The FINEST PRS Ever Made?

[@danielsavage1784]

The best thing about watching your videos is how much fun you have playing. Thank you.

[@edwardgordon4309]

Agreed 😊

[@laz288]

Growing up in Annapolis, MD in the 80's PRS was the guitar. All my friends worked for Paul and Paul allowed each employee to build their own PRS. So cool to see all the PRS one-offs made by my friends. Amazing how far he has come.

[@laz288]

What I meant "PRS was the guitar" was it was the talk of the town. I personally was not into PRS but the curiosity level around town was high since a lot of locals worked there. @blurry.magnets

[@dnscs]

I've got an '89 Employees CU24. Didn't work at the factory, but visited there and loved seeing their relatively small crew working on those early Custom 24s.

[@brainsmoothy]

that's interesting.

[@MainPrism]

​@jeromelenovo2536I think you spelled that wrong. You meant Kramer.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I've seen a few employee guitars for sale, never got one but I did get a one-off in 2012 with a finish that later got adopted in a modified version, one of the few stoptail P 24s, and found an artist stock of one of the early 513s with a solid braz neck (and more that need not be mentioned because they're just production-run but they're still beautiful) so I have no room to complain 🙂

[@WhizMitchell]

John McLaughlin model sounds SUPERB. Tim , your playing is phenominal! Thanks for the demo.

[@Tommyplanet]

Back when I was Russell Crowe’s guitar tech I met Paul in the empty studio while he waited for Russell to show a guitar. We ended up playing Deep Purple riffs back and forth for a couple hours. He was very into Blackmore and it was lots of fun. I didn’t know who he was and it didn’t sink in for many years. It was just nice to hangout with a fellow guitar freak. Cheers 🤘💯

[@vampolascott36]

So great hearing you play Mahavishnu Orchestra style! John McLaughlin has been one of my favorite guitarists since I first heard him in the '70s.

[@Gearhart_Music]

a number of years ago, when my local brick-and-mortar guitar shop started carrying PRS, Paul came out and did a clinic. At the time I didn't own a PRS but I really liked them. He sat amongst us in the audience and took the time to talk about his philosophy in why he builds guitars, and what he does to make the best possible instrument he can. I was blown away by his passion. In a day and age when the founders of Gibson and Fender are long gone, and their companies are run by CEO's who may not always connect with their customer base, It's refreshing to have someone like Paul around who really cares about his products and wants the best for his customer, no matter their status or skill level. I have since bought an S2 Custom 24 and a SE CE24.

[@tedspacagna]

Hi Tim, Ted from the Village Guitarist here; thanks for the shoutout!! Admired you for decades as an Albuquerque born and bred guitarist and thrilled to find out we could get a guitar in your hands!

[@timpierceguitar]

So nice to meet you and yes I love New Mexico!

[@davidisenberg125]

paul worked on my 76 les paul custom in 78 and he was a great guy.... never trashed other guitar makers but would tell you the weakness and strength of each guitar..... his success was earned the hard way.....from the ground up

[@Texasbluesalley]

The guitar looks amazing. I've never met Paul personally, but could have on several occasions because he was just standing in the PRS Booth at a guitar show in Philly like any other exhibitor. Seems like a very humble, down-to-earth guy. Great video!

[@GuitarAnthony]

My favorite PRS story was Carlos Santana going to a studio, trying out the one that was there, falling in love with it and trying to take it with him when he left and he was not in the mood to hear it belonged to Howard Leese. Obviously Carlos got his own later on.

[@namebrandmason]

I read that Santana was so impressed by his PRS that he doubted Paul’s ability as a luthier, he thought it was “a gift from God.” So, PRS built him a second guitar. And Santana was again so impressed he thought it was a miracle. So PRS built a third guitar for Carlos Santana, who finally admitted that Paul Reed Smith was a great luthier.

