How a PRS Neck Is Made | From the Factory Floor | PRS Guitars

'From The Factory Floor’ takes you on a deep dive into select processes around the PRS factory. In this episode, we explore the PRS CORE neck-building process, where our talented team takes raw lumber and shapes it into an impeccable feat of craftsmanship.
This process is narrated by 2nd Shift Woodshop Manager Ryan Whaley. Enjoy a view “From the Factory Floor” as our neck takes shape.
Curious about the music used in this video?
Music courtesy of 2021 PRS Pulse Artist Honey and Blue!
Song: "Picture Perfect (Live From The Pink Room)"
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Rough Cut // Hot Room Bake 1
01:02 - Neck CNC Prep
02:56 - Pre-CNC // Hot Room Back 2
03:54 - Stage One CNC
05:24 - Truss Rod Installation
07:52 - Ear Installation & Stage 2A/2B CNC
08:29 - Stage 3 CNC
09:40 - Fingerboard Glue-up
10:56 - Stage 6 CNC Carve
12:00 - Fingerboard Leveling
14:06 - Fretting
16:28 - Headstock Veneer Application
19:17 - Sanding
22:30 - Quality Control Inspection
24:51 - Outro

[@albionvideo]

Best PRS factory-floor video yet. I still want to hear from craftspeople shown right on the floor, but Ryan is your best voiceover presenter ever. Articulate, authoritative, clear, with a good sense of humor.

[@chuckelator]

Good job Ryan, you made us proud! (he's my boss, so I have to say that!) Seriously though, super happy to be part of Ryan's team, and that I get to build guitars every day :) #wemakeprs

[@stealingtomorrowband]

I like watching these videos.. I have a 408 10top Brazilian rosewood neck and fretboard... I love it.. it's pretty cool to see where that guitar was built...

[@GearGasms]

Hello from Salisbury! You all do great work!

[@kbuss10]

are the tuners still misdrilled and all over the place, or the factory kindly did provide the tools and the time for their workers to hit 6 holes properly per neck...?

[@elephantfootrisers]

I am fortunate enough to own several PRS guitars. Their consistency of high quality is remarkable.

[@Think_Up]

I'll tell you how it's made: Perfectly. The people and culture at PRS is such a refreshing thing to see and learn about. They love what they do and we love what they do. PRS, Please don't ever change!

[@SonnyboiMusic]

PRS is absolutely crushing it lately. It looks like an amazing place to work too.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

The impressive thing about this series (for me) is that the execs dont parachute in glossy voice actors to narrate - they trust the staff to represent the company. That the staff have names and faces. I see so many tours (across industries) where staff are anonymous in videos and annual reports, but the execs always get named. That gives the impression the board view the workers as irrelevant fungible borgs. So hats off to the culture at PRS that seems to recognise and value their staff. The pride seems to be reciprocated.

[@markuyehara7880]

I think almost all the senior executives at PRS worked their way up through the ranks so Paul really values his people.

[@J.C...]

You don't watch many shop tours then. I don't see anything new that I don't see Gibson and others doing in their shop tours

[@PaulCooksStuff]

@@J.C... I've watched plenty thanks, including Gibson/Fender. Production line staff not introduced, mere cattle not worthy of being namechecked, unless it happens to be Tom Murphy or a custom shop masterbuilder wandering by.

[@GearGasms]

Having been there a few times I agree.

[@Robstafarian]

The bar is in Hell.

[@russellgeyer8379]

Very impressive ! Proud owner of 3 PRS guitars here on the Eastern Shore.

[@Captain_Yata]

PRS is one of the rare companies where I can watch one of their promo videos and completely believe that everyone involved just cares about everything about them

[@martymcfly002]

I have to say, I came into this video expecting a whole bunch of CNC and nothing else, but I'm really impressed at how much hand work is still involved. It's clear that everyone is very skilled and particular about their work.

[@J.C...]

@@martymcfly002 then you didn't know how guitars are made. Everyone still has to do hand work on guitars. Even the ones made overseas. You don't just hit a button and a finished guitar comes out of a CNC machine. They ALL still have to be finished by hand.

[@monday6524]

I love hearing from the people who do the work!

[@Rygo-wk3jm]

I just purchased my first PRS and the neck feels tremendous!

[@markuyehara7880]

Maryland is proud of PRS.

