Paul Reed Smith

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Paul Reed Smith
Paul Reed Smith.jpg
Smith playing one of his guitars at the annual Guitar Festival, Dallas, Texas.
Born (1956-02-18) February 18, 1956 (age 65)
OccupationLuthier, guitarist

Paul Reed Smith (born February 18, 1956) is a master luthier and the founder and owner of PRS Guitars, a high-end guitar maker.[1]

Early life[]

Smith graduated from Bowie High School in 1974.[2] He also attended St. Mary's College of Maryland where he began his guitar-making career.[1]

Mentorship under Ted McCarty[]

Smith contacted Ted McCarty, former president of Gibson and creator of the Explorer, ES-335 and Flying V guitars, and McCarty became his mentor and advisor.[1] The result of their collaboration was the current line of PRS Guitars, which include solid and hollow-body guitars. The Private Stock line of PRS guitars are made utilizing a vast range of exotic materials including various stones, elaborately figured tonewoods, and intricate shells for inlays.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c Strauss, Karsten (April 15, 2013). "PRS Guitars -- Chasing Perfection". Forbes. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  2. ^ Virginia, Terhune (January 3, 2013). "Bowie High grad, guitar maker and band perform at scholarship fundraiser Saturday". The Gazette (Maryland). Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
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