The PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitars, also known as “Paul Reed Smith guitars” are considered by some to be the modern equivalent of Les Paul guitars. Both guitars are made with similar build quality, electronics and hardware and offer a similar sound.
However, they are two very different instruments, each with their own unique features and tones.
The Les Paul style has been around since 1952, making it the predating force. It has a more traditional look with a thicker body, more rounded edges, and two humbuckers. It produces a classic, warm and mellow tone that remains as one of the most popular guitar sounds in modern music.
The PRS, however, was first released in 1985. Its sleek body shape with sharper lines gives it a modern look, and it comes with singlecut designs and powerful pickups. Its sound is driven and focused, with more clear and focused top end, and a tighter and punchier bottom end.
It has also become a very popular guitar that is used and loved by many professional musicians.
In conclusion, the Les Paul and PRS guitars are both similar in build quality and material, but offer very different sounds and looks. Each has distinct characteristics that make them great for different styles of music and playing techniques.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of sound you’re going for.
Why a PRS is better than a fender?
When it comes to why PRS is better than Fender, there are many potential factors that need to be considered. First and foremost, PRS guitars are renowned for their exceptionally high quality craftsmanship, with many PRS instruments being made with attention to details that can outshine even the most expensive Fenders.
PRS guitars also widely use higher-grade materials, such as Figured Maple and Mahogany, with solid bodies and necks being standard. This increases the overall durability, resonance and sustain of PRS guitars compared to Fender instruments.
In addition to build quality, the pickup systems found in many PRS models are renowned for their clarity, tone and versatility. PRS was the first guitar manufacturer to popularise the “soapbar” type humbucker pickup and regularly integrate a 5-way pickup selector giving the player access to a wider range of tones.
Whereas high-end Fender models of the same price might include vintage pickups or limited tonal control, PRS models offer far more control over sound.
Furthermore, the various tremolos found in PRS guitars are generally of extremely high quality, giving the player outstanding tuning stability and pitch manipulation options for a more nuanced style of playing.
Other features like the wide range of pickup configurations, locking tuners and PRS’s own patented “patented tremol-no bridge” system can’t be found on Fender models.
In summary, PRS guitars consistently outperform Fender guitars in terms of build materials, playability, tone and features – making them a far better choice for the discerning guitarist.
Did Gibson Sue PRS?
Yes, in the 1990s Gibson filed a lawsuit against PRS Guitars claiming that they had infringed upon its patented “family of designs” for guitar bodies and necks. Gibson had previously sued several other companies who had incorporated similar designs on their guitars.
The lawsuit resulted in a confidential settlement agreement between PRS and Gibson, but the details were not made public. Gibson’s legal team argued that the design of some PRS guitars were too close to their own and PRS allegedly infringed upon Gibson’s design patents.
The lawsuit was ultimately dropped, with both companies aware of the other’s claims, and the design similarities mostly addressed in the settlement agreement.
What pros use PRS guitars?
PRS guitars are renowned for their high-quality parts, craftsmanship, and sound, which is why they are commonly used by many professional musicians.
The choice of PRS guitars by professional musicians was solidified early on in the company’s history when Carlos Santana started using them in the mid-1990s. Other artists soon followed, including John Mayer, Dave Navarro, and Mark Tremonti.
Many other big names in the music industry have either endorsed or used PRS guitars, including Chris Cornell, Slash, Orianthi, Jimmy Page, Mark Knopfler, and many more.
PRS guitars are praised for their versatility, playability, and clarity of sound, which is why so many top-tier artists choose to use them in professional settings. They offer a wide range of models, from basic vintage styles to heavily customized electrics, giving players plenty of options to choose from.
Their ability to achieve a wide range of sounds and their consistent, dependable quality make them sought-after on stages everywhere.
What genre are PRS guitars good for?
PRS guitars are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of genres, from country and blues to hard rock and jazz. For example, the PRS SE Custom 22 is great for players who want to get a versatile, high-quality instrument for a great price.
It has the classic PRS combination of a solid mahogany body, 25″ scale length neck, adjustable intonation, chrome vintage-style PRS-designed tuners, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. All of these features make it very versatile and capable of producing a range of different tones.
For country and blues, the neck and its fast action makes it great for playing fast leads, subtle chords and twanging rhythm work. For hard rock and metal, it has enough power and sustain to satisfy the hunger of most rockers and metal heads.
Finally, it’s also a great choice for jazz, thanks to its wide range of tonal possibilities and its full sound. That’s why the PRS SE Custom 22 is a great choice if you’re looking for a guitar that can suit whatever style you’re into.
Do PRS Guitars go up in value?
The short answer is yes, PRS guitars do increase in value over time. A fine instrument like a PRS guitar can be a sound investment that takes care of itself – these guitars tend to appreciate in value more quickly than the majority of other instruments.
The main factor driving the growth in value of PRS guitars is the fact that they are extremely well made and crafted, with attention to detail and superior quality materials. As their rarity grows, so does their potential to become collectable and sought after.
The good news is that it’s not just the rare and limited run items that can increase in value; with proper care and maintenance, even a standard PRS can also increase in value over time.
It’s always important to remember that while these instruments can increase in value, they can also depreciate if they’re not cared for properly or if the market changes. That’s why it’s important to be informed and able to make a calculated decision when purchasing a PRS guitar – to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Are PRS Guitars good for blues?
