Paul Reed Smith Explains New PRS Tuning Button Design | PRS Guitars
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- Опубліковано 15 січ 2024
- New for 2024 is a change that Paul has dreamed of since 1980, we're thrilled to introduce the PRS Wing Button Tuners! Learn about the history of the design, and why now is the perfect time for this update to many of our models.
They look nice and I'm sure they work well. I suspect they affect the tone of the guitar about as much as the box they ship it in!
Yes, but they come in a special box made from the finest tonecardboards known to man.
My intuition says we will be thinking of this in the future like the “New Coke”.
People will be scrambling to get the vintage knobs to replace the crappy new ones. Let’s not forget the knobs on the body. There’s just no telling how much tone is lost in those plastic knobs.
I have a 1979 Gibson SG with heavy Grover tuners and asymmetrical neck weight. Without wishing to contradict Paul's theory the guitar doesn't seem to lack mid range tone.
Finally!!! I hesitate to bring my S2 Vela onstage because the shape of the keys was just not up to snuff. I'm delivering my best Skynard riffs and everyone is just not feeling it. Why?? Well certainly not because of my playing... No. It's because they are just staring at my keys like "what the hell is that?". Finally a solution
okay bro bro chill, Paul is just saying he had an artistic dream when it came to eveery facet of the guitar, he probably shouldnt have drilled anything about tone tho about teh tuning buttons tho cause feels corny UNLESS ITS JUST GRAPH TECH TUSQ XD but yeah
The toan is in the tuners guys
The tuna is in the can
The heavy ones 'rob the midrange.'
I put strap locks on my guitar, and the tone just exploded!
@@dudebroguymateI thought the peaches come in a can?
I'm so glad I bought my guitar before this change!
Indeed.
your guitar has no toan without these tuners
@@VodkaSelekta tone is on the cheap plastic!!
Their best tuners were still the wing tuners
phase 3 locking are my fav @@0megalul309
I am looking forward to Jim Lill's deep dive into the tonal qualities of tuner buttons.
I prefer the old phase 3 locking tuners you used to put on the 594 McCartys. When manufacturers are migrating toward locking tuners, PRS regressed. Almost seems like a cost cutting measure.
There’s a term for this: “burying the lead.”
The shape and weight of the pegs are virtually meaningless compared to the news that only trem-equipped PRS guitars will have locking tuners from now on, which seems like nothing more than a cost-saving measure.
Fun fact .. It's actually burying the lede.
Something I found out about three weeks ago.
It's a greedy measure.
The shape is up to personal taste, but making them plastic and not having lockers on non-trem models is not a good idea IMO.
I felt the same way but then I remembered I like the plastic tuners heads on old school Gibsons lol so I guess I don't care as much as I thought
I saw a review and the tuners locked on the one I saw.
it makes sense why tf do you need locking tuners on a non trem model
@@CocoKoi321because the main reason most of us get locking tuners is fast string changes, not anything to do with tuning.
The “guitars without trems don’t get locks” part is the bigger news.
Yeah, they're doing the exact opposite of what their customers want them to do.
They will be happy to sell you a set of locking tuners at a premium price.
I like the news.
That so caught my attention. I got the Mark Holcomb SE in October, fixed bridge, non-locking tuners, and immediately changed them. I thought it was an SE thing. This idea is nuts.
It’s the same feeling as this - the ce24 semi hollow that costs $3k only comes with a soft gigbag. Which is the same as an SE gigbag. A better bag would be much appreciated. It feels to me, it’s just to cut cost.
I prefer the old tuners
I always used to want a PRS guitar but now I find myself wanting one less and less everyday
Buy either a 2023 model or used.......................new from now on will be more and more garbage for a premium price.
They are the best guitars around, every line of guitar, private stock, wood library, core, S2, SE. Are superior to their competitors that mass produce the same old inferior designs where QC is suspect. Get past the appearance of the tuning buttons . These guitars hold tune
No locking tuners on non-trem guitars? Cmonnnnn
Is it April 1st?
I just received my 2024 HB II Piezo core and LOVE the new tuners. Another huge win for PRS in the face of criticism.
0:56 sorry Paul, this is just plain silly.
Certainly silly for those who can't hear it.
There are however those who do hear what many, if not most of us, can not hear. Our instruments from the hands of the unusual few artists become a beautiful sum of their knowledge and experience.
@@Riverdeepnwide You've been bullshxtted by guitar marketing all your life. What you're hearing is placebo.
@dudebroguymate not in my experience of meeting and working with some of these exceptional people.
@@Riverdeepnwideit doesn’t do anything to the sound of guitar …That’s not how magnets work in a guitar. If it was acoustic guitar there maybe an argument. The only thing that might effect tone on a guitar would be the bridge and nut because it can impede the string vibration, but mostly its picks ups and strings.
