlos Santana, Paul Reed Smith and many other gifted PRS artists assembled for the unveiling of 12 new PRS models, including the new Santana MD signature model, on Friday, January 18 during PRS Guitars’ NAMM trade show press conference in Anaheim, California. Tom Wheeler was the master of ceremonies and spoke at length about the dawning of a new era for PRS guitars and the quality and new sound of their instruments. The legendary Carlos Santana, Mike Mushok (Staind) and David Grissom (Storyville/John Mellencamp) all spoke eloquently in support of PRS, their signature models and how much they rely on their instruments to make a living. Other PRS artists attending included Rich Eckhardt (Toby Keith), Howard Leese, Pat Travers, Mike Scott (Justin Timberlake), Frank Romano (Usher), Johnny Hiland, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Evan Taubenfeld (Avril Lavigne)..

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PRS Guitars Supports Music for Life Alliance and Music For All

Paul Reed Smith Guitars donated an Experience PRS getaway and several guitars during charitable events benefiting the Music for Life Alliance and Music For All at this year’s Winter NAMM musical instruments trade show. Music For All is auctioning an all new Mira model (color of choice for the final bidder) along with a getaway for two to the Experience PRS 2008 open house event in Maryland. Bids for the Mira / Experience PRS 2008 Getaway Package can be placed by visiting www.musicforall.org through Sunday, January 27, 10:15 p.m. PST..

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Carlos Santana Joining PRS for 2008 NAMM and Paul Smith Giving Hourly Booth Demonstrations

Guitar Historian Tom Wheeler will be joined by Carlos Santana, Paul Reed Smith and many other gifted PRS artists for the unveiling of 12 new PRS models, including the newly named Santana MD model, on Friday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. The exposé, scheduled in PRS Guitars' re-positioned Winter NAMM booth (#5320), will highlight PRS Guitars' distinctive and evolving models and present artists with the opportunity to speak to the press about their personal experiences with their favorite PRS instruments.

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Grammy Award Nominations

More than 20 musical acts featuring guitarists that regularly play PRS on stage or in the studio received nominations for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in December. Among them included Justin Timberlake for Album of the Year, Herbie Hancock and Kanye West for Record of the Year. For the full list please visit www.grammy.com or tune in to CBS February 10 to watch the awards.

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PRS Artists Win American Music Awards

The 35th Annual American Music Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, aired on ABC earlier this month. PRS is proud to say that our artists took home the award in 9 of the 12 categories in which they were nominated. Check out the winning list...

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Artists Choose PRS Guitars for Country Music Awards Performances

Almost every band performing on the CMAs this year had at least one band member playing a PRS in their lineup. Gary Hooker with Brad Paisley and Lou Toomey of Brooks and Dunn both played DGTs during the show. Kurt Allison played a Mira during his set with Jason Aldean, Grant Midelson used a Tremonti signature model with Taylor Swift and Duane Sciacqua played an SE One with Rodney Atkins.

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Dot Dot Dot Shows Off Their PRS Guitars on The Next Great American Band

Rose and Adam Blair from Dot Dot Dot have fun performing with their PRS guitars on The Next Great American Band.



Catch The New Mira Model During Latin Grammy Awards Opening Performance

Ricky Martin’s guitarist and musical director David Cabrera will be playing PRS’ new Mira model during the opening performance of 8th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Ricky Martin and his band will kick off the awards show with the Blue Man Group Thursday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on the Univision Network. Along with Ricky Martin, Maná (guitarist Sergio Vallín) and Pablo Olivares are among the other PRS artists in bands also nominated for awards.

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Contestants Rock PRS Guitars on The Next Great American Band TV Show

Dot Dot will play Paul Reed Smith guitars during their upcoming performances on Fox Television’s new show The Next Great American Band on Fridays at 8/7c. The new Rock/Pop/Power Pop band is from Chicago, and band members include Adam Blair, $tephan, and Michael (from the Fabulous Janes), and Rose and Little Lisa (from Catfight).

