Is this PRS thing getting out of hand?

[Marcus71]

This would be slightly more pithy if it wasn't coming from a guy with over 24,000 posts...


:rotflmao

[Bluedawg]

:munch

[sleepingtiger]

I'd love to go to the Experience, but really miss their dynamite shows at NAMM! Skipping NAMM this year though...

Tony

[phoenix 7]

Thus the genius of the DGT. I swear it has tele-like properties. And strat-like properties. And LP-like properties. Damn it has just every property. :JAM

All kidding aside -- if that's true I think I seriously need to check one out.

[robelinda2]

All kidding aside -- if that's true I think I seriously need to check one out.

Yes you should. Its not the greatest guitar of all time, but no doubt the bridge pup split is nice for tele ish stuff, and the neck pup split is the best stratty tone ive heard out of a split bucker. The neck on its own is great, and the bridge pup is not hot at all, just perfect for clear rockin stuff. Great axe for sure. Dont care at all for the hotter PRS pickups, they absolutely suck IMO.

[kingsleyd]

I've always been very attracted to this model ...
but the fact that it comes set up for heavy strings really turns me off ..
I'm strickly a 9 ... 9.5 type of guy ... love the sound & feel of lighter strings..
So I would hate to pick up an axe that wasn't made to handle less guage ...

(of course that's just an assumption)

Joe, the DGT really is set up to be played with .011s. Mind you, the .011s bend like .010s with the large frets, but overall I think the guitar wants those strings to really come alive. I like that because I'm used to playing acoustics and hollow/semihollow guitars with strings at least that big, so in some ways it feels more normal to me than anything with really slinky strings.

I know at least some DGT owners have gone down to .009s or .095s but I have no idea how well the guitar responds to that.

[Melodyman]

Not to thread derail, but it already is a "signature sound" - the PRS + Recto tone DEFINES the last decade of hard rock, so much so that it's a guitar store joke, kids coming in with their parents credit card to get that rig. Linkin Park, Nickleback, Creed, Staind, Breaking Benjamin, 3 Doors Down... it's a long list. And it's signature enough that even bands that don't use that specific combination try to get that big, scooped wall of crunch sound, originally defined by PRS/Recto. That's the NickleHinder SeetherPark sound. From bro-rock to pop punk, THAT has been the sound of the new millennium.


Yep, the late 90's/early 00's nu metal scene. Probably why alot of people avoid that combination like the plague now...

Maybe in the 2030's it will swing back into vogue again as the 90's kids grow into middle age and want that tone again for nostalgic reasons.

Other than nu metal I tend to automatically think of Santana's honky midrange when I hear PRS. Although his amps have alot to do with that as well lol...

[cutaway]

Joe, the DGT really is set up to be played with .011s. Mind you, the .011s bend like .010s with the large frets, but overall I think the guitar wants those strings to really come alive. I like that because I'm used to playing acoustics and hollow/semihollow guitars with strings at least that big, so in some ways it feels more normal to me than anything with really slinky strings.

I know at least some DGT owners have gone down to .009s or .095s but I have no idea how well the guitar responds to that.
ok, now you're making me want one :FM

[gag halfrunt]

The thing is, by wanting a "one-off" variation of a production model, you are inherently asking them to create a guitar that will likely be more collectible in the future and asking for "special treatment". You gotta expect them to wanna get their cut on the front end.Threads like these give me half a mind to put my PRS bumper sticker on my truck and give 'em some free advertising. Too bad I'd lose so much street cred.

LOL :roll

[straycat113]

I have seen quite a few threads that contain a backlash on PRS guitars of late. The guy builds an amazing instrument and even the lower end models are made with the highest quality, so I dont get it. I doubt Paul is losing any sleep as he has built his company into the third largest in a field of hundreds. To me he looks more like Dr Drew though.lol

[amc]

I've always been very attracted to this model ...
but the fact that it comes set up for heavy strings really turns me off ..
I'm strickly a 9 ... 9.5 type of guy ... love the sound & feel of lighter strings..
So I would hate to pick up an axe that wasn't made to handle less guage ...

(of course that's just an assumption)

I'm going to make an assumption that, on the dgt like every other guitar, string
gauge can and will affect the overall feel and tone. Heavier gauge strings have a larger
sonic footprint than lighter gauge strings, but by no means does that make the lighter gauges unusable or unacceptable.

