Pro Guitarists ask Paul Reed Smith 22 Questions | PRS Guitars

[@PaulDavids]

Ahhh, what a legend! Thanks Paul for taking the time :)

[@breadzeppelin2705]

Why doesn't your comment have a heart? Imma join the akatsuki because of this!!!!!

[@josephborderline]

​@@breadzeppelin2705 there can only be one Paul

[@MusicisWin]

This turned out just how I imagined... perfectly! Thanks for the insight, Paul!

[@giovannigreymon12]

Of COURSE you had the be the first face to appear on here! Friggin awesome.

[@Almonzo246]

Tyler larson signature guitar when??

[@jano9106]

Hello from Poland Tyler 💪

[@danrobinet1785]

Hey man can I borrow the klon? Its for G.S.S lesson i promise!

[@luisaucedo]

Shut up Tyler and cook me some arepas 😡😡😡

[@andertons]

Lots of cool questions here & always great to hear Paul talking about what he knows best!! Cheers, Lee

[@timelmore2]

He still didn't answer your question.

[@enterprisesoftwarearchitect]

We loved seeing you there first, Captain!

[@andertons]

@@timelmore2 He says he doesn't have splinters.... but I think we need to check :)

[@timelmore2]

@@andertons I'll leave that to you.

[@cakenbolls442]

And also, always great to hear Captain Lee

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Thanks for answering my question Paul! Fantastic video :)

[@gavindiamond9054]

Thanks for repping Wales Chris! Cymru am byth! 🤘🤘

[@Got3Weens]

Was stoked to see you on this!

[@TJJJJJJJJJJJ]

Anyone cruising the comment section go and check out Chris bucks channel ! Seriously one of the most interesting and underrated players currently walking the globe

[@ajpeagle]

best question.

[@richsackett3423]

I'm sure you've made several videos explaining about how it's not all in the pickups, as PRS pointed out.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Fantastic pure answers to all of us!! Paul, thanks so much!!

[@AarPlays]

Glad to see you participating sensei!

[@macewbee]

Nice

[@t3hgir]

Tomo I agree, Strat middle pickup is underrated! Everyone loves the 2/4 positions but middle alone (at the right height) is sublime for clean playing.

[@BenEller]

Such a pleasure to be a part of this!!! Thanks for having me, and Paul, I’ll be in the lookout for some Octomore!

[@enterprisesoftwarearchitect]

You have to be PRS to escape a “this is why your drink choice sucks” video I suppose. (Jkg - like your videos!)

[@BillieSwift]

Play it at stepdad speed!

[@plkpg]

Congrats to the title ''Pro Guitarist'' !

[@allanjcarpenter]

I would love my PRS guitars if they were made by a faceless company; they’re that great. But the fact that the man behind my guitars is so passionate, funny, approachable, and utterly in love with music really seals the deal. And he’s a great player too!

[@penguinista]

Ditto

[@steverussell7645]

Absolutely! After 6yrs of yearning for a PRS, I finally got my hand on an SE24 Custom last year. An absolutely fantastic guitar - and I'm more than happy that my money went to the company that is PRS, headed up by Paul.

[@apersonthatshere3029]

My first electric was a prs se standard 24. I still play this thing to this day and 400 bucks got me a guitar that plays like a dream. I have played many shows with it and the solid blue just never gets old. PRS is just such an amazing manufacturer. Paul also seems to be an amazing person

[@TeensierPython]

It’s like buying a fender or Gibson when the designers were still alive.

[@Guitargate]

Thanks so much for including me in this amazing group! And Eric Johnson makes total sense :)

[@danielleelizabeth9417]

Yeah that was the perfect answer in my opinion as well. Really quick response as well!!

[@RJRonquillo]

What a great and insightful Q&A with a legend of the guitar business! Thanks for having me!

[@RJRonquillo]

BTW I think Paul's song that he hates is "1-2-3" by blue-eyed soul singer, Len Barry

[@BenLevin]

Thank you for answering my question, I enjoyed this video a lot!

