Build Time

[fgeorge097]

Curious as to how much build time goes into a core model? Below is copied from Wikipedia:

Private Stock[edit]
In 1995, PRS began producing highly customized versions of the guitars dubbed, "Guitars of the Month." Each featured select ultra-grade woods and custom finishes. In 1996, PRS released the first "Private Stock" guitar. Today, the Private Stock team produces one-of-a-kind pieces costing upwards of $10,000. Each guitar is built with unique finishes, custom inlays, and unparalleled detail. Whereas a standard production guitar has an average build time of six hours, one Private Stock acoustic guitar can take up to three weeks to complete.

Seems to me like a core PRS takes a little longer than just 6 hours to build, no?

 

[LJD]

Well, your source is Wikipedia. So it must be true!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I wonder if they mean SE.

Lollers, I can edit the page if I want, but won't, as I don't have more accurate information.

 

[Whitecat]

They take almost a month just to set the neck in Core models. Obviously a lot of that (and other phases of guitar making) is allowing the guitar to "rest" and "settle" and is thus hands-off.

And surely acoustics are more work full-stop...

 

[rugerpc]

Really? Wikipedia?

Have a look at any of the dozens of factory videos showing the core build process and decide how accurate this Wiki entry is...

If I remember correctly, bodies spend more than just 6 hours in the huge press just getting their tops glued on...

 

[CatStrangler]

Perhaps the article is referring to actual hands on man hours? That could make more sense.

 

[dkilpatrick]

They spelled months wrong

 

[alantig]

I thought man-hours for a core line was in the neighborhood of 20-25 hours - I seem to recall the S2 process cutting something like 8-12 man-hours off the process, mostly due to sanding and finishing the carve tops on the cores. That was where they realized the bulk of the cost saving on that line. If I remember that correctly.

 

[rugerpc]

Even figuring actual hands on the guitar and discounting things like glue and finish drying and the several nights of necks 'resting' following incremental carving, 6 hours is a ridiculously short 'average'.

My recollection matches Alan's, above.

 

[fgeorge097]

I find it hard to believe after having visited the factory that a core guitar takes only 6 hours to build. This seems pretty damaging to PRS reputation. I think this should be updated on Wikipedia.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

They aren't pumpin out Strats...they have streamlined processes for sure, but the fact that they do not lose sight of the quality product they produce is a big reason I love them so much.

 

[John Beef]

I thought man-hours for a core line was in the neighborhood of 20-25 hours - I seem to recall the S2 process cutting something like 8-12 man-hours off the process, mostly due to sanding and finishing the carve tops on the cores. That was where they realized the bulk of the cost saving on that line. If I remember that correctly.

Came here to say exactly that. So, seconded!

 

[LJD]

I recall a video where they talk about a neck taking a month alone to carve and settle, etc..