The Two Guitars That Launched PRS | From The Archives | PRS Guitars 

I sold my 98 McCarty 13 years ago to someone in England, and regretted it everyday after. I tracked the buyer down and got it back! These guitars hold a special magic, and life. Thank you to everyone at PRS for making such amazing instruments.

One of the biggest reasons I am proud to be a Marylander. These fine folks.

I love hearing the story of PRS and Paul. Thanks for making these, PRS. Paul is such a great storyteller, and seems very down to earth.

I worked at Sam Ash during this time, was at a suburb store at the time but eventually worked at the 48th st store. They sent us Salesmen in several batches to tour the factory so we can sell them more effectively, Paul went out to dinner and drinking with us, then gave us the tour personally. Great time, really great guy

I was working for a small independent music store in the 80’s. Paul and another guy came in the store with these two guitars. The owner of the store asked me to check out the guitars while he discussed business with Paul and his friend. I was totally blown away by the guitars and was hoping the owner would order some. Unfortunately, the stores sweet spot at the time was $300-$500 Ibanez, Fender guitars, and Paul’s guitars were too rich for the owners blood. I remember Paul being a very nice guy. I always wondered what model guitars they were, as it was a long time ago and way before cell phone cameras….thanks to this awesome video, I now know!

As an amateur guitar builder, I often catch myself thinking: "I wish Leo Fender or Ted McCarty was still alive for interviews like this" Paul is! He's at least a much an innovator, he embraces both technological innovation and traditional mainstays. (IE: CNC married to cutting a violin top). I have decided, as a result, that I needed to take advantage of the peculiar opportunity, afforded here, to listen to everything paul has been willing to say. Remarkable!

Love the 'Archives' episodes. There should be a contest and the winner should get to visit the archives. People would line up for that chance.

Pauls a genius, im glad there are people who take a chance. I love all my prs guitars ive had and still have.

It was 33 years ago, in Hong Kong a small guitar shop, not the big name one there, saw for the first time a PRS guitar. Curly maple vintage yellow birds inlaid. Just like this one. Got bitten big time. That quality that beauty was unbeatable. Few years later, got my first one, a 1991 Custom. That one rings like crazy and so responsive it amplifies all my playing mistakes. Love them and hate them 😆

Love these vids. Playing my 86 Cu right now, I think I forgot how close this was to the beginning. Man, I'm g̶e̶t̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ old.

One of the best Archives episodes. I saw my first PRS in a local store in Athens, Greece in 1992 and my jaw dropped. Never seen anything that elegant and wild at the same time. Alien stuff! I bought my first Custom 22 in 2000 and sadly sold it due to financial problems. I now have a 20th Anniversary Custom 22 in Violin burst and I love this guitar to death! Great instrument. Thanks Paul!!!!

Bryan Ewald once again showing us what a treasure chest of riffs and licks he possesses. A true player's player.

What an absolutely 100% American success story. Talent, hard work, and the guts to go for it. And the point about the second round of orders was spot on. Thanks for putting this one together and thank you for the tone comparison at the end - I was hoping for that!

I'm still just as madly in love with my 1991 Custom 24 as I was the first time I ever picked it up in Steve's Music in Ottawa in the Autumn of 1991. It took me a few more months to put together the rest of the money (I'd saved up almost 3/4 of the cash) so it finally came home with me on January 20, 1992. A stunning guitar, incredibly lively tone and feel, a great player and a superb performer in every possible way. Thank you so much, Paul!

Paul Smith is a cool guy, business person and excellent craftsman. I enjoyed him giving grief about the ring! Lol

I'm from the same town as paul and he used to come into our high-school guitar class and talk to us ,his old high school, he was always nice ,great guy , that was 25 years ago but will always remember it

Love the history! Please do more episodes!

It's fascinating to hear Paul talking about the early days, and the outro track was superb! I'm with David Grissom and I love the moon inlays - they're an inspired elegant and understated design. I ordered an SE DGT Gold Top on sight. It'll be my first PRS and I'm really excited about it.

Please bring back Vintage Yellow with cherry back into the line. And that type of curly maple top. The old school knobs as well. That Custom looks AMAZING! And more Moons too please. Both guitars look killer

The brochures and photography were also stunning…This is a great interview

The very first PRS I ever saw was a 24 fret Custom with a curly maple top, it was during the hair band heyday and I though, "Wow, that's an amazing guitar." I played it for a few minutes before I got the look from the guy behind the counter, so I had to hang it back up. I left that shop thinking to myself; "I have to get one of those someday." I don't have a Custom 24 yet, but I hope to eventually.