With that in mind, i do not believe that
the dgt is built so specifically as that it is made to play only 11's or higher gauge strings.

just my 2 cents, ymmv

[Deathmonkey]

Could be because those builders don't send you to their "Private Stock" division to spend 8k if you want an ebony freboard on a standard model. :dunno

This is funny - this is totally what drove me to get my first Carvin. Irony? Almost all my Carvins have maple fretboards, not ebony. :roll

[Outlier]

The OP was interested in the marketing. If you started a new guitar company today how would you get into the market when 80% of the purchasers already define themselves with guitars built 50 years ago? Well, you build a high quality and versatile instrument that can not only mimic those classic tones well but also give you more options in case you don't want to sound like Buddy Holly or Jimmi Page. Then you have to create buzz by having good players use your instruments and create brand loyalty by having excellent customer service and ways to build community (events and such). I think PRS has done an excellent job breaking into the mindset of the guitar buyer to having people consider his guitars as an option. That speaks volumes as most guitar players are so branded already by their parent's generation's guitars that they are nearly unreachable. I for one am happy that there are still companies trying to make a better guitar rather than saying "we got it perfect in the 1950's and we should keep doing that". I do own a PRS Experience guitar (2008) but never went to the event. So that marketing must have done something for me. I still like my strats and my LP but my go to guitar for the past two years or so has been my CU 24 with 57/08's. The only marketing they need is to be heard- but to be heard by people who have such strong opinions to start with requires some strong-arm marketing which is what they are doing and doing well.

[cutaway]

The only marketing they need is to be heard- but to be heard by people who have such strong opinions to start with requires some strong-arm marketing which is what they are doing and doing well.
to be fair, Mr. Smith put his guitars into the hands of the guys from Nickelback and Creed, and Santana was out there with one of his creations doing his noodling over Rob Thomas' Smooth, which was #1 for what seemed like a decade. i guess what i'm saying is, those fans will buy whatever they're spoonfed by the radio/tv. (yes, flame away)

we (tgp) are but a tiny minority. Mr. Smith is hitting the masses, and it's smart business.

[SUBmariner]

ACtually, I think Grosh/Collings/Anderson/Suhr etc are exempt is because they AREN'T successful in the sense that PRS is. Basically there's the Gibson Conglomerate, the Fender Conglomerate then at the next tier down PRS, then WAY down there, everybody else. The only similar company I can think of is Taylor or Ovation for acoustics and they get their butts kicked on the boards the same way PRS does.

Ibanez probably moves about as many guitars as the Gibson/Fender people do, and more than PRS.

Gee, 18 pages on this guy and/or his guitars? What's the controversy? It's a guitar - like it or buy a different one.

Had a Mira, sold it, although it was a nice guitar. Can't get along with the goofy headstock. My friends though said, "Wow, lookee the PRS!"

Have a pawnshop SE, $180 tied up in that, for that I will keep it. My friends don't say much about it . . .

Saw PRS himself at the Dallas Guitar Show last year, seemed like a cool guy, got up there and jammed a bit, he can play. Sure didn't see Henry Jurewhatshisname or some equivalent Fender guy there.

[Marcus71]

to be fair, Mr. Smith put his guitars into the hands of the guys from Nickelback and Creed, and Santana was out there with one of his creations doing his noodling over Rob Thomas' Smooth, which was #1 for what seemed like a decade. i guess what i'm saying is, those fans will buy whatever they're spoonfed by the radio/tv. (yes, flame away)

we (tgp) are but a tiny minority. Mr. Smith is hitting the masses, and it's smart business.


This is exactly why he put the guitars in the hands of Tremonti, Nickelback, etc. and introduced the SE line at the same time, so the kids could buy a PRS. Thinking about the guitar magazines around when I was a teen, there were Guitar World and Guitar: For The Practicing Musician. I don't remember super high end guitars ever being advertised in those magazines. Why? Because it was mostly teenagers reading them and teenagers typically can't afford high end guitars.

What's interesting now, is that those teenagers are now my age. Some of us can afford nice stuff. But we were replaced by the next generations of players, who are absolutely being spoon fed music and players just as we were. But now the advertising in the magazines is aimed at the adult market too. Sure there's a lot of Schecter ads but there's ads for boutique stuff too, like Two-Rock.

PRS penetrated both markets. We all agree PRSi are very well made guitars. Some don't like how they sound, but no one seems to dispute their quality. Is PRS selling a lifestyle? Absolutely, to those that will buy it. But you don't have to buy the lifestyle to buy the guitar.

[Mike Duncan]

The DGT (for me) is the greatest model to come out of any shop in years. Paul and the crew have been nothing gracious hosts for the past four years at the Experiences. I've been converted from a single coil Strat guy since '87 to a full-blown humbucker/mahogany nut!

[McStrats]

I scored a mint CE22 on ebay about a year ago. I've been gigging with a Strat and Ibanez Artist for about 30 years. The PRS put them both of business.

[Kardula]

to all of those who are complaining that the PRS's sound "generic," my understanding is that they were made to fill the sonic gap between a les paul and a strat and that is possibly why it sounds generic, it doesn't fall at either end of the spectrum.

I've been in love with PRS guitars since I first played one in 2002, I have yet to afford one but hopefully this year. I haven't played another guitar that matches PRS for qc. Sound, well I rely mostly on my amp for my overall sound, the guitar I can mess with the pups and all that jazz....either way no matter what I will always sound like me.

[bismark]

There is no such thing as "generic" sound. Why do people have to categorize guitar tones and put them into boxes? Like....it has to sound like a Les Paul, it has to sound like a Strat, it has to sound like a Tele....etc. So what if a guitar doesn't sound like any of the above? Does it make it a lesser instrument? Such mentality is due to the typical guitarist's conservative attitude, narrow-mindedness, and fixation on traditional brands and models.

