PRS Leadership Looks Back at an Epic Year | Fireside Chat 2024 | PRS Guitars

[@PeteSlater]

My guitar hero, Kanami of Band-Maid, got her signature PRS this year. Thank you PRS for recognising such an amazing guitarist.

[@kyosuke_mori]

Thanks to KANAMI of BAND-MAID, I learned the beauty of PRS. Her signature model was just a bit expensive, so I gave me a Custom SE 24-08 Quilt as a gift. Merry Christmas!

[@AlaskaDavidW]

I've had the same MiM strat (my first guitar) the last 18 years of my life. As an adult I've struggled finding the courage to purchase things for myself. To celebrate a promotion and turning 30 I purchased a Venetian Blue Silver Sky Rosewood (something I've had my eye on since it was announced almost a year ago)... I've had this guitar for almost 3 weeks now and am so impressed with it- I'm learning a new instrument yet feeling so at home at the same time. Thank you PRS for the quality products you put out for us to purchase. Merry Christmas.

[@ttownsend3252]

You folks run a great company. Passion and innovation are core elements of companies that produce great products and you have all the above. I picked up a guitar for the first time in my life in April 2024 … I now have two PRS guitars and enjoy playing both of them every day.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

2025 marks my 30 year anniversary owning and playing PRS guitars. I have a '95 Custom 24, '98 McCarty, '13 SE Singlecut Trem, '15 Hollowbody II Piezo and a '17 Silver Sky. I love them all dearly and am looking forward to retiring my HBII from playing live to get an SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo. I'm not anyone special, just a guy who found a home in the PRS world. Thank you to all the great people in PRS. God bless you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@JasonTMays]

Thank you to the Team and Uncle Paul for being so awesome and answering my question! This means A LOT to me. So, thanks again.

[@StavK]

For some reason, I never considered PRS in my 30 years of playing. Two things in the last couple of years made me buy one. The amazing work done with the mid tier instruments shines through all the demos and reviews. Lastly, seeing the PRS factory tour videos, and an interview with Paul, one line standing out: “All we ask, is that you give us a chance.” I finally did, and I’m so glad. Congratulations and wish you all the best in 2025.

[@alabdul-mateen3rd]

Try it, you might like it 😊

[@ramencurry6672]

I already have great guitars and have no use for a PRS. However I needed a baritone guitar so I got a PRS baritone and it’s definitely a keeper.

[@JPP-i6o]

Just received a Tremonti for Christmas! Fabulous guitar. I already have a couple McCartys (one with humbuckers, one with P90's)for a couple of decades and A Myles Kennedy that I ordered last year. I now have the entire tonal pallette covered. Keep up the good work. PRS is hands down the pinnacle of production made guitars.❤️👍

[@pgrove]

I don't own a PRS but i've always followed and watched things like these and admired Paul's genuine love for his product and all the people around him. I hope to own one some day.

[@kylecravens8052]

You should get an SE. They are amazing!

[@rockinchairboogie3222]

Merry Christmas guys, I hope this is seen by Paul. In 2006 I bought a PRS 20th Anniversary Standard 22 as my first PRS guitar. Up to that point, I had been using a 1992 Gibson Les Paul Standard that I bought new in 1993. The PRS was instantly my number one from 06 to present. It is still totally original and it feels like it was made for me. I have never had to do any set up or any other work on it but it is starting to buzz on some notes. Thank you for building such wonder works of joy.

[@richardgower5396]

Over the last couple of years. The fireside chat videos have become my favorite and every Christmas time I look so forward to watching, as a PRS owner it's really nice to hear about what's around the corner for the company and as a customer what we can look forward to! Merry Christmas to you three and the rest of the talented people who make wonderful instruments that many of us love and cherish.... Thank you PRS

[@jaymax3201]

I had a great time meeting Mr. Paul in Tokyo last month. This year marks the anniversary of my Private Stock acquisition. I've been playing my S2 Custom24 for almost 10 years now. Cheers to the PRS family!