[@GearGasms]

Yes we are!

[@MRod1079]

Outstanding process showing such precision in each Guitar neck! Keep up the great work PRS Team!

[@chiptait]

I would not have guessed there was as much handwork as there is. True craftsmen all the way around!

[@trawl7880]

That is a big reason my 35th PRS anniversary S2 Cu24, plays so nice. Fine Job

[@tomshoemaker662]

Another great video! Thank you to Ryan and all the other fellow Maryland craftspeople just across the bridge for making such fine guitars! 👏🏻

[@ludvanlazarz]

Best necks in the business hands down. Always super straight, never twists, highest quality woods, perfect frets, nice rosewoods etc etc 🎉

[@WhaleBluePRS]

I own a Custom 24, McCarty, Hollowbody II, Silver Sky and an SE Singlecut Trem. That SE holds it's head high in the company of it's US of A brethren. I've had my Custom 24 since 1995 and each guitar since that one has the same aura of excellence about it. Each of those necks are feel so good in-hand!

[@jerrymorgan1752]

One of the best guitars I own. Wood library grey to black fade with a flamed maple neck and a Floyd Rose. 🇺🇸🤘

[@buckkylem]

They are fantastic guitars. I bit the bullet on a core model and it’s pretty amazing. That being said I still find just as much joy in the $300 clunker that I’ve had for ages. No buyers remorse, but a realization that a price tag doesn’t necessarily translate to infatuation

[@worthless_opinion]

I think it's easier to enjoy something when you don't have to take out a bank loan to buy it! Although their SE lineup is legitimately great quality too.

[@BAMozzy69]

When I started playing, A real Gibson or Fender - especially new - was a sign of someone rich or a famous artist, dream guitars!!! Something to aspire to when you've made 'it'! Even those good local bands were all playing 'cheap' alternatives (like Epiphone, Squire etc) hoping to one day afford their Dream guitars, now people want them to 'start' or be affordable enough to take to their pub gig or be some miraculous instrument that transforms their awful set-up tone and through a pedal board too when they plug it in. Its built to last, built for quality etc. You can buy an old beat up car that is a lot cheaper than a Porsche, get you to work and back just as quickly etc with traffic laws - but one is built to last and everything is built to a very high standard, the other is going to wear out and/or require more maintenance and let you down when you need it too...

[@manifestgtr]

A $300 beater is fun. I have several myself…but when you need tuning stability and repeatable results over the long haul, you have to get something that’s built to professional standards. That’s the aspect of buying a nice guitar that many people seem to forget. I’ve had to set up my main cu24 maybe 5 times in the last 20 years and it’s paid for itself hundreds of times over by now. If you’re a bedroom cat or a weekend player, buy a $500 guitar. There are a TON of great options out there. But when you rely on a tool professionally, 3-7 times a week for decades, it behooves you to consider investing in the most stable, precision guitar you can afford.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Growing up all of my friends had nice expensive guitars and basses. I started out with a pawn shop special fender jazz and my father gave me 100 bucks to put a amp on layaway and made me get a job... Fast forward from 2000 to now. I just recently bought a Warwick Thumb nt for 2 grand and had buyers guilt for a while, but no longer feel it but my 19 year old Ibanez is just as good and didn't cost no where close to that... Haha

[@Retrodaddy77]

I have been a Fender Strat player my whole life, but after watching this video It may have just convinced me that PRS is actually the guitar I should probably be playing.

[@sirena7116]

I can't say that there are probably any major guitar brands that aren't excellent in their manufacturing and quality control. PRS are perfectionists when it comes to their products, and I don't mind owning a couple American Fenders either. I really do respect PRS for their manufacturing abilities.

[@storybooknewborns5584]

Kyle is my brother. It's so interesting to see his work! Very proud! ❤

[@jkcurtis4573]

I loved the air nozzle pop and catch. Brings back memories. After watching makes me want to buy a US model.

[@teashea1]

I am impressed. I have 22 PRS guitars - all are wonderful. The work is worth it.

[@Rob-qr2kn]

And here I thought I should feel bad for WANTING 6 😂

[@eoinc4091]

Thank you Ryan for this fantastic insight into the ‘PRS way’ of working! This is why I have only bought PRS when buying new guitars, for the last few years! Thank you all for the comfort in knowing I’m getting the best quality out there.

