The anti-PRS brigade

[spirit7]

The constant comparisons to Gibson irritate me. People need to get it into their heads that PRS is not trying to emulate Gibson.

Seems to me that they are, clearly not every model but undoubtedly in the single cut department. I'm guessing that Paul spent a lot of time grilling Ted McCarty (President of Gibson 1950-1966, designer of the LP, V, Explorer, Tune-O-Matic bridge etc...) on the finer points of Classic guitar design, while he was working with PRS in the late eighties/early nineties.

Gibson evidently got the same idea as well when they filed a lawsuit against PRS on the singlecut which eventually got dismissed, but did cause production to cease on that model for a few years.

Now they even make one with the right scale length. As mentioned by others the pickups are a bit of an acquired taste, and you can get real close to a LP sound by switching them out.

Lots of companies are trying to build a better LP, like it or not PRS are one of them.

Yes, the singlecuts are obviously influenced by Gibson, but name me a singlecut that isn't? Nobody slags off Collings for making guitars that look similar. Or ESP. PRS are known for the Custom 24, McCarty and derivatives thereof. Those guitars have a unique tone and are clearly not trying to emulate anyone.

Most of the hate, as usual, emanates from jealousy or narrow-mindedness (NB - of course some people dislike them for genuine reasons).

Mo: I have to ask: why a 408? I mean it looks really interesting and is no doubt an incredible instrument, but surely the best starting point with PRS is a classy Custom 24?

-C

 

[severinsteel]

I just got a used PRS McCarty model. I plan on doing a video review of it this weekend. But yeah, it's a killer guitar. Stays in tune extremely well and sounds great. I absolutely love the body contours! So cool!

Now, I spent about the least you can to get a used McCarty ($1100ish). But I am not into super flashy curly woods, etc... The bird inlays are cool, but not something I need.

I'll tell you this, it's an extremely well made guitar. Of the best I've seen.

 

[mesa50w]

How do you guys play butter?


Guitars can:

1)Look good

2)Play good

3)Sound good

At least PRS gets one of them correct.

because butter is smooth and so is my PRS

 

[bigdaddyd]

The constant comparisons to Gibson irritate me. People need to get it into their heads that PRS is not trying to emulate Gibson.

Seems to me that they are, clearly not every model but undoubtedly in the single cut department. I'm guessing that Paul spent a lot of time grilling Ted McCarty (President of Gibson 1950-1966, designer of the LP, V, Explorer, Tune-O-Matic bridge etc...) on the finer points of Classic guitar design, while he was working with PRS in the late eighties/early nineties.

Gibson evidently got the same idea as well when they filed a lawsuit against PRS on the singlecut which eventually got dismissed, but did cause production to cease on that model for a few years.

Now they even make one with the right scale length. As mentioned by others the pickups are a bit of an acquired taste, and you can get real close to a LP sound by switching them out.

Lots of companies are trying to build a better LP, like it or not PRS are one of them.

Yes, the singlecuts are obviously influenced by Gibson, but name me a singlecut that isn't? Nobody slags off Collings for making guitars that look similar. Or ESP. PRS are known for the Custom 24, McCarty and derivatives thereof. Those guitars have a unique tone and are clearly not trying to emulate anyone.

Most of the hate, as usual, emanates from jealousy or narrow-mindedness (NB - of course some people dislike them for genuine reasons).

Mo: I have to ask: why a 408? I mean it looks really interesting and is no doubt an incredible instrument, but surely the best starting point with PRS is a classy Custom 24?

-C

Why are you even bringing up Collings, or ESP? This thread is about PRS. Who here said that those companies were not influenced by Gibson in anyway? As for jealousy, hate, narrow-mindedness...these are really odd words to use when talking about guitars. They are fucking guitars. If you don't like them, don't use them. I have 5 Gibsons. You know what? I like PRS. Do I own any right now? No. Have I? Yes. It was a 1993 Custom 24 10 top with birds. It was super cool and I wish I had it back. I personally like guitars from all builders. I reserve the right to like every guitar until I try it, or hate it until I try it. I don't care whose name is on it. This wins the dumbest thread of all time. Props to the OP.

 

[sixstringking713]

I guess this is a bit of a rant, but here goes anyway. All the below caveated by the fact that I am (as plainly evidenced by my signature) a PRS acolyte.

Why is it that people hate on PRS's for no logical reason? Not so much at this forum, but in others they are commonly referred to as "dentist guitars" or otherwise chastised for the simple reason that they are ornate and expensive?

The constant comparisons to Gibson irritate me. People need to get it into their heads that PRS is not trying to emulate Gibson. They have a unique tone - it's somewhere in between. Yet I constantly hear them slagged off for having "no soul" (whatever that means) or as otherwise tonally lifeless. Nothing could be further from the truth! I absolutely understand people not getting on with PRS's tonally (I personally don't click with Suhrs as much as I'd like to), but to suggest that PRS's either have bad tone or don't play well is wrong.