[@monahantp3767]

2024 was a standout year for me-- I purchased a PRS NF53 then a Myles Kennedy model; these are the only two guitars I'll ever need. You guys are really building some great instruments! I'm looking forward to what you have in store for the new year, but like I said-- I'm good for guitars ;)

[@mikelowry5027]

Congratulations on your purchases! I was recently fortunate to pick up an MK Signature. A couple of quick questions if I may…what do you think are the key differences between the MK and the NF53? And do you have a favourite of the two? Many thanks

[@monahantp3767]

@@mikelowry5027 Congrats on your finding a MK of your own! I'll be doing an A/B in the next few days, then post over on the official PRS Forum. Differences that come to mind: the pickups in the NF53 retain a bell-like chime much more than the MK does. The MK pickups are much more humbuckery-- easier to push an amp. Neck shape on the MK is a little beefier in profile than the NF53... the MK feels a bit more rounded (both have the same fretboard radius). Those are the basics. Both are fantastic, but the NF53 is my favorite, mainly due to the pickups and how responsive they are with the volume/tone control. Hope something there helps!

[@mikelowry5027]

@ thank you that it is really helpful and glad to hear you are enjoying both guitars! I’m also very tempted to add an NF53 to my collection but they certainly aren’t cheap (a good thing for the quality you get!) but wasn’t sure they’d be ‘different’ enough to justify getting both. The main things that surprised me about my MK are that the neck was much more of a baseball bat than I expected which takes a bit of getting used to (so the NF53 might be a little more comfortable?) and mine isn’t as light as some others I’ve seen reviewed (mine is 7lb 4oz but actually feels heavier!). The main thing that attracted me to the MK over the NF53 were the locking tuners and satin neck. Maybe there is room in my rack for both though?! 😁 Thanks again for your insight which is much appreciated. I’ll look out for your review on the PRS forum 👍

[@WillMoon]

When I was 17, I worked all summer to save up enough money to buy a 25th anniv. Custom 24 in whale blue. I couldn't afford a ten top, but this thing was...is... still one of my dream guitars. I'm now 34, I've played it every single day since I bought it, and every time I do play it I'm always just... happy. The guitar makes me so glad that I stuck with learning how to play, it's just such a pleasure. Thanks to Paul and the team for putting their soul into these things. To some people it might be just a guitar, but to me, it's way more special than that. Merry Christmas guys!

[@Scott__C]

Depending on what you got on it, it was probably a 9-9.5 top anyway, lol. At worst an 8.

[@WillMoon]

@ I wouldn’t call it a ten top, but it’s a quilt. The whale blue is a bit too dark so the top isn’t as vibrant as what I would expect out of a modern 10 top. That said, I could care less, the sound it makes is what counts.

[@Scott__C]

@@WillMoon Oh, a quilt, nice. Either way, still beautiful I'm sure. It's rare I see a PRS finish and don't like it.

[@packerjetmin4]

I just got my first PRS. Outstanding craftsmanship all around. Something very rare these days. Cheers to all at PRS and Merry Christmas 🎅

[@AudioAtmos]

Thanks guys for including us again in the fireside chat and the goings on at PRS. I have 3 Core models last one bought new in 2016. I’m getting close to taking the dive again. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.🎄🎸🎄🎸🎄

[@BCarpenter2314]

Received my Limited Edition PRS CE 24-08 Swamp Ash a few weeks ago and haven't played another guitar since! What a beautiful instrument by a great company. Happy 2025!

[@DeerCreekAudio]

THANKS guys. Seeing Joe W and Dany V on the same video was great! Best guitars out there nowadays.

[@joshoptical]

What makes PRS different is the leadership are all practitioners. This is why they are the only one of the big three leading and innovating.

