How We Assemble A Guitar | 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 assembly; where everything comes together and the guitar is outfitted with hardware and electronics. Once the instrument is assembled our team meticulously adjusts each guitar to PRS specs. Finally, the guitar is given a thorough inspection before it can move on to Quality Control for final assessment.
This process is narrated by Final Assembly and Electronics Manager Karrie Pelchat. Enjoy a view “From the Factory Floor” as our Assembly team builds a beautiful Custom 22 Piezo.
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)"
• Honey and Blue - Pictu...

[@luisownerbr]

Her enthusiasm sure is contagious.

[@NostalgiaforInfinity]

Yeah, it almost killed me.

[@daleonov]

Didn't have to scroll far to find this comment.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

In each of these videos, I always think about how we're looking at someone's future guitar, and how someone out there will own an instrument that we all watched get made.

[@hanif7612]

By someone you mean a dentist or a lawyer 🤣🤣

[@BaronVonQuiply]

@@hanif7612 Well now it depends, I bought two of my guitars new. I'm not likely to buy another new one though. I prefer the older rotary models (particualry the old-factory 80s models) even though today's finishes are amazing. Having said that, I have 11 Cores, one with a Brazilian neck, and it did not break the bank. I seem to have found Reverb at an opportune time, as I bought a handful of guitars when the price had dipped due to the pandemic, now there are similar guitars selling at $,1000+ more.

[@sunny_disposition]

I mean, this is true for every factory tour / episode of “how its made”… there’s nothing at special about that.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

@@sunny_disposition You're right, that's true, although these guitars are like unique works of art.

[@JasonRose1976]

Can you imagine if each guitar came with a link to a video showing clips of their actual guitar going through this process.

[@vkt5576]

Super humbled by these fine artisans making our life worth living. When she's talking I keep thinking "Bueller?....Bueller?.......Bueller?....

[@NothingHereButMe]

PRS are by far the best factory made guitars. If I lived in the US I'd apply to work in a heartbeat

[@thegamersgalaxy2855]

LOL

[@julianjannetta450]

@jjgroo9648How do you know?

[@julianjannetta450]

@jjgroo9648 How long were you there?

[@BillLarkinmusic]

To all at PRS, fantastic guitars, thank you!

[@hkguitar1984]

That back side working template to protect the instruments finish is genius! Wow, not sure how much those Craftsmen/women make but that is most certainly my dream job.

[@right2armbears685]

Wow! PRS thought of everything. Taking off the finish from the tuner holes to get more resonance! Making the instrument itself less subtractive.

[@hkguitar1984]

Years ago I watched an interview with P.R. Smith where he stated that it is crucial to have every metal part that comes in contact with the string(s) needs to have a 100% wood to metal contact. What is amazing about PRS is that while many Luthiers can build exceptional instruments Paul Reed Smith figured out a way to produce them en-mass. An amazing story that we all benefit from. I don't own a PRS yet but I will eventually.

[@kevincostelloe4463]

Love the attention to detail! That’s why I play PRS guitars 9 times out of 10!!

[@brownsfan7753]

This video series is fantastic!

[@gorlagOv]

You all are doing a fantastic job.

[@tomyates2551]

I do watch these and think, “damn, I would love to own something that’s had that much care and attention put into it”.

[@mitcharney1]

All major companies, on their better guitars and all boutique builders do the same thing.

[@markuyehara7880]

@@mitcharney1 For Gibson and Fender, that means Custom Shop level and not their regular production lines. This is what makes PRS different.

[@mitcharney1]

@@markuyehara7880 Fender MIM guitars receive just as much "level" attention as imported PRS guitars. I've been a luthier since 1985 and the setup results are always within the price range of the guitar regardless of the manufacturer,

[@markuyehara7880]

@@mitcharney1 All PRS import guitars are sent to the US where they undergo QC checks at the factory in Maryland before being shipped to retailers. Fender does not check their Mexican-made stuff in Corona and certainly not the instruments made under the Squier brand.

