Paul's First Guitar with Bird Inlays | From the Archives | PRS Guitars

[@Trog]

Always enjoy hearing Paul's stories!

[@joeldamron8062]

Love your stuff Austin! I know you’re a Gibson guy, but you really ought to get more PRS’s on your channel. I know I (and probably many others) would love it! Your Silver Sky videos are excellent.

[@CongealedMilk]

OOOOO we got Austin in here! I always check the channel when I get home, for new uploads!

[@jasonjansen9556]

I wonder what this guitar would auction for

[@dingledwarf98]

Trogggg

[@CocoKoi321]

Froggy!

[@moham1287]

I bought my first core PRS yesterday - a custom 24. I’ve been watching Paul for a while and am proud to finally own a real PRS!

[@vincentcabral1173]

I envy you! ♥️ I am waiting on my first PRS. It is a S2 Custom 24-08. One day I’ll get a core. Enjoy it!

[@duanewelsh5611]

Congratulations! My guess is you will end up with other PRS guitars

[@alxmrls1]

You're fucked for life now bro.... Now you're gonna get another one and another one. It's an incurable disease🤘🏼😂

[@RUTGERMORTENSEN]

Enjoy, I'll likely never use anything else after getting mine, got 5 jacksons sitting crying

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Congratulations on your purchase.... Hope that a year since your post you have became well acquainted with guitar... I have a 408 10 top and its freaking fantastic..

[@xyzcreate]

I love how one of the most iconic and defining features of a PRS guitar was basically just a random idea Paul had one day. Such a cool bit of information and history.

[@Rodrigomezcua]

It's amazing that he even remembers where he bought the timber and that he saw the cracks in the wood when building it 50 YEARS AGO

[@Andluth]

This was cool! I hand routed and glued 1000's of those birds in the 80's with a jig with those brass plates and graphite paint.

[@xyzcreate]

Paul seems like such a down to earth and chill guy!

[@ralphproscia4934]

Many years ago (1993) to be exact I purchased a PRS custom 24 from a lady who won the guitar in the Guitar Player Magazine contest. It became my number one go to guitar and has traveled throughout the USA making music. I am retired now but still play it regularly and it is still my number one guitar. Still love it after all these years. RP

[@chriskocher1469]

If they do a guitar with squirrel inlay I'm in!

[@aaronhiggs]

Paul is inspiring me to make my own guitar. I’m making a turquoise flame top explorer currently. If you have the itch, just do it!

[@Charismafire]

That guitar sounds fantastic!

[@leeakers4525]

We love your beautiful guitars, Paul, but sometimes we forget what a great guitarist you are. Thanks for the little mini concert.

[@dj_tmc]

Paul, your videos are inspiring for a beginner guitar luthier. I love when you talk about what you learned. When I get to building my own necks, I'm going to make a squirrel inlay guitar neck and send it your way :D

[@waynepayne864]

how tf he remember which lumber store he went to 50 years ago, i dont even remember where i buy my toilet paper

[@stephenhaynes603]

it occurs to me the twelve fret marker is what prs revolves around just seems to be a really strong feature on the guitar its self. .... has this been said before i wonder? yeh great story and seeing those original jigs !! history in the making .

[@anotherstart1]

Can’t say enough good things about Prs guitars. Paul reinvented guitars refined them and made art in the process. I have the silver sky, Core artist single cut and a custom 24. I cannot justify keeping any others as they will not get played. I was late to the party but was lucky to get in ! God bless 🙏

[@pedraw]

I really dig this series. Paul himself telling the stories and explaining the hows and why's.

[@kilofireb8584]

This is so cool! Paul please tell us another story..How did you decide to have the birds fly towards the body?

[@GeoffSweet]

My 30th anniversary C24 is far and away my best playing and favorite PRS so far...you guys baked some extra goodness into those 30th anniversary fiddles. Thanks Paul!!

[@bearthompson6506]

Thanks for sharing. Loved seeing the bird inlay templates!

[@billdaniel2697]

That's great to see the fret board at the end of the video with the natural rolled fret board from the thumb from all the playing that has been done on it ,fantastic sounding guitar.

