"Discussing critical elements of a guitar, Paul Reed Smith highlights the significant role of a particular feature, maintaining that it significantly impacts the instrument's tone."
In the world of guitar-making, Paul Reed Smith (PRS) stands out as a pioneer. According to Smith, the neck is the most crucial aspect of a guitar for its tone and overall feel [1][2]. He believes that while pickups and other components matter, the neck fundamentally affects how the guitar resonates, how it feels to hold, and how the string length changes when playing.
PRS Guitars have refined their neck-making process over the years, partly through collaboration with artists like John Mayer and Mark Holcomb of Periphery, among others [1][3]. The neck's strength, design, and weighting significantly influence the instrument's sound and playability, making neck-making a "fundamental" aspect of guitar construction.
Smith explains that the neck influences resonance because it supports the string's length and tension, has tuning pegs at one end, and more frets at the other, all factors impacting vibration and tone. He emphasizes not putting the neck under excessive tension, unless from the strings, to avoid a lack of sustained low mid-range in the instrument [2].
PRS is known for its commitment to quality, and this is reflected in their products. They are releasing brand-new guitars each month in celebration of their 40th anniversary, making 2025 a bumper year for the company [4]. The NF 53 SE, for instance, has been claimed as the best sub-$1k electric guitar of 2025 by various sources [5].
Moreover, PRS's approach to neck-making does not prioritize pickups, overdrive pedals, or tube amps for good tone. Instead, they focus on the neck itself, using Guatemalan fence posts as viable tonewoods, advocated by Smith himself [6].
PRS's platform, the PRS YouTube channel, is a treasure trove of information where Smith discusses various aspects of guitar-making [7]. Here, he shares his insights and experiences, providing valuable knowledge for both amateur and professional guitar enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Paul Reed Smith's emphasis on the neck's importance in guitar tone and playability underscores the significance of this often overlooked component. The player's comfort with a guitar is crucial for optimal performance and a superior tone, and PRS Guitars are leading the way in this area.
- Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars, renowned for their quality, are releasing new instruments each month to mark their 40th anniversary in 2025.
- The NF 53 SE, a new electric guitar, has been praised as the best sub-$1k model of 2025 by various sources.
- PRS Guitars, with their focus on the neck as a fundamental aspect of guitar construction, are utilizing Guatemalan fence posts as tonewoods, as suggested by Smith himself.
- Collaboration with noted musicians like John Mayer and Mark Holcomb of Periphery has aided PRS in refining their neck-making process over the years.
- In discussions on the PRS YouTube channel, Paul Reed Smith shares valuable insights about the importance of the neck in achieving superior tone and playability.
- The neck, according to PRS's founder Smith, is the most crucial aspect of a guitar for its tone and overall feel, while components like pickups, overdrive pedals, or tube amps should not be prioritized for good tone.