[@CAGED1702]

@@namebrandmason And then, PRS built a 4th guitar for Santana who was totally impressed, so he exclaimed "Paul Reed Smith IS God!" 😉

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Spectacular version of Wind Cries Mary. Those tones are phenomenal even through my IPad.

[@timpierceguitar]

Hey thank you so much I felt the same way....:)

[@ronnieparfait]

@@swiftusmaximus5651would you be that dumb?

[@bdogjr7779]

It sounds good thru my Galaxy S7👍🏾😁🤳

[@tarragonadreamin]

You are too Tim (a humble human being), and a truly awesome guitarist.

[@AMaj7Sharp5]

Nice comment on Toyota, I think that your master classes are in this category of quality. Had a ton of fun learning your Castles Made of Sand lesson and am mapping out the amazing collection of lessons in the Master Classes. Thank you for keeping your product supper classy and worth the time. Much appreciated.

[@alguitarchristie]

Wow, what a great sound with the HP filter! The wind cries mary sounding amazing!

[@marcusware4586]

Any video that opens with Meeting of the Spirits is AWESOME!! Stellar playing as always!

[@Rambo29]

Tim, that intro lick alone, you are too sick with it! I want to be like you one day man, 60 years old surrounded by top notch gear, melting minds as you shred on a PRS

[@davecarr5892]

Wow! What a tone on Wind Cries Mary. My son is chasing that on his Silver Sky SE. PRS makes great instruments, that just work

[@garybackstrom183]

Dam your playing is so inspiring I have a CE 24 from 1997 with three way switch and coil splitters It always does the job. I can’t deny it. It’s got all my favorite sounds from strat like sparkle to fat double coil Never goes out of tune. 23 years and it’s always my main ax

[@LaMarrBrewster]

Another great video Tim. I love seeing the happiness you exude while playing guitar.

[@Nick_Barre]

Rick Beato, Andertons TV, That Pedal Show, Scott's Bass Lessons and the inimitable Tim Pierce. The very best of musical KZbin. Keep up the great work Tim.

[@JamesUnityFuchs]

You’ve never sounded better tim. That guitar is you. So expressive. Cheers!

[@backtothepasture]

I'm 40 seconds in, and it's "Meeting Of The Spirits" from the most definitive fusion album ever made; Inner Mounting Flame. Good on you Tim Pierce!! I've always liked your channel, but this just upped your stock by a great margin!! Keep up the great work.

[@backtothepasture]

Also, super playing, Tim, on that and "Lotus ..." (You always sound so good.)

[@mikeoxbig8708]

I live in Warsaw Indiana, 30 minutes from Sweetwater, my friends and I look forward to gear fest every year!! I saw Paul there and said hi, not expecting to be acknowledged. He stopped and said hi then engaged in conversation. Easy going and very genuine. I’ll never forget it! PRS is a national treasure!

[@automaticraccon]

Hearing you play Mahavisnu Orchestra blew my mind. The effortlessnes with which you play is inspiring. World class playing here. Glad I found your channel. So many boring noodlers out there. This is the real thing. Wow.

[@vwharman]

Good on you for showing Paul love. In the last couple years I’ve come to understand that Paul is the modern equivalent of Leo. He is PRS guitars, and they are as good as they are because he is the guiding force of the brand. Kudos to PRS for making timeless instruments.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Beautiful playing Tim!!

[@OkinawanPride13]

I’m from NC and my favorite shop is Shomaker Guitars in Burlington. The Owner is amazing and he’s told me stories about meeting Paul Reed Smith back then and how he was a cool guy! I have a lot more respect for him and his company🙌

[@harounel-poussah6936]

Considering how he overcharges, he can be cool

[@Mark_B585]

I am from Albuquerque. I quit playing 20 years ago when my daughter was born. I recently lost my mom and decided to start playing again. I bought my first PRS S2 Standard 24 in a charcoal satin finish from The village guitarist in cedar Crest, New Mexico The same exact place you bought your PRS from. I'm going to buy your lessons thank you so much for this.