[@PTam09]

Is that the exact guitar being played at the end? Fabulous tone. I wonder what he’s playing through? Amp, effects etc?

[@rien2080]

I think we can all agree that this series is interesting and fun to listen to!

[@Priest_of_Hiroshima]

I can’t believe these guys work with a living legend.

[@melissahansen-rood86]

Squirrel or worm inlays? I think birds were the way to go. The birds immediately caught my eye on the first PRS I encountered in the early 90s. Hmmm, maybe my first Private Stock build should have squirrel inlays.

[@sandoncrowder7839]

My dream guitar is a Paul's guitar, or maybe a DGT in faded whale blue, one day I'll get one. But for now I'm happy with an SE Paul's guitar, it's as good of a guitar as I'll ever need to be honest. I want a core model just because they are such special instruments, and because I fell in love with the faded whale blue color a long time ago and I really want one in that color. DGT and Paul's guitar are my two favorite models, I want to try a few and see which one I'll want forever.

[@chrismccannIRL]

These videos are great. Love the knowledge and passion on display. Bought my first PRS guitar last week. A beautiful 2003 Core PRS Custom 22 Brazilian Ltd Edition in blue. Stunning guitar. Love knowing what went into making it and I’ll likely keep it for life. Thanks

[@mikefarquhar5063]

That's pretty cool my mother's a bird watcher too herback garden is full of birdhouses and trees, lots of plants and flowers a litte sanctuary for birds, and Bees! She has an air B'n'B or two maybe more its hard to tell, for her bees because they are becoming endangered even here in Scotland its pretty sad but if everyone did something like this in their back garden itd definitely have a positive affect. PRS guitars are awesome id love a job there

[@dailyhappyme]

Can i work on PRS ❤️

[@flybynight1929]

The birds are the most striking feature, with the incredible Maple tops close behind. I own a pre-bird moon inlay PRS, with the original Duncan pickups they used at the time, and two other artist signature models. In the midwest, there's a fishing vernacular that Muskie hunters use, and it goes like this: "There are two kinds of fish, Muskies, and the fish they eat" I've owned many guitars, but since getting my PRS's, it pretty much sums up guitars for me. There are PRS's, and there are all the others.

[@chriss2452]

Imagine if his guitars would have come with squirrel inlays instead of birds.

[@EvanPriceMusicChannel]

Birds - they live in Trees (Wood)...and they soar, and Sing...

[@stevenpipes1555]

The birds work because electric guitars and birds are both symbols of freedom!

[@xa9590]

Why does he have the guitar? (If it’s Frampton’s guitar)

[@BRS-Peterbilt-379]

I'm anxiously waiting for my Tremonti Sig in faded whale blue that I ordered in December. Watching Paul in these videos and the way that he still chases building the best guitar is what made it an easy decision to buy one of the core guitars. Thanks for these videos PRS.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Great history demonstration and story, thanks Paul, Marc and Bryan! Glad to hear that Paul is birdwatching. Bird inlays are unique and beautiful, but I love my moon inlays too.

[@AnAntidisestablishmentarianist]

I'm looking forward to the squirrel inlays.

[@markshepardsongs]

I love that this guitar is in the archives but I'm curious why didn't Frampton keep it?

[@andybaldman]

I wondered the same.

[@peteincanada8412]

Love listening to Paul speak. One dumb question. Why the huge neck heel ?

[@Thrashmetalman]

They probably don’t give him the code cause he’d take all the guitars home lol

[@cmh6122]

Read somewhere that if one is fortunate to live long enough you will watch birds.

[@adriancarroll6995]

Why are the birds flying toward the body that Guitar and not away from it? I don’t understand that.

[@LeeGee]

I've been the proud owner of a C24 'artist' for 30 years and it remains the best guitar I have ever played. Thanks for making it!

[@sixslinger9951]

yep, I bought my '92 C24 new and still one of the best guitars I've ever played.

[@petermatheson8757]

Why would you want seagulls aka sky rats on your fingerboard?