@Cognitoman the original comment quoted from 0:56 as being silly. A fuller context for the discussion may be found from 0:50 where Paul says he tends to exaggerate things to make a point. For sure I know I could never hear a difference between one type of tuner and another and am as happy to play an inexpensive Squier as I am in playing a PRS, Suhr, G&L, Custom shops or whatever. But they do sound and feel different and happy for that too.
So the non-tremolo guitars will no longer have locking tuners, hmmmm. Snuck that in there.
and what . . . changing from aluminum keys to plastic ! The PRS market will take ofense to that. Simply cost cutting in a boutique high end guitar. Hiding it behind his "dream". hilarious
@@forestyogin2218 I totally agree, and not putting locking tuners on non-trem guitars reeks of further cost cutting. For the cost of a core PRS, trem or not I would expect locking tuners.
Sorry Paul, I hate the shape of these wing buttons. I would change them out. I appreciate that you’re always innovating the guitar to a higher level but not everything is a home run.
Plastic Buttons on a $4K + guitar? Not for me
Gibson custom shop?
Buy a used one. Problem solved
If most people do the same they will get the message
Why are locking tuners going away for non trem guitars? That seems like a huge decision to just say in passing.
Ok but where are the locking tuners Paul?
Gone from every fixed bridge guitar.
On the models with tremolos. Unnecessary on a fixed bridge, as long as you know how to wind up the string, it's not going to slip
How cool is it that the brand owner actually comes on camera and gives us updates like this though? Appreciate you, Paul!
He's telling you straight up that he's going to rip you off even more and you appreciate it?
@@dudebroguymatebuy a used one, that the beauty of guitars, they are not cars that will fall apart after 10 years
@@sccanj I'll just buy another brand
I like the new button design.
Maybe it is time to just standardize on locking keys across the range though? There's no downside, even hardtail guitars should have locking tuners.
The downside is they can't sell you their aftermarket tuners if they already come on the guitar.
Yeah I kind of want the new keys in the Phase III locking tuners.
I had vintage tuners on my 08 McCarty and they're... alright. But I'd rather have locking tuners any day. I don't care about the extra 6g or whatever they weigh.
@@mikeomatic9905 The new buttons do come on the 2024 Phase III tuners. I have been told the buttons will be sold in the PRS accessory store from May so I am holding off buying the normal faux bone buttons.
Seems they are aiming to reduce mass to optimize the transfer of energy string to guitar. Locking tuners on a non trem guitar are pointless, just a lazy way to change strings
@@JoeDread316 you say "lazy" but I say "convenient" and "fast". Also better for tuning stability.
I'd love to have locking tuners back on all models. They are quite nice to have.
Number 1 thing I do NOT like about PRS or any locking tuner guitar. I have owned 2 PRSs in my time and both had the locking tuners removed immediately.
Why? What don't you like about them?@@seanrosedotcom
Cool to see the original vision seeing light after all these years.
Paul nailed my thoughts "first people are very opposed to change, then they'll think that belongs and shouldn't be changed". Which this video should greatly help.
He doesn't give a fvk about his customers' opinions, which is sad to see. PRS needs to experience some capitalism real soon.
@@dudebroguymate Well that was the weird comment I didn't expect to see, but youtube never fails to deliver.
@@Yupppi let me know if you need me to translate for you
Change when there is a definite upgrade to the instrument is fine, change to cut costs, reduce life-span, and lead to potential issues years later is NOT.
The bigger announcement is the fact that locking tuners won't be standard on fixed bridge guitars is a much bigger deal..........But don't worry for $$$$ you can upgrade them.
Are you really OK with spending $5000+ on a guitar with plastic tuning keys, when a budget $500 guitar has metal ones.
@@camerond8176I did a quick price check for a Murphy Lab 59 Les Paul. $10,699.99 , has kluson(plastic) tuning buttons. Plastic pic guard too! I used to actually work for a plastics manufacturing company. I can with utmost confidence, from my experience, plastics that are available these days, are going to out live some metal components.
I like that PRS continue to innovate, change and refresh each years product, and not just produce the same thing decade after decade. The man is clearly obsessed with perfection, and has made it his life’s work to make the company stand out.
Gonna start relic’ing your guitars too now? What’s with the vintage thing when your designs are always superb and modern? This is a backwards step and was totally unnecessary when prs has it down to perfection. Crazy and goes against the whole prs concept to me. We have vintage stuff on the fenders and Gibsons of the world. We needed the fresh modern take on things that has always been what PRS was about. Very very surprised. They are Fugly!
I look forward to purchasing my first non SE with your original design. Thanks for posting!
C'mon: please show us proof that tuner buttons significantly add or cut freq ranges!