[@cianovetromille2853]

Hello gentlemen! Congratulations on your hard and amazing work… and this goes to all the company’s employees too! 😊 As you’ve said, a lot of good, smart and “hand on” people work on get things done at this outstanding level. Me , myself, hear a lot of good things about PRS guitars, from musicians and fellow guitar technicians as well. I’m saving for a black SE Silver Sky just like the Philip Sayce’s one, to be my first PRS (I’m mostly a strat guy)… 😉 But my admiration goes to all other lines of products as well… It’s a real inspiration, to see such a relentless movement towards innovation, like no other company. So, I wish Paul and all of you a great holiday season and thank you for your contribution to the music industry. From Porto City / Portugal 🇵🇹… take care! 🎸🤘❤️

[@stephenhaynes603]

to all at PRS happy holidays from uk and thanks for the vid!

[@dhow64]

Can't ever get tired of prs guitars. Thank u paul and the rest of PRS guitars

[@joejustjoe3926]

Paul, Jack, and Jamey are so blessed to have something this special. They would not have made it to this level without everything (and everyone) working together. Many thanks to all that have assisted them into pleasing our (insatiable) passions!!! You guys put these incredible instruments in more people's hands now like never before... Having ownership-of beautiful guitars, most that I have custom built from being hand picked from the pile-most of my guitars (excluding a few perfect-priceless ones) are sonically, and asthetically unique. The magic that I get from a stock PRS is that they are already unique right out of the box. They have their own "color" in their tone and appearance palette. My first Paul Reed Smith purchase was in 2016 with a private stock McCarty 594 SC guitar of the month. I did not make another purchase with PRS until this year, when I couldn't resist trying the CE line. The unbelievable, and unimaginable success was brought to life overseas. The swamp ash special, the McCarty 594 SC, and the custom 24 08 were all purchased in a matter of days. Did I need another guitar of any kind? Heck no! Which CE that I purchased do I love the most? They all have their own uniqueness that makes me love them all in the same way. Should I have waited until 2025 for the 40th anniversary reveal? Well, let's just say that one's too many and a thousand is not enough. Bravo to every single hand that steams the PRS locomotive. We are pleased to be aboard with you on this most-pleasurable journey. ~Happy Holidays~

[@duanewelsh5611]

Merry Christmas to the fine folks at PRS guitars. Love my PRS guitars and appreciate the quality products you all produce.

[@jamestonguet1737]

Thanks for all the amazing and inspirational instruments ! Happy Holidays!

[@Pastor_Grant]

Paul is a living legend, just got my first USA PRS and its pretty awesome so thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@TheGreenKingdom]

The NF3 is my favorite guitar I've purchased in quite some time, in any price range! So versatile, comfortable and the pickups are dead silent. Great for recording.

[@lukaslmguitarcorner]

The Christmas present I got for myself is a PRS S2 McCarty 594 10th Anniversary in Lake Blue and I love it! Happy new year everyone. Cheers

[@tia.bailey]

Happy holidays! Thank you so much for including Jason and. It means more than you could ever imagine! I hope your 2024 has been wonderful and I hope your 2025 is even better 🎉

[@canyonproductions7683]

You guys created many fun things for us this year! I will be getting a new PRS in 25’ for sure

[@throughkenslens7972]

Picked up an NF53 last month and can't put it down. The neck is just awesome!

[@guitarradioshow]

Happy Holidays everyone at PRS!!

[@johnoakleymusic]

Absolutely adored this one!!! Just brilliant brilliant people making the best guitars on earth and enjoying what they do so much it reflects in their products. It’s my dream to one day come for a factory tour. It’s my Mecca! ❤

[@JTB--]

Props to PRS for getting Dany from The Warning into the PRS family. Well deserved. Great young Rock Band

[@KabukiKid]

I'm here to be another cheerleader for Dany and The Warning! :-D

[@eddiemoser3150]

Best up and coming band out there. Glad she is a PRS artist too.

[@synonyx]

Sending lots of love to all of you in Maryland. You guys make some of the greatest instruments I’ve ever played.

[@GlacierSound]

this is a holiday classic for me! thanks for the time

[@frankiechan9651]

Momentum is an apt term to describe PRS as a company - always moving forwards and picking up steam. Jack - what you have done with the SE line is amazing. In a blind shootout they can more than hold their own. I still don't know how you can dye a veneer and make it appear to have depth and movement as if it were a solid, flamed maple cap. One day I'll make my way up the PRS tree, but until then - I will cherish my Zach Myers SE.