:Spank

[Tone Loco]

PRS hasn't been around long enough. Yet. 20 years from now there will be pictures of Santana rocking his guitar and it will be timelessly cool. And 20 years from now I imagine there will be great recordings of great guitar players, playing great PRS guitars. More so than now. And all you guys that have really early McCarty's, etc will own collectors items. PRS isn't going anywhere. They just haven't had the opportunity Fender and Gibson have to leave a permanent mark on music. It will happen.

PRS has been around longer (30 years or so) than Fender guitars had been when Hendrix ensured the continued existence of the Stratocaster. And a '59 LP in 1970 wasn't exactly ancient either.

PRS may or may not make a permanent mark on music but it's hard to imagine them being anywhere near as iconic as the instruments used by the first rock guitar gods, unless there is a whole new genre of music involved. Something like hip-hop/rap was in 1979... probably about the time PRS was getting off the ground. And the odds of that whole new genre heavily featuring electric guitars?

But you're right, in that time will tell.

[RocksOff]

From an image standpoint, many guitarists associate PRS with players that look more like your little brothers computer hacking buddy, what with face piercings and such. The nu-metal popularity phase for PRS really hurt it from a marketing standpoint. They were looked at as a pricey connoisseur guitar prior to that, on track to be a classic.
The other guitarist in my band has an early numbered private stock, but never uses it since he prefers the vintage design look of certain guitars. He also says that he has difficulty getting "his" tone out of the PRS and that it sounds a bit bland to him, almost as if it sounds too hi-fi as guitars go. I tend to agree with him.

[guitarman23]

I own two DGT's and an American strat. I wouldn't say I'm a PRS guy. I just know I owned two Gibson's last year that wouldn't stay in tune even after luthier's looked at them. I've never had an issue w/ the DGT's w/ gigging regularly and I can take one guitar to a gig instead of a Les Paul and strat. Their construction is flawless. Is it a Les Paul or strat? No, but can I get close enough? Yep. Plus $4000-$4500 for a real good Les Paul. I'm not taking that to a bar. When David Grissom wanted this guitar built he wanted Duane at the Fillmore tone and if he thinks he got it, well, I don't think any of us could argue too hard w/ him. Never would I spend the money PRS thinks his custom models are worth. As far as the legends playing PRS. We won't know, but if SRV was getting ready to start playing a Soldano SLO who's to say Jimi or Stevie wouldn't have sometime picked up a PRS?

[fugot]

nothing was funnier then at the prs get together (meet and greet) here in colorado last fall , when Dave G. said he hated brazilian fretboards...about 20 minutes after the sponser said he had a whole bunch of new PRS's with brazilian fretboards. least they had good cookies ....though I love my 1980 west street (all mahogony) reissue..

Prs also said at this event (if i understood him correctly), the company was in serious financial circumstances during the recession of 2008/2009. This is why they started using all the stashes of wood they had been saving...

course, I never have liked the wide flat neck profile, but the santana neck profile on the 1980 west street is just right ( for me) ( I like john page and gene baker necks though, so take this all with a grain of salt -from the salt thread even)

[In Absentia]

nothing was funnier then at the prs get together (meet and greet) here in colorado last fall , when Dave G. said he hated brazilian fretboards...about 20 minutes after the sponser said he had a whole bunch of new PRS's with brazilian fretboards. least they had good cookies ....though I love my 1980 west street (all mahogony) reissue..

Prs also said at this event (if i understood him correctly), the company was in serious financial circumstances during the recession of 2008/2009. This is why they started using all the stashes of wood they had been saving...

course, I never have liked the wide flat neck profile, but the santana neck profile on the 1980 west street is just right ( for me) ( I like john page and gene baker necks though, so take this all with a grain of salt -from the salt thread even)

I'm a huge fan of the DGT necks. The new PRSi are likely to be considered some of their best in about 20 years. They always put out great instruments, but I feel like what they are putting out now are very special.

Just my opinion.

[FlyingDutchman]

I love my PRS Experience.. Its actually a 2007 Cu24 from the 2008 "PRS Experience". Drinking the Kool-aid with no ice..

[Northwinds]

I'll be the devils advocate, though I have played many, I have never found one that fit "me". They feel very ulitarian (easy to play) and are very well built, I give much props in that respect. To me, a PRS is a tool versus a Les Paul which is a tool and an iconic piece of art. The Dragon was the most killer PRS I ever played. It was gorgeous but would I buy one? Nope, there's no guitar in the world worth $16000 to me no matter how fancy the fret inlays. That's the collector's manipulation game much like the rage for vintage Les Paul's and the new reissues and Historic's

I do feel something when I have a Les Paul in my hands, a tightening and swelling below the beltline. I feel like Jimmy Page or Peter Frampton. I don't get that feeling with a PRS

In the end, the guitar has to do something more then look pretty, it has to satisfy your soul when playing. PRS, Gibson, Hamer etc... all offer that for someone, no brand is any better then another. They are just different

Great thread!