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PRS Guitars On Tour With Mulit-Platinum, Grammy Award-Winning Band Casting Crowns

Jimmie Johnson and the PRS Chevy Rock N' Roll 400 Trophy“The Alter And The Door” concert goers have an opportunity to see more of PRS than just the guitars that Hector and Juan are playing.  The Stevensville, MD guitar company having been working with the band closely for three years and are sponsors of the current concert tour.  There is an ad in the tour program, a pre-concert commercial on the video screen, and apparel for sale with the Casting Crowns merch team.  Additionally, one fortunate fan at each show walks away with a PRS SE Custom with graphics designed by Hector Cervantes himself.





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PRS Guitars’ Artists Nominated for American Music Awards

PRS Guitars is proud to announce that the bands nominated for the 2007 American Music Awards feature 14 PRS guitarists. The 35th annual American Music Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A on Sunday, November 18 at 8pm ET/PT. For the first time in AMA history (and the only music awards show to do so), the winners will be determined via online voting at ABC.com. Voting opened on Tuesday, October 9 and will close November 2 at 3 a.m. ET.

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School of Rock’s National "PRS Shredfest" Champ Performs at PRS Guitars

Paul Green School of Rock Music PRS Shredfest winner Paden Mullens performed during the “Experience PRS” open house concert on Friday, September 28 in Stevensville, Maryland. Paden, a 16-year-old guitar player and School of Rock Music Baltimore student from Harford County, Maryland, was the winner of a national shred competition hosted by the Paul Green School of Rock Music and sponsored by PRS Guitars earlier this summer in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Mullens competed with young guitar-playing School of Rock Music students from all over the country for the Shredfest title and received a CE22 model PRS guitar for winning the contest. PRS Guitars later invited Paden to play his CE22 during the all-star performance of PRS artists at PRS’ inaugural open house.

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Limited Edition Ron Fellows Model PRS Guitar Available

Paul Reed Smith Guitars presented Corvette Racing Driver Ron Fellows with a one-off PRS Corvette Standard 22 guitar painted to match Ron’s signature Z06 Corvette earlier this year, and the guitar is now available as a limited edition PRS model. The new Corvette was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 8, 2007, and PRS Guitars President Jack Higginbotham was there to surprise Fellows, an avid guitar player, with the custom guitar. 

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“Experience PRS” 2007

Dealers, distributors, media, guitar enthusiasts and artists from all over the world visited the Stevensville, Maryland manufacturing facility to participate in PRS Guitars’ first ever Open House, "Experience PRS," September 28 and September 29. The event provided guests with a very personalized view of the factory, PRS archives and the guitar making processes. It also provided a platform for guests to meet PRS artists, to get to know the PRS staff, to learn about the new Mira model PRS guitar and to get to know each other as being part of the ever growing “family” of PRS aficionados. The fanfare also included dynamic musical performances, food, shop talk and shopping for guitars.

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PRS Guitars Introduces New Model – The Mira

The New PRS MiraMore than 700 guitar enthusiasts made the trek to Maryland this weekend for the company’s first “Experience PRS” open house where, the Mira, PRS’ newest guitar model, was unveiled. Paul Reed Smith and Michael Ault from the PRS Band unofficially unveiled the new PRS model on stage during an open house performance Friday night at the PRS manufacturing facility in Stevensville.

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News Bytes

Paul Reed Smith Guitars and Chevrolet Partner for a Rockin’ Summer Promotion

Chevrolet Camaro

Read the full story...Click here!

Vintage Guitar Amp Review

The Tremonti SE is now available in Natural. Check it out here.

Vintage Guitar Amp Review

Check out the July issue of Vintage Guitar for a review of the new PRS Amps...Click here!

Guitar World Platinum Award

Check out the August issue of Guitar World for the latest on PRS Sunburst 245 and Sunburst 22 models. Here are a few review highlights from Chris Gill.

“PRS has entered its “Golden Period” much as Stradivarius did after crafting his first violins,” and ”The Sunburst SC 245 and the 22 are the finest production instruments Paul Reed Smith has ever produced.”

Both PRS models received Guitar World “Platinum Awards” for quality design as well. The August issue is on newsstands now and includes a special DVD insert featuring a video review of these models.

PRS Road Show

New dates have been added to the PRS Roadshow schedule! Click here for information on the PRS Roadshow.

Mark Tremonti DVD Cover

Guitar World is giving away a Tremonti SE and a copy of Mark’s new instructional DVD "Mark Tremonti: The Sound and The Story". Click here for contest details.

Tonare Grand

Acoustic Guitar Magazine has posted a review of the Tonare Grand acoustic. Click here to read the full review and be sure to check out the video review.