I have quite a substantial amount of respect for Paul. To pull off such a venture is pure dedication and passion. It requires stern willpower and belief in yourself. Chapeau!

I was lucky enough to order one of the first 1987 custom models when it showed up at Gelb Music in California. And it turns out that I purchased my 8th PRS two days ago. Love them all.

I would so much like to know how Paul experienced the design process of his now Custom 24: how long did it took, and what was the idea behind it, how many drawings did you had to make before the moment came when you said: 'This is it' ? And do these original on paper drawings still exist ?

I still have my PRS Custom 24 since 1988....it's my go to guitar.

I really enjoy Paul's stories. He's so passionate about guitars and his company. Makes me proud to have started playing PRS guitars now.

I agree entirely with Paul's appraisal. The markings on the top of that piece of maple is beautiful. Utterly, entirely, beautiful. That guitar is just as much a work of art as it is a piece of history!

I still have the Guitar that was in the Guitar Player Magazine contest. It has been all over the USA with me.

Man that deep maple top carve is so cool.

I'm in East Tn., and drove to Charolette in 86-7 (?) to try out the first PRS I'd played. I was playing in a classic country band, and wanted away from my Gibson, but not a Fender. It filled the void for 'many' years. I still have it!

Yes. I recognize those locking tuners from my '89 Custom 24. Genius design.

I have owned my PRS 20 years. It is a bolt on neck solid mahogany body. It played through my markIV has a tone like no other. I have had people offer me twice what I paid for it. To me it is priceless even though it’s not top of the line. It feels and sounds like no other PRS I have played. You can almost feel the pride it took to build it. Thank you Paul and company.

I’d love to hear how the PRS Sweet Switch came into being. It was there from the very beginning, so what was the genesis of the sound and design? I understand what it does, but the concept was/is so unique. I bet Paul has even more of a story there.

PRS with solid tops and moon inlays have a really nice "mojo"! 🎸 Love them! 🖤

Great background vid but that song at the end - on those two guitars! So cool. . . .

I have a 1989 red PRS that I just love to play. It has the moons and the string cams for fast string changes. bought it in 1989 and what a fun guitar. I talked to Paul at a NAMM show and told him one of the cam pieces broke. He arranged for a full set of cams sent to me. The sweet switch is great and I use it all the time.

I have a wonderful memory being a child going out with my dad on a Saturday in England. We did it every week. It would have been late 80s and we would go to antiques shops buying and selling and we always went into guitar shops If we passed one (dad taught me to play). There was a shop in derby that we frequented and as I walked around I saw a new guitar I had never seen before. It had birds laid into the fretboard and the shiniest finish I had ever seen. I would have been 6 or 7 years old and I instantly fell in love. I literally remember that day, I was in awe, almost shocked. It was beautiful, the most attractive guitar I had ever seen. Still haven't got one to this day 😂😢 maybe one day.. 🤦‍♂️

Amazing story of the first Paul Reed Smith guitars! thanks for sharing it!

Best regards from Montreal Paul, that machinist retired from Rolls-Royce and works part time at Steve’s Music now.

Fascinating little details. Its funny to me that current perception (in some quarters) is of PRS obsessed with bling. Fancy birds, flame tops, ten tops - it seems from this vid the reality is more that dealers+customers drove you down that path, somewhat unexpectedly.

He's one of the home town heroes around here

Awesome episode, keep em coming!

Very honored to own an 88 white pearl guitar. Really cool to hear details about the finish because I've always wondered about the yellow blue hue!

Always awesome stories from people that starts something from nothing ! Hat’s off Mr SMITH 👏🥰

Just Started Watching! These are Episodes Great! Thank You Paul and Marc!

Love hearing stories where you really get to dive into Paul’s brain and history

Man, talk about great content; I could watch these videos every day. Fascinating.

I have seen Mr Smith speak several times and he is entirely present and focussing on what he is doing and saying. That quality is both effective as a speaker, and also flattering to the listener. It is not without risk to present yourself to your customers as he does. He does it well and has done so for years. He was early in guesting with Rick Beato, which now seems pretty prescient. Thank you!