[@richardnagamitsu1582]

Truly an amazing organization. No one does it better…

[@rickydegringo]

20 years ago I bought a 20th Anniversary Hollowbody, it's still my favourite guitar

[@christopherprice3226]

Love you all. Thanks Paul met you 3 times. Love my 3 PRS core guitars and amp. They are always in tune when I pick them up, versus my USA fender and Gibson. Only exception is a USA G&L Doheney its always in tune. Make a surf/Beach Boys guitar in 2025. Also make your version of a Bassman Amp. Merry Christmas PRS Family!

[@blackdogrover]

That Dragon will stop a war. And the Blue on the flame top of the one Jamie is holding is drop dead gorgeous. Man I love what PRS offers. I have one request to all brands that issue “F” hole tops - Please stop. Never use the traditional f-hole again. I can’t take it anymore. In my opinion it just doesn’t work anymore. Many guitar styles not just from the modern era but older classics are this close to being spoiled by that old style F-Hole. Augh. Why are we still using it?! Anyway, Rock On, Y’all!!! Much Love 🤍🩵🕊️🎶🎶🎶

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

I’ll only ever desire a Core product. And I’ll never afford one, especially the older I get. But I still love to watch you guys. Merry Christmas.

[@thenaturalalpha]

loved this. First one ive seen.

[@NPCONSULTING247-jy3pz]

With that many products its a mess getting the right one without coming to your shop. Merry christmas for Paul and all his emloyees and their friends and family !

[@vw9659]

Joe Walsh's question about "tuning" the solid body wood to resonate in order to enhance sustain epitomizes the complete misunderstanding of basic solid-body guitar physics common amongst some (even famous) players. If the solid body resonated in the way he suggested, sustain would be very poor. For good sustain, string vibrations must remain in the strings, to be seen by the pickups. You don't want the strings exciting the body to vibrate. The whole notion of "transfer of vibrations to the body" as a "good" thing is physics nonsense. Which is what Paul's answer basically said. He implied how wrong Joe's understanding was, without actually stating that bluntly - that is, what he said about the "bridge isn't deadening the strings", "if the string's trying to vibrate and the guitar is shutting the note down" (eg by string vibrations being lost to vibrate the body), etc. So yes, as Paul said, PRS can make a guitar to do what Joe wants (paired with a nearby amp's "feedback loop") - but that would be done in the exact opposite way to what Joe suggested. But Paul's answer, while correct, essentially contradicts most of what he's said recently about the supposed importance of "tonewood" (with unconvincing arguments like "violins"). If you don't want any part of the guitar's structure to be excited to vibrate by string vibrations and thus "subtract" from those strings' vibrations - as Paul has correctly asserted on many other occasions - then how could solid body tonewood exert a (positive) sonic influence ?

[@alabdul-mateen3rd]

I had a PRS SE 2 limited Edition almost 15 years of my career experience. I loved My PRS SERIES because I modified it Roland MIDI Guitar

[@hernindio99]

Fetch it! Unwrap it! Happy holiday guys!

[@BostonWhoFan515]

The funniest part was the very beginning when they panned in on the Ted McCarty picture. Then, when you thought the shot was changing, they doubled down and did and even closer up, zoom in on the pic of Ted. Paul will never live that down. The Gibson design genius' last big guitar venture, and probably most lucrative, was with Paul. To be honest, Paul has a right to stick it to them. It's no secret that Gibson gave them such a hard time in the past, and from an all-around quality perspective, PRS has been blowing Gibson out of the water for years. Including Gibson Custom Shop, and the SE line crushes Epiphone. Aside from all that, there's just something so cool about seeing the actual guy behind the name on the headstock having a Christmas special.

[@BGsea]

I have a Paul and a Silver Sky and both have a unique and strong tone. I saw Dead and Co. in Dallas and John's playing was sublime.

[@billyfields7722]

Finally I can get a great PRS guitar for under $500.00 that I can play at show without breaking the bank. I got scared off because of the price. Now I can finally get one.