Paul Allender and Paul Reed Smith

PRS Acoustic player Tony McManus is interviewed on ModernGuitars.com. Click here to read the full interview.

Paul Allender and Paul Reed Smith

The Music Player Network Presents Live From Blog recently featured Paul Reed Smith and Paul Allender during Musikmesse in Frankfurt. Click here to visit the Music Player Network blog.

Shinedown

Shinedown and Guitar World Magazine are giving away an autographed SE One.

Click here for contest details.

Martin Simpson

Martin Simpson is featured with the Angelus Cutaway on the cover of May’s Acoustic Guitar.

Click here to read the article on Martin Simpson.

PRS Pickups

PRS Pickups are a now available for purchase online in our Accessory Shop.

Click here to check out our current offerings, including the SC 250, SC 245 and Johnny Hiland pickups.

Tim Rosenau of Toby Mac

PRS Guitars would like to congratulate PRS guitarist Tim Rosenau of the Christian hip hop band TobyMac for the 2009 Grammy Award for Rock or Rap Gospel Album with Alive and Transported. Tim’s arsenal of PRS guitars consists of a McCarty, SC245, Mira and several variations of the SE models.

Guns N Roses
Dizzy Reed and Alex Grossi chose PRS Acoustics for NAMM demo.

David Wallace
Country artist, Jake Owen stopped by ABC’s Good Morning America to promote his brand new album and sing his hit single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.” Check out the performance and guitarist David Wallace playing his PRS.

Click here to watch the performance or visit Jake on MySpace here.

NAMM Best of Show Award

New PRS Tube Amp Line Wins Best in Show at NAMM 

NAMM University panelist and Music Inc. editor Zachery Phillips nominated PRS for NAMM University’s prestigious “Best in Show” award at this year’s winter NAMM show in Anaheim. “I just thought the amps sounded phenomenal. It is a major event for Paul Reed Smith dealers,” said Zach.

Click here for more info on the new PRS Amps.

Bronze Award

Acoustic Guitar magazine has finished tallying the votes of the Players’ Choice Awards 2008, and they are pleased to say CONGRATULATIONS to PRS Guitars! 

The 2008 Players’ Choice Awards were given to the companies with the most votes in each category.  Each category consists of gold, silver, and bronze award winners and PRS Guitars has won an award in the following:

Starla in Vintage Mahogany
“Retro of the Gods” is the headline for Vintage Guitar Writer Pete Prown’s upcoming Starla review. Pete closes the review with “…the Starla is simply bad ass!” and also says that the Starla’s “…immaculate construction and top-notch materials are oh-so different from the cheap, twangy guitars from four decades past.” For the full story, be sure to read Vintage Guitar’s February 2009 issue, on newsstands 11/25 at your local Borders and Barnes & Noble.

Chad Kroeger of Nickelback
Hot on the heels of one of the best selling albums of the last decade, All The Right Reasons, Nickelback and PRS endorsee, Chad Kroeger, storm back onto the airwaves and the road with their highly anticipated new album, DARK HORSE.

Click here here for more info on Dark Horse.

Howard Leese - Vintage Guitar Magazine Cover
Howard Leese is on the cover of the latest issue of Vintage Guitar (December 2008) with his very first curly-maple-top guitar made by Paul. This is the pre-factory guitar with the top that Paul made from a dresser drawer (as discussed in The PRS Guitar Book). Leese named this guitar the Golden Eagle and has used it on countless tours and records while performing with Heart. Visit www.vintageguitar.com for more details.

Simon McBride
Simon McBride's new album Rich Man Falling will be released on October 13th. For a sample from the track "Be My Friend", click here:

Simon McBride - Be My Friend.mp3


Visit Simon McBride on Myspace: link

Guitarist Magazine Cover

Jimmy Johnson in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 winner’s circle September 7 at Richmond International Raceway...standing next to the trophy custom built by PRS Guitars.

Guitarist Magazine Cover

Guitarist Magazine (UK) Gives DGT Rave Review in Their July ‘08 Issue.

“The PRS David Grissom DGT - A mere decade in the making, we believe this could be the best pound-for-pound PRS ever made. Full in-depth review and demo…” For more details, click here: link.