Love that piece at the end! Incredible story of a self made man. It's also given me an incredible longing for an 80's 24 haha

When I was young, my dream guitar was a PRS CUSTOM24 When I finally got that dream guitar in my hands in 2012, I was really happy. The old story of a great guitar is really interesting and feels historic, so I think I should cherish and love my PRS CUSTOM24 even more.

First time I saw and heard P. R.S. was WISHBONE ASH in the late 80s. Classy!!!

This series is awesome , i will most likely never get to go on a factory tour or own a top end prs due to the restrictions placed on me my by my health. But this series just brings me closer to those dreams than I thought I’d experience

Thanks 4 the wishbone ash guitar ending..

I always enjoy hearing Paul and his guests/friends talk about the company history. I especially like the Archives segments!! I love my PRS CE24 AND SE FLOYD!!!

Bryan's conclusion on guitare was... WAW!

I’ve always wanted a white custom 24 they are just so classy.

You just got to love Paul Reed Smith as a Person and as a Luthier ,humble and full of passion ,what a great Guy he is and thank You Paul 4 all the great guitars ............

Something that I find frustrating is that there is little to none footage for 50s guitars. Of course we can get some from collector's items but even so, you can see the scars of time on them. Just saying, to have seen a 50s or 60s guitar when they were new must have been magical and the folks of those times, during those times, probably were not aware of how beautiful these things were until way later.

My number 1 is my 1987 white PRS. I have owned it since 1995. My number 2 is a 1988 10 top. I have tried many newer PRS guitars, the newer ones feel to different. I have many vintage guitars, but end up picking up my old PRS when it is time to lay down a track or write a part/riff. Thanks Paul for your original design. Great guitars!

I bought an ‘01 McCarty with moon inlays and a somewhat understated flame burst a few years ago, and it’s visually my favorite guitar I own. Happily, it also happens to play and sound fantastic.

I love the all mahogany PRS's. There are dozens of us, DOZENS!

Really enjoy watching the videos with Paul, and how passionate he is about any of the products he makes and the people that play them. Currently not so patiently waiting for my gold top DGT SE to be off backorder and shipped. but because of my lack of patience, I also ordered and received a S2 white satin finish 22 that plays and sounds fantastic. And to repeat myself. It’s the passion and joy Paul has creating, and seeing the things he creates, put to use that I just love.

I still remember the first time I played a PRS like it was yesterday. Back in '87 I ventured into my local guitar shop to see what was new. I had the intention of buying a Hamer or a Marshall Jubilee 50 watt which I loved. Then I saw a wall of PRS Customs. I had to try one. I tried a white Custom. This is when they had the Volume, Tone, Dial selector and Sweet Switch. I was just blown away by this guitar from he second I saw it. But once I plugged it in and played it and heard the great tones coming out of it, I was won over. I couldn't think about anything else. I was telling all my guitar friends about PRS. It would be many years till I actually owned one but that moment, trying that Custom, was a revelation. I always wanted to see a guitar that was its own thing, taking hints from the great instruments of the past but doing its own thing. A little bit of modern and a little bit of classic making for a timeless classic. The first endorsers I remember at the time were Al DiMeola and Carlos Santana. I saw a number of metal players using them as well. Ted Nugent would start playing PRS as well. The list goes on and on. I saw Alex Lifeson playing a PRS.

Love these little stories

It is amazing that Paul brought back one of the best things about guitars. Curly maple.

I loved listening to the story.

Thanks for sharing this Paul. Your story is truly inspiring to us all. Your answer to the question of what was a relief was when the re-ordered and then you know your off. Not just making rent the next orders set things in motion

18:00 I had that poster, I got one off a guy on eBay in like 2003 for like 5 bucks, it was a beauty on the wall

Really like the rounded edge on the bridge

The white one looks very similar to the white PRS Cu 24 that Gary Moore plays in the off. music video for ''Wild Frontier'', only Gary's guitar had the bird inlays. Tommy Johansson ( Majestica/ formerly Sabaton) actually owns that guitar and features it on some videos on his RU-vid channel, it sounds absolutely killer.

I’ve been a Paul Reed Smith appreciator but never have liked the guitars too much due to not having much time. I’ve been watching a lot of PRS Videos trying to get an appreciation and I have to say Paul is a chill ass guy

That outro song was awesome

I bought my first PRS from Jimmy Wallace at The Arlington Guitar Show In Oct. 1992! It’s a whale blue Custom 24 10 top and it’s been my go to guitar for nearly 31 years! I’d be lost without it! 😉🎸

Great ending tune!