[captain_bob]

I don't feel like Jimmy Page or Peter Frampton when I play my Prs guitars either.

When I play my Sincle Cut I feel better than those guys.

;)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j258/bobcrisman/Decorated%20images/IMG_02421024x768.jpg

[MKB]

Don't know if this has been mentioned in the hundreds of previous posts, but PRS should get a ton of respect from everyone for one reason; he has been able to take an unknown electric guitar and raise it to almost mythical status, and his guitar is not a Les Paul or Strat or Tele. Almost every other "famous" guitar is a variation on those themes, and is at least from the F or G factories. Guitarists on the whole are the most retro entrenched backwards looking consumers; it is very hard to get mass acceptance of anything new. PRS has come the closest at doing this than anyone else IMHO. Good for him.

Overall, PRS makes very fine looking, playing and sounding guitars. No denying that at all. However, to fight the fact that he is not F or G, he needs the marketing machine to keep interest up. It looks like they are not as "cool" as they were in times past, so he needs to ramp up the visibility. Again, good for him. At least they are not releasing hideous crap like the new Firebird or reverse V or reverse SG or Vegas series Gibsons.

I have a 1990 PRS Custom with 10 top and birds for about 21 years now. I'm only keeping it as an investment (also my wife thinks it is pretty and won't let me sell it). The guitar is a wonderfully designed piece of art, and has an air of elegance and refinement to it missing in most other instruments. However it leaves me cold, I just can't bond with it. But I can see how this instrument would cause someone to get weak in the knees just to play it; it has all those characteristics. I DO get weak in the knees when playing my new Les Paul Trad Plus; Gibsons do that to me. So those of you that cherish your PRS's, good for you, I understand.

If somebody buys a PRS and cannot play, that's great, as many of them qualify as works of art. You can't play a Monet either. Those of us that can play them are fortunate indeed as we get double use from them.

[MSLBend]

Gotta give him credit, he's broke through the clutter and built a BIG premium brand that's going after it all ... guitars, acccessories, amps, etc.

In today's strange new world of marketing, image and franchise building, nothing surprises me anymore.

[steve_rolfeca]

Yawn.

I'm a bassist with a side interest in guitar. A few years ago, I decided to try and find my "desert island amp", one really great piece that could cover the tones I enjoy the most, and take me into retirement. It took me a while to figure out what that might be, but I eventually ended up building a carefully optimized version of a 5E3 Deluxe.

I love that amp, and the way it responds. As I've continued tweaking it, it's taught me more and more about guitar tones, and about the interaction between amp and instrument.

Having finally found a guitar amp that gave me something of the same feeling, my attention turned to my electric guitars. They were great instruments, and other people admired my little collection, but none of them gave me that "just right" feeling that I get from my favourite basses.

So I decided that it was time to find myself a retirement guitar. Strangely, I found this a liberating feeling. It didn't have to meet anyone's preconceptions. It didn't even need to be a good stage instrument like my basses, because it was just going to be for my own enjoyment at home. It didn't have to offer a good price/performance compromise, or have decent resale value. All it really had to do, was sound great paired with my 5E3, and give me goosebumps when I played it.

I tried more than 60 guitars over the next few months, gradually increasing my maximum price threshold as I looked for an instrument that would give me that "a-ha moment". I love guitars, all guitars, so the hunt was fun, and a lot of instruments gave me pleasure. But none of them really hit the spot.

During that phase of my search, I didn't even look at PRS, because I thought I knew them as overpriced, over-dressed instruments for collectors and shredders. I was looking for a serious instrument, not a wall hanging, or a tool for male enhancement.

Finally, a local dealer convinced me to try a McCarty. Ironically, given all the fuss made about PRS quality control, it was mis-wired, so that it was normally in coil-tap mode. That low-output, thinner-than-PAF sound was absolute magic with through my 5E3. And from the first note I played on it, I was a goner. It wasn't just the tone, it was everything. The resonance, the wide/fat neck carve, the sweetness of the harmonics, you name it.

Out of curiosity, I tried a half-dozen other PRSi, and none of them moved me like that one.

I'm grateful that it was a base model with moon inlays and a mildly flamed top, because if it had been reserve stock, I would still have had to have it, even if it meant selling one of my kids on the black market to afford it. Thankfully, all I had to do was sell off some extra gear in order to justify the purchase.

A couple of years later, it still gives me an almost indecent amount of pleasure every time I play it. It's the only guitar I've ever owned that I think is absolutely perfect, and that I haven't modded or personalized. It's inspired me as a guitarist, to the point that my 5E3 is now having to share space in my music room with other amps.

Is there a lot of marketing gibberish being thrown around to support the company? Is some of their pricing offensive? Sure. Just like Gibson, Fender, or any boutique builder for that matter.

