Could Michael Kelly be the next PRS?

[edgarallanpoe]

But you just said it, it was a combo of Gibson and Fender (way more Gibson though). So they didn't invent a particularly novel joint system, didn't invent a particular switch or switching system, didn't invent a never heard of pickup system, scale lengths of 25" were used before (and anything in between 24.5 and 25.5"), didn't invent locking tuners, didn't invent rotary switch. 10A top is a joke if you ask me, but I'll give you that. PRS company policies are now seriously in question as anyone in luthier business will atest.

Nonsense... By your standard even Fender, Gibson, and Marshall would not be innovative. Fender and Gibson borrowed *heavily* from companies like Bigsby, and early Marshalls are basically a derivative of the Fender Bassman.

PRS took ideas from those companies and used them to create a totally unique instrument at the time. There was absolutely *nothing* like a PRS when they were introduced and that guitar has revolutionized the way we see guitars today. I am 38 years old...I was there when it happened and remember it clearly. PRS set the guitar world on its ear...and this is from a guy who does not like PRS guitars.

 

[Rocky]

But you just said it, it was a combo of Gibson and Fender (way more Gibson though). So they didn't invent a particularly novel joint system, didn't invent a particular switch or switching system, didn't invent a never heard of pickup system, scale lengths of 25" were used before (and anything in between 24.5 and 25.5"), didn't invent locking tuners, didn't invent rotary switch. 10A top is a joke if you ask me, but I'll give you that. PRS company policies are now seriously in question as anyone in luthier business will atest.

Having said all of the above, I have to concur they were by large and still are to a degree (depending on the series) a friggin kick-*** instruments. But I've seen many luthiers world wide making same quality instruments with brilliant ideas...Paul was just the best businessman in the past 10-15 years. Along with Hisatake Shibuya and those dudes from Hoshino Gakki.

I dont think you get to speak for the 'luthier business.'

You need to look at the bolt design paul came up with. Distinctly different from the Fender design. PRS also improved on the non locking trem and made HUGE strides in mass construction technique.

Like the guy above...I dont really like PRS guitars but am willing to give them their deserved credit. PRS came along in the late 80's/early 90's and turned the guitar world on its ear.

 

[Dersu Uzala]

Nevermind. It's like talking to a wall.

 

[edgarallanpoe]

Nevermind. It's like talking to a wall.

Ditto

 

[nomad100hd]

Don't forget in all of this that a good guitarist can make crap sound good! So a guitar that not hand crafted by God can still sound good.