[@leelauder4411]

Legendary stuff!! Peace brothers

[@yrahcaz1967]

That first one is arguably the best sounding one

[@cre8alotdesign232]

I like the router jigs and neck templates.

[@fabriziodutto7508]

When Paul told about a "flying turtle", it reminded me instantly about some old Japanese sci-fi movie, featuring the "monster" gamera 🙂 PRS are unbeatable quality products. Great guitars, I've just bought a PRS SE, but unfortunately, it turned out I can't set it up as I like, so I got to send it back. The vendor said to me that it's a very unlikely thing to encounter on a PRS guitar the one that happened to me, but I know I'm not a very lucky person 🙂 I'm very sorry, because I really liked the overall aesthetic and the great sound of the model I've chosen. BTW, I'm going to buy another PRS, trying with a more 'high end' model, hoping for the best this time. Great instruments, even in the "entry level" range, I just have been unlucky.

[@mikerayco]

More of this Paul! Love to hear guitar stories!

[@RobvandenBoogaard]

2026; Limited run of faithful copies of this first birds guitar, marking its 50 year anniversary. Yeah, I’m calling it!

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I love the design of that guitar, but I’m glad he didn’t settle on that awful headstock 😆😆 Very cool to see the first bird guitar.

[@carmineredd1198]

stolen from Gibson

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@carmineredd1198 Settle down, Beavis.

[@1scooterpilot1]

Glad he got into guitars. I just bought my first PRS, Silver Sky core model.

[@andybaldman]

Nobody cares about your social signaling.

[@carmineredd1198]

well he failed as a guitar player , so ... he stole from Gibson and made enough to cover = litigation... POS

[@zeusapollo8688]

Prs with tiny frets...sign me up

[@GMec78]

I've had something like 10 PRS guitars over the years from all factories at all levels except wood library and never connected with any of them but they were all great. Paul has inspired me on several occasions to build PRS-like guitars first from very refined kits and later not so refined kits. I think I'm going to try from scratch as soon as I can source decent wood and get a clear vision of what I want.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Birdwatching. Same here. Really love large birds of prey.

[@RobinBassett]

Forgive me my Italian friends, but Paul initially thought Smith wasn't a good name. But isn't Ferrari a variation on Smith / iron smith? A Smith Testarossa!?

[@jacobrutan6864]

Had to stop working at PRS only a few weeks in due to my seizures....BUT! Not before Paul himself shared that his mother was a birdwatcher and thats where the birds come from😊

[@quiksilver78]

I know Mr. Smith hates us lefties for some reason 😢 but I still enjoy his stories enthusiasm and, yes, admire the craftsmanship of PRS guitars. I will always long for that PRS SE Single Cut; please don't forget us lefties ✌

[@acusticsix]

very cool story.... i remember being 18 in 1976 and my mom and dad took us to Disney land easter week... we stayed in daytona beach and every car on the beach had the same station on playing Frampton comes alive! what a great memory you just brought back.... paul you are a great guitar smith!

[@4wardfr3ak23]

That’s the thing that defines PRS for me-the bird inlays thing. I really love it, looks unique and artistic. Hope to own a PRS one day…

[@richardnagamitsu1582]

It will be worth saving for. I bought my first in 2002. Nothing like a PRS. Start with an SE, they’re great. I love the S2 line, too. Eventuality make your way up to a core model.

[@4wardfr3ak23]

@@richardnagamitsu1582 thank you, hope it will eventually come true at some point)

[@jerrymorgan1752]

I was always intrigued with PRS guitars since I saw Ted Nugent in damn Yankees play one. It took me years to find the right one before I could invest in one. I ended up with the guitar that I’m so proud of owning now. 2018 Paul Reed Smith wood library with flame maple neck Ebony fretboard and abalone birds bonus it has a Floyd Rose. The difference is like being stuck in the paddleboat and having somebody pass you in a yacht. Thank you Mr. Paul Reed Smith for selling me my yacht.

[@ACoustaDC]

I've never noticed this before but Paul is clearly from PA. it's so identifiable in his voice... he sounds just like my dad.