But so what? I don't care who else plays a PRS, or what the company's "musical legacy" is, whatever that means. I don't care what else they're currently building. I'm not looking for a brand to identify with. I'm not looking for a club I can join, so we can all stand around and talk about our guitars. I just wanted one instrument that fit my musical tastes and would always give me pleasure when I played it, whether alone in my basement or with friends, and I found it.

End of story.

[In Absentia]

Yawn.

I'm a bassist with a side interest in guitar. A few years ago, I decided to try and find my "desert island amp", one really great piece that could cover the tones I enjoy the most, and take me into retirement. It took me a while to figure out what that might be, but I eventually ended up building a carefully optimized version of a 5E3 Deluxe.

I love that amp, and the way it responds. As I've continued tweaking it, it's taught me more and more about guitar tones, and about the interaction between amp and instrument.

Having finally found a guitar amp that gave me something of the same feeling, my attention turned to my electric guitars. They were great instruments, and other people admired my little collection, but none of them gave me that "just right" feeling that I get from my favourite basses.

So I decided that it was time to find myself a retirement guitar. Strangely, I found this a liberating feeling. It didn't have to meet anyone's preconceptions. It didn't even need to be a good stage instrument like my basses, because it was just going to be for my own enjoyment at home. It didn't have to offer a good price/performance compromise, or have decent resale value. All it really had to do, was sound great paired with my 5E3, and give me goosebumps when I played it.

I tried more than 60 guitars over the next few months, gradually increasing my maximum price threshold as I looked for an instrument that would give me that "a-ha moment". I love guitars, all guitars, so the hunt was fun, and a lot of instruments gave me pleasure. But none of them really hit the spot.

During that phase of my search, I didn't even look at PRS, because I thought I knew them as overpriced, over-dressed instruments for collectors and shredders. I was looking for a serious instrument, not a wall hanging, or a tool for male enhancement.

Finally, a local dealer convinced me to try a McCarty. Ironically, given all the fuss made about PRS quality control, it was mis-wired, so that it was normally in coil-tap mode. That low-output, thinner-than-PAF sound was absolute magic with through my 5E3. And from the first note I played on it, I was a goner. It wasn't just the tone, it was everything. The resonance, the wide/fat neck carve, the sweetness of the harmonics, you name it.

Out of curiosity, I tried a half-dozen other PRSi, and none of them moved me like that one.

I'm grateful that it was a base model with moon inlays and a mildly flamed top, because if it had been reserve stock, I would still have had to have it, even if it meant selling one of my kids on the black market to afford it. Thankfully, all I had to do was sell off some extra gear in order to justify the purchase.

A couple of years later, it still gives me an almost indecent amount of pleasure every time I play it. It's the only guitar I've ever owned that I think is absolutely perfect, and that I haven't modded or personalized. It's inspired me as a guitarist, to the point that my 5E3 is now having to share space in my music room with other amps.

Is there a lot of marketing gibberish being thrown around to support the company? Is some of their pricing offensive? Sure. Just like Gibson, Fender, or any boutique builder for that matter.

But so what? I don't care who else plays a PRS, or what the company's "musical legacy" is, whatever that means. I don't care what else they're currently building. I'm not looking for a brand to identify with. I'm not looking for a club I can join, so we can all stand around and talk about our guitars. I just wanted one instrument that fit my musical tastes and would always give me pleasure when I played it, whether alone in my basement or with friends, and I found it.

End of story.

How much of this thread did you read? Did you read the part where my favorite guitar ever is my old PRS CE24, and that I am currently saving for an SC 58?

You say you aren't looking for a club to join, but you are making my point for me. PRS is becoming a club, and a cult of personality. That's what I think is overboard.

[jp1977]

anytime your target market is rich yuppies , u can bet they will try to cash in on selling the whole lifestyle to those with money burning a hole in their pockets. Much like the pretend bikers who play dress up with their glittered up harleys complete with saddlebags and tassles and complete harley outfit right down to the underwear.

[Mr Boggie]

When i got my prs 25th anniversary amp rev b ej, I was able to speak to Paul and Doug, who personally thanked me for the purchase. It was a nice touch on top of an already fantastic amp.

[webe123]

Not the guitars, but the "experience". It reminds me of the Chevy Corvette. They are no longer selling guitars, but also the lifestyle. As much as I respect Paul, he is starting to fall in love with his own legend. The caricature tshirt that is for sale on his website, and the picture of him with his new cables, and some recent interviews is pretty weird.

I love the guitars, and I think the man is a genius, but is it too much? Your opinions, please.

Good Lord, NOW we are griping about a yearly event that PRS has where a lot of cool pro musicians come and play and show off PRS stuff for FREE? What is your rub with this exactly? I would like to go sometime myself.

If you want the utmost in arrogance, maybe your post should have been about Henry J! I would venture to say most would think Henry J. of Gibson to be far more of an arrogant person that Paul is.