[@josephc417]

@ Mitch & Mark: You're both right. PRS seem to take a better care of their business model. Gibson and similar co's have just been around too long to care as much IMO.

[@dykeneuk]

Love the attention to detail. Beautiful.

[@jesustorres6530]

Gracias Karrie!!!!

[@loudguitar]

I have a 2005 20th Anniversary Custom 24. It still has the factory setup and plays in tune all the way up the neck. Attention to detail at the factory!

[@ScottDreyfus]

They really are that good. I’ve never had to play 10 core models to find a special one. I have however picked up a bunch of LP duds. They are always pretty consistent and I think that’s what paul wants the most. He’s always chasing that 63 strat sound and innovation and creativity are seen in every aspect of the guitars.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I have 11 cores, and only played one before obtaining them. This is the only brand I can see myself doing that with, over and over again.

[@lifeisguitar1442]

Just finished restringing the ol’ gal and then I see this. She’s a 2004 standard 22. Plays like butter still.. y’all make the best guitars!

[@sparks2749]

Just got my PRS and I have say it blows away my Les Paul and American Strat,... and the attention to detail is amazing.

[@darthsensei3838]

I felt the same way when I got my core model in June. I played it at the store and couldn’t leave without it. First time I’ve ever done that with a guitar. I think what was funny to me was that I never really wanted a custom 24 until that moment I played it.

[@jackphillips939]

Yes, they definitely play better, but no guitar sounds as good as a les Paul

[@charlesalbers2796]

I just purchased my first PRS, a CE24, about a month ago. I cannot believe the precision of the fit and finish. It is unlike anything I have ever played.

[@ChunkTheShredder]

I've never heard anyone sound less excited about the processes they look after...

[@thseed7]

Very cool look in on the setup process

[@TillyP]

Gotta say, I love my Silver Sky and Hollowbody SE, but every time I see a PRS video I think, "man I should get a core model"

[@malcolmalexanderbigddixon3286]

Silver sky is a core model but I know what you mean

[@tresixteen]

I bought a used McCarty 594 core model last year. It’s the nicest guitar I’ve ever played.

[@chadbouterse8617]

I have owned over 15 guitars in the last 20 years. Always had GAS and traded them for a new one. I bought a wood library custom 24 last year and the GAS disappeared…

[@stonerjoe21]

The length of the video is my birthday!! So naturally I had to watch! Would love to own a McCarty 594!

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

Also Duane Allman's Birthday.

[@benlogan430]

These videos are awesome! And this Lady is awesome too. She knows what she’s talking about and takes care of business!

[@khund03]

Very Cool \M/ I appreciate you guys sharing.

[@liorauf]

Amazing work guys! ❤️

[@francischang]

Wow! I have an identical guitar, same colour model and everything! Had to stare at the wood grain to see if it was actually mine

[@a3f35522]

Just got my new faded whale blue custom 24 (assembled by JP) and I absolutely love it!

[@kiblerjim]

Beautiful guitars

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Karrie seems like she's really excited to work there

[@verystrange2465]

Hey Joe, you rock brother! So does the rest of your amazing cast of coworkers...

[@mamulcahy]

I love it!

[@niptodstan]

Gibson should be watching this video on finishing.

[@cooperringwood4346]

Just got my SE Paul’s guitar very happy

[@MaTTheWish]

Wow, I want one!

[@daveychainsaw961]

That guitar looks fantastic. The build quality makes my 2004 Les Paul Premium Plus look a bit rustic! I have no doubt the PRS is a better built guitar but aesthetically the Les Paul just looks cooler. I've only just discovered this series of videos and I'm loving them.

[@seanbrooks2583]

I wish they offered core models with the s2 body carve. I also wish they offered a core version of the SE hollowbody. My favorite guitar company, you guys make awesome products. Keep it up!

[@BaronVonQuiply]

They used to make a series of Core Hollowbodies (IDK if they still do).