[@joshoptical]

Yes! People saying they’re orthodontist guitars must not have internet access 😂

[@rmmst49]

i don’t have a prs as i’m a one electric kind of guy(347) but i appreciate all you do and am proud to support an american business that makes us all proud. maybe do a collab with strandberg for ‘26?

[@T.TEXAS.TILLER]

Happy Holidays!

[@craigmead3484]

Merry Christmas Paul.

[@kilofireb8584]

Thank you for doing these chats, look forward to them each year. For your consideration, the china team doesn't get much recognition, could we see a tour there? Would love to meat the people that bring us the hollowbody se and acoustics. Cheers and happy holidays!!

[@StormcrowOV]

Paul Reed Smith is a LEGEND!!!!

[@johnoakleymusic]

He’s more important than Leo or Ted in my opinion. He’s transformed this industry and forced it to try harder in every way. Superb genius

[@Realmen4Christ]

Congratulations on the 40th anniversary and I had my first se when i first started playing but I’m reaching here I’m struggling to get another one so if have any prs se to give I would love it I just had my son and I also a veteran who is still serving. Happy holidays

[@Mpcoluv]

The DGT 15 made me sell my HDRX 20. Great amp.

[@Scott__C]

Great stuff as per usual. How about a Custom 24 neck through with a 14 or 15" radius?

[@kloudtunes]

That Mary Cries in the intro is epic in this context

[@geezberry8889]

glad i bought my PRS cores when they were affordable. no way i would drop what they're asking today

[@flop2river471]

My question would have to be about the fire used during this "Fireside Chat" If Paul were using East Indian Rosewood, Brazilian Rosewood,Sugar Maple, African Ebony, Cocobollo, or Ziricote, would the crackling of the burning wood sound different? I will hang up now and listen to the answer. Thank you for this opportunity.

[@brians5791]

I wasn’t aware of the fireside chats until this one was released. I have now watched all four and enjoyed them all. What happened to the beautiful dog from 2023? Please tell us she’s healthy and happy.

[@prsguitars]

Don't fret! Lena is doing quite well. Unfortunately, her booking agent said that she had prior commitments that would keep her from attending this year's Fireside Chat. Would you like to see her back on screen next year?

[@bueller8278]

omg last year's feels like yesterday

[@mikemercer5808]

It was a banner year. I bought 3 PRS guitars this year, a NF3, Holcomb 6, and CE SE 24 sandblasted. All are amazing guitars, and I thank you all for the amazing instruments. Happy Holidays, and the Happy New Year!

[@RUSS312]

I was absolutely impressed by an NF53 this year. When will we get Tremonti’s “Explorer-esque” guitar?! That thing is sick.

[@demokraatti]

Dear Santa, Make the wise people at PRS release SE Paul’s guitar with U.S. made pickups and a stunning Quilt Charcoal Cherryburst top veneer.

[@alabdul-mateen3rd]

I’d love to have another PRS SE endorsement, if I were on the touring Circuit.

[@SuicidalLemonade]

Dany signature gotta be in the works

[@chriselt777]

My SE Standard 24 needs a friend for sure. That’s the only guitar I have at all. Eyeing on the SE NF3 in 2025

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

The SE NF3 is the first guitar released in a long time that produces truly unique tones. Some unknown player out there will make themselves famous with that product in the near future.

[@ByeByeJoe]

I wonder if the Silver Sky's will ever receive the burst treatment?

[@10sassafras]

I love that PRS is all about today’s and tomorrow’s guitars. I’m soooo sick of relic paint jobs and “1950s” pickups.

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Please make SE Vela with type D neck pickup :D

[@right2armbears685]

What is the name of the Christmas song playing in the intro?

[@JordanBrillMedia]

I'm not denying that the SE CE line is a great line of guitars, especially for the money, but this is telling me that Paul doesn't know his own guitar line, what they make, what they produce, etc.

[@edgeyt1]

I want a Modern Eagle V CE.

[@scottakam]

I would love to hear what Paul really thinks about nitrocellulose lacquer as a guitar finish. After a couple of those beers and without the cameras!

