What is the defining PRS tone to you.

[Texas_minor_blues]

Like the title says what is it about PRS guitars that sets them apart from other brands to you.
I am referring to tone here, aesthetically we know they are amazing but what is it tonally for you

 

[NomadMike]

Can only talk about the one I have and it's the clarity even when it has a bit of hair on it.

 

[nicolasrivera]

Like the title says what is it about PRS guitars that sets them apart from other brands to you.
I am referring to tone here, aesthetically we know they are amazing but what is it tonally for you

I know how it sounds, but can't describe it in words like i can with Fender and Gibson tones.

 

[AP515]

PRS tone has changed over the years. Especially when you add a PRS amp. It's a great tone now. It was always a good one, but it's gotten better, as PRSH would expect.

 

[László]

Great question; the thing that makes it a little difficult to answer for me is that there are quite a few variations in tone given the number of models.

What's common to all PRS models I've tried is that there is nothing missing -- there is always a full frequency range that sounds great for a lot of styles. That's something that can't always be said of some guitars. Also the controls are truly useful. So a player can shape the sound according to his/her needs without a lot of fuss.

Finally, they all sound good. Really good. At least to me. And I agree that it's gotten better, more woody and unique throughout the line.

 

[CJM3175]

There isn't... they were designed to be versatile, and that is what they are. Sure there are different models with different flavors, but at the root of the question we must assume the custom 24 model. If I have to be blunt, I'd say a brighter/cleaner les paul sound.

 

[Rider1260]

Not so much PRS tone but my tone that comes thru with ease,
Great over tones , sustain, you don't have to work for "IT" your effort just goes toward your sound.
What I do notice that all MY PRS have a very strong ( or focused ) midrange.

 

[Hopeful Sinner]

There is a certain saturated ring I hear when playing "cowboy" chords on a PRS guitar that I don't notice with other brands. I don't know what it's called but it is very prominent with the McCarty thickness models (DGT, Paul's Guitar etc...)

I've also noticed a bit of a cocked wah sound when playing single note stuff on the newer PRS pickups (53/10, 408, 57/08 and 59/09 primarily)

I have often wondered how much of this was the guitar versus my hands but I do not notice these things with guitars from other makers...

 

[Johnnyboy94]

I like the note clarity from each guitar. the 59/09 and "Mira" pups are my fav's, and they sound great clean, but even if you give it some drive the note clarity is still there.

 

[xjbebop]

Mrs. Bebop & I have collected quite a few different guitars over the last few years. Started low budget and have worked our way up. Nothing too extravagant (like true 'collectable' vintage instruments), just things that we liked and could afford.
The thing that I notice most about PRSi , tone-wise, is simple: they sound richer and more musical than the others. We have some -very- nice sounding guitars that I am in no way knocking, but the quality of the (USA) PRS voicings is just a step beyond...
Pleasing to the ears, and they always make me happy...

 

[rugerpc]

I'm not sure there IS a single defining tone. There are do many pup an electronics options that it could easily be that there is no defining tone. And for me, that is one of the things that keeps me in the PRS camp.

I'm pretty sure that no matter what tone I'm looking for, PRS can deliver with the right options. The only tone that might be missing would be that of a resonator, but that is pretty narrow an specialized. Add to that that I'm not looking for that kind of harshness.

 

[sleary]

For me it's ease of pinch harmonics, sustain and very easy to play. Lp tome with clarity and definition.

Holy crap this is actually hard to describe lol.

Easy way to put it.THE THING GOT HONK LOL

 

[NomadMike]

It's musical!

 

[JMintzer]

Skip to the 2:56 mark...

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I forgot about that girl in the grey camisole.

Edit: Upon further review I believe it may have been a grey bodysuit.

 

[rugerpc]

I forgot about that girl in the grey camisole.

Gaaaaaaaaaaa!

 

[LJD]

It used to be easier for me to distinguish the PRS sound vs other recognizable guitar tones. Newer PRS sound very defined and clear, sharp attack (to my ears).

 

[11top]

My 2 channel Custom amp (which I completely dig).
Has more to do with my tone than my guitars.

 

[László]

My 2 channel Custom amp (which I completely dig).
Has more to do with my tone than my guitars.

Yeah, but just try to make the amp do anything without the guits!