[@Guitargate]

BTW - Paul’s answer to Tyler’s question was all time. Show them the feeling of the people being moved as one in real time. That’s everything. Excellent.

[@vedder10]

I'm so proud to be a Marylander. This man is a national treasure leading a company that makes treasures.

[@m0rvidusm0rvidus18]

His ability comes from being European, in this case English. It has nothing to do with his geographical location now.

[@MikeM-so3je]

@@m0rvidusm0rvidus18 What are you smoking? lol

[@jamesf2918]

This man is literally a national treasure. I’ve had my 2004 CE 24 since December 17, 2006 and I will take it to my grave. Been repaired more times than I can count.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

I wasn't convinced by Private Stock, oh, they're good guitars, but compared to a neckthru Vigier Arpège-1 or a Passion III-90/10, or a Leduc Masterpiece, all the Private Stocks were no match

[@frantisca]

Bass vs treble: the first thing that I was taught when I was an apprentice, working on a mixing console back in the ‘70s was: if you want more bass, don’t push the bass slider up, just reduce the treble ! That way you keep the meat and take the shrieking frequencies away…

[@Waterinmenbenen]

Watched this with a big smile. No wonder PRS guitars are so great with such a passionate and intelligent guy spearheading the company.

[@Micky199797]

Paul looks like such a nice and humble man. Hope I can meet him one day

[@SrDeMaFp]

He's super cool. Great, genuine guy! I really enjoyed meeting Paul

[@thephotoyak]

I don't know if Paul is humble, he has a pretty high opinion his guitars, which isn't a bad thing. He is very honest and never holds back his opinion though, which is refreshing.

[@donaldemeyer]

Listening to what a solid human being this guy is, makes it easy to understand why PRS is the absolute best production guitar being made today.

[@ЮрийК-с8ф7л]

As a semi-hollow human being I totally agree )))

[@slyfoxx2973]

My C22 is twenty years old. The only thing I've had to do to it in all that time is change strings and clean it. Nothing moves on that guitar unless it's supposed to. Thanks to Paul and the rest of the team.

[@metalheadblues]

Probably sounds delicious

[@SDisonYT]

I always feel like Paul is the Steve Jobs of the music industry. Totally different products of course, but the way he explains something, and passionately describes his products and industry is very similar to how Jobs did. His vision, passion, attention to detail, beautiful craftsmanship, and even the way he talks, all is reminiscent.

[@murraycrawford2741]

Steve had incredible vision and the ability to extract his vision from those around him. Paul has incredible vision and the ability to share his knowledge and capabilities with those he engages to make perhaps the world's finest guitars. I think Paul is operating at a different level but also in a very different market. Apple products, while beautiful and cutting edge, are obsolete and replaced within a few years of launch. PRS products, while beautiful and cutting edge when released, will only get better with time.

[@DooblesGoDoobles]

He also makes a really expensive product

[@BasilHayden]

The Steve Jobs analogy is correct, it's building on prior technology, but I don't see a major jump guitar-wise. Great guitars, but what is new compared to Gibson, Fender original designs and what they're currently doing? Strandberg seems like the more aggressive change from traditional design.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

Patrice Vigier sounds better as a Steve Jobs : his guitars are way more revolutionary!

[@kraneclaims]

I have to disagree. Steve had great vision but he was a prick true to it's kind. Treated his engineers poorly. He was a not a good leader. Paul is the polar opposite. He has a vision, and he knows to get hands on with the team. That's a big difference.

[@NoelHaven]

I prefer *24* questions but I’ll play 22 🤓😅🤘🏻❤️

[@gr8dane910]

Such a humble bloke ... the PRS guitars coming out today are breath taking ... carving a new era in staining timber ... great job paul and employees we appreciate your fine work

[@SophieBurrell]

This was so rad!! Thanks for answering all of our questions Paul, you're the best!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks for answering my question Paul! That is pretty much word for word what my answer would have been too. It doesn't matter what the amp is, sticking a 57 right in the centre of the speaker = horrendous guitar tone.

