Why I bought a PRS...but don't play it | Friday Fretworks

[@lukasschliepkorte3019]

You are no less a master of guitar as you are of eloquently and respectfully expressing your well founded opinions. Thank you very much.

[@kungfuseadog]

One underappreciated skill of Chris is how extremely well spoken he is. Really stood out to me this episode.

[@jonl7819]

Kinda makes sense with how articulate he is in his playing

[@PLively]

Because he's Welsh!

[@chrisb8075]

His accent and pronunciation annoys the shit out of me so much l mute the vids unless he's playing.

[@steveg.3022]

I’ve always noticed that.

[@roughcutguitars]

​​@@jonl7819language and music: same part of the brain But you already knew that :-)

[@gpc8984]

I know that Chris plays out too, but the U tube guitarist is a whole new art form in itself. Great sounding tracks with a visual close up of a solo....consistent high quality from Chris...

[@wilkowilkins363]

I think it's fair to say that Chris is a musician and Band musician well before a KZbinr ...

[@wilkowilkins363]

Not to put a finer point on it.. unlike many other 'youtubers' Chris has always been in a band .. from the initial TH3 that nearly broke America back in the day to several successful years and a fabulous album with Buck and Evans to now touring Europe with the chart topping Cardinal Black, Chris is first and foremost a musician that has just found an outlet called KZbin to help bolster his income. Now that Cardinal Black are gaining huge popularity let's hope that we still get him on KZbin .. he's regarded quite rightly as one of the best new guitarists in the world....but he's always been this good!

[@rowbags3017]

After years of playing classic designs and not really getting into PRSs, I've recently bought a couple of SEs - a DGT Gold-Top and a Hollowbody II Piezo. Slightly to my surprise, I bonded with both of them straight away. Each in their own way, they just feel "right" for me and they've become my go-to guitars for most occasions. I've got to say, based on those clips of your sound-checks, you really should use the Hollowbody II more - your playing was stunning as ever and it sounded fantastic! 😎

[@stevescuba1978]

That's wonderful to hear. I have an older flat top semi hollow SE 22 custom. It was my first good guitar, and it is amazing. I struggled to match the stock pickups to my small tube amps, but swapped in SD Pearly Gates, added a coil tap on a push-pull, and dropped the resistor's value. It sings sweetly, can get chimey and sparkle, and can get dirty and nasty all with a bit of twist or pull on the tone and volume knobs. As guitar players tend to do, I keep pining for a higher-end model, but it really does everything I could hope for. In fact, it's a much better guitar than I am a player

[@marcvarner1]

I have a 2008 DGT that I’ve played the finish off of the neck, belly relief, arm position upper bout, spot between pups… I just got an SE DGT. I didn’t set it down for a good month and a half.

[@lawrenceriley1526]

I have the same guitar... it's one of my favorite guitars. Along with the SE paul's guitar (recent purchase). @@stevescuba1978

[@rowbags3017]

I probably should add that the SE Hollowbody II's piezo is great through my Laney Cub Super 12 valve/tube amp. The result isn't "acoustic" in the slightest, but it has a fantastic character that's unique amongst all my guitars. The first rehearsal with it had the band saying "That's amazing - but where's the acoustic sound you bought it for?" 😉However, put through a really clean amp or a PA, it offers a very useful "acoustic" sound, but I always blend in a bit of the magnetic pickups to roll things back a bit.

[@tonedowne]

I am a recent PRS convert as well. I bought a DGT SE and it blew me away. I love the 25” scale length and the wide fretboard. I can play how I want to play without worrying about the physical limitations of my other guitars (335 excepted), and the PUs do what I want them to.

[@wizardin9365]

I have a washburn superstrat double humbucker. Incredibly easy to play, 24 fret shred machine. But when I got a strat copy in HSS from a japan thrift store, changed the frets to stainless steel, bought a new bridge and locking tuners. It's now my favorite guitar. There's just something that feels good when playing a vintage style guitar.

[@philfyphil]

Jeez, that intro is absolutely awesome, such great feel and tone.

[@gavindriver8665]

Hi , I’ve own and sold a PRS for that exact reason, I get it. But mostly I think it’s because they’re so good and bloody expensive, is why you don’t take it out and play it. Which then leads to the eternal GAS conundrum of having something of value to trade. My advice would be to own one at least.

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Another excellent video, love your beautiful playing! I've been playing for almost 50 years and just picked up my my first PRS. I'm in my 60s now and my 76 Les Paul Deluxe (almost 12 lbs) is just getting too heavy for gigging, and the split coils in the PRS allows me to leave my strat at home and just play one guitar. They are very versatile and play wonderfully, but I do prefer playing my Gibsons, Fenders, and Gretschs when I'm at home.

[@frankwebster9110]

Every time I come across one of Chris's guitar playing videos, I get blown away. So many players are great and play fantastic,but end up sounding generic. Chris is always sounding like himself, which really is the highest praise I believe for any good player. Fkn brilliant!

[@DeekJohnson]

Interesting take...was considering this exact model for those exact reasons...asking myself why I'm hesitating. Have yet to play one.

