An Interview with CEO and Founder of PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down and talk to the Founder and CEO of PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith.
Smith is a local Marylander and when it came time to build a factory and HQ for his successful guitar business, he knew where he wanted to build it.
Watch the whole interview to find out interesting facts about the area of Queen Anne's County, MD, the guitar factory, and Paul himself.
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[@jamestonguet1737]

He is THE Master

[@QACTV]

He was a great guy and super chill. We had a great interview with him.

[@PaulSter]

Settle down. He's a great guy and developed a great product. He'll be the first to admit that he had a great deal of help along the way.

[@ericwarrington6650]

The master of making awkward moments out of the most normal situations..🤣..I love PRS and his guitars really are second to none..I love my 2020 PRS custom 24 SE...the charcoal burst finish is amazing

[@rowbags3017]

That description of Paul was hilarious! I'd genuinely love to have the chance to chat with him. It's great to know you're so impressed with your Custom 24 SE; I've got my first PRS on order - a DGT SE.

[@nickbouvy8851]

What makes Paul’s guitars special? Paul. It’s lots of people and lots of things but he drives it all.

[@YMESYDT]

Such a treasure of a human being and I LOVE how much he loves his community. Love it!

[@QACTV]

Exactly!!! He's so involved while never taking even half the credit he deserves.

[@Great-Documentaries]

It is truly tragic that PRS either believes guitarists are morons or that he himself is a moron. Here is ABSOLUTELY everything you will EVER need to know about tonewoods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGGVpXyjmMpmd6c

[@beatlebarb64]

Paul is such a brilliant, caring, wise, creative, thoughtful human being! Shout out to Bowie, Md and Bowie HS where Paul graduated! We're proud that he's our 'homeboy'!!!

[@cathyswanson6387]

Hey Paul! Great to see that you made it -well beyond 30 yrs of incredible guitar making/and memories of hearing you playing in bands in local bars. I was one of your young guitar ‘groupies’ watching you and orky toil away on 3rd floor in the old building in Annapolis . The 1st PRS factory!!! Lol This was fun interview and made me glad to see you again. I’ve run into you over the years since the late 70’s - just wanted to comment here for old times sake. Sending hugs! thanks for memories of the guitars, the bands, and the laughs! Your naptowne friend, Cathy Rutan

[@scottdematteo]

Great interview. Thanks for sharing this.

[@johnjames1813]

If you listen to Paul. You understand why his guitars are exceptional. I own two core models. They are the best guitars I've ever played. I've been playing for 50 years. Thanks Paul.

[@QACTV]

He was an amazing interview. We took a full tour also and that video should be out soon.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

@@QACTV So please, is that video touring the factory out yet?

[@Foofang65]

Great interview. I got to admit. He’s the reason I own my PRS ce 24. The man is truly clever and intelligently interesting. And a good old soul too boot. I live up the road from you guys. Cape May n.j. My father was born and raised In Baltimore, At a young age until his family uprooted to n.j. Named my guitar after my aunt Pauline who was also born and raised in Maryland. (Baltimore) Anyway. That was a good insight of Paul. And his love for his home in Maryland. Much respect for your state. 👍✌️

[@QACTV]

Thanks for the kind words. We hope you get to chat with him one day. He's super down to Earth and chill.

[@billvs6505]

Paul repaired my Guild D40 in the early 70s (when the factory in Rhode Island failed to properly repair it) when he had his second-floor shop in Annapolis. I still have and cherish that guitar. He was craftsman and gentleman then, as he is now. I own one PRS guitar and love it!

[@jamesf2918]

This is a great interview

[@WSAnderson]

Great to see @prsguitar doing interviews like this one. The more I learn about the operation the more I really like the approach and passion to the guitars that PRS makes. Plus being a Maryland native doesn't hurt!

[@QACTV]

We're glad you liked the video. You will love the tour video we have coming out soon!

[@drsrsv8884]

​@@QACTV Where is the tour video?

[@onlyguitars]

Awesome!!

[@QACTV]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@xzysyndrome]

I have your cream NF3 with bird inlays...bought it about 9 years ago. it was my first top shelf guitar...and while I have bought other Guitars in the following years...including a Martin D-28...I love my NF3...it plays like a dream.