I get the impression that because they are expensive and look good, they're an easy target. Fantastically well-made guitars which play like butter and sound great. What's not to like (other than the price)? The fact that they aren't chipped/reliced plaintops with "mojo" (again, whatever that means) is irrelevant. They play, and sound awesome.

Contrary arguments welcomed

-C

only thing i have against them are when the guitar has those bridges that you cannot adjust the intonation (unless there is some way i dont know of)?

 

[vchizzle]

I work in a factory and I play PRS. So there. Lol

There's 2 set screws to adjust intonation. Works well if you're not in a crazy tuning or using insanely heavy strings. The thought process is that a solid 1 piece bridge will resonate and sustain better than one with a bunch moving parts. They make an adjustable version also.

 

[spirit7]

The constant comparisons to Gibson irritate me. People need to get it into their heads that PRS is not trying to emulate Gibson.

Seems to me that they are, clearly not every model but undoubtedly in the single cut department. I'm guessing that Paul spent a lot of time grilling Ted McCarty (President of Gibson 1950-1966, designer of the LP, V, Explorer, Tune-O-Matic bridge etc...) on the finer points of Classic guitar design, while he was working with PRS in the late eighties/early nineties.

Gibson evidently got the same idea as well when they filed a lawsuit against PRS on the singlecut which eventually got dismissed, but did cause production to cease on that model for a few years.

Now they even make one with the right scale length. As mentioned by others the pickups are a bit of an acquired taste, and you can get real close to a LP sound by switching them out.

Lots of companies are trying to build a better LP, like it or not PRS are one of them.

Yes, the singlecuts are obviously influenced by Gibson, but name me a singlecut that isn't? Nobody slags off Collings for making guitars that look similar. Or ESP. PRS are known for the Custom 24, McCarty and derivatives thereof. Those guitars have a unique tone and are clearly not trying to emulate anyone.

Most of the hate, as usual, emanates from jealousy or narrow-mindedness (NB - of course some people dislike them for genuine reasons).

Mo: I have to ask: why a 408? I mean it looks really interesting and is no doubt an incredible instrument, but surely the best starting point with PRS is a classy Custom 24?

-C

Why are you even bringing up Collings, or ESP? This thread is about PRS. Who here said that those companies were not influenced by Gibson in anyway? As for jealousy, hate, narrow-mindedness...these are really odd words to use when talking about guitars. They are fucking guitars. If you don't like them, don't use them. I have 5 Gibsons. You know what? I like PRS. Do I own any right now? No. Have I? Yes. It was a 1993 Custom 24 10 top with birds. It was super cool and I wish I had it back. I personally like guitars from all builders. I reserve the right to like every guitar until I try it, or hate it until I try it. I don't care whose name is on it. This wins the dumbest thread of all time. Props to the OP.

You win the most cretinous post of all time award. Congratulations.

I am bringing up Collings or ESP because a common criticism levelled at PRS is that they are copying Gibson. Yet - curiously - similar criticisms are rarely levelled at other manufacturers who produce singlecuts (even ones like Collings, which make even more expensive instruments than PRS). So it was perfectly relevant to mention Collings and ESP, both of whom make singlecuts.

Isn't linguistic development interesting though? Part of the beauty of the English language is that words evolve in meaning. "Hate", for example, doesn't inherently mean you hate something. In the appropriate context, referring to "PRS hate" or "Gibson hate" - shock horror - doesn't necessarily refer to a burning hatred of guitars made by those companies. It can also refer to a trend of criticism levelled at them. Plainly you have not appreciated that not all language is literal.

You say "I reserve the right to like every guitar until I try it, or hate it until I try it. I don't care whose name is on it." I agree with you! Which is why it puzzles me to read so much generic criticism of PRS guitars by people who have not played them and just decide they don't like them because they're expensive and pretty. Of course, if you play one and don't like it - fair enough.

-C

 

[thiswaythatway]

The constant comparisons to Gibson irritate me. People need to get it into their heads that PRS is not trying to emulate Gibson.

Seems to me that they are, clearly not every model but undoubtedly in the single cut department. I'm guessing that Paul spent a lot of time grilling Ted McCarty (President of Gibson 1950-1966, designer of the LP, V, Explorer, Tune-O-Matic bridge etc...) on the finer points of Classic guitar design, while he was working with PRS in the late eighties/early nineties.

Gibson evidently got the same idea as well when they filed a lawsuit against PRS on the singlecut which eventually got dismissed, but did cause production to cease on that model for a few years.

Now they even make one with the right scale length. As mentioned by others the pickups are a bit of an acquired taste, and you can get real close to a LP sound by switching them out.