[@seanbrooks2583]

@@BaronVonQuiply they do, but they they carve out a solid piece of wood instead of using laminate. While some consider the laminate to be "inferior" it is the traditional method. Gibson 335s, etc.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

@@seanbrooks2583 Ah, I see what you mean now.

[@seanbrooks2583]

@@mr.nobody68 they look nice but it pokes my forearm when i play. very uncomfortable.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

@@seanbrooks2583 I absolutely LOVE that little lip at the edge. It dug into my arm for just a bit when I first started playing PRS, but I haven't noticed it in about 20 years.

[@elmariachi451]

Love seeing this. I'm curious as to the build process for CE24 since some of the parts are not the same as the core models. I would imagine it's the same just grabbing different parts.

[@thomask9577]

This is amazing! I wish I could afford a PRS. 😔

[@lyonsd.6786]

Wait and save till you can afford the best. It will be worth the wait.

[@thomask9577]

@@lyonsd.6786 Definitely! Then I will need to save until I can afford better than a $60 combo amp. I’ll get there in a while.

[@sixslinger9951]

The Mira is a more affordable PRS and an excellent guitar! I have one of those and an older 10 top PRS. Love them both.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

@@thomask9577 I am looking to get PRS SE Custom 24 about $900. Which today is not bad....

[@markuyehara7880]

The SEs are great.

[@justinorprecio3094]

I love orange tiger 😍

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍💗🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!! Relic free since 1985!

[@Auen73]

Drilling/aligning those pickup ring holes made me nervous lol. Such critical attention to getting the "Nut" just right.......impressive.

[@Coopdegras]

PRS as a brand and what Paul demands are second to none. I feel even with a more budget friendly model you stil get that quality care and attention put into the instrument. I'm becoming more and more of a PRS fan even as a beginner guitarist although I might be biased of a certain silhouette/brand of guitar because of the history and people who use the instrument, I really don't think there's another brand that cares more about the buyer being satisfied with what they pay for regardless of its price. 👏🏻

[@Miguelsotelo0]

I miss doing that, I used to do it at the schecter custom shop.

[@thebadterrorists5323]

And that ladies and gentlemen is why we buy core model guitars from PRS. Thanks Karrie I love the undramatic talkthrough. Perfectly suited to the tasks in hand. (Even though everyone else would like Greg Koch to be doing it).

[@ChasingTone666]

Sounds like Martha from the tv show Baskets

[@akphoto2010]

Wow and I thought Schecter process was good... you guys are THE BEST.

[@daleduke1315]

Thank you PRS employees. I love mine.

[@guitarsofold100]

@1.24 the F A manager has a smile on her face about resonance and bare wood..As if the tuner grommets a going to resonate more with out lacquer ...This actually could cause the wood to swell if moister gets into the open pours are not sealed....

[@zippy-zappa-zeppo-zorba-etc]

I wish I worked there. On the other hand, I'm not a good enough worker to work there.

[@chasehaggard161]

I would love to see a video about how you build your Hollowbodies

[@bluephoenix3865]

I want another PRS so bad I find another one I’m going to buy it❤️❤️

[@jeffwithajay42]

I would be a little more excited to work at PRS.

[@MattSofianosGuitar]

I’m with you here, but it’s people who are highly detail focused that you need in production functions like this. In another life, she may have been an auditor or management accountant. These people hardly ever make mistakes and that’s their value. Equally, they tend not to do stand up comedy in their spare time.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

If I worked there, I'd love a job in the shipping department. I'd come in every day with a whistle, a smile, and my full sized guitar-case-lunchbox.

[@brianhensien]

Jeff, that IS her being excited 🤣

[@jeffwithajay42]

@@BaronVonQuiply LOL!

[@lordden1243]

Look's like she is bored AF isn't she .

[@AsiongAnything]

It’s therapeutic

[@picksalot1]

It looked like they glued the Nut to the bottom of the slot. If the Nut ever has to be removed, that could cause wood tearout from the bottom of the slot. I saw Dan Erlewine fom StewMac recommend gluing the Nut to the back end of the fretboard instead. Don't know if it makes any sonic difference.