[@gregorylawson1216]

I've loved guitars since the first time I saw somebody play one as a small child. I've been playing most of my life and I'm 64. I don't know exactly when I became aware of PRS guitars, but I've thought they were beautiful guitars, but I'm an amateur guitar player and they're a bit pricey , so I don't own one. But I never had any idea who Paul Reed Smith was and I was never curious enough to try and find out, until today. Tonight I've stayed up past my bed time watching multiple interviews with him. I have to say, I love this guy. His wit and his humor and most of all his honesty and he just doesn't hold back. I live in San Antonio and I'm a big fan of Gregg Popovich. Not just for his skills as a coach, but for the man he is and his character. I see very similar characteristics in Paul. He just seems like a genuinely great guy. I'm glad I took the time to discover the genius behind the beautiful guitars. Now I'm going to have to get one.

[@cubano100pct]

Loved Paul's answer on relicing and that is how it should be.

[@juancarlos-dx1or]

Nobody asked him about Marty Mcfly's PRS guitar in Back to the future i think the story behind how it got into the movie would be fun to hear , as the company was just starting.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

Paul is a truly great guy who builds truly great guitars. What's not to love. The internet has brought him into our homes and he has instilled a sense of family in the adult guitar world. Throughout these tough times (covid) I certainly appreciate him for that. No one better than Paul to promote his guitars and I wish him nothing but the best. Thanks

[@FinanceMan]

Just because of how cool this guy is, I’m 100% starting my guitar journey with one of his.

[@dcamp671]

If you get a McCarty 594 SE singlecut, you might never buy another guitar. You certainly won’t need another, but you might want one.

[@FinanceMan]

@@dcamp671 I ended up finding a decent deal of someone having to move and they were selling their 10top studio. I ordered it and love playing on it. Still trash player but compared to the very cheap guitar I had as a kid, this feels way more natural to play and much more enjoyable.

[@aquatichighs]

Mad human centipede vibes.

[@mercharris5266]

This is so awesome. So freaking awesome. Have a feeling I’ll be watching this in 20 years.

[@jxstr]

Videos like this, tying in active and popular KZbin channels into one collaboration video, is what makes the Internet and KZbin great. Thanks, PRS. I see Paul hosting his own commentary podcast in the future!

[@leaveitorsinkit242]

The BEST guitarist here asked the BEST question! Go figures...

[@patricetrahan7287]

Paul, pls never lose that passion - it’s what drives it all.

[@Lwayte]

I recently bought my first PRS guitar, so this was particularly fun to watch. What a unique character he is. It makes me even happier with my exhaustingly researched decision.

[@BluesHand]

"my exhaustingly researched decision". Larry, I can't even find any PRS guitars to sample in my area, but from what I read..........Since I do the same unplugged "ring duration" technique to select all of my electric guitars, hearing Paul mention this is very compelling to me. As an owner, do you have any thoughts as to what I should consider when deciding which model to purchase? I'm mostly retired from all the gigs and such and my forte is Blues Guitar. Thanks in advance.

[@PTam09]

Thanks so much for this fabulous Q&A with PRS himself. I bought myself an SE Custom 2408 last Summer for my 60th birthday. I own a 1979 USA Fender Strat and lots of others and I can say nothing played or sounded like my PRS right out of the case. Just beautiful. The fact that Paul is still so actively and passionately involved in his company makes it feel so much more intimate and rewarding to own one. I love the fact that I can watch him discuss his thoughts and feelings about creating these fabulous instruments.

[@545Zagor]

I don't know Paul personally, but I love the kindness and passion that he shows here, as a human being, as a musician, and as a guitar maker. Rock on Paul. Great questions everyone. :)

[@mrsips710]

Every time I see an interview or something with Paul, he says things that inspire the hell out of me.

[@mubodude]

Putting my hands on a PRS guitar for the first time, a wide fat neck, is one of those experiences and feelings I wish I could duplicate. Up there with riding a motorcycle, swimming in the ocean, taking off in a jet and so many other firsts.. I am truly jealous of people who have yet to try them. I love and own many different guitars, but nothing compares to a PRS. I have yet to try a semi hollow body model or acoustic, so that's going to be another epiphany to look forward to someday. Thanks, PRS!