[Rod]

Yea, it's a lot of hype and BS, just like Fender and Gibson...I was talking to a friend of mine last night about this branding thing.. Signature series this, private snotty stock that for many $$$$$ more...It's all pretty funny and even more amusing that poeple BUY it..yea, just like the Harley thing..Gone are the good old days of the 1 strat model, 1 tele, 1 LP and 1 SG...Those 4 guitars alone now have like 400 different models. Probably to much watching of reality TV shows.....All that poking aside, PRS are great guitars...That's the bottom line Would love to own an SC245..I'm glad Paul has been successful with his line

[fusionbear]

I really admire PRS's build quality and the pushing of boundaries. I have played some very special PRS's but in the end, they didn't fit me. But I know a lot of guys that find a fit with PRS. More power to them. The right guitar is the one that works for you. For many it was PRS, for me, read my sig... I'll move along now...

[In Absentia]

Good Lord, NOW we are griping about a yearly event that PRS has where a lot of cool pro musicians come and play and show off PRS stuff for FREE? What is your rub with this exactly? I would like to go sometime myself.

If you want the utmost in arrogance, maybe your post should have been about Henry J! I would venture to say most would think Henry J. of Gibson to be far more of an arrogant person that Paul is.

Again, I love PRS guitars. I'd love to get together and play them for free. I'd love to be back amongst the owners of PRSi.

This is my issue:

https://www.costore.com/productimages/2070144E.jpg

I'm even a fan of the man. I just think that his ego is getting the best of him, and he wants to stamp his face on everything. Frankly, it's creepy.

However, and please everyone READ THIS VERY WELL: I have stated about 5 times that I like the company, want many, many PRSi, and wish the company well. There are about 3 people who understood the original post, rather than picking up their torches and pitchforks first. You can't skim the entire thread and expect to know what is being said. I feel like I am taking crazy pills.

[fusionbear]

Again, I love PRS guitars. I'd love to get together and play them for free. I'd love to be back amongst the owners of PRSi.

This is my issue:

https://www.costore.com/productimages/2070144E.jpg

I'm even a fan of the man. I just think that his ego is getting the best of him, and he wants to stamp his face on everything. Frankly, it's creepy.

However, and please everyone READ THIS VERY WELL: I have stated about 5 times that I like the company, want many, many PRSi, and wish the company well. There are about 3 people who understood the original post, rather than picking up their torches and pitchforks first. You can't skim the entire thread and expect to know what is being said. I feel like I am taking crazy pills.


I get it, it seems that alot guys have been doing this. Hamer, Taylor come to mind... ugh!

[alguit]

I just picked up a Starla, mint condition, for 1K. I bought it because I loved the way it looks, checked out youtube videos and was blown away by the tones I heard. It sounds great through every amp I've tried it through, feels just incredible and has me thinking about selling my RI 59 Les Paul, which I never thought I'd do.

I don't care about his Private Stock stuff, festivals, t-shirts, interviews-none of that. I got a great, vintage-style guitar with immaculate build quality and amazing tones.

I never buy the sizzle, always just the steak! :)

-Alan

[In Absentia]

I get it, it seems that alot guys have been doing this. Hamer, Taylor come to mind... ugh!

Now, this is interesting. It seems to be more commonplace these days. I wonder how much cheddar all of this merchandising is bringing into the company. It's like people are PAYING to advertise PRS.

[Help!I'maRock!]

Now, this is interesting. It seems to be more commonplace these days. I wonder how much cheddar all of this merchandising is bringing into the company. It's like people are PAYING to advertise PRS.

people pay to advertise all of their favorite companies. why should guitar equipment be any different?

(and unsurprisingly, Fender and Gibson are at the top of the heap when it comes to merchandising.)

[webe123]

Again, I love PRS guitars. I'd love to get together and play them for free. I'd love to be back amongst the owners of PRSi.

This is my issue:

https://www.costore.com/productimages/2070144E.jpg

I'm even a fan of the man. I just think that his ego is getting the best of him, and he wants to stamp his face on everything. Frankly, it's creepy.

However, and please everyone READ THIS VERY WELL: I have stated about 5 times that I like the company, want many, many PRSi, and wish the company well. There are about 3 people who understood the original post, rather than picking up their torches and pitchforks first. You can't skim the entire thread and expect to know what is being said. I feel like I am taking crazy pills.


DUDE GET OVER IT!! And quit acting like YOUR view is the only one and because someone does not agree with it, then they must have not read through the entire thread. I HAVE read through the entire thread. So get over it!

It is a STUPID T -SHIRT for crying out loud!

Fender and Gibson make bar stools, clocks, coffee mugs, etc. and YOU are bitching about a T-SHIRT??? Give me a freaking break!

If this bothers you so much ....don't buy the T-Shirt.

But you base a lot of your post on a T-shirt you have seen that looks goofy! (And they probably meant it to look that way to keep it lighthearted) And you start to think there is a stupid "cult of personality" going on over at PRS??

Sorry, I think you are dead wrong! It may be "creepy" to you but I think you are taking this whole merchandising thing WAY too seriously! It only seems a lighthearted way of capturing paul playing a PRS guitar.