[@DavidCarterVideos]

I can perfectly relate to your sentiments here that, as many others have mentioned, you have so eloquently put across. I have a PRS Wood Library Custom 24-08. It is a thing of real beauty with a build quality second to none and it plays effortlessly. However, it takes significantly more time and effort to dial in a sound I'm happy with than it does my other twin humbucker, a Gibson Les Paul. The LP has a naturally warmer, creamier tone to it which takes us to the popular opinion that PRS guitars tend to sound a little "sterile. I can understand this opinion to a certain extent but the argument falls down somewhat when pedals, FX and amps are put into the equation which, pretty much, allow you to dial in any tone you want. For me, it just takes longer to get there.

[@tysonshirey1]

I agree totally. Very well put together video. And very well explained.

[@catalin_mustata]

That makes sense. I grew up watching Santana rock his red(ish) PRS on Supernatural and I wanted one ever since 😁 (thankfully I got a very nice Custom 24 which is my main workhorse)

[@chrisshaw6451]

Great video Chris, well made, well played, and perfectly hitting the nail on the head! 👍❤️

[@SlowhandGreg]

I recently bought the Chinese version in Andertons sale and run it through a Marshall and haven't put it down in the last couple of months its marvellous But I run it soley in a home studio

[@wrap-itsolutions2387]

so eloquent mate! .... I've got to say though ... your right hand is second to none!!

[@mikeriemersma716]

As I've gotten older I've learned that I like one trick ponies that really nail the trick. PRS guitars have always struck me as very well made and lovely looking swiss army knives. That's great, and I understand why people like them, but for me, give me the thing that does "the thing."

[@michaelt2842]

Yes, I feel the same way about pedals too.

[@mikeriemersma716]

@@michaelt2842 Yes! 100%!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Superb playing

[@HBSuccess]

I get it. I have a 1981 G&L F100e that I played probably 2500 4hr gigs on. It has active electronics that I had slightly modified, can sound convincingly like a Strat, a tele, a Les Paul, whatever. And the action and setup are perfect, never needing a thing. But while it’s the ultimate “parrot” it’s totally uninspiring. It lacks its own voice so nobody would ever pick it up to write the next great song

[@mezzoca8110]

Chris… I like your new licks … keep it up, that style is coming on nicely

[@seanmckelvey6618]

PRS are great guitars, I have one of the import SE models and I love it, fantastic guitar for the money & I wouldn't part with it. But, I do find that I have to be in a certain 'mood' or frame of mind to actually play it instead of my Fender. I couldn't exactly tell you why that is, but it just doesn't always speak to me in the same way some other guitars do.

[@mattmueller1921]

One thing I’ve started asking guitar players is ‘What’s your favorite PRS solo? No one can answer. It’s intriguing

[@n.s.3812]

Anything by Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree. I also like a lot of Mayer’s work on Sob Rock. Maybe “I guess I just feel like.”

[@matthewmueller3517]

No doubt. I think Mayer recorded the just feel like solo with this guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmOlqWeFm7yElbM@@n.s.3812

[@jeffhuxford2870]

This is a Hollow Body II….The Hollow Body McCarty has two tone and two volume like a les Paul. I have both a Hollow Body II and a McCarty 594…they are awesome instruments!

[@greywolferhm]

Thank you for this Chris. Some of us get lucky enough to acquire some of these guitars: PRS, Tom Anderson, etc. But until you buy the actual parts and build your own, you really don't know what it is you are looking for in an instrument. I've played crappy Strats that were literally falling apart onstage, and they sounded awesome - because what else could they do?!

[@polaritypictures]

Since you have two channels on the guitar it's handy to route it to pedals to add a unique sound on hand.

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Chris, I am a new subscriber. ❤

[@martinclayton7260]

I'm lucky enough to own quite a few guitars, and two of them are core PRS custom 24, 25th anniversary's with those 57/08 pickups. They are the best guitars I own, and I've used them live a lot, especially one of them, and it's showing with some knocks to it. Before I got them, I used Gibson's, but I have a bad back, and my Les Paul's are heavy. But now I mainly play Fender's, I use a Tele at home, and a Strat, and a Jaguar for recording. I don't know why I stopped using the PRS guitars, I guess it was just that, if I bought a new guitar, I'd play that more, and my newer guitars are Fender's?

[@Mr.SeymourButts]

Your slides are beautiful! For me, your slides really stand out !

[@Im2Old4ThisShite]

I too have a prs that I don't play, but for a different reason. I've been playing guitar since 1975 and have owned many, many guitars over the years. I still own 11 guitars that range from $500 Epiphone standard les Paul up to a hand made JayDee old boy that ran about $6k after shipping from England. That's where the problem comes in. It's a core 594 McCarty solid body that was in the neighborhood of 5k when I bought it new from Sweetwater in 2019. It's a beautiful guitar as far as everything not having to do with the feel when playing it. I tried every trick I know to loosen it up a bit but no matter what I did, it stayed the stiffest, coldest guitar I'd ever played. I've been disabled for about 20 years now and my hands have grown arthritic and weak and that old prs has been sat, untouched in its case, since 2020 and I'm afraid that's where it will stay. It's a shame because it is such a bloody beautiful guitar but I think I just unfortunately got one that slipped through quality control and something is out of line or whatever can make a guitar be so stiff. It's like playing an old sears acoustic that was strung with a set of 20-80 gauge strings....