Wonderful to get to know a bit about PRS history. I remember seeing these PRS guitars advertised in the guitar magazines in 1985-6 and thinking that they looked so cool. I tried a CE24 (I think it was that) in a guitar shop in Richmond (UK) in 1988 and wanted one. But, it was only in 2008 when I got my first CU24. I still have that guitar today. I added a Silver Sky (USA) to my collection in 2020. Wonderful guitars...

I could listen to Paul tell stories all day. He's passionate about guitars first and a businessman second. That coupled with poor quality control is the reason I stopped playing Gibsons and switched to PRS.

Awesome video guys. Bought my first PRS in 1989 (sunburst, rotary, sweet switch, birds) and many more since. And yes, it sat next to a '84 Kramer Baretta, a Charvel model 4, and a '76 Les Paul Custom. My 2020 c24 is one of the best I've ever played.

It's not always about symetry, the top on that early PRS is absolutely perfect and stunning!

The first production guitars, the Mesa Boogie Carlos gave you, the Gibson Les Paul you designed after to improve, prototypes for Mark Tremonti.... someone will need to make a museum at some point.

Awesome guitars and so beautiful. I tried out a 24 custom in whale blue once and i was sold. Unfortunately I never had the budget to buy one. I still dream of it..

It's always nice listening to a living legend talks....

I purchased an 86 custom a few months ago, it’s really special!

is there a story on how Paul came up with that shape thats now become the iconic prs shape

My 2016 PRS C24 Goldtop is at the pinnacle of my collection…love it!!

PRS and Paul story is Amazing to hear. Makes me inspired to have PRS guitar

I have a McCarty semi hollow that looks nearly identical to the curly maple top!! LOVE it!!

thank you guys for posting these videos!

Such a cool video! What a beautiful story! ALSO... Please tell me where I can download the song. I loved it! I work at a music store... Danville Music... we are a Signature Dealer for PRS and love them to death. I have a Core Custom 24 and it is my absolute favorite guitar. Hands down. There is something really special about PRS. The attention to detail, the Quality Control (All the way down to the SE line), and the tone! A great brand. I love introducing newcomers to PRS everyday and giving them a guitar they can have for life.

I remember first seeing the vintage yellow one in the mid 80s and wow! Got a CU24 vintage yellow in 2003 and it’s still a wow! guitar for me

Gibson thought they could patent an out of phase switch? LOL what!? Seems like they haven't really changed much as a company...

Esto está fuera de mi "Realidad", escuchar a Paul contar sus historias del comienzo, ver esas Obras Maestras. Que ganas de probar esos instrumentos, admirarlos, tocarlos, estoy maravillado con estos capítulos de PRS Archives. La Dragon, la Modern Eagle, Las primeras McCarty. Mi sueño es ir a esa Fábrica y encargar mi propio instrumento. Saludos Paul. Sos un verdadero Artesano de la Guitarra.

Ted Turner from Wishbone Ash played a red one on their reunion tour approx 1990.He usually played a Strat.

I miss my CE 24. Wish I could afford to get another one. PRS makes the best guitars currently in production.

Absolutely love my Paul Reed Smith custom 24 wood library grey fade to black flamed maple neck and Floyd rose. Truly a masterpiece.

I have a pearl white 86 with moons, it's truly an incredible instrument. The top has started to yellow a bit in spots, but it's still a beuty!

Paul's enthusiasm and love of guitars is contagious, it's a sickness. I never had a PRS because I'm an old foggy who likes the old classic styles. But recently I was into korina, and wanted a korina Les Paul or Junior, found a 2009 korina SC, and "korina One" (one pickup, one knob). It was $650 for the korina One, $550 for the korina SC. They are simple and beautiful guitars, the way I like them, with moons instead of birds - I'm with Grissom about that, I want a DGT SE. PRS has become legendary, and Paul built the company from scratch, an amazing accomplishment, and it's obviously about love of guitars first, making money is just a means to an end.

Bought a Semi Hollow CE last year and it's the most playable guitar I've ever had. My other guitars make me work more

Great story from a great man.

Proud new owner of a SE 277! Can’t wait to explore her possibilities. That’s 3 in the quiver!

Love that particular Maple top!