PRS Guitars Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Four New Models — Video
In 1985, while the world was focused on the birth of the first.com, a new operating system called Windows and “Live Aid,” an Annapolis, Maryland, guitar repairman decided to create a namesake guitar company called Paul Reed Smith Guitars.
Three decades later, PRS Guitars has risen to become the Number 3 U.S. electric guitar manufacturer, with instruments played by musicians and bands as diverse as Carlos Santana, Periphery, Blake Shelton, Alter Bridge and John Hyatt, to name just a few.
PRS Guitars’ approach to manufacturing, still guided by Smith, has maintained a consistent focus: design and create the best instruments possible using the finest materials available including beautifully figured tone woods, proprietary electronics and patented processes.
These instruments, considered collector’s items, stage necessities and amateur guitarists’ go-to instruments are sold in more than eighty countries worldwide through authorized dealers and distributors.
"Since day one it has been our goal to craft the finest guitars and amplifiers possible and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years," Smith said. “But it doesn’t stop here. We will continue our journey, keeping the best of what we’ve learned while experimenting with new advancements and features.”
Honored to celebrate their landmark anniversary and their pursuit of excellence, PRS is offering a series of 30th Anniversary Custom 24 guitar models in each of their electric guitar product families including the U.S.-made Private Stock, the distinguished U.S.-made Core line, the vintage-inspired U.S.-made S2 and the PRS designed SE guitar, each incorporating the visionary design and masterful craftsmanship that has become synonymous with the brand.
The U.S.-made 30th Anniversary Custom 24 core model is a prime example of how Paul and the craftsmen at PRS keep focused on providing the best possible instruments for guitar players and guitar enthusiasts.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Based on PRS’ iconic, top-selling model, the 30th Anniversary Custom 24 features a highly figured maple top with mahogany back, a 25” scale length, 24 fret mahogany neck and PRS’s patented tremolo system with locking tuners which enhance the playability and feel of the guitar.
The alluring carved body shape of the 30th Anniversary Custom 24 is available in 18 finish colors that deliver a delicious depth to the natural wood grain with colors such as Blood Orange, Jade, and Vintage Sunburst. PRS 30th Anniversary bird inlays on a rosewood fretboard further enhance the beauty of the model. PRS’s new 85/15 treble and bass pickups come standard with a 5-way blade switch and volume and tone controls, providing exceptional clarity and a killer versatile voice.
Complete lineup of 30th Anniversary models:
- Private Stock 30th Anniversary Custom 24
- Artist Package 30th Anniversary Custom 24
- 30th Anniversary Custom 24
- S2 30th Anniversary Custom 24
- SE 30th Anniversary Custom 24
A company timeline, anniversary scrapbook stories and more info on the full array of PRS 30th Anniversary models is available at prsguitars.com/30.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Since 1980, Guitar World has been the ultimate resource for guitarists. Whether you want to learn the techniques employed by your guitar heroes, read about their latest projects or simply need to know which guitar is the right one to buy, Guitar World is the place to look.
“For guitar fans who understand the historical importance of the woman, the finish, and the Fender Stratocaster itself”: The original Mary Kaye Strat became one of the most iconic Fender builds of all time – now it’s heading to auction
“Could this be one of the most unique and musically inspiring electric guitars we’ve ever encountered?” Powers Electric A-Type review