[@Chriscst22]

I scanned the comments but didn’t see this being asked. That’s a 2003, but you say it has 57/08’s? 57/08’s didn’t exist in 2003. Were they put in after?

[@homegrownson]

I just traded and Owned but never played was my Slash Victoria because it was so pretty, I was more inclined to play something else I wouldn't risk scratching, denting etc, it played like Butter, was only 8.8lbs so no anchor but enough mass for Amazing Tone, but I traded it and some vintage pickups for a Prototype Warrior 54 that had been played just enough to make me want to play it and surprise the Warrior was a better Guitar, at least for Me, because one I hardly played and the other I cant play enough. Of course Warriors aren't cheap, and limited to around 120 made per year of Electric 6 strings but its a Family Owned and Run Company from Georgia, near Chattanooga Border that has been making High End Instruments for 30+ years. If you haven't played one and can, Please Do, you can thank me later. I live near Gainesville Florida if care to test that PRS against a Warrior Chris

[@absea7918]

Great video. I had Custom 24 that I felt the same way about. I never bonded with it. Great guitar, but not for me.

[@allrequiredfields]

I've never heard a PRS that sounded even mildly interesting to me. Collings on the other hand is the first company making new guitars that I'd consider buying if not for the vintage guitars I already own. They've somehow found a way to make guitars again that don't bore me, tonally.

[@TK-fk4po]

My 15 year old son had been lusting after a PRS hollow body for all of his 16 years. Last year I got him one, and he plays it pretty much exclusively. When he could have a choice of plain, anyone have about twelve other guitars that I own. maybe it’s because he’s the next generation and doesn’t feel as much I need to be nostalgic even though he loves classic rock and jam bands.

[@sidneyadnopoz3427]

I admire the craftsmanship of PRS. They're undeniably works of art, but more often than not when I try one out I feel like I'm "musical instrumenting" as opposed to "playing" the guitar. They just don't speak to me, and that's OK. Just like it's OK that some people swear by them. The guitar world would be much more boring if every guitar I didn't love wasn't around.

[@stevem-h3562]

I found exactly the same. I went to Andertons in 2015 to buy a Les Paul, but this was in Gibson's darker days and eery single Les Paul I tried, I hated the necks on. Without exception. So, I tried a couple of PRS's up to about £2K-£2.2K and didnt feel anything. All I felt was meh. And only when I picked up a Duesenberg Starplayer TV.... ah, now whats this? This is more like it. You're right. The guitar either speaks to you/chooses you or it does not.

[@willgoodfellow3144]

I have the a PRS Hollowbody 2 in Mccarty burst too! I definitely play my custom shop Landau 68 strat more than the PRS though.

[@lazvt8469]

My SE Custom (with JB's) is among the most playable and best sounding guitar I've owned of the 40 (currently have 20 lefties) or so of every make/model up to 'custom shop'....and yet I too rarely play it. Not sure why... Chris' intro was epic...as expected. The 'fight' argument may be the reason...I play my Squier CV50 with Fralins most...and it's not the easiest to play, event after sanding off the poly neck. Odd....

[@BeefNEggs057]

Surprised Paul didn’t send you one. Influencers sell the guitars like it or not.

[@steved1099]

Oof it sounds great on 'on my own' in this clip.... I bought a revstar because of CB but this does seem a great PRS model. Either use it in the studio or sell it to me 😁😁

[@jimmyd12001]

Know exactly what you mean

[@marcvarner1]

I was going to say, get it intonated. Obviously it’s probably off by the look of it. But then you seem to have an issue with the axe being a little too perfect to begin with. I have used some luthiers that could really help with that!😂 The reason I taught myself to do my own work. With, I might add, some one on one instruction from Paul. Right place, right time.

[@wordman757]

I have to admit, that blended sound of piezo and Humbucker is absolutely magical.

[@chipsterb4946]

That is a very cool setup with lots of possibilities.

[@thiskingdom3605]

I have the same problem as Chris! The setup is, I believe, exactly what I would love to have in my hands! However, the looks of it.. just doesn’t seem to fit the guitar hero that lies in me!!! 😂😂😂

[@neal_laugman]

@@thiskingdom3605 I guess I'm lucky in that sense because I am a keyboardist and do not suffer from that affliction. But I suppose if Emerson (RIP) was still here and threw away his C3 I would have to go with what he got (but not the Yamaha Polysynth LOL) And it would be after going Linda Blair for a while. 🤣

[@joey-ne6pl]

It sounds even better in person. I run the piezo through a DI then onto the PA system. Using the piezo through a PA along with the hum-buckers through a regular guitar amp gives you and incredibly rich sound live.