[@synonyx]

I have a Paul's guitar with TCI pickups.... the clarity on them is next level.

[@MikaelLewisify]

Meh…I had an se Paul’s. It was nice but didn’t hold a candle to my American Ultra strat. Also, I sold my Se silver sky about 10 mins after I got it. Again, nice, but doesn’t compare to a real Strat.

[@synonyx]

@@MikaelLewisify Yeah... mine wasn't an SE Pauls. You're also comparing a guitar that costs 2x as much. I own a core silver sky, it definitely holds its own as a vintage strat. The SE Silver Sky is better than a vintera or player series in my experience though.

[@mikesweeney1435]

Awesome video Tim and thank you, I love what you're doing with your content lately!

[@robertpurdy4452]

That is a stunning guitar! I know Paul thinks left-handed guitars are superfluous but my left-handed PRS 277 SE baritone came setup perfectly and is an absolutely wonderful instrument to play and listen to. I am glad the company decided to expand their selection of left-handed models these past couple of years.

[@bcapetta]

Love that you pulled out Birds of Fire for this video, Tim. Nicely done.

[@david_a_uno]

OMG... thank you Tim! The sound of that guitar, in your hands, is beyond fabulous. I absolutely love the innovation of built-in HP filters, extremely useful for live or recording environments, and the Celtic Knots are instantly my favorite inlay design of all time. *drool* :)

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

0:34 you had me at “Meeting of the Spirits” 😎🎸

[@aliensporebomb]

Me too. Stunning playing.

[@3sportdad]

Mr. Pierce, this video is a perfect example of why I watch every video of yours that pops up in my window, and why I subscribed: I know NOTHING of Paul Smith, yet I watched from beginning to end because you have a sincerity about you that is wholly believable and enjoyable, your modesty seems real, you have endless great stories and even the ones that aren't great are delivered with such warmth and honesty that they're fun, and your playing is unmatched. It is literally a BLAST to watch you play every single riff. I never get tired of watching you play. Bravo!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thank you so much for this comment, I really appreciate it... I will try and keep everything on track... Your comment definitely will help keep me going....:)

[@3sportdad]

Well, then, my work here is done!@@timpierceguitar

[@BrettFunkGuitar]

That was ferocious! I think you're still getting better. How is that possible? You're amazing!

[@Callsigntitan]

I think I have never seen somebody that plays with such a joy and happiness like Tim. It’s such a vibe to watch him playing.

[@79Hokie]

Not many people I would really like to meet, but you are one of them. Doubt our paths would ever cross, but you seem like such a nice guy. Continued success and thank you for sharing your videos.

[@reverendg5937]

Years ago, Paul did a meet and greet at Chicago Music Exchange. I took my Modern Eagle to have hin sign. Not only did he sign it and take a picture with me. He sand the Rosewood Neck right then there and showed me how to maintain it. An experience I'll never forget.

[@JonathanAcierto]

Love the opening lick from "Meeting of the Spirits" by Mahavishnu Orchestra. Great musical pun and one of my favorite bands and guitar players (John McLaughlin) of all time.

[@Toehider]

Had the amazing privilege of playing bass onstage with Paul, we played La Grange and a few other classics. Very eccentric and very fascinating guy!

[@Motosportz]

Your playing is pure butter. Thank you.

[@WRuss3]

I got to meet Paul when i was working at a Guitar Center in the Midwest. I was surprised at his humility and infectious enthusiasm for guitars. I can confidently say that was the day I became a fan. Thanks for a great video.

[@stratplayr6997]

I wish that I could find a PRS that I would bond with. Tried out a few but so far none have called out to me. They're really nice guitars and very well built.