Of course Paul is going to have his name on stuff! The company IS called Paul Reed Smith guitars! What do you want????

[In Absentia]

DUDE GET OVER IT!!

It is a STUPID T -SHIRT for crying out loud!

Fender and Gibson make bar stools, clocks, coffee mugs, {as does PRS--In Absentia} etc. and YOU are bitching about a T-SHIRT??? Give me a freaking break!

If this bothers you so much ....don't buy the T-Shirt.

But you base a lot of your post on a T-shirt you have seen that looks goofy! (And they probably meant it to look that way to keep it lighthearted) And you start to think there is a stupid "cult of personality" going on over at PRS??

Sorry, I think you are dead wrong!


Of course Paul is going to have his name on stuff the company IS called Paul Reed Smith guitars! What do you want????

:spit Getting a little bent out of shape over this, aren't ya brutha'? Internet is serious business.

I'm not bitching so much as playing devil's advocate. I think the shirt is bizarre, and thanks, I won't be buying it. Hell, I never even said that I wouldn't buy his merchandise (in fact, my newborn son is getting the PRS onesie soon). I understand people wanting to wear the t-shirts, etc. Just seems like it's been getting a bit weird as of late. If you want in on that, go for it. Sorry if it hurts your feelings that I think that might be the lamest t-shirt since Eminem's ALF T-shirt.

[In Absentia]

DUDE GET OVER IT!! And quit acting like YOUR view is the only one and because someone does not agree with it, then they must have not read through the entire thread. I HAVE read through the entire thread. So get over it!



Get off your soap box! The ones that I have referenced above were people who thought that I was saying there was some inherent problem with PRS guitars, rather than talking about the marketing associated with it. But you must have known that, having read the thread and all. Right? Right?!?

Maybe switch to decaf and a high-fiber cereal in the morning. Might make your day go a bit better.

[webe123]

:spit Getting a little bent out of shape over this, aren't ya brutha'? Internet is serious business.

I'm not bitching so much as playing devil's advocate. I think the shirt is bizarre, and thanks, I won't be buying it. Hell, I never even said that I wouldn't buy his merchandise (in fact, my newborn son is getting the PRS onesie soon). I understand people wanting to wear the t-shirts, etc. Just seems like it's been getting a bit weird as of late. If you want in on that, go for it. Sorry if it hurts your feelings that I think that might be the lamest t-shirt since Eminem's ALF T-shirt.


No I think what you are trying to do is start a shitstorm!!

Again, if a T-shirt bothers you so much don't buy it and I could care less about buying it. I brought it up because YOU seem to think it is creepy and somehow makes PRS a "cult of personality".

I just do not like it when people like you come off as condesending and think that because someone does not agree with you, they must not have read what you were trying to say. I DID and I think it is wrong. Period. So spare me your attitude that people are wrong that don't agree with you.

You asked and I answered.

Get off your soap box! The ones that I have referenced above were people who thought that I was saying there was some inherent problem with PRS guitars, rather than talking about the marketing associated with it. But you must have known that, having read the thread and all. Right? Right?!?

Maybe switch to decaf and a high-fiber cereal in the morning. Might make your day go a bit better.

You get off YOUR soapbox FIRST! And stop acting like a little bitch when people do not agree with you. I don't ! Get over it!

[In Absentia]

No I think what you are trying to do is start a shitstorm!!

Again, if a T-shirt bothers you so much don't buy it and I could care less about buying it. I brought it up because YOU seem to think it is creepy and somehow makes PRS a "cult of personality".

I just do not like it when people like you come off as condesending and think that because someone does not agree with you, they must not have read what you were trying to say. I DID and I think it is wrong. Period. So spare me your attitude that people are wrong that don't agree with you.

You asked and I answered.

And yet again, I never chastised anyone for disagreeing with me. People were assuming I was talking about the quality or the playability of PRS Guitars. Which I was not. Finest guitar I ever owned was a PRS, that I would pay double to get back if I could find it.

If someone disagrees with me, so be it. The only person in this thread that is coming off as condescending is you. Honestly, there was no shit storm in this thread until you jumped off your high horse.

And you're right. I must've tried to start a shitstorm....with my 4 month old thread that was resurrected today. :sarcasm

[In Absentia]

You get off YOUR soapbox FIRST! And stop acting like a little bitch when people do not agree with you. I don't ! Get over it!

You're embarrassing yourself, junior.

[colin617]

The lifestyle thing doesn't bother me. Really, what other people wear doesn't bother me in general. If someone wants to wear a t-shirt with a picture of Paul himself while playing his $8k guitar through his amp covered in ostrich skin, then more power to him. Its none of my business. Good for Paul Reed Smith that he found a successful marketing strategy.

That said, I have no interest in PRS guitars (outside of the Starla and Mira). I'm not a fan of super flashy guitars.

[Ivan Durak]

I don't read guitar magazines etc. I have no idea about PRS's marketing efforts, although I work in marketing, and I usually pay attention to ads etc.