[@steverolfeca]

@@joey-ne6pl doesn't even have to be humbuckers. My current setup is a Thinline Tele with Bill Lawrence microcoil pickups and a 4-way switch (both pickups in series), and the blend with a piezo bridge is heavenly, especially with the mag pickups running with a bit of delay and reverb in stereo (or wet/dry with different levels of FX and gain) through two amps. The DI'd piezoacoustic tone is panned dead center with it's own FX, and just a touch of blend into the electric side, for just the right amount of separation between the two tones.

[@andrefludd]

I’m a simple man, I see an awesome guitar player mention PRS, I give the video a like. Have a great weekend everyone!

[@j.r.g3548]

Perfect comment, precisely summed up my feelings 😂

[@x3a3x3]

You’re great too Dr Fludd! Your channel is amazing

[@johnmac8084]

I have the SE version of this, the SE Hollowbody II Piezo. It's a fraction of the price, but the build quality is still superb. My favourite guitar, I play it every day since I bought it.

[@APfishing_guitar_statistics]

I also have the SE version and love it and it was a great price too. But I understand what Chris is saying….

[@iromanovsky]

You should be lucky, i’ve gone thru maybe 15 of these until i’ve got one with no obvious flaws, like some frets not parallel, pickup rings not installed at straight angle, gaps in neck pocket, dirt and bubbles in finish. I’ve spend almost half a year and a lot of money exchanging them by mail and traveling in person. Nope i’m not that picky, my epi casino coupe was good from the first buy.

[@tedtownsend8933]

15 of them yet you kept buying more! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ChippsChippendale]

@@APfishing_guitar_statistics I have a Hollowbody SE and love it. However, I did have the full-on US Hollowbody a decade ago and I never played it. It was too nice to bring out to a jam night and too nice for band rehearsals. It felt like it needed to be played loud and on stage, which I rarely did. So it sat in its case until I swapped it for a PRS Swamp Ash a couple of years later. I still kind of regret that, but I just didn't play it. The SE version now, sits next to my desk all of the time and it's great, for 1/4 the cost...

[@godbyone]

Great thing about prs is. Off the rack. They all have no problems. No fret. Out s intonation s are perfect.

[@gillmeter]

Coming from someone that currently owns 7 PRS guitars, 2 of which are Private Stock. I just found they fit my playing style and the music I play. I have owned Strats and Gibsons, and they just never spoke to me as much. I know the looks of a guitar shouldn't matter... but to me it does. They are works of art, and although I sit them on their stands, they look so good that they inspire me to pick them up and play. They inspire me to play more than any other guitars I've ever owned. So beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nobody is wrong, just enjoy what you like. And in the end, it's all great that we can enjoy subtle differences, and at the end of the day, we all love guitar! 🎸

[@driftlessgeardemos]

yeah it's the looks that make the PRS thing really unappealing to lots of people as well. Thankfully there's so many different aesthetics to choose from today

[@DrAgan_tortojed]

Quite the opposite from what I see: PRSs are "homely" - it takes time to recognize them, even if within a point blank, whereas, one knows that's a strat, tele, LP, Firebird or GS from mile away...

[@driftlessgeardemos]

Nah that weird headstock and over the top flame is instantly recognizable. It lets me know instantly who has poor taste. It’s the prs test.

[@gillmeter]

​​@driftlessgeardemos over the top flame... I mean... it's naturally occurring wood... how is it over the top... secondly, I've owned a few Gibson's... the build quality was not even close to my PRS and the tuning stability was atrocious. My strats were good guitars and I still have one. I've played most guitar brands and have owned my fair share. PRS quality is 2nd to none. And your personal taste is your own. I'm sure all these professional musicians that play PRS would agree with me... When artsists have the money and the means to play whatever they want.. there must be a reason why you see so many players with them.

[@dazsaxon7967]

Hi Chris, we were at the gig in Wolverhampton on Wed. Our first time watching the band and we really enjoyed it. Thank you to you all! 🎤🎸🎼💕👍

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

As a guitarist that enjoys the struggle with flawed gear to create sounds that please me, I appreciate your eloquence in describing the pleasure of that struggle. Be well, mate!

[@Evy-1988]

By now, PRS is just as established as a classic guitar. Especially if you do have a Yamaha signature. My theory is that a guitar has to speak to you. And then, when you play it in a band, you don't have to think about the guitar anymore. If a guitar doesn't do both, it's not the right one for you (this journey took me 20 years ;) )

[@geoffebuckle6754]

I've fancied either a PRS or a Yamaha Revstar(P90s) for a while now. Went to a guitar shop and tried both out. Both brilliant guitars but the Revstar just blew me away for playability...so came home with the Revstar..!!😁🎶🎸

[@phelps1485]

I have a PRS CE and I've eyed the Revstars for awhile now. I have 3 Yamaha's and I'm always amazed how Yamaha always hits value/quality factor. That is true for their less expensive up to more expensive.

[@geoffebuckle6754]

@@phelps1485 Try one, it just felt right straight away for me.🤷🏻‍♂️🎶🎸

[@ghalston5641]

I came home with both! These Indonesia made guitars are really hitting the value/quality nexus. So fun to play.