[@scotth4041]

This is extremely impressive. Their attention to detail is incredible. I think my next guitar will be a PRS.

[@bnzboy]

Such a great video! Take a shot everytime "Checking out level" is mentioned 😁

[@jez6345789]

Thanks for this it shows everyone why PRS are an amazing guitar company and the dedicated professionalism of the team at PRS. I own three probably room for one more lol. The Quality was what sold me on my first in 1989 and I have been playing them ever since.

[@youKnowWho3311]

This is why I have been buying PRS since 1999. NO ONE Does it better considering their volume of production.

[@Mitch-Master]

Awesome job Ryan. I enjoyed very much. 4real mon

[@sambeckman5308]

That is fantastic work. Simply the best guitars made.

[@SebastianGr7]

This is really interesting. Thank You PRS!

[@PartScavenger]

After watching this video, it's no wonder my PRS is so incredible.

[@Bill-6033]

Thanks for posting. Please post more videos like these.

[@wilmer33086]

Videos like this reassure my 2017 purchase of the Custom 24 w/Piezo love it to pieces 👌👌

[@supergoat94]

Way to go Herman!

[@brownsfan7753]

I really enjoyed this!!!

[@BZHShooter]

Owning several PRS guitars, I just love those videos. For those of us not able to travel to the US and visit the factory that is so nice to have those insights. Nice to see people that are hands on with the guitar building showing their work but also commenting the videos. I guess those videos take a lot of time to make but keep them coming, and maybe do a 3 hours full build montage in the end. Waiting for my Core SC 594 to be delivered as I am writing this. Yeah !

[@rowbags3017]

The level of skill and care is truly impressive. At the moment I have an SE DGT (a great guitar), but my goal is to get a CORE model. Seeing this really inspires confidence in the superb craftsmanship of the team in Maryland. 😎

[@johnmoser1162]

Just bought my first PRS ... waited for that since PRS was once presented in National Geographics ... 🙂 ... back in the 80ies.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Are you kidding that was slick as hell 6:16

[@jonathananthony1901]

The Neck on my 2003 Core Custom 22 is the most stable neck of any guitar I've owned! I have only had to slightly adjust it maybe 2 times the entire time I've owned it. Unparalleled!

[@stevewarren4813]

Amazing work!

[@Rokkbom]

Proud owner of a Core Custom 22 2011 with a 10 Top. The quality of a PRS is nowhere to be found in other brands.

[@SD-cl5mj]

Big fan of prs guitars

[@julienDrcq]

after these videos factory of PRS, you absolutely understand why the price of the core Model, very well deserve beautiful craftmen work. I own 2 PRS Core ver happy since then

[@nparbs]

I love these videos almost as much as I love my Mark Holcomb PRS.

[@grahamsmall1300]

Great video!!!! Thank you!!!

[@christopherfryda]

Love it!

[@Robbie28]

PRS guitars are expensive, BUT its justified. They make superior instruments and there are many sets of hands on each one. That is not a cheap process and i can respect that. One day I will get a Core PRS (Hopefully a Purple one :) ). A core PRS is not just a guitar IMO, its an investment that you can also hand down to your kids/grandkids, which is exactly what I will do one day.

[@spacepodi]

As someone who has compromised with cheap guitars of late, I’m impressed. I’m definitely going to look at PRS guitars when choosing ‘the one’ for my next purchase, as I’m tired of having to try to fix the poorly made ‘bargain’ guitars I’ve been naive enough to buy so far.

[@kirkscobey3031]

I’ve got an old stripped down Tremonti SE I bought on eBay and love it over all others..

[@brandonanderson2066]

Prs necks are my favorite! My favorites are the pattern and pattern vintage. I really really wish the CU24 was currently available with a pattern neck! If any guitar deserves neck options it's the 24!

[@crosswalklarry]

I did Mike's job some years back. When I worked there I did the major headstock leveling as well. No wonder I had a hell of a time keeping up. 🤣 I had neck sanders relying on me to keep them working. Just doing the veneers looks cake now.

