The country a guitar is made in doesnt matter Guitar maker Paul Reed Smith tells guitarists the last thing they want to hear

  • Post comments:0 Comments
  • Reading time:4 mins read
You are currently viewing The country a guitar is made in doesnt matter Guitar maker Paul Reed Smith tells guitarists the last thing they want to hear
Representation image: This image is an artistic interpretation related to the article theme.

Guitarists love their vintage guitars, ascribing mystical and even magical powers to their aged tonewoods, hardware and finish. Paul Reed Smith says it’s all rubbish. Speaking to American Musical Supply, the celebrated luthier distances himself from the “old is always better” adage. “Nobody thinks that a new vet can get outmaneuvered by an old vet,” he said. “But everybody thinks an old guitar can outmaneuver a new guitar. I just don’t buy it.” Smith says he’s not alone in his thinking. He points to numerous guitarists, like Widespread Panic’s Jimmy Herring, who have espoused the merits of new guitars. “Jimmy Herring was the first person to say to me ‘My PRS’s will do things my vintage guitars won’t do,'” Smith says. “I thought that was a beautiful comment.”

He’s also a collector of vintage guitars and has amassed a collection of over 100 instruments.

The Art of Vintage Guitar Collecting

David Gilmour’s passion for vintage guitars is well-known, and his collection is a testament to his dedication to the craft.

The PRS SE series is a more affordable line that offers a similar sound quality to the standard PRS models, but at a lower price point.

The Art of Guitar Making

Guitar making is an ancient craft that has evolved over centuries, with various techniques and materials being used to create instruments that produce a wide range of tonal colors and dynamics. The process of crafting a guitar involves several stages, from selecting the right wood to shaping the body and neck, and finally, installing the electronics and hardware.

The Importance of Wood

Wood is a critical component in guitar making, as it determines the instrument’s tone, playability, and overall aesthetic appeal. Different types of wood have unique characteristics that affect the sound produced by the guitar. For example:

  • Tonewood: Tonewood is the primary wood used for the guitar’s body and neck. It is responsible for producing the instrument’s tone and sustain. Common tonewoods include mahogany, alder, and ash. Fretboard wood: The fretboard is the long, flat piece of wood glued to the neck of the guitar. It is used to create the frets, which divide the neck into separate segments. Fretboard woods like ebony, rosewood, and maple are popular choices due to their smooth playing feel and rich tone. Body wood: The body of the guitar is typically made from a single piece of wood, which is shaped and carved to create the desired form.

    The company, Fender, had agreed to make a more affordable version of the Carlos Santana model. The company had decided to use a different type of wood for the body of the guitar.

    “It’s not about the brand, it’s about the player’s ability to play the instrument.”

    The Importance of Instrument Quality

    In the world of music, the quality of an instrument is often overlooked in favor of its brand name or price tag. However, Smith emphasizes that the true quality of an instrument lies not in its brand or price, but in the player’s ability to play it. This perspective challenges the conventional wisdom that a high-end instrument is always superior to a lower-end one.

    The Role of the Player

    The player’s skill level and ability to play the instrument are crucial factors in determining its quality. A skilled player can coax beautiful sounds from even the most basic instrument, while a novice player may struggle to produce decent tones from a high-end instrument. This highlights the importance of considering the player’s level of expertise when evaluating an instrument.

    • Leave a Reply