[@guitariffic]

Because of this. Im convinced to get a Prs guitar.

[@gerrykavanagh]

As a hugely geeky individual,I love how geeky Paul is. I love how he pulls his inspiration from all over the place, andI love how his thought patterns seem random but have an underlying order to the chaos. I am relearning to play after not touching a guitar in 20+ years and am really enjoying the online community that just wasn't a thing back in the day.

[@Rustyfretsguitarshop]

Please do more of these! Love it!

[@stevenmal9039]

Next year Tyler and friends should ask Paul 22 more questions. Awesome video!

[@mrblank-zh1xy]

I like how we all agree that Tim Pearce has reached the final level of instrument mastery.

[@saelaird]

I’m recently getting back into playing my guitar, I had a very busy decade and didn’t play so often. I know I need a new electric and I’ve been searching for the right manufacturer. PRS have blown me away, their dedication and attention to detail is first class. I’ve seen 3 or 4 interviews with Paul now and I’m convinced that he’s a very special person who runs a very special company. I want his team to have built my next guitar.

[@monco3512]

"Michael that's a good question, I never thought of it that way. Eric Johnson." 😂

[@drivenelement]

The more I watch PRS KZbin videos, the more grateful I feel to have a couple of PRS guitars at my disposal. Simply the best company in their space.

[@xealzy944]

I love the way you included Elvis Presley, Paul. People need to know about him. When him, Scotty Moore and Bill Black recorded That’s Alright Mama in 1954, it changed the world forever. Both Johnny Cash and Scotty Moore said that he was a decent rhythm guitarist. I’m 15 and obsessed with him.

[@neocollective]

I heard Scotty Moore say that and that his sense of rhythm was impeccable and never missed a beat even when they could not hear themselves amongst all the fan screaming.

[@xealzy944]

@@neocollective Yeah he was good at rhythm. I hate it when people say Elvis didn’t play guitar. I’m a guitarist and can easily tell that he played guitar and he even played lead in the 68 comeback special. It’s mainly Elvis haters or people who have never picked up the guitar once in their life who say Elvis couldn’t play guitar.

[@MarbsMusic]

Love this! Just got my second core, a Tremonti, and love it! Paul's involvement definitely makes a difference in these instruments! Hope to get to meet him myself someday!

[@SpedSpedding]

Love this so much. What a guy. 😎🙏🏻

[@mishkatrahman20]

Paul's answer to Lee's relic question is spot on!! I agree 100%! If I'm spending money on a new guitar, it better be in perfect shape. From there on, if I get dings and scratches and scrape the body, let it be. My experiences and usage is the reason why it'll be a relic, not because someone intentionally did it for me beforehand.

[@tommygodbold6029]

These Guy really have some great questions and Paul did a great Job answering them. He makes a Fab Guitar IMO

[@bindibhumbra1659]

This could be your best video ever. The crossing of souls and minds here is fekkin awesome.

[@squirelova1815]

I think Paul used to be shy and insecure and used to come off as awkwardly defensive (probably due to the "dentist's and blues lawyer's guitar" stigma- but his brand WAS/IS high end and/or custom) but I think he's come to realize that most guitar players don't truly hate him. I'm a raving Fender fan but truly appreciate even his value packed SE lines.

[@adityap8746]

This was such a cool format for an interview! Paul is very articulate and his passion is almost palpable! Quite inspirational!

[@therollband1290]

The KZbin guitar community is the best thing that ever happened on the internet 😎

[@prophetsbourne1136]

I’m a brand new convert to PRS and it was listening to Paul’s Passion and Vision in these interviews that did it! There should be a name for the feeling you have as you’re waiting for the delivery of your FIRST PRS as I am now. Also, in my humble opinion... Relic Guitars are the same as buying sleeves with Tattoos painted on them! No Disrespect!

[@thezeek2745]

Waiting for my first right now as well. A SE Paul’s Guitar. Won’t be here until July. Cannot wait

[@johanndaart7326]

I don't drool for PRS guitars, but I love how passionate about music and guitars Paul is.