[@SoumikJamesBose]

I liked the video but the lady helped me sleep quickly 🙂

[@PauloMoreteOficial]

👌👌👌😍

[@mackin26]

I now understand the price tag. My friend has lent me a CE24. Wow.

[@kevinalfrey2633]

One day I’ll have a silver sky 🚨

[@juzzie]

That’s impressive …

[@baldbearded9601]

Every other guitar manufacturer just went "Oh shit.."

[@sbrave]

Man, if I had $5k for the Custom model, but, I love my 30th anniv purple SE model!!

[@filipkostovski873]

So PRS factory uses Roland Cubes for final setup :)

[@unabrazoatodoslosbuenos]

I've done nuts for a couple of my guitars. Patience is certainly a quality on that post. Next time I'm getting an american made prs. My indonesian made prs isn't bad at all. I need learn how to adjust the amp to get a better sound out of my marshall. It sounds a little tinny. Any suggestions?

[@michaelschiessl8357]

QC second to none!!

[@MetalMatt2510]

Already have 2 Gibson LPs but wouldnt mind a 24 fret PRS in my collection.

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

what is the plate made of you use on the rear when wiring, please, and Thanks!!

[@fordhammie]

Ms Pelchat, @ 6:00 would be the fretboard not the neck! I haven't ever seen a guitars neck get oiled; sanded yes but never oiled! :)

[@brownriceprod]

someone get Karrie a cup of coffee

[@stoppax]

any video about the cobalt blue color? (new 2021)

[@peterpigna9505]

L'olimpo delle chitarre

[@dustylense]

And that...is why they cost what they do. Detail and care.

[@CBGypsy03]

Karrie needs a nose beer or a coffee.... this video is making me sleepy. Lol. Love my 2 prs guitars :)

[@navaho5430]

The only thing i don't like about the look is the locking tuners IMO, they could do a nicer screw fixture, but hey if you want to give me one i will design a nice screw for you HA Cheers from OZ.

[@boonfire3714]

yeah Cole, get it

[@clearthechannels1875]

Dude, Joe might have the best job at PRS.

[@aliengrey6052]

Well, I’ve just purchased a prs se. Against my better judgment. I’m giving you a chance. I just hope you are producing guitars 🎸 as you say or you will wish I hadn’t purchased it.

[@josephezell2817]

First like boom free prs for me 😆😇🤝

[@geezberry8889]

if i had the means i'd have a room full of these. i do have one Custom 22

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

At 3.59 - Since when do PRS core models have a trem arm with a white knob on it?

[@guitarpilots76]

2/32? I’ve been out of school for a while, but correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that the same as 1/16?

[@D-meist]

6:01 fretboard

[@frantisca]

Love or hate them, least one can say is they’re not messing around with QC at PRS…

[@aliengrey6052]

Having said that I will rain praise upon you if I like it.

[@tonygunk6795]

Is all this also done for the imports?

[@andyman95023]

With all the inspections steps in place how could a guitar get painted the wrong color. Mine was ordered as a cherry burst and came in as a tobacco burst. Waited 11 months to get the wrong color and they quoted 6 more months fix they're mistake

[@prsguitars]

Hi andyman95023, Thanks for reaching out. We're sorry to hear that you've had this experience and this sounds like an unusual and unique issue. If you could, please contact our customer service team by emailing [e-mail] - If you could, please provide as much information about your guitar as possible. Things like, where you purchased the instrument, the serial number, the order specs, and some pictures will go a long way in helping us determine the best way to address this situation. Thank you. -PRS Customer Service

[@andyman95023]

@@prsguitars I did that with in days of receiving the guitar and the solution was a minimal discount that would barely pay to ship it back to PRS. I do admit that it cold be primer gray and still play great.

[@joybuzzer]

3:25 "so they don't get stuck in the guitar" Oh, ok. LOL.