[@martinclayton7260]

Dear Mr PRS, please can I have one of the orange NF3's with a maple fingerboard? I'd love one, and it needs to live with me, and be used!

[@Mark70609]

A bit of a silly question as nearly anything available today would have amazed Hendrix. Imagine turning up with either a Helix or Kemper? The Illitch system to reduce hum would have impressed Hendrix. Modern pedal boards with their switching in and out banks of effects would have blown Hendrix’s mind. The list goes on. I don’t think we can pretend to know Hendrix and what he wanted.

[@axypher]

Got myself an NF3, its surprising that this thing is an SE.

[@benbrandt3]

Please make 2025 the year of SE Locking Tuners! Not saying I hate throwing John Mann the business, but c'mon guys...

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Funny, I've had three SEs, and I put PRS Lampshade knobs on all of 'em. Not because I wanted to make them look like Core models, but because the Lampshade is a cool design, and the SE knobs look generic and cheap.

[@Augminished]

"I always wanted to be Vanna White." 😂 Paul I just don't think you got what it takes for a skirt and heels. Merry Christmas.

[@firewalker6712]

When is a PRS considered done? You constantly tweak things and improve things. But I would venture to guess eventually, each PRS model should be considered perfected. What is the vision for each guitar model? Will they always evolve? Or at some point you consider them perfected?

[@larrydj549]

The scales tho

[@df8161]

Guitars near those chair arms are giving me tremendous anxiety😅

[@teknomanning]

I’m 74,Love my ce semi hollowAnd no I don’t play Dad Rock.👍🏿🕺🏿🌚✌🏿

[@moveoutdrawfire]

HANGAR18 is drinking a spiked eggnog.

[@sonicsega1699]

all we need is a prs V.....at a price normal people can afford (under $1000). cmon paul if anyone can perfect a flying v, its prs

[@mikey-dubs]

Now get me an S2 that isn’t made with Indonesian hardware please. What a bummer

[@trfmusic902]

Make more lefties in 2025!

[@davidshanks6082]

I'll never be able to own one having a disability check every month. Doesn't cost to dream.

[@lakay3563]

I WISH I HAVE ONE ON THIS CHRISTMAS..BUT I EONT HAVE M😅NEY TO BUY...I AM FROM PHILLLIPPINES..HOPING SOMEONE TO GIVE ME A GIFT😢😢😢

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Is Joe Walsh OK? It looks like he's wearing the chair inside his gym shorts...

[@realdocloco]

No mention of the first signature PRS for a japanese artist ? What a missed opportunity. You probably didn't realised Kanami's signature model video is amongst the most viewed PRS videos this year ... (and all guitars sold out in a few days). Disapointed.

[@Davey-Boyd]

They might have recorded this before then. I thought they would of mentioned Mincho too!

[@realdocloco]

@@Davey-Boyd could be indeed - very early Xmas show then

[@Faded0811]

That’s something you’re disappointed by? Man, find a way to relax…

[@BenAndHisGuitars]

@@Davey-Boyd Paul mentions the Japan event at 14:13 so this was recorded after.

[@realdocloco]

@@Faded0811 I bought one. PRS doesn't have tons of signature models like some other brands, so when they release one, I think it's normal to expect them to speak about it in such circumstances don't you think?

[@monkeysmasher7628]

Sorry to say, but the SE CE 24 Satin is the worst PRS I ever bought - and I own many!

[@jdl2180]

These people will do anything to sell a guitar. It's like they're obsessed or something

[@panthersoul]

Bad beer dilutes the brand. I’m thinking you guys got way out of your lane on this one. Also…. Don’t sell coffee. It really is unoriginal and unnecessary

[@johne.1011]

Snooz fest...seems to be geared towards employees...love their guitars though

[@jdl2180]

How do you do it for that little amount of money? You make a China man work for almost nothing!😂😅

[@Kaiju007]

I like how he pretended the cheapest guitar was a US guitar. When it was clear based on the non figured top and the covers on the back!