Yes, PRS Guitars are definitely good for playing blues. PRS Guitars offer a versatile range of sound, so you can dial in the perfect tones for blues playing. Their necks are designed for smooth and fast playability, which is often necessary for blues playing.
Additionally, their guitars have a beautiful and vibrant tone that can bring out the best of your blues playing. PRS guitars are therefore popular with blues musicians and can easily become the go-to guitar for blues playing.
Furthermore, their guitars are also well-constructed and can withstand rigorous practice and playing. Therefore, PRS Guitars are an excellent choice for blues playing.
What kind of guitar does John Mayer play?
John Mayer is known for playing a variety of different types of electric guitar depending on the production, such as Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul and Martin Acoustic. He is also known to dabble with the PRS, Gretsch and Ibanez.
During live performances and in the studio, he is most often seen playing his Fender Stratocaster and PRS Silver Sky. His Fender Strat is made out of alder and has three single-coil pickups. He generally uses twelve gauge Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings, a DiMarzio in-between pickup, and a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position.
He currently uses DiMarzio Virtual Vintage pickups in his Silver Sky, which Ibanez gives him for his endorsements. On the acoustic side of things, he opts for a D-18 from Martin and Elixir Nanoweb strings.
He also regularly uses Arion Chorus, Boss Delay, Wampler Faux Tape Echo, and Eventide Timefactor pedals.
Is PRS better than Gibson?
As it comes down to personal preference. For some guitarists, PRS may offer the perfect combination of features, craftsmanship, sound, and playability. For others, Gibson may produce the perfect instrument of choice.
Both brands have guitars that are well-built, reliable, and offer beautiful sounds. PRS often features custom-made options with unlimited capabilities, while Gibson usually has a more vintage and classic range.
Both brands have guitar models that are in use by some of the top players of all time, so it truly comes down to the individual and what they find to be the best fit for them.
Does John Mayer Use PRS?
Yes, John Mayer does use PRS. Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars has collaborated with Mayer on multiple limited edition signature models including the Super Eagle and Private Stock Angelus. Mayer is also an avid user of PRS amplifiers, and is known for playing PRS guitars in concert.
Additionally, Mayer has often performed with PRS guitars in the studio, including for his studio albums Room for Squares and Heavier Things. He has also publicly endorsed PRS guitars in interviews.
Why did John Mayer change PRS?
John Mayer changed PRS because he felt his sound aesthetic was not being met with the other models of guitars that were available. He was drawn to the high quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail provided by the PRS, making them an ideal choice for his sound.
Furthermore, Mayer was looking for a more personalized guitar and with the features of the PRS, he was able to tailor the instrument to his own specifications and create a truly unique look and sound.
In addition to the quality of construction, Mayer also found the wide tonal range of the PRS to be beneficial as well, giving him a wide range of options both live and in the studio. All of these factors combined made the PRS an obvious choice when it came time to get a new guitar.
Why does John Mayer play a Strat?
John Mayer has been a long-time fan of the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, and it has become his trademark instrument. He attributes the Strat to its versatility in terms of sound as well as its iconic design.
Mayer draws inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, which is why the Strat’s expansive tonal capabilities make it so attractive. Mayer also loves the Strat’s slim body, which allows him to be very expressive on stage.
Additionally, he has used the pickguard and neck pickup settings to shape the tone of his sound. From a historical perspective, John Mayer has been influenced by a number of iconic Strat players, such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, which he also pays homage to in his own playing.
All of these reasons contribute to why John Mayer continues to choose the Strat as his go-to instrument.
How many hours a day did John Mayer play guitar?
John Mayer has never publicly discussed exactly how many hours a day he plays the guitar, but interviews and snippets from documentaries on his career suggest that he was an extremely devoted student of the instrument.
Based on interviews, it appears that he began guitar lessons at age 13 and played diligently every day since then. Reports indicate that Mayer was playing 4 hours a day as a teen, taking no days off and continuing to practice throughout college.
Everyone familiar with his career agrees that Mayer devoted his life to honing his musical talents, including hours of daily practice on guitar. It is safe to say that John Mayer has spent decades perfecting his craft and dedicating at least a few hours each day to playing the guitar.
How long did it take John Mayer to learn guitar?
John Mayer began learning guitar at 13 years old, and he has said that it took him about six to seven years to become proficient with the instrument. He credits much of his development to teaching himself different musical genres and playing with different skilled players.
From the time of his musical inception, Mayer strives to himself stay a student of the instrument and to always be learning and improving. He’s a big believer in the idea that practice makes perfect and has said that if he ever stops learning, he believes it will take away the love and admiration he has for the instrument.
Are PRS guitars easy?
PRS guitars can be easy to play, depending on your experience level and familiarity with the instrument. If you are a beginner, there are a variety of entry-level instruments, such as SE series, with lighter strings and narrower necks that may be more comfortable and easy to play.
Additionally, as with any instrument, regular practice and dedication will make playing PRS guitars easier and more enjoyable. PRS guitars are designed to be reliable and provide good intonation, sustain, and response, which can make playing the instrument easier.
Lastly, with a variety of set-up options and components, you can customize your PRS guitar to fit your playing style and make it easier to play.