[@JammyGit]

I recently bought one of the older Revstars, the Bowden Green P90 version because I don't like any of the newer colours. Paid about 400 quid and it plays like a £1000 guitar. It's probably one of the only guitars I've ever had, apart from my Gretsch, that I don't feel the need to upgrade any parts or pickups.....their own P90s are very good, and are more than capable 👍

[@geoffebuckle6754]

@@JammyGit They are such a wonderful, easy guitar to play, and a great sound..👍🎶🎸😁

[@mbaraka92]

I don't use my McCarty on tour anymore, but whenever I play it, it feels like coming home. This particular one just has the right feel for me and I noticed that immediately when it fell into my hands at a pawn guitar shop. And yes, someone else rocked it before me, but I feel that it has some experience, which is a good thing. Most people don't marry the first person they touched, either ;) So I can totally not agree to anyone finding PRS boring. For me it has always been boring that everyone plays a Fender Strat because everone plays a Fender Strat. No offense, it's great, too.

[@ishko108]

Chris, your playing is always so full of soul. Rare to see anywhere. You have my respect for that. Also respect, your eloquence beats most TV presenters, even writers on TV I've seen. If you can talk like this without reading something pre-written, that is quite an intimidating skill. Just thought I should express my appreciation a little.

[@richardclark.]

your first sentence is the exact reason why Chris or other truly creative types dont play a prs.

[@ishko108]

@@richardclark. ah, so because the PRS has no soul? hehe. i've seen various people, including musicians, experiencing things differently. PRS are expensive guitars and will probably never come for sale in stores in my country. (not in US) so we don't play PRS because we have no money, mostly. also, isn't the age of the guitar important, especially if the wood is really good? i bet a PRS guitar made in the 1980's will be quite an item in 50 years. if you're not filthy rich (i'm dirt poor), no use comparing. say goodbye to high quality guitars. quality is expensive, which also says something for PRS guitars. do you think paul reed smith would be able to make all those guitars all those years if what you think about them was objective reality? i think John McLaughlin is creative enough. Why don't you ask him what he thinks of his new PRS he just got? just sayin'. it's not about being a "truly creative" type, it's about personal taste.

[@mbgmail5911]

The most elaborate Reverb listing of all time.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Ha ha

[@honnaconna7312]

Hahahahaa

[@steppenwolf_666]

One of the best performances I have ever seen on a youtuber channel! Chris Buck rocks!

[@randy206]

I absolutely love that guitar. It's beautiful and sounds incredible. That model is one of my favorite prs models.

[@SEGREDOSPROIBIDOS1]

Because you’re not a lawyer, a doctor or a dentist lol

[@johnbach2380]

I think the ones complaining that guitars shouldn't be so well made... and have no issues with them are the weirdos that talk to their guitars and take them on dates. You hit the nail on the head. It is PURELY nostalgia. It's purely the idea of playing what your heroes played and brand loyalty. I don't even think PRS makes the best guitars in the world anymore, but I'd take them over gibson or fender any day of the week.

[@picksalot1]

Very well said. I've got an old Gibson ES-175 that I have that same weird relationship with. It is a perfect guitar, though I almost never play it. Maybe it's because it highlights my own imperfections.🤷 There seems to be a dance we have have with our guitars. Some regularly invite us to dance, and some get us to dance in mysterious ways. That's part of the magic of playing music.

[@apolloguitars]

Chris might have just put on his greatest showcase of his talents here. His ability to tell a story, make it relatable and exciting, be himself… Oh, and he’s a pretty good guitar player. Be proud. And keep ‘em comin’. Cheers, - Chris

[@angrybuzzy]

That thing sounds amazing in your hands, Chris. You need to keep playing it.

[@TheRoddy12345]

Hey Chris I met you at the Leeds Wool Mill. After an amazing show ! You Tom Sam and Adam and Adam’s new girlfriend 😂 were fantastic ! I will be promoting you guys to everyone as you I am sure will be selling out stadiums soon ! You guys make me proud to be from the valleys ! Just one small point ??? Are you saying you don’t play your PRS often because it doesn’t have the character of your usuals ? Good luck with Norway and beyond ! See you soon.😊

[@jondangelo6855]

I completely understand what you're saying, Chris. I disagree with one thing. Paul Reed Smith is actually the opposite of an ambassador of electric guitars. Any cursory glance at an interview with him and his abject narcissism and product snobbery is enough to make you gag. You touched on exactly why his guitars are never at the pinnacle of use for artists, and it's not because vintage or old historical guitars are technically better. His guitars utterly lack soul. They do not inspire; they have nothing more than the technical aspects of a guitar, and you feel it the second you pick one up. If it did, one would never leave your hands. It couldn't be underscored more than when lobbied to join the PRS family. John Mayer, after trying many, including customs based on his desires, he had PRS finally copy an iconic strat that John believes is the best guitar ever to the tenth of a milometer, the only difference being the head stock, and that's what he plays. The various other artists are bought and paid for. The best electrics are the ones people are not paid to use.

[@dreuxschoenbeck2625]

I’ll bet Paul would love to make a new signature guitar for you Chris

[@matt.kent.]

