PRS Guitars story
Paul Reed Smith builds his first professional-quality guitar while a student, beginning a years-long process of testing prototypes with world-famous musicians at concert venues. #contemporary #culture
Paul Reed Smith brings a prototype to Carlos Santana at a concert. Santana plays it, likes it, and commissions his first PRS guitar, becoming one of the first major artists to endorse Smith's work. #contemporary #culture
Santana receives his first custom-made PRS guitar, featuring the iconic double-cutaway body shape and abalone bird inlays that would become brand signatures. #contemporary #culture
PRS Guitars officially launches at the Winter NAMM Show, debuting the Custom 24. Its 25-inch scale length and exquisite maple tops establish a new standard for high-end production guitars. #contemporary #culture
The PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Custom 24 is introduced, combining Les Paul and Stratocaster features with high craftsmanship. #contemporary #culture
PRS introduces the McCarty model, named after mentor Ted McCarty (former Gibson president). This model bridges the gap between classic vintage feel and modern performance. #contemporary #culture
To accommodate rising demand, PRS moves production to a new, larger factory in Stevensville, Maryland, allowing for increased output without sacrificing quality. #contemporary #culture
The PRS Santana Signature model is officially released to the public, marking the beginning of a long-standing series of signature instruments for the legendary guitarist. #contemporary #culture
The Santana SE is launched as the flagship model for the new 'Student Edition' line, significantly boosting the brand's visibility and popularity among younger players. #contemporary #culture
The SE (Student Edition) line is launched. By outsourcing production to Korea, PRS makes its signature designs and playability accessible to a global audience of student and working musicians. #contemporary #culture
PRS and John Mayer release the Silver Sky. Despite initial controversy over its design, it becomes a massive commercial success and one of the most popular 'S-style' guitars on the market. #contemporary #culture
PRS continues to gain market share, frequently ranking as one of the top three most popular electric guitar brands globally alongside Fender and Gibson. #contemporary #culture