[@easye9-21]

Just got my first PRS yesterday. Got me a beautiful Mccarty SC 594. Amazing instrument.

[@jasonsapp792]

Beyond being the owner/originator of PRS , Paul is just a neat person...I mean that wholeheartedly....I enjoy his mindset a lot....I bet he is a great friend

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Gonna need a Herman Li signature sooner or later. I know he isn’t super keen to sign on to any company right away. But I appreciate y’all continuing to work with him. Y’all are doing the best job of everyone sending him customs. I love seeing him play them.

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Paul: There's nothing better than a glass of wine at dinner with your wife.. Uncle Ben: Well I guess we're getting married

[@MetallicA29]

I've always appreciated that the name on my headstock is approachable. Happy to have met you a couple of times.

[@BlueeyesofSkye]

I’ve owned six PRS guitars, and I currently own four. All four are uniquely different, yet they all feel familiar/comfortable. I pick up other guitars, and they rarely feel as comfortable or familiar. Not to mention the fact PRS makes the most eye catching guitars in my opinion.

[@tricornium]

As a professional bartender, I wholeheartedly support Paul's drink of choice!

[@IanMcD204]

My SE Custom 24 is unquestionably one of my favorite electrics . . . can't wait until the day when I can afford a private stock. Love the guitars in their own right, but seeing how PRS treats people makes the brand even cooler

[@steverussell7645]

Me too on all you say here, Ian 👍👍

[@aaronwarner06]

So happy to see Tomo in this! This made my week! :)

[@brandonanderson2066]

This is awesome. Paul is one of the coolest/ most invested guitar makers we have today.

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

I'm 100% sure that this was the coolest thing uploaded on KZbin today!

[@BAMozzy69]

Loved the answers Paul gave to some really interesting questions! Hopefully we see more Q&A with Paul...

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

There’s only one Paul Reed Smith and he’s both a genius and a nice human being who listens well. 🎸💞

[@MrCircus177]

Not only do I love PRS guitars because they’re incredibly made and very versatile... but I lovvve the fact the Paul is just a down to earth guy that knows his stuff, makes me want to give more of my money to him 😂

[@Khobbyhobs]

The world needs more people like Paul. Fantastic segment!

[@scottwilliams5388]

A worthy time of contemplation! Thanks to all who asked questions and of course thanks to Paul Reed Smith for spending his time with us!!

[@JahBabylon82]

He's a total legend but seems really down to earth. Would love to take him out for a beer and just talk guitars

[@OmarMartinez-di7im]

he is definetly on point when he said try them all and see what you like… i got converted from Les pauls to the McCarty 594. I cant really put it down now. Lol just try them all and see which one talks to you.

[@onenotesolo256]

Same thing happened to me. Still love the LP, but the McCarty gets a lot more playing time.

[@mhathaway35]

Thank you for this post. Wish I’ve seen it sooner. I have 2 PRS Guitars and now I know why I love my guitars. They all have the playability I like. Thank you Paul Reed Smith.

[@IndyMacDev]

This was absolutely great! Thanks for taking the time.

[@PaulSter]

Paul is a very honorable and honest guy. I got to know him in the early 90s. I was helping him out with his workouts and gym routine. I worked at a health club and spotted a tall relatively thin fellow lifting too much weight. I walked over and asked him what he was trying to accomplish. Max your bench? He quickly snapped back "well I'm obviously trying to build up!" So I snapped right back "well you ain't gonna do it lifting like that!" and then he snapped back "well show me how!" I said "gladly!" (still had no idea who he was) So I made a few changes to his workout, and we were off to the races. He said "I need guys like YOU in my shop! I've got all these guys who are scared to tell me what they really think and won't talk back to me!" That was when he introduced himself to me. He was smiling that he just got back from England and had had dinner with Jim Marshall. He was really thrilled about meeting one of his heroes. It was the start of a great little friendship. Unfortunately, I had to leave Annapolis to finish college, so it sadly came to an end. Looking back on it, I wish I would have sought out a job at the shop (wasn't really a factory yet and was before Stevensville). I'd probably still be there. Paul did a couple of very nice things for me. Put his favorite pickup into my Ibanez. I was poor back then and only had a Strat and the Ibanez (the guys saw my RG550 and were like "that's the enemy! What is it doing here!? But laughing at the same time), and Paul had one of his guys make a minor mod to my JCM 800 for more gain. Thinking back on it, I'm thinking that one of the guys I met was Mike, the great player who helps demo guitars and amps. I'm not sure, but that's the image that just popped up. I mean this was 30 years ago! He was straight up, non-egotistic, and just plain nice.