[@hkguitar1984]

Absolutely, failure to use a wax as a lubricant can easily cause the screws to shear off during the initial threading into the wood. Especially the tiny screws used for the tuning machines. The first time they are screwed into the wood the screws threads are cutting into wood, get something like a hard maple and those little screw heads will twist right off before they are tightened all the way. Always use wax or even a dab of dish soap to lubricate. Don't ask me how I know this........😕

[@adampierce9403]

Any current/former PRS employees in the comments? I'm gonna apply to work here next summer and I'm curious as to the noise levels in the factory, as well as whether or not employees can listen to music while on the job.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

You will have a 🎸to play 😂🤣

[@nickwilson3633]

Hey man! I’m the guy pre-assembling in the video. Noise levels are different depending on where you work in the factory(ie the wood shop is a lot louder than where I’m at in final assembly) but in places where it’s louder we’re required to wear ear protection. Nowhere is it deafening loud, the ears are more so for long term protection. And yes, you can jam the wiggles soundtrack all you want in ya earbuds. See you this summer!

[@adampierce9403]

@@nickwilson3633 oh that's awesome to hear. Thanks man!

[@mentula3784]

On the day I can afford to drop 4k on a guitar, I'll be buying a Prs

[@ovniufo6777]

I love PRS guitars, but why drill the full thickness of the body for the tremolo screws? it's ugly, it can take moisture and it won't help tremolo stabilization and the screws can oxidize faster

[@JgHaverty]

"pie-zoh" ... lol I hate when people say it like this... its "pee-ay-zoh" ala piezoelectricity. From greek piezen, not the delicious dessert treat with fruit filling lol. Not really a "tomayto-tomahto" thing, one is objectively correct, one is not.

[@paulsteezo1772]

Karlie SHOULD UP HER COFFEE CONSUMPTION!!!!! OR A TON OF RED BULL!

[@uhhdudeuhhwhatsup]

Great video, but Karrie seems so bored and uninterested 😂

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@hkguitar1984]

More than likely she is much better at managing guitar production than being a narrator. They probably sprung this on her 15 minutes before filming!

[@iamanovercomer3253]

She has been there 15 years ❗ It's a job and they are fortunate to have employees since to left-wing liberal government paying people to stay home ❗

[@uhhdudeuhhwhatsup]

Yeah, 15 years says a lot about her skill as production manager I’m sure. But as far as narration, she needs a lot of work on sounding authentic and engaged

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

I wanna know the serial number of that...I think that's my guitar!

[@Erickchicas]

Lol at when she says "potentially helps with the resonance" she doesn't believe it at all haha, she sounds like she is suuuper bored with this video lol.

[@tylerpirc]

That is just Paul's way of thinking: If there is ANY chance something helps, Paul believes it is worth spending the extra time and effort, even if the theory cannot be proven in a lab.

[@wahyus7964]

only for custom shop models.. not for SE models

[@timgermanyjr]

pee aye zoh

[@klauscottonswab2322]

Oh God... a manwom..

[@williamb4652]

She said pie-zo

[@stegerguitars]

Whoops....the pickups appeared magically....

[@justiceforall6412]

I have three PRS guitars. One American guitar and two SEs. It's really hard to tell the differences sound wise. That said, PRS guitars are some of the best well crafted and designed guitars ever. I'm still partial to my Gretsches, but not because they're better. They're not. You cannot go wrong buying a PRS. They really have pride in what they provide.,

[@daschwarjazz]

On one of these videos, it would be great if the tech made one minor mistake that snowballed into a total dumpster fire, causing the narrator to become more exasperated and panicked. Like: “Whoops, that’s not quite right, but he’ll notice the mistake. No wait, that’s backwards, but it won’t fit that way so…why is grabbing a mallet? No! Stop hitting it-it doesn’t go that way! Now the guitar is on fire?!? No that’s naphtha not water oh geez the whole bench is burning. Wait, Cole are you running? You’re on camera we can see you! Get out from under that box this isn’t Metal Gear!”

[@prsguitars]

This is a fantastic April fools idea... We'll keep that in our back pocket. Thanks, David!

[@allsic]

Won't happen they are true robots... perfect ones.