[@deccowalker]

Sou um grande fã da marca, porém aqui no Brasil aonde moro infelizmente por motivos econômicos, nós guitarristas sem muitas condições financeiras não temos a chance de adquirir uma jóia dessas,seria um sonho poder tocar em uma preciosidade dessas!! Vida longa e muito sucesso a PRS guitars!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@glaucosouza1971]

O que mais impressiona é que uma Klingen ou Music Maker estão praticamente no mesmo preço de uma CE24 ou Mark Lettieri feita nessa mesma fábrica do video. Preços no Brasil de guitarras de nível similar estão com preços praticamente iguais.

[@cironicholas526]

They must have used the quick way when they made my S2. There are about 4 or 5 frets where the E strings roll right off the fretboard unless I fret them absolutely perfectly. Good thing I'm not in a band because this guitar would be ungigable

[@aciek]

After watching videos like that, I look differently on my MC594. :)

[@scottrussell9504]

Very cool. I’ve owned a U.S. Silver Sky a S2 McCarty and 7 different SEs. All have been flawless even the SEs. I can’t pull the trigger on a core anytime soon. But tuning stability on my SEs has been spot on. Maybe I’m lucky or maybe they’re just that good? Either way they are the only guitars I’ve bought before playing them. Never been disappointed. I highly recommend trying one out.

[@thedoctajon]

Hey PRS, cnc machinist here. they make a tool holder that has collapsible fan blades that you can run at the end of the program with the door shut to blow away all of the chips/shavings. really good for keeping the dust out of the operator's eyes (sometimes glasses just aren't enough) Great video regardless 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@MrEvanBacon]

I would love to see PRS make a “D” profile neck like Fender did with the Ultra series they did.

[@son0fsocal]

It’s no wonder Gibson out out such crummy QC , when I see their videos , their employees have the disposition and body language that says “this is just a job” but when I see PRS videos, the employees are in another level of attention to detail , Pride in their work.

[@studioruangsvara]

They have thousands of workers, 5 to 10 each stage, you only see one of them in this video. And of course the best and the senior one is the one they choose.

[@brandonanderson2066]

Who had the rosewood headstock veneer idea? It's fantastic.

[@rb032682]

cool

[@manifestgtr]

The pattern neck shape is my favorite of all time. There are others…I love a good soft v with a 7.5” radius…Suhr makes a great neck as well. But nothing has ever fully topped the pattern neck carve on my number one custom 24. Pattern thin is nice but the original is an inspiration of legendary proportions.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

For me, it's the neck which determine the guitar

[@PauloMoreteOficial]

❤❤

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Excellent, now pleease make more than two models with more than a 10" fretboard radius.

[@user-do1cc7mo7m]

Am I the only one who is awaiting the announcement that Hermann has been declared employee of the month?

[@raoulduke344]

I was, admittedly unfairly, on the fence with PRS but after seeing the time and care put into their guitars, Paul's passion and a few videos I've seen comparing the McCarty's with Gibson LPs I'll be getting my first one next month. Just not sure whether to get a single cut or double cut. Anyone got any recommendations on that front?

[@christianboddum8783]

👍👍👍

[@randuxy]

I do like seeing how they make a neck differently to what Gibson would do.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Could you educate us guitarists about the PRS pick ups . Thank You . 🇺🇸🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼🏅. I like Hermans PRS cap - Is it available . ?

[@xddjtx]

Wonderful Ryan! Are these exactly the steps a S2 neck is going through? Or is there a difference ?

[@just.some.dud3]

Apologies if this was answered, but I'm curious, what is the total build time of a neck from what we saw here in the video? Just curious how many hours that was. It looked like hours of sanding and detail work, but it's hard to say.

[@06barcafan10]

So I’ve never considered buying a PRS guitar. Not that I’m anti PRS just not my jam. However, the fact that this crew incorporated a perfectly appropriate clip from Talladega Nights is reason alone to support this company. I should know because I’m a drivers wife and I don’t work!

[@area859]

Please start offering more MAPLE FRETBOARDS on more of your guitars...

[@1777DK]

Epoxy on the fretboard. Soooo a broken truss rod will mean the end of the fretboard at least, right?

[@slyfoxx2973]

Can attest. My PRS is 22 years old. Nothing on it has ever moved. I play it. I change the strings. I buff it with a rag if there's an R in the month.

[@fablepunk]

I can't beleive your fret leveling is only done by eye check.

[@sfkimrush]

Is the process in the United States and Indonesia the same?