So, just seeing the t-shirt doesn't make me feel like the guy has become a megalomaniac. As for their other marketing efforts, judging by how well they sell during tough times, I guess that their strategy and marketing mix (4 P's: product, price, promotion, place) are well tuned to the market.
However, as far as lifestyle goes... I bought a PRS recently. The "box candy" I got was kinda cheap for a supposedly luxury brand. But the guitar itself is very good. I can't stop playing that thing.

In the end, you can sell all the lifestyle you want, if your product sucks -and you don't have a monopoly- it'll come down crashing on you. On the other hand, selling a good product doesn't mean you'll be successful. Selling a product that compares well to its competitors and marketing it well gets you closer to success though.
In the mind of consumers, I think that PRS sits in the middle between big factories such as Fender, Gibby etc, and smaller luthiers. In order to keep this image, he has to promote himself (the man) vs the company (the faceless machines). I believe that's what happening.

[JPF]

Stupid t-shirt, great guitars.

I guess it all depends whether one wants to buy PRS garments or PRS instruments.

At least it's not ER's face on the t-shirt.

Either way, it's cartoon-hero material - Lex Luthier vs. the Vegas Leprechaun vs. PRSi Poindexter.

I'll just carry on digging the guitars. The rest I couldn't give a toss about.

[bayside]

To the OP's topic. . . I think he's obnoxious and weird and snobby. If you haven't done so listen to his CD. He's got some pretty good players, songs are ho-hum, but all the fizzy leads are his and they suck, really different from the other guitar players, amateurish is the word I'm looking for. The last song is sort of this religious thing where he wants us all to hold hands and love each other, oh and this part is spoken. I thought it was creepy. It may be that he's got religion.
I play a DGT, best guitar I ever owned, but PRS as a person. . strange guy. . IMO

[In Absentia]

I don't read guitar magazines etc. I have no idea about PRS's marketing efforts, although I work in marketing, and I usually pay attention to ads etc.

So, just seeing the t-shirt doesn't make me feel like the guy has become a megalomaniac. As for their other marketing efforts, judging by how well they sell during tough times, I guess that their strategy and marketing mix (4 P's: product, price, promotion, place) are well tuned to the market.
However, as far as lifestyle goes... I bought a PRS recently. The "box candy" I got was kinda cheap for a supposedly luxury brand. But the guitar itself is very good. I can't stop playing that thing.

In the end, you can sell all the lifestyle you want, if your product sucks -and you don't have a monopoly- it'll come down crashing on you. On the other hand, selling a good product doesn't mean you'll be successful. Selling a product that compares well to its competitors and marketing it well gets you closer to success though.
In the mind of consumers, I think that PRS sits in the middle between big factories such as Fender, Gibby etc, and smaller luthiers. In order to keep this image, he has to promote himself (the man) vs the company (the faceless machines). I believe that's what happening.

A very valid point.

[_sjm_]

You get off YOUR soapbox FIRST! And stop acting like a little bitch when people do not agree with you. I don't ! Get over it!
Someone needs their binky...

http://www.babycaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crying-baby.jpg

[webe123]

You're embarrassing yourself, junior.

I am not a Jr and drop the attitude.

I think you are making a mountian out of a molehill.

Is this PRS thing getting out of hand? NO! In my opinion.

And that is all I will say about it. If you want to bitch, contact me PM but prepared to get bitched at back.

Someone needs their binky...

http://www.babycaredaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crying-baby.jpg

Someone needs to keep their mouth shut!

[Mr Boggie]

its amazing, he's clearly a millionaire, im not, i say capitalism roll on. its not a sham to make a buck on the back of a solid product.

[LSchefman]

Actually, let's look at a few facts:

1. The "Experience" thing actually started as PRS supporting the PRS Forum's annual pilgrimage to the PRS factory years ago. The PRS Forum was the precursor to TGP. PRS started putting out a spread to welcome the Forum members each year. When the PRS Forum was put to rest, PRS obviously realized that enthusiasts of the guitars enjoyed this kind of thing, and eventually started doing it themselves.

This wasn't PRS the man coming up with the idea; it was started by the PRS playing community.

2. It takes an unusual and special kind of guy to start from absolutely nothing, design a product, and build a company. To take the guitars out to touring stars and get endorsements early on. To find financing and machines and get a large business going. As talented and good as lots of other builders may be, you've got to admit that there hasn't been anyone as good at this process since Leo Fender, and before that, Orville Gibson. Both of these men, incidentally, put their names all over their products, too.

3. We live in an age where people want contact with people in companies, hence, the many social media sites that companies use to promote themselves and their products.

4. Paul Smith would be a damned fool not to see a business advantage in people's desire to make contact with him as a person.

5. Paul's music has been criticised in at least one post - so what! How does that make him any different than the ten zillion people here who release recordings thinking they're wonderful? The guy likes to play out, and he likes to record. Bravo that!

[The Golden Boy]

i didn't realize there was a prs thing so I'd say it's not getting out of hand.

I didn't either.

Not much of a fan of the guitars, but lots of people appear to like them.