"Paul Reed Smith emphasizes the guitar's crucial component, stating that it plays a decisive role in shaping the instrument's tone"
In the world of electric guitars, PRS Guitars has made a name for itself as one of the best options for those on a budget, with the NF 53 SE being recognised as one of the best sub-$1k electric guitars in 2025. But what makes PRS stand out? According to its founder, Paul Reed Smith, it all comes down to the neck.
Smith believes that the neck is the most crucial part of a guitar for both its tone and playability. He emphasises that the neck greatly impacts how the guitar resonates, feels, and ultimately sounds, making neck-making the fundamental aspect of guitar construction.
The strength of the neck, according to Smith, is paramount. Unlike other parts of the guitar like pickups or body weight, the neck bears the tension of the strings and has structural features such as tuning pegs and varying numbers of frets at either end. As a result, its strength and construction significantly affect the guitar’s resonance and tonal qualities.
PRS has refined neck-making into a precise art, collaborating with artists to test and improve neck performance. Artists like John Mayer and Mark Holcomb, among others, have put their PRS electric guitars through various tests. Smith has even advocated for Guatemalan fence posts as viable tonewoods for necks, demonstrating his commitment to innovation in this area.
Smith also emphasises the importance of not putting the neck under excessive tension from strings. If heavy gauge strings and high tuning are used, a truss rod is necessary to compensate for the added tension. However, excessive truss rod tightening can lead to a lack of sustained low mid-range in the instrument.
In 2025, PRS is expected to have a bumper year due to the new guitar releases. The company has had several new guitar drops, including one by Herman Li, who has created a signature guitar with PRS. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, PRS is releasing new guitars each month.
PRS's approach to neck-making has been refined over the years, with the company collaborating with its artists, including John Mayer and Mark Holcomb, in the process. Smith has stated his belief on the PRS YouTube channel, reinforcing the importance of the neck in delivering good tone.
From the best sub-$1k electric guitar to the innovative use of Guatemalan fence posts as tonewoods, PRS continues to push boundaries in the guitar industry. With a focus on the neck, Smith and his team are delivering guitars that not only look great but sound amazing too.
- Players of electric guitars often consider PRS Guitars as one of the top choices, especially for those on a budget, with the NF 53 SE being recognized as one of the best sub-$1k options in 2025.
- Paul Reed Smith, the founder of PRS Guitars, attributes the company's success to the careful crafting of the neck of each guitar, believing it greatly impacts the guitar's tone and playability.
- According to Smith, the neck bears the tension of the strings and has structural elements like tuning pegs and frets, making its strength and construction crucial to the guitar's resonance and tonal qualities.
- PRS has dedicated itself to refining neck-making into a precise art, collaborating with artists like John Mayer and Mark Holcomb to test and improve neck performance.
- Smith also emphasizes the need to avoid excessive tension on the neck from heavy gauge strings and high tuning, determining that a truss rod may be necessary to compensate but excessive tightening could negatively affect the guitar's low mid-range.
- PRS is preparing for a successful year in 2025 with new guitar releases, including a signature model created by Herman Li and monthly releases in celebration of the company's 40th anniversary, showcasing their continued innovation in the electric guitar entertainment industry.