I don't know which i admire more; his vocabulary or his playing.. From a man of few words great video Chris

[@bullcrapitis]

The way you get that harmonic at 35 seconds is really something. Great playing!

[@legebakken1]

yes ! that harmonic surprised me too. -Elegant !

[@armchairzen]

I own a PRS McCarty 594, and agree it is perfection personified, and indeed plays itself. I have a lot of guitars, frankly, some modern and some vintage. I absolutely love to play my PRS, and get it out regularly in the rotation (which is really not frequent enough!), but I love to play my '66 Hagstrom II and '98 Carvin DC127 and even my '56 Gretsch Electromatic, too. You make a great observation in that the persona of the guitar is part of its joy in use. I often compare my guitar collection to a car collection. Therein one might have Mustangs and Corvettes, maybe a Porsche or Ferrari, and they get the blood pumping. But taking a ride in an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon (with a 440 & 4 barrel Holley) is still a thrill.

[@vincezab1]

The Vista had a 455 CID engine, not a 440. I had a '72 until I wrecked it, I agree it is a thrilling ride!

[@armchairzen]

@@vincezab1 Indeed! A holy sxxt ride! I remember standing on the throttle with no brake and it stood still, smoke billowing from tires until you let off the gas.

[@BAMozzy69]

I love my PRS Hollowbodies - I have a HBii with Piezo and a 594 HB and they are both stunning instruments to play, the sound, the feel etc... Every person is an individual and so everyone will have their own preferences etc. They all hear and feel things differently and may also have different wants/needs for creating their music. Some may not want a HBii and/or think isn't great for Rock/Metal - but another person will want a HB specifically for Rock/Metal, or prefer the light weight... If its not the 'right' tool for you for the 'job' you want it to do or gravitate towards a 'favourite' for whatever reason, that's OK. It can be the 'best' built instrument or a cheap import imitation of a 'high end' model, its about using the tool you feel will get the music to flow out through your instrument to your audience in the way you want it to - but that PRS HBii sure sounds amazing in your hands when you do play it...

[@SlowhandGreg]

I got the Chinese one heavily discounted its kin marvelous.

[@rivonvai]

No problem, you can always give this one to me. It will not only have a nice new house but also where it can play itself too 😊

[@mr.jerrygarcia3281]

Greetings Chris, I has seen a lot of deeply talented Guitarist/Musicians who played incredibly. I myself have played for just under 58 years and I can recognize when a guitar is being in love with its musician and you McCarty is truly in love with you and I could see that you are in love in it. Sometimes we love to dance with our love where the world can see us and other times we only want it to ourselves. Thank you for allowing us to see her and you dance and play each other. 👏🏻❤️❤️👏🏻

[@rafuxec]

THAT LAST SOLO... Damn you are good.

[@PipeCat1965]

Chris's eloquence and clear read on the subject is as articulate as his hands are on that PRS. This was quite a testimony to the brand. I'll probably never be able to afford one, but boy this sure makes me want one. But then, I also want to play like Chris.

[@brianmiller3287]

@pipecat, I paid about $950 with tax and shipping for my dgt-se, and it fantastic in every way. You might be able to afford one right now! Good luck!

[@PipeCat1965]

@@brianmiller3287 Thanks for the kind recommendation! Something to think about.

[@3fingeredfrank]

An imperfect guitarist, playing an imperfect guitar, creating perfectly beautiful music.

[@corkbour7708]

Bared your soul on that one Chris! Very deep and very well done on all levels:-)

[@FromTheMosh]

Whenever I hear a PRS live I'm always blown away by the clarity and crispy notes that come through. People say they lack a character but I think their character is being so nice and clean. Really enjoy hearing them in live bands.

[@SlowhandGreg]

I've recently bought the Chinese version it was heavily discounted at Anderton, it plays sounds like the 4k version I have 2 amps a Matamp (hand wired ultra clear) and a Marshall combo that has been modded the PRS sounds fine through the Marshall but a bit clinical through the Matamp. But I can run the piezo through that one and get blended tones. It also reacts to pedals differently to my fender and Gibson

[@adhaskym.a9536]

PRS by itself sounds very steady. Change the pickups, and they sound awesome. Through a Marshall, lovely now.

[@sonsauvage]

The thing that makes prs instruments great is that they come to you playable. Across all the ranges. I know that sounds…obvious? But having owned many many, MANY instruments of calibers high and low…most guitars don’t have great fretwork and neck detailing regardless of how much they cost.

[@paisteplayer1040]

Thats mostly Gibson fan boys trying desperately to find something to down PRS's about... Its lies I own about 30 guitars, PRS, Gibson Fender G&L I can them all sound just about the same.. What I cant do is make a Gibson have the tuning stability of a typical PRS, or have 1/10 of PRS fit and finish, and superior fretwork to Gibson.

[@dowaliby1]

@@adhaskym.a9536 Which pickups would you recommend changing them to?