[@robertsole9970]

I agree, beautiful guitars but sound thin to me

[@joda4063]

That was a very nice Meeting of the Spirits rendition, cool to hear you venture into that territory. I had a Prs 408 for about 7 years, but never really bonded with it. Although excellent quality and build, no question about that, some guitars just «fit» and others don´t for some unexplainable reason

[@gener2842]

I was in a band (LA Underscore) where we did a couple of the PRS NAMM jams more than 20 years ago. He still remembers me when I see him. He is one of the nicest people out there, in addition to his absolute brilliance as a guitar designer. He is as authentic as you can get.

[@wizdeas6064]

Fabulous info about Mr. PRS - how lovely he is - you’re not so bad yourself Tim! I have two DGT SE’s and they are just great. Cheers!

[@brainsmoothy]

Thank you , Mr. Pierce. It's unlikely that guitar will ever be affordable but it sounds great and very well demoed. PRS is the Leo Fender of...a long while now.

[@mikemeloofficial]

Another great video Tim. Thanks for sharing the stories :)

[@Deliquescentinsight]

You are truly one of the great ambassadors of the guitar playing community Tim, your dedication and joy of music infects us! For me the original Fender Strat will never be supplanted, but I appreciate all the goodness in these PRS models, each to their own!

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Loved the Mahavishnu Orchestra lick at the beginning!

[@mickthebandit]

I own a PRS Tremonti SE and a 25 year old PRS Santana SE. Love them both

[@hogie1259]

Nice subtle shout out to the Village Guitarist. Great shop that immediately became my favorite shop ever after dealing with Eric . It’s awesome that we have a mom and pop shop in the East Mountains. We never have to go into the city!!

[@kevinbailey1097]

I met Paul once. In the restroom at the Guitar Center in Houston on Westhiemer. I didn’t realize who he was. I was there for an event that he was doing and he played with his band at the time. Once I figured out who I was talking to and seeing him play. And how just normal and humble he was. I have never forgotten that. He could have been the opposite. But he was just a normal guy. Never once let on who he was. He makes a great product. And I love my custom 24. I’ve had a few PRS guitars throughout the years. Even though I’m a Fender guy I still can’t say that I ever met Leo standing at a urinal and having a conversation. Just like he was another customer there to look at guitars. He’s a cool guy and very humble. Which is very rare in any form of the music business. Because I met a lot of people who we all know in my touring and studio days that weren’t so nice and humble. He’s a very genuine person.

[@RyanBuckley-o5v]

Tim Pierce I ran across you because of Uncle Larry (TB) and I knew I had seen your name before. Finally after the Rick Springfield stuff I put it together. I loved that living in OZ album and a guitarist myself remember seeing that name on their (Tim Pierce). I’m 51 and finally put a face to those guitar licks. Those were genius and it brings so much nostalgia to me. Thank you !!

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

Got to meet Paul, and he is the most down to earth, chillest person you will ever meet.

[@chrisbardolph]

The high pass filter is a nice feature. I've also become a fan of partial coil splits, where you put a 1 or 2k resistor in the signal that goes to ground.

[@alexs9168]

I met Paul at the crossroads festival 2023. I approached him and said hello and we spoke for a good 15-20 minutes about his guitars and artists. I’m a young guy 23 years old and he was so engaged in the conversation and enjoyed talking to me(atleast I’d like to think so lol). He was kind and also asked me questions and was genuinely interested. He’s a great guy

[@PC85X]

PRS have the build and quality control down, but you just can't beat that Fender strat neck pup 🤤

[@funkyfurballs1078]

The PRS headstock just looks wrong... and the cheap gray plastic tuners don't help.

[@Spidouz]

I have a couple of PRS guitars and I love them… my favorite guitar brand for sure!

[@AndrewMasters]

Amazing story and video Tim!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks so much!

[@thetonetosser]

Met him (Paul) at a UK trade show back in the early 90s. Very pleasant guy. Nice to know he hasn't changed.

[@jem77pmc]

Wonderful video with wonderful playing! Thank you Tim!

[@fivewattworld]

Such a fan of your playing Tim! What range man!