[@QBtracksandstuff]

Great memories jamming with Paul at a lot of the guitar shows we did back in the day. Paul Reed Smith, Geoff Whitehorn, Phil Hilborne & Nicko McBrain and myself. Great times. All the very best to you Paul.

[@mrpotato4441]

Paul is such a knowledgeable and likable guy. He needs a podcast.

[@docdaytona108]

Perfect answer to the Captain’s question about (heavy) relics. #EarnYourDings

[@YMESYDT]

I hope we get more of these this was great

[@MrRonzy123]

Can't wait for next part. Pro Guitarists ask Paul Reed Smith 24 Questions

[@KenBybee]

This is awesome, great questions and great answers.

[@woodyh4650]

Thank you Paul for not pre-damaging your guitars (relic) and then charge extra for the damage. Also thanks for not sawing off the headstocks. (I know manufacturers that make these don’t “saw-off” the headstocks, but that’s what it looks like)

[@penguinista]

Hats off to PRS' wise and loving response to Herman Li's question about whether he prefers people who are wowed by every guitar or people who look at each one with a microscope. It really touched me. He says he doesn't think Herman is a pain and that he loves working with him - understanding what the real question was and answering that.

[@avielkharrat5788]

Should you've done 24 questions, you'd have to move this camera a few steps back, but you'd also have been able to place an owl...

[@SpartanPridePod]

I can't get enough of the ornery PRS. Just love it

[@ODPTV1]

PRS Guitars aren't really my taste but PRS himself is a cool dude, respect.

[@ElegantJames]

Your guitars are incredible! My favorite band used PRS guitars and it drew me in

[@tresblack4739]

What a wonderful idea, Tyler! Well done, sir!

[@cmorales5]

Second video I see from PRS.... just today... I am a Fender/Gibson lover. But.... in 2005 I bought a PRS as a gift for my church.... listening him is very interesting. Smart and sensible person, that’s hard to find nowadays. I am feeling a new attraction to have one PRS....

[@abattino2372]

This was GREAT. Mostly great questions and Paul’s answers were not only blazingly straight but I learned a lot about where he comes from at his core. RESPECT.

[@larrydj549]

Love Paul's sense of humor. It's common sense based. Then he hears it then reacts.

[@michaelweymouth4015]

Wow, what a refreshing Q&A, So much knowledge to glean from all you experts and I feel I have so little time to enjoy. Thank you all. Thank you Paul for making an instrument that’s helping this Bass/Keyboardist relearn guitar and open my mind with this SE custom. It’s nice to play it instead of having to fix everything that bugs me.

[@ChasVS391]

Just ordered my first PRS guitar. Can’t wait to get it and start playing on a Paule Reed Smith instrument!

[@teashea1]

Paul is so excellent --- genuine and articulate.

[@ronaldmckee7542]

You can see why John Mayer and Paul get along so well. They both are very active brain kind of people, they both love to talk to people, and they both love all kinds of music.

[@christophersmiddy2927]

This was great to watch! Paul, thank you so much for your guitars, I absolutely love playing them! 🤘😎

[@jerm6539]

Mr. Smith, I have watched P.R.S. Factory tour videos, and videos of people reviewing your guitars of all ranges. These videos have always made me think, “Hey, this guy really gets it!.” After watching this video, I now believe, you are the embodiment of what music should be.

[@Hurtb]

I don’t own a PRS but I want to now - Paul is great - invested in his business. From what I’ve seen and read always wants to work with and collaborate with artists - I saw a video that he speaks with John Mayer almost daily about ideas for his guitars. What a cool guy.