[@matthewpaluch777]

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

[@CongealedMilk]

Always gonna watch another From The ARCHIVES

[@smelltheglove2038]

Birds make music as well.

[@kaneo67]

Could someone please do me a solid and tell me how I can see Paul Reed Smith's version of Machine Gun again? I watched it once, dug it so much, and then it disappeared

[@richardnagamitsu1582]

My 2002 McCarty P90 has super beautiful moons. The birds are really apparent at a distance. You need to be pretty close to the guitar to really see the moons.

[@KRayxKodessA]

I have a Tremonti Baritone Hybrid prototype - maybe it'll be in the archive after I'm gone?

[@Mitch-Master]

So cool

[@bryonkidder6199]

I've got 4 bird feeders in my backyard...lol

[@CocoKoi321]

Wouldn't mind that being the prs SE carve, it's historic too and has all most of all the defining looks to it

[@nathanielvargas3863]

This is my favorite series from the PRS KZbin channel

[@wheelsdetroit8608]

The sustain on that guitar is ridiculous. It’s a perfect match of pick ups and wood.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

"I thought 'Smith' was a terrible name to go on a guitar" - Ken Smith weeps 😂

[@Aokitadamitsu]

amazing!!!

[@Arfshesaid457]

One question: why are the birds upside down on the fretboard?

[@seerattan]

Finally, keep them coming. Please do the original west street.

[@francescobarbaro7114]

The first time a saw a PRS it was a pic from an advert of a white Custom 24... I saw the birds, then the headstock and THAT signature and I fell in love! I said to myself: "one day I'll must have one of those 'birded' guitars" and thanks to the SE line I'm now an oversatisfied owner of a stunning (and left handed) Custom 24!!! ❤️ Next step will be a Core one!!! We'll see...

[@stevescuba1978]

I found an SE Custom 24 in white, and an SE custom 22 semi-hollow on the same day. Me and the 22 are still best friends, but I really miss the girl that got away! That carved white top was just so sexy!

[@skateborg]

Great story. Thanks Paul.

[@IamMusicNerd]

That guitar needs to be in the PRS museum.

[@jdl2180]

Why did you want to get rid of the neck angle?

[@tom0ocadoo]

I have been try to teaching my self how to build guitars ,I was starring at my PRS Santa retro and thought I wonder if these inlay where a beautiful mistake . thank you for theses videos . have a great year

[@peachmelba1000]

Hi. I taught myself guitar building a few years ago. My suggestion, if you want it, is to just build one without worrying if it comes out well. This is what I did. I was able to offset the cost of wood by using reclaimed wood, meaning I would literally drive around and scope out furniture that people threw out for garbage collection, throw it in the back of the truck and drag it home. Things like hardware and frets, and pickups etc can be reused if the guitar you build fails, so buy good quality stuff in that respect. In fact, I'd go so far as to say, build your first electric guitar with no intention to ever wire it up. Perfect the neck, the fretboard, and learn how to do the fretwork. Watch tutorials. If you have any kind of inherent maker's skills, you'll do fine. Good luck. PS: I have a few videos with guitars I've built on my channel. PPS: Electric guitar bodies can be made from almost any wood, even just pine 2x4s jointed and glued together, so don'tvthink your first one has to be mahogany or flame maple.

[@impossivel2006]

I can't afford one so ... that's that

[@edwardjohnson7996]

And birds have songs to sing!

[@almightyguitarnerd]

I love those archives episodes

[@richardnagamitsu1582]

I like the bird in the heel!

[@irvingsherwood1234]

Alrighty then.

[@liorauf]

Love you guys!!!

[@cb4j]

Living legend.

[@elenbrandt290]

Coolness!

[@KTPark99cftg]

Sweet sounds!!

[@SinnGread]

Moonstone Guitars (RIP STeve ) did the birds first , Plain and simple Paul is a LIAR

[@phretbored]

PRS Guitars are amazing. Thanks Paul and crew for all your efforts! Birds speak in music so they are definitely legit for guitar inlays and they do look way cool.