Rich Eckhardt

Rich Eckhardt will be performing with Toby Keith this week on The CBS Morning Show and The View! Tune into The CBS Morning show on Wednesday, July 30th and The View on Thursday, July 31st.

For more information on Rich Eckhardt, check out this link.

Opeth

Opeth’s Mike Akerfeldt on the cover of Decibel magazine’s July issue…on newsstands now.

http://www.thedeciblog.com/

Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola is featured on the cover of Guitar Player magazine’s July issue, on newsstands now.

The walls of the new factory expansion have started going up!

View more photos of the construction on our Flickr page: link

Paul Smith and Mike Ault

Paul Smith’s new SE Soapbar and SC 245 video demonstrations are now live on the PRS YouTube channel.

SE Soapbar: link
SC 245: link

Paul Smith and Mike Ault

New Product Demos From Paul Smith


Paul Smith recently recorded a series of detailed video demonstrations with fellow band mate Michael Ault showcasing the “individual talents” of select PRS guitar models and Paul’s unique perspective of each of these models. Recorded at his in-home studio in Annapolis, Maryland, Paul Smith takes a slightly different approach to traditional demonstrations by offering a candid and conversational delivery.

Demos of the Mira and Custom 24 are up on our YouTube page now, with more to come. Check back soon!

Third Day

Third Day


Christian Rock mega band Third Day is on the road with Sanctus Real, DecembeRadio and Revive...and all bands are playing PRS guitars during the tour. To date, Third Day has sold more then six million albums and is currently touring in support of their to be released album "Call My Name."

From left to right in photo: Mac Powell - Third Day; Pete Prevost - Sanctus Real; Erik Miker - DecembeRadio; Tyler Hall - Revive; Mark Lee - Third Day.

For tour dates visit http://www.myspace.com/thirdday.


Brian Wooten playing a McCarty/Rosewood during Trace Adkins’ Celebrity Apprentice finale… (link)


PRS Designed NASCAR Trophy Receives Top Ranks by Yahoo! Sports. The Chevy Rock-n-Roll 400 trophy has been acknowledged as one of the coolest trophies in NASCAR. (link)

David Grissom Interview Screenshot

FLYLEAF Goes Platinum


More than one million copies of FLYLEAF's self-titled debut album have been sold to date! (link)

On Tour This Spring http://www.myspace.com/flyleaf

David Grissom Interview Screenshot

David Grissom talks about his gear and his new PRS DGT signature model
on Guitar 25. (5-part interview link)

Family Force 5

Family Force 5 – Winner of Seven CCM Reader’ Choice Awards

1) Best Artist 2) Best Band 3) Most Underrated Artist 4) Best Website 5) Best Live Performance 6) Artist You'd Most Like To See On The Cover Of CCM 7) Most Likely To Be The Breakout Artist Of 2008 (link)

Guitar Player cover

The legendary John Fogerty is featured on the cover of the March 2008 Guitar Player with a blue Singlecut. Full article: (link)

Paul Reed Smith

Paul Smith and PRS Director of R&D and Private Stock Joe Knaggs are featured with a Mira on the cover of the February 2008 issue of Premier Guitar magazine. Read the full issue for free online here (link) and be sure to check out the PRS article starting on page 19 for the latest scoop on the Mira and the DGT. There’s also a great shot of Paul and Joe with the Mira on page 6, in the table of contents.

Press Conference Snapshot

New video of Carlos Santana, David Grissom and Mike Mushok from Staind talking about their new PRS models is now posted on the PRS Guitars You Tube Channel (link). Also, while you're there, check out Paul Smith giving demonstrations of the 12 new models released at NAMM. (link)

SE Custom Semi-Hollow

GuitarJamDaily.com Interviews David Grissom on The Jamcast - Session 3 (link).

SE Custom Semi-Hollow

Jon from Relient K and Jon from Switchfoot talk candidly about the new Mira from Paul Reed Smith Guitars - (link).


Jason Aldean played his Lilac Mira with Kurt Allison on the Country Music Awards. Check out the video on YouTube: (link)


SE Custom Semi-Hollow

Guitar World's November review of the SC 245 and Mark Tremonti models has been posted on their respective pages. Check out the PDF here: (link).


Kevin Meet another PRS Employee on our Inside PRS page. This Employee Spotlight features topcoat team member Kevin. (link)