Friday, January 13, 2012

A College Start-Up, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Keeps On Growing

By Myrna Holder


Paul Reed Smith guitars, as a company, has much in common with many tech start-ups. Mr. Smith, a high-school shop major, built his first guitar while in college to impress a music professor. This was the start of a calling that would continue to grow long after his college days were behind him.

Like his counterparts in the tech industries, he spent a lot of time testing out his products, taking them on the road playing gigs. From this hands-on understanding, he learned what makes a great guitar. From body style to sound, to ease of handling, he learned his craft for ten years of experimentation.

After he had developed a product he was proud to put his name on, he hung out backstage at concert venues, hoping to interest famous musicians in his instruments. Carlos Santana was one of the first customers. Sometimes he made a sale, at other times he was asked for a refund. So it goes with new companies and established.

Undaunted, PRS carries on the tradition of building solid instruments, refined by a staff of string players. They take pride in their work. The company specializes in amplifiers as well. A great deal of work and dedication goes into the product. Attention to detail is paramount. The company motto is that a guitar should speak from the first note. It should become a friend of a musician immediately.

In the early days, once Mr. Smith had a few orders under his belt, he took his two best designs and hit the road again, this time to talk to dealers on the East Coast. When he returned, he had enough interest to know he would form a company. Like tech start-ups, his company began with his own money, help from friends and family and a core team who would help him establish his company and name.

Like all good family companies, PRS continues to grow and the famous guitarists who use his guitars and amplifiers keeps the line growing. There is constant innovation, invention and testing going on in the PRS factory. They seek perfection using traditional crafting with new technologies. They use mahogany for the body, the finest wood used throughout the history of instrument making. They also work with maple and Brazilian rosewood. Much artistry is put into inlays on the fretboard. Paul Reed Smith guitars have used semi-precious stones, shells, abalone and gold. These guitars are to be treasured. Paul Reed Smith Guitars




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