[@QACTV]

We loved learning about the inlays and why they are so important. He's awesome!

[@glenneastman2458]

Love that they do their magic on the Eastern Shore of Maryland....

[@QACTV]

Yes!! They have definitely carved out their legacy here in QAC.

[@BrandOdyssey]

The modern Leo fender. Maybe even better. I love his dedication. prs is a truly great American company. In the best tradition. Top quality product. Yes in the more expensive side but you are getting an incredibly great instrument. Every time. And sure he is a little quirky but he is a good guy. I think the staff have been working there for ages. Which is always a good sign of a great company and leader.

[@QACTV]

Absolutely! We spoke with lots of staff and obviously they had good reviews but the turnover there is SUPER LOW because everyone loves it. Lots of people we met had been there 10+ years.

[@PaulSter]

Better than Leo Fender? C'mon, respect the roots. The PRS design is a very clever blend of a Fender Strat and a Gibson, but leans more on the Fender side.

[@crevusllohcin]

I love my PRS Santana SE. Mine was made in Korea.

[@DavidMorley]

Paul's attitude is just great. Nice interview!

[@grahamstuart9164]

He has been going so hard for so many decades in the pursuit of making the perfect guitar...... 😂😂😂 And he doesn't realize he passed the finish line and accomplished that goal More than a decade ago. It's hanging in my basement. A custom 22 PF09. You can stop Paul . you built it.... and I thank you

[@mike42356]

I'd add "they don't know how many people around the world admire, listen to and are enterrained by Paul" ☺️

[@QACTV]

Excellent point! Thanks for watching!

[@papasmamas1]

Paul is such a funny guy. He is a bit excentric (a bit?). First I hate the hipe of PRS guitars, but now I love them, they make truly great guitars, such fantastic woods, that not are just electric guitars, are truly acoustic electrified instruments.

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

❤

[@QACTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@JackTheSkunk]

I have enormous admiration and respect for Paul because he brought to market an instrument every bit as good or better than the 60 year designs from Fender and Gibson. I don't agree with EVERYTHING PRS does and certainly don't hold "rock guitarists" in such high esteem as Paul. That being said I can not wait for the DGT SE to be released....in Dark Cherryburst...hint, hint.

[@QACTV]

Thanks for watching! We have absolutely zero pull this Paul to help your quest, but we stand with your Dark Cherryburst request.

[@Alanoffer]

He’s the reason I would buy a PRS , this guy wouldn’t release a product that wasn’t 100 percent , he talks the talk

[@QACTV]

YES! We also talked about that during our tour. The littlest "problem" and that guitar won't see the light of day.

[@gurtana]

shout outs to the assumptive close! haha

[@kmburkhart]

The background music is too loud, hard to hear Paul talking over it.

[@ficknoti]

I have a hi lo

[@stevenjeandetroit]

17 dollars an hour to work there.....community my ass... imagine working in the PRS factory and not be able to afford to buy one yourself

[@steelbuchannon852]

At 11:51 you can see the look of utter bewilderment on Paul’s face at the interviewers total and utter complete lack of knowledge of the guitar and any musical instrument made of wood. If it had not occurred to you that different woods can produce different sounds….what the hell are you doing in a guitar factory.

[@QACTV]

We promise you that Bruce did in fact "know absolutely nothing" and that's why he did the interview. We wanted to learn and share information with everyone, especially people that don't know. We also took a full tour, that video should be out later. Thanks for watching!

[@nakai_bee6024]

QACTV. Go ahead and keep telling yourself that. He openly admitted it. Nice to know that you’re willing to lie to save face. Lol.

[@Ibanezguy2007]

Why is he SO passive aggressive?

[@QACTV]

He is super chill and a great guy. He was having fun with us that's all. He even took us out fishing in the pond for 30 minutes after the interview even though originally we were told we only had 15 minutes with him.

[@davedavid7061]

Starting out As a douche asalways

[@thenumber1bobo]

God damnit Paul the jokes not funny if you explain it

[@perrycooley7464]

Keep making great videos!!! Don't get left behind - Promo*SM !