Lots of companies are trying to build a better LP, like it or not PRS are one of them.

Yes, the singlecuts are obviously influenced by Gibson, but name me a singlecut that isn't? Nobody slags off Collings for making guitars that look similar. Or ESP. PRS are known for the Custom 24, McCarty and derivatives thereof. Those guitars have a unique tone and are clearly not trying to emulate anyone.Most of the hate, as usual, emanates from jealousy or narrow-mindedness (NB - of course some people dislike them for genuine reasons).

Mo: I have to ask: why a 408? I mean it looks really interesting and is no doubt an incredible instrument, but surely the best starting point with PRS is a classy Custom 24?

-C

Why are you even bringing up Collings, or ESP? This thread is about PRS. Who here said that those companies were not influenced by Gibson in anyway? As for jealousy, hate, narrow-mindedness...these are really odd words to use when talking about guitars. They are fucking guitars. If you don't like them, don't use them. I have 5 Gibsons. You know what? I like PRS. Do I own any right now? No. Have I? Yes. It was a 1993 Custom 24 10 top with birds. It was super cool and I wish I had it back. I personally like guitars from all builders. I reserve the right to like every guitar until I try it, or hate it until I try it. I don't care whose name is on it. This wins the dumbest thread of all time. Props to the OP.

You win the most cretinous post of all time award. Congratulations.

I am bringing up Collings or ESP because a common criticism levelled at PRS is that they are copying Gibson. Yet - curiously - similar criticisms are rarely levelled at other manufacturers who produce singlecuts (even ones like Collings, which make even more expensive instruments than PRS). So it was perfectly relevant to mention Collings and ESP, both of whom make singlecuts.

Isn't linguistic development interesting though? Part of the beauty of the English language is that words evolve in meaning. "Hate", for example, doesn't inherently mean you hate something. In the appropriate context, referring to "PRS hate" or "Gibson hate" - shock horror - doesn't necessarily refer to a burning hatred of guitars made by those companies. It can also refer to a trend of criticism levelled at them. Plainly you have not appreciated that not all language is literal.

You say "I reserve the right to like every guitar until I try it, or hate it until I try it. I don't care whose name is on it." I agree with you! Which is why it puzzles me to read so much generic criticism of PRS guitars by people who have not played them and just decide they don't like them because they're expensive and pretty. Of course, if you play one and don't like it - fair enough.

-C

Paul said once in an interview that if you walk through the corridors at NAMM you see Singlecut guitars at every booth that don't say Gibson on the headstock, so why was he singled out? Prs makes and sells a lot of guitars so even though plenty make SC's, Prs did take some buyers away from Gibson.

 

[robertkoa]

Cause dentists buy them

After 2013 dentists can only buy one and it can not be over $ 2998.

 

[squank]

How do you guys play butter?


Guitars can:

1)Look good

2)Play good

3)Sound good

At least PRS gets one of them correct.

because butter is smooth and so is my PRS

That's right - 4 out of 4! PRS for the win

The PRS jealousy-based hate is so idiotic. Play a few different models. If you don't like them, fine. But some of the comments in this thread are juvenile. They are TGP/butthurt worthy. I'm sorry you don't like the price of a new PRS. I'm sorry the average PRS has a better looking top than the average Gibson. That's just the way these companies choose to build their guitars.

If you can't afford a new PRS, then you can't afford a nice new Les Paul, either. But where are all the comments about Custom Shop Les Pauls being bought by dentists and lawyers? Look at the numbers, and you'll see a lot more dentists and lawyers are buying these than are buying PRS guitars.

It's just silliness. If people spent more time playing their guitar than hating on other guitars, they would be happier people.

 

[spirit7]

How do you guys play butter?


Guitars can:

1)Look good

2)Play good

3)Sound good

At least PRS gets one of them correct.

because butter is smooth and so is my PRS

That's right - 4 out of 4! PRS for the win

The PRS jealousy-based hate is so idiotic. Play a few different models. If you don't like them, fine. But some of the comments in this thread are juvenile. They are TGP/butthurt worthy. I'm sorry you don't like the price of a new PRS. I'm sorry the average PRS has a better looking top than the average Gibson. That's just the way these companies choose to build their guitars.

If you can't afford a new PRS, then you can't afford a nice new Les Paul, either. But where are all the comments about Custom Shop Les Pauls being bought by dentists and lawyers? Look at the numbers, and you'll see a lot more dentists and lawyers are buying these than are buying PRS guitars.

It's just silliness. If people spent more time playing their guitar than hating on other guitars, they would be happier people.

Agree with everything in this post.

I am now gassing for a Modern Eagle ><

-C

 

[legend71]

I love all guitars but some are juts not for me. Lol how can you hate any instrument?

 

[madrigal77]

Their necks suck a bag of dicks!!!