{"id":10039322,"date":"2026-01-28T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/?p=10039322"},"modified":"2026-01-28T10:25:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:25:22","slug":"prs-guitars-history-models-and-which-guitar-is-best-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/gear\/prs-guitars-history-models-and-which-guitar-is-best-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"PRS Guitars: History, Models, and Which Guitar Is Best for You"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PRS<\/a><\/strong> was founded in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith in Annapolis, Maryland \u2013 and his initials gave the company its name. However, Smith had been building guitars since the mid-1970s. Instead of copying classics or following trends, PRS focused from the outset on precision, refinement, consistent quality, and the idea that a guitar should inspire from the moment you first play it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Paul<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paul Reed Smith during the early days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Paul Reed Smith, guitar building was never just a craft, but always a problem-solving exercise. His early models were mercilessly tested on stage, repeatedly adjusted, and regularly submitted to experienced musicians for feedback. The aim was not to reproduce the “good old days”, but to tackle real challenges: tuning stability, clean intonation, ergonomic playability, reliability, and a balanced sound were at the top of the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the PRS workshop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breakthrough came when the Custom 24 was unveiled at the 1985 NAMM Show. It combined a classic tone with modern design, excellent playability, and the iconic bird inlays. Another typical feature of PRS is the 25-inch scale length of many models \u2013 a middle ground between Gibson and Fender. On some guitars, such as the McCarty 594 (24.594″), the scale length is even part of the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"PRS<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Early support from musicians such as Carlos Santana allowed the brand to grow rapidly. The one-man operation became a large company that continued to expand its model ranges and improve details such as the material of the saddle or special pickup components \u2013 things you don’t always see, but can definitely hear and feel.<\/p>\n\n\n

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PRS<\/p>\n

Mark Tremonti CH 10 Top<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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Today, PRS stands for innovation, outstanding craftsmanship, and a sound that covers practically everything from blues and jazz to modern metal. The elaborately flamed maple tops and bird inlays have long been iconic, and PRS guitars are now available in a wide range of price categories. Importantly, each product line has a distinct character \u2013 no lazy compromise, but a unique interpretation of the same clear philosophy. So it’s high time to take a closer look at the current lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Paul<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paul Reed Smith today<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed overview of the PRS model series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Core Series \u2013 the heart and soul of PRS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Core Series represents everything PRS stands for: the highest level of US craftsmanship, first-class materials, and innovative designs. Manufactured exclusively in Stevensville, Maryland, these guitars are the benchmark for the PRS sound. They range from the more modern “Custom 24” guitars to the vintage-inspired McCarty models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do the Core Series models cost so much?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The higher cost of PRS Core guitars starts with the materials. The carefully selected tonewoods, often with heavily grained maple tops, not only look great but are also perfectly tuned in terms of sound. The woods are dried, stored, and selected by PRS itself \u2013 a process that requires time and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n

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PRS<\/p>\n

Custom 24 CH<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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PRS<\/p>\n

Custom 24 Cobalt Smokeburst<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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PRS<\/p>\n

Custom 24 Floyd CB<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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The craftsmanship is equally crucial. The necks and bodies are elaborately machined, the frets are precisely dressed, and the finish is applied in several layers. Many of these steps simply cannot be automated without sacrificing precision and accuracy \u2013 this is where the experience of PRS guitar builders really comes into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRS also reaches for the top shelf when it comes to electronics and hardware. The Core models come with the latest PRS pickups, such as TCI or McCarty III, as well as high-quality, precision-crafted hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n

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PRS<\/p>\n

McCarty 594 Gray Black MCIII<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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PRS<\/p>\n

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PRS<\/p>\n

McCarty 594 BGWB 10 Top<\/h3>\n <\/span>\n\n
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The result is an instrument that feels extremely balanced, responsive, and refined \u2013 with a consistency that professionals can rely on at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n