[@mattygregmusic]

You know you make good content when i stayed to watch- charmed - even when realizing the video was only 20 seconds about the content hinted by the clickbait title

[@patrickkelly142]

You play with so much passion and love

[@kylerowe3843]

I'm watching this on my laptop and I can hear how good those pickups sound!

[@suqies]

not just paul, you're a good human being

[@garaughty]

Hearing you play some of my fav Mahavishnu tracks made my day !!!

[@TheAgentAssassin]

That intro was fire!!! I played it like 20 times already. Gonna steal it

[@dcaudwell]

It’s “pre-stolen” ! (;

[@michaelhughes7267]

Love your videos Tim. Some of what i know about my instrument i learned on my own......MOST of what i know about my instrument i have learned from you! Keep playing and keep teaching.

[@kdooms]

Can we just say, that the fact that you have turned your "bar" into what it is makes you that much cooler?? Legendary.

[@TGormania]

Beautiful guitar and beautiful playing. Say what you want about social media but I love that there are channels like Paul's and many others like his. I really love the videos about the history of who actually played on what. When I was a kid, I never thought that someone other than the band members played on the songs. As I grew as a musician, I would listen to certain songs and think 'Ok, that doesn't sound like so and so.' Then realizing it wasn't who I thought it was.

[@colinwallace5286]

Tim, you should get Paul to sit down in your awesome little studio and do some talking and playing. You two are kindred spirits in that you obviously get a lot of joy in what you do. PRS seems to be good at building instruments from a player’s perspective, both Paul himself, and his signature artists.

[@J_Fowler]

I love the silver sky. The Ce 24 is incredible. The Studio sounds amazing

[@geoffcline9593]

Tim--you playing THIS guitar and playing along to Mahavishnu tracks is THE GREATEST thing I've heard in a while. KUDOS. btw, I am not a collector or a rock star.

[@michaelmadcat]

Haha! I got a giggle at the punch in for "in New Mexico" 😀 ... your videos are always top notch, Tim. Appreciate ya!

[@timpierceguitar]

We did that because I said it was Eagles Nest New Mexico and it's really Cedar Crest New Mexico.... So we had to cut it out....... Both are places that I know and love ! Im from New Mexico...Good comment!

[@Guitargate]

Tim - Your videos just keep getting better and better. You keep getting better and better. So cool - and yes - Paul is exactly how you say. I saw his toyota the other day!

[@timpierceguitar]

Wow Michael thanks for the comment and the confirmation it still blows my mind

[@Guitargate]

@@timpierceguitar Always, my friend.

[@davidt9841]

Tim, you are definitely one of my favorite guitarists, and you NEVER cease to amaze me! Love the PRS review. Last month I purchased my first PRS - SE 277 Baritone Electric in Charcoal Burst. I Love It! I bought it simply because I want to explore what a Baritone can offer in different sounds and textures. Of all of the guitars I've ever purchased, I can only think of two that I traded for others, so I will probably have this one for a long time! It's a beautiful instrument!! Play On!!!

[@James-cn9no]

I have seen Paul at the Dallas International Guitar Festival a couple of times over the past 10 years and he just walks around and talks to people. Totally humble and approachable. Not like most of the "rock stars" at the same event.

[@aaaMDML]

What's the song at 0:35? Love it! Or is it improv/jam for this video?

[@berkaybayarstudent2978]

It is Meeting of the Spirits by John McLaughlin

[@aaaMDML]

Thank you! @@berkaybayarstudent2978

[@RandomVelocity]

Damn I’ve never heard Tim sound this good. Great riffs and cool solos

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

As a Marylander, Paul is a major inspiration to me and I don’t even play guitar (Im a drummer) Random note: The guitar at Hard Rock Cafè in Baltimore is a PRS Guitar instead of a Les Paul. 👍🏾

[@timpierceguitar]

Hey thanks for the comment, I got that impression when I was in Stevensville, that the community was really behind Paul all all the way :)

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

@@timpierceguitar Oh for sure! Paul is such a incredible person that has some wild ideas that he pushes to make happen! Also if you’re ever back in Maryland I gotta jam with you sometime!