[@breath55]

I have an S2, which is great. But I’m left with no adjustment in the bridge saddles to get to a decent string action height. I’ve heard other people complain of the same problem. The only solution is to drop the bridge lower to the body. So this makes me question the quality of the neck angle. It certainly didn’t feel like my favourite guitar out of the box that I’d had for 20 years. Could it be that PRS have been a bit shoddy with this, or am I being an idiot? Feel free to tell me so. 😊

[@rockgtr35]

Do the S2 necks get the same treatment?

[@joermnyc]

S2 is made on the same factory floor I believe.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

S2 is Stevensville 2. Same location, but different production line. Though that doesn't rule out having common subassemblies and facilities. I doubt they have two wood stores, ovens, or paint shops. But I don't know the specifics.

[@NathRichards]

Our S2 line is a lot more CNC dependent but gets the same amount of love when being sanded and QC'd. The fretboards dont get leveled as intimately as our core line but still have a pretty rigid spec that has to be maintained.

[@MrSteney]

I have an S2 Standard 22 Satin. It's flawless. I bought a tortoise pickguard to put on it, but the setup is so perfect I'm afraid to mess with it.

[@Delzona]

Wow such a great video! Seeing all of the hand work that goes into a neck is amazing and probably why I currently own 4 PRS guitars!

[@adhaskym.a9536]

I really like that Ed Kemper spectacle look. Awesome.

[@scottdahlberg4890]

Why are they not using dual action truss rods? Anyone? Still I think PRS are amazing. It would be an honor to own a USA model in left handed some day.

[@Thematchma69]

I will always love PRS, even when all of the tonewood haters are selling their instruments over a valid opinion ❤

[@andresbonillatorres4655]

🙂✨️🎶💓🎸💓🎶✨️

[@kithagoras]

...With cnc machines...!

[@GoofieNewfie]

Every major player uses CnC. Suhr, TA etc.

[@pablol1069]

Epoxy to glue the fretboard? I though wood glue should be used instead 😮

[@Sams911]

I truly struggle between my love of PRS and Gibson... so I own both.. but I'll be the first to say it... Gibson has more of that "mojo" and PRS is just more consistent, reliable and precise! which is to say "perfect"

[@andrewmazurkiewicz105]

insert is maple not mahogany as stated! cheers

[@antlou123]

Isnt the PRS made in Indonesia?

[@davidvoelker2183]

The SE models are made in Indonesia. These are necks for Core models in this video.

[@antlou123]

@davidvoelker2183 these big-name guitar companies should make their guitars in Japan or the USA. Guitars made in Indonesia are very poor in quality.

[@Robstafarian]

If PRS ever offers a Pattern Vintage neck profile with a Pattern Regular nut width, paired with a low bridge for a flat neck pitch, then I will go into the necessary debt.

[@peachmelba1000]

Using epoxy is a waste of money, and if the part values are off, you could get a gummy joint. Aliphatic resin is strong, reliable and cheap. Edit: I just realized that epoxy is _tone glue._ 😅😅

[@peachmelba1000]

Never use the truss rod to adjust the action on a guitar. It's for neck relief only. The bridge and the nut should be the only places where action is adjusted, and the nut only once ever (if it's cut properly).

[@stuartliggitt8401]

Someone send this video to Gibson… please

[@MLBuffalo]

Love PRS. Seriously, though. Do your employees feel the love? Seems like a job in that place would make me wanna never play again.

[@jamesonpace726]

The way all US manufacturing used to be, now seems like an anachronism as all this sort of knowledge & skill has gone away backwards....

[@geezberry8889]

takes awhile to make a neck. a bunch of wait 48 hour steps

[@19701201]

御託は結構。俺のギターの浮き出て止まらない白濁はおたくらの塗装の不備だろ。ここまでやってるって自慢するなら俺のギターの白濁をどうにかしてくれ。

[@notalkguitarampplug-insrev784]

Please if you make good neck, use stainless frets mirror polished to complete the work. Thanks

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Mr Smith doesn't like the sound, and the grade of nickel they use is very hard anyway. I don't think you'll get your wish.

[@GoofieNewfie]

​@PaulCooksStuff their Nickel isn't that hard actually. I have Ibanez from the 80's with less wear than my first PRS from 2012

[@brandonanderson2066]

​​@@PaulCooksStuffhis latest gathering (I think at Chicago music exchange) he said he was up for it.