[@Sams911]

I own several great guitars and basses from the likes of Gibson custom shop, Fender custom shop, Taylor and including a legendary Wal MK1.. I know quality instruments, and when it comes to high end perfect guitars, nothing comes near a PRS Core / Private Stock.... but then the prices reflect this, beginning at $5600 US and going north of $15K

[@mia1326]

I really enjoyed this deep episode of Friday Fretworks, thank you!

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

PRS are incredible instruments, but just not for me. Especially the Silver Sky, and that blend of the PRS headstock and its Stratocaster-like appearance. Then I decided to play and hear the PRE Silver Sky to confirm my bias. One now rests comfortably between my Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. And I now play the Silver Sky the most, by far.

[@durango.j-onez]

Excited to see where guitar engineering goes in the future! Great vid as always Chris

[@sarthakchandola]

OMG... the first time when the YT algo actually works and recommends something so ridiculously good that you just stop everything... work, boss, crazy gf, everything has Thanos-snapped itself out of existence for the last few hours while I guzzle down your every second of your playing mate, mother of god, thank you!! And that flow you have.... of conveying thought to expression, at the very moment with such finesse.... musically of course but just hearing you speak is so, complete.... Cheers, just brilliant.

[@DennyBob521]

Sounds amazing! Thta would be my #1 over the others you mentioned. I've become a PRS fanboy. I have a US Core 594 Semi-Hollow (my #1) and a US Silver Sky,. I've been selling off Les Pauls, Strats, Telecasters, and yes, even a Jazzmaster to fund my new love. They're all I play, at home or live. My next one is a Modern Eagle V, then probably a Vela Semi-Hollow. Along with my acoustic, the Strat I'll never sell because it was my first real guitar - That'll do it. I used to want one or two of all the "Classic Guitars". Now I've discovered a company that builds guitars that sound amazing, have mojo for days and are in their "Golden Era" and I want one of each ;). And I play them live, and even though I take great care of my equipment, I do have very expensive guitars with a scratch or two - part of the price you pay for using them, but they're built to be played not stored or displayed. I'm the guy that would put 100,000 miles on an Enzo.

[@ernierooi2551]

I haven’t finished the video yet. But that there intro sounds awesome.

[@kingcal53]

Seconded. Chris could make a concrete block strung with elastic bands sound like a custom shop guitar though!

[@JPP-i6o]

I own 4 PRS guitars (McCarty w/humbuckers, McCarty w/p-90's, Santana SE and a recently delivered Myles Kenndey signature). I own strats (2), teles (2), les pauls(4) , a gretsch and a rickenbacker. I don't play ANY of them anymore. The ONLY ones I play anymore are the PRS's. Between the four (they are all very distinct) I get everything I want or need. Buying a PRS and not playing it is akin to buying a Porsche 911 and preferring to drive an '72 Pinto. To each his own, but it's hard for me to understand.

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

Not only a great guitarist but also one of the most eloquent! Thank you

[@seventallguitarist]

I bought my first PRS in 1994. It was a pre-factory 1994 CE-24. It was a status to buy it. I live in the upper midwest and NOBODY had one in my area. So it was something I wanted. It was different. It took some getting used to. As I came from 6-7 years of gigging with 2 1987 Charvel Model 4 guitars. But once I adjusted. It was my main guitar for almost 16 years. I owned it for 18 years. In late 2009 I bought a 2008 PRS Mira. This was a core Mira body before the S2 factory opened. Once I bought that the CE24 became my backup. 2 years later I sold the CE on Ebay so I could by another Mira from the same year. They Miras were light. Comfortable. 24 fret so I could get to the 22nd fret easier (small hands) and they were WORK HORSE machines. Rarely went out of tune. Pretty much never had an issue with either. That's why I love PRS. If you are a gigging musician who doesn't have any sort of tech on staff? It's nice to have guitars that are so well adjusted out of the factory that they rarely let you down & living in the upper mid-west, the temperatures go from above 100 degrees and humid in the summer (plenty of outdoor gigs) to traveling when it's 20 degrees below zero and the guitars sometimes end up in the trailer. In 2014 at age 43 I had my first desire to go Les Paul. I blame seeing Bonamassa live. Sold the 2 PRS guitars. Got a Gibson & a couple of Epiphone Les Pauls. within months.... regretted it. But it took me down a path to sell those & have a local builder end up building me 3 custom build guitars. I still own all 3. Love them. But about 2 years ago, at his shop (my buddy that builds the guitars owns a music shop) he had a used 2017 PRS Vela semi-hollow in stock. LOVED it the second I held it. So I bought it. About 3 months after that I stopped in his shop and there was one of my old PRS Mira's hanging on the wall. So I had to buy that since it was mine (I had bought it new) and I was waiting for a core Mira to show up. So now I'm back to owning 2 PRS guitars. Love them. Will never get rid of them. And Love my custom guitars. If it moves you? Then it's good. If it doesn't. Then find one that does. You don't have to explain it to anybody else. You don't have to apologize or justify it. Just simply play the guitar that makes you want to play guitar. Sorry for the rambling. I'm not a PRS snob. I'm not even a guitar snob. One of my favorite guitars I own for recording is a low end Epiphone SG with P90's in it. In the end. I'm not gigging anymore. I just play at home and record for me. Using my Line 6 PodGO & my buddy's Kemper when at his house. I find it hard to 100% differentiate between the guitars when it's not in a live/loud setting where the guitar and amp are working together based on proximity so you ultimately get the dynamics that certain guitars have to offer. Hard to emulate that when recording direct at lower volumes. THAT all being said? Chris, your playing is bad ass. Just a smoothness that is soothing to listen too. So you got an instant subscribe from me.

