So, this guy says "5 ways PRS Guitars are just better"

[Shawn@PRS]

I ran across this video today.

Obviously we all have our own opinions, but something brought us all to this forum. In what ways do you think PRS built a better mousetrap?

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I ran across this video today.

Obviously we all have our own opinions, but something brought us all to this forum. In what ways do you think PRS built a better mousetrap?

Said with love, uploaded by someone else yesterday.

If you have to delete my account I totally understand.

Sending you a virtual hug. Thanks for putting up with me for almost three years.

 

[11top]

Built a better mousetrap. Consistency is a huge part. Nobody builds a better guitar from the ground up. I never worry that I will get a “bad” PRS.

Oh, and occasionally PRS manages to find some good wood.

 

[dogrocketp]

I started out with Fender, but couldn’t keep them in tune and they were too bright. Then to Gibson, which I felt in the 60’s were higher quality. (This was when I started). I always disliked how they would come untuned mid song or set, and felt they were never in tune above the 12th fret, in spite of fingerboard planing by the best luthiers I could find. When I got my first PRS (SE Singlecut P90) it stayed in tune, even with tuners I didn’t love. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have to retune depending on what part of the neck I was playing on. I’ve never played other guitars with better fretwork or intonation. My ears also hear the scale as being more even top to bottom. Bass notes are not boomy, and the highs are clear when I play unplugged, especially above the 12th fret. I don’t like to even play other brands, because they sound perpetually out of tune to me. Add to that everything in the video. And they’re disturbingly beautiful. All of them.

 

[veinbuster]

precision

 

[ElrytNamrogo]

Consistency in quality is probably the top thing for me. Every PRS I have ever played is has been phenomenal.

Innovation in design and electronics is another way I think PRS takes guitar building to the next level. Switching systems, pickup designs ranging from modern to classic voicing, and tiny things like set screws in the tuners are all signs that PRS continues to pursue ways to build and enhance a guitars quality.

Looks, obviously. While many manufactures create gorgeous guitars, I just don't see the incredible stuff PRS comes up with on other manufacturers (at least not before PRS does it - I've seen quite a few "knock offs" from other companies doing fade finishes and whatnot).

Most importantly, I think the Customer Service is top-notch and unrivaled. The communication I have received has always been prompt, thorough, and incredibly friendly. Matt helped me a great deal recently with a PTC project and was absolutely professional and friendly on every level.

Now if only you guys will start doing re-finishes again...

 

[bodia]

Consistency and precision (I'll lifted those from Steve and Peter!), form, fit and finish. Always striving for innovation and improvement.

Oh yeah, and kick a$$ Customer Service!

 

[dmatthews]

Consistency and precision (I'll lifted those from Steve and Peter!), form, fit and finish. Always striving for innovation and improvement.

Oh yeah, and kick a$$ Customer Service!

I'll pile on with that, and ESPECIALLY a huge nod to customer service! Nothing but the best.

 

[Davey]

Built a better mousetrap. Consistency is a huge part. Nobody builds a better guitar from the ground up. I never worry that I will get a “bad” PRS.

Oh, and occasionally PRS manages to find some good wood.

^ This! ^
Absolutely. I cant speak for everyone, but I have and will continue to buy PRS guitars online without the benefit of playing them beforehand because I know the consistency and I don't worry about "getting a bad one".

I know some are completely against buying before playing and I respect that.

To me the quality has never been an issue and thats what keeps me coming back.

 

[shinksma]

So for me, if PRS pulled me in for one reason, it is the consistency and playability.

I was quite enamored with the CU22 played by Steven Wilson, and knowing what he's like, not sure "perfectionist" is the right word, but someone who doesn't want to waste time, I knew it must be a good guitar.

What has held me to the brand is the diversity of models. If PRS only made a CU24, I'd probably have two: a non-10-top "player" and a PS or maybe WL variant to keep at home.

But my first four PRSi were: CU24 10-top, SE MM Baritone, Spruce HB w/piezo, and SE ZM with spalted maple top. Those four guitars showed me the range of possibilities from the brand, and the SEs were very high quality instruments - yeah the cores have that je ne sais quoi about them, but the SEs rocked it too.

So now I have far too many, yet not enough, PRSi, and I keep procuring them. And they are all of great quality, consistency, playability, and look great too.

 

[Eddie kim]

I'll pile on with that, and ESPECIALLY a huge nod to customer service! Nothing but the best.

That he said.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Feel! Feel is everything. While it comes about because of the other things mentioned above, in the end, it's the most important thing. Feel includes playability because that is part of the feel. The second you put your hands on PRS it just feels great. Superior! Consisency is super important, because it makes that feel a part of every one you pick up. When you play it, it feels great. I have 4-5 different neck patterns, and everyone feels great. While I can immediately tell the difference, I can also FEEL that it's a PRS.

Nothing like it!

 

[andy474x]

I could list the ways, but in true Paul fashion, the list would go “on and on and on and on and on and on.”

So, in short, everything.

 

[Tonart]

I can’t go to Gibson Custom and ask for an African Blackwood neck..

 

[Warmart]

The whole package - design, materials, workmanship, looks, feel and sound. It takes all of these (and more that I can't put into words, other than "magic") to get that final package that you just know is going to be amazing and put that huge smile on your face.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Honestly, it’s the trem that Paul and John designed and modified, the tuners Paul and Eric designed, along with the headstock string break angles that got me and keeps me playing PRS.

I’m too used to how these guitars operate to want to try anything else. Plus.... they sexy as hell.

 

[elvis]

Build quality and consistency. You can buy a PRS blind and know what you’re getting.

 

[Tonart]

I also can’t go to Gibson or Fender for a repair or finish touch up. No can do...

 

[BrianC]

at first glance WOW this is beautiful, then it was all about the playability

When people ask why PRS? I say use to play a LP and it was like a 57 Chevy, a muscle car, PRS is like a Ferrari! It makes me a better player.

 

[Anachronism]

I think what ties all the reasons together is that PRSh is obsessed with making a great guitar every time, and that ethos seems to permeate the company. Consistency is a greater virtue when standards are high--for example, Starbucks is consistently tolerable, but rarely great, so I will get it while traveling, but not in a place where I know where to get better coffee.
PRSi are consistently well-made, with attention to detail and a push for improvement that the legacy brands have largely given up on. I also love the effort to make many models very versatile; my current PRS stable is a 513 and a P22 and they both provide great value.