[@SteveSpears-Kuhlah]

My guitar teacher lent that John McLaughlin album, "Birds of Fire" in 1982, when I was 16. Nice work man.

[@esranie]

That guitar sounds and looks out of this world and your playing is always sooo nice! greetings from Norway 🙂

[@rocklives8251]

I would love to see a video of someone taking your lessons. From setting it up to actually taking the lessons. I would consider myself tech challenged, but am very interested in improving my playing . You seem like a great teacher.

[@FTStratLP]

Always love your insider stories Tim. Of course besides your playing that is.😊

[@shop970]

The great keepers of the flame are perhaps not easy to realize. But these videos from Tim are always going to be gold. A fabulous person. An incredible Human. Historical guitar playing . A living legend is even an understatement. Besides. He could actually make YOUR guitar sound amazing too. The real deal! The history of electric guitar itself, in one man! Wow. What 2024 now? He's been a part of music like no other! For decades!

[@chefboyrv57]

Tim, I love your studio! You're surrounded by love!

[@PapaMo55]

Off on a Tangent here… Love your work though I can’t say I’ve heard them all… however in 2010 a guitar player I had started playing with gave me a copy of Toy Matinee…. I have played that disc literally a 1000 and 8 times… easy. It wasn’t till I watched the recent interview with Rick Beato that I dove into your discography and found The Toy Matinee connection. As I said I love your work and watch your video channel faithfully… Thanks for the really great content. Stephen Morigeau lower class Bassist that always strives to play a class or better up.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Reverend has had the Bass Contour pot on their guitars for years. Very similar effect to the mini toggle on the PRS.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

G&L guitars had it before Reverend.

[@bazdesh]

yeah, wouldnt call that an "invention"

[@lousekoya1803]

That was a video from the heart ! Greetings from Quebec Tim !

[@timpierceguitar]

Many thanks!

[@_clauscarstensen]

This video did the trick, I subscribed, finally... though I should have done so WAY earlier. I admire your craftsmanship, your humble personality, and your professionality. This J. McLaughlin model sounds out of this world! What is the amp or app you are running it through in the video?

[@TheGuitarGuy69]

Dang man - serious riffing in this video Tim!! Loooove it

[@johnnymerk1]

Tim, Wow!!! The McLaughlin PRS sounds incredible. Sidenote- I had a fantastic 2014 Santana SE for a job-site “camp guitar” in Angola, Africa. I miss that guitar, and have always wanted to circle around and get another PRS, but an american model this time. There are just so many options, I could play any model and be happy.

[@kerrymcauliffe9906]

Very cool guitar!! Kinda surprised by how little focus the absolute master John McLaughlin was given in this video.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I had the stoptail version of that first SANTANA (that was the name on the headstock, all caps, PRS appeared only on the back). I used to show it to people and let them go through the "wow, this guitar is amazing" process and then hand them a Standard 24 and watch them do it all over again. That was my only SE although I did get to play a CU 22 SE a few years ago and I'll tell anyone I'd pick an import SE over a US Gibson (or US Fender) any day.

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I haven't taken a look at guitars for a few years and I'm now surprised at how many core models have carried over to SE in that time without me being the least bit aware. It's a great time for people starting out on guitar because so many high quality options are available that a few short decades ago would have been completely out of reach.

[@Piterychu]

I nearly choked on my food at around 3:20 when I literally had a huge mindfuck, as I was not expecting a PRS to sound exactly like a neck pu single coil from a Hendrix Strat. Absolutely mindblowing.

[@MilesSchon]

Love this. Truthful and heartfelt. Awesome cover and song choice btw. Let’s jam again soon Tim.