[@Ricardorochamusic]

That was the most accurate way of putting in words the reason why I don’t see myself playing my prs more often. It’s just a perfect guitar, and for that reason it doesn’t fight me back with the same personality as a 52 tele or a Les Paul. Thank you for sharing.

[@jakubpodesva9802]

I don't know Chris, but it seems like you can pick any kind of gear, cheap or expensive and it sounds every time as YOU and that is the proof of how mature you are as a guitar player, incredible guitar player to be honest. Well done as always!

[@dukeofyorkshire355]

He always speaks with sense. I've always thought PRS guitars looked like 🐕 💩. Halfway between a strat and a Les Paul, with absolutely zero of the sexiness of each, irrespective of how good it plays. I want to feel cool and special when I pick up my guitar to play; I dont want to look and feel like a middle-aged blues-rocker. You're not going to create anything that has an attitude with one of these in your hands. Now, if they could make one that looks as good as it plays, I'd be the first in the queue for one. Until then, I'd choose a Squier Jazzmaster first, every time.

[@darrellowe4208]

You make them all sing and bring that "thing" to whatever guitar you play! Awesome

[@markgumprecht2295]

Your guitar heroes were playing playing the best instruments they could find at the time, you should do the same! You are creating you own legacy, not following in footsteps of others. Most people would love to have a guitar that would play itself, but you can make any guitar sound great!

[@johnnyrockous]

I've got to say, always love the tone from your playing, but I think this time seemed incredibly better! All the usual tone but so clear at all times! Wow!

[@diydad7704]

Or, in short, if you use Apple stuff, a PRS is for you. If you prefer flawed PCs, try a Fender or a Gibson. 😂😂 Nice video with some great insight. Looking forward to watching the next one! 👍

[@emigarcia1993]

Maaan your playing is outstanding bro!! You're up there with the great guitarists of today in my book for sure. Also love the content you put out. All the best to you !!!

[@robinr22]

I've never picked up a PRS that felt anything other than completely anonymous, including the one I own. Nothing wrong with it but they're the Lexus of guitars for me - nice looking, expensive and well made but as exciting as a microwave.

[@ronnievox6569]

Yet another great video, so thank you! You called this PRS perfect; in my humble opinion it’s the perfect guitar for you. Only you could create those beautiful blended tones between the PAF,s & Piezo, and handle the instrument in such dynamic fashion the way you do.

[@chadlong1109]

Because they're shitty, overpriced guitars with terrible QC issues, and the electronics inside are often fucked up. I repaired guitars for a couple years, and PRS were the most shoddy of all the $2k+ guitars I worked on.

[@cpk313]

Well damn, maybe you should play it more often because that was FIRE! Seriously your playing just keeps getting better, so on point.

[@2121toso]

Just FYI. You may have a scammer contacting people telling them they have won a prize and they just need to cover shipping.

[@brandongullion6353]

What an astoundingly honest take on this issue. So many people say they are "boring"... which isn't really the case. I think more people actually fit into what you've said here regarding growing to desire those imperfections on other brands/models because the heroes you grew up watching and listening to played them. Great video!

[@ElmanAuthement]

I don't know that I have a hero, so I own a Strat, a Tele, a Yamaha Pacifica, a Carvin AE-185, a PRS McCarty, a G&L Legacy, and a few other brands like Dean, Leo Jaymez, Harley Benton. I just like guitars.

[@Gliese710_]

I bought my SE because it was the best looking and best playing (in my budget) guitar in the store. Very glad I bought it.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

As an anal-retentive perfectionist, I can say with certainty that the flawless McCarty of this video is a great fit for me and I would be happy to relieve you of your PRS burden. It's a sacrifice I am willing to make.

[@meurigdavies9125]

Really interesting video Chris. I’ve got an SE Hollowbody 2 and absolutely love it. They are so good to play and sound amazing but don’t have the character of a Strat or Les Paul. In saying that, be great to see you play the PRS live, Maybe at Newbridge Memo in December. All the best 👍

[@nickmcauliffe2133]

I've also got an SE Hollowbody II and it's fantastic to play. Holds its own character and I always end up playing different stuff than with a Strat, LP or Tele, which is one of the joys

[@rickhammel9541]

@@servethesongs exactly what I was going to say. My guitars have zero character on their own. They're not funny, arrogant, cocky, sad, etc. It's a f&*%$k piece of wood and metal

[@castnoshadow82lr48]

Good video Chris. I know what you mean I’m a fender geek my Mexican strat was awful my Mexican tele was fantastic I’ve nodded a squire which for me had a perfect neck and my Japanese strat is a work of art but still i’ll see a fender and want it knowing that the next one may not be perfect either 🤷‍♂️