I agree that buttons are a good way to reduce weight from the headstock, esp. with headstock heavy guitars. Other than that it's about the look and it's nice to see a PRS design in these.
Wondering if this will also go with rigid copyrights so that aftermarket suppliers will not get a chance to deliver options of other materials to these plastics.
And btw.: looks like you are skipping these on the signature guitars (at least not on the Tremonti and Santana Retro videos shown that have been released right after this video)?
But they make the headstock lighter and thusly the tone fairies magically smoothen your high end, creamify the lows and make the mids at least 15% more buttery! Or at least that's what my dentist tells me...
@@xStabizorz Dentists use to have x-rays to proof that kind of analysis 😉
Paul reminds me of the now (in)famous Heimlich. The guy had one good idea and then claimed wilder and wilder fantasies about the use of the manoeuvre until his death.
@@jhref Heimlich manoeuvre has been proven to increase electric guitar tone by 20%
THE SHAPE OF THE TUNING PEG BUTTONS DOES NOT EFFECT THE SOUND IN A MANNER ANY HUMAN OR ANIMAL CAN HEAR!!!!!!
Love the new tuning buttons! I do wish however that locking tuners were at least still an option on non-trem guitars. They help tremendously playing live
Really? I have never owned locking tuners, all my guitars have vintage style tuners and never have a problem with a fixed bridge. Do you use super light strings or is it legit the machines turning backwards?
@@DevilsAvocado69 they don't really add to tuning stability
string change speed QOL lol
@@hyperplayability6290 Ohhh so you break strings a lot? Do you not have a spare guitar for gigs? Because I doubt you are about to rewire a dead jack live... Lol
@@DevilsAvocado69 nothing wrong with conventional, but all the guitars I’ve used live have (pretty much) all had locking and it makes life a lot easier, and in general helps tuning stability. Is it a must? No. But it helps greatly and is an extra layer of security. Especially if you fly all over the stage
@@tedisakoolkat Lol see this makes sense, I get it dude, you rock tf out. The other dude that replied to the question I asked you is talking about string changes live like they are BB king. Not that it wouldn't be faster to get the string changed but its the stretch into stability is what takes time changing strings not winding the wire. Especially live because the goal is to be intune, hence the question of how you are going out of tune. Does your band have a channel I check out?
New tuning machine buttons: "Oh cool, that's awesome"
Tuning machines affect the tone: "oohh BROTHER" 😂
Yeah, but these are made of 'tone plastic'!
@@martynridley3671 You might have a point there. 🤔
Very very cool. Congrats PRS
They are vile!!! I’m a huge long term prs fan and they are horrible.
Unfortunately I have to agree. I trust Paul's judgment when it comes to changes but these things just look oversized and kinda silly
@@ShiroiTengu they’re fugly and unnecessary when they were perfect as they were, best on the market before this crazy change
Yes, very pleased to see you still chasing your dream in every detail Paul. You have already brought so much beauty into the world.
I can't wait to try the new shape out for how they feel.
Cheers from Montreal!
Locking PRS tuners make string changes easier. That's the main reason I like them. However I still like the old style wing tuners on my 94' as well...grab and go. I know not everyone was into that.
Such an unnecessary change. The tuner affects the overall tone such a small amount... and the ease of string changes with locking tuners...is a far better thing to have...
I love them. I wish I had them on my 594. The current ones are identical in shape and size as the ones on my R8.
These buttons look great on the Phase III tuner and hopefully won't take to long to be added to the PRS aftermarket parts shop.
What material is this made of? Will it hold up over time since it appears to be plastic? We've all had a plastic button break at some point. Thanks.
Sounds like Paul just came out of that difficult meeting about wanting those tunning pegs and fired up his camera to show who's boss.
In other words, we found somewhere that can pump these out cheap for us 😂
This was a very clever way for Paul to tell everybody no more locking tuners unless there's a trem........
That is the actual big news that they were releasing and they knew everybody would lose their mind over it so they did this thing with the tuning knob to distract you from the real announcement.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The Floyd lost its locking tuners. Yes no needed but made string changes easier
Excellent! Keeping my eye on the PRS pats store for a set of these to put on my DGT :D
So they're plastic?
I think they're beautiful. Very elegant. I'll bet they feel great under the fingers too.
I like how wide the button it. A wide button makes it much easier/faster to tune precisely.
A string winder will constantly hit the neighboring pegs when they're so wide.
I like these pegs!! Great choice Paul! Your guitars are awesome!! Rock on!!
They look great!
finally TONE BUTTONS!!! YAY!!!
they do look nice though.
No problem, Paul. Love them.
In good faith, why not include the plastic buttons in the case for those of us who want the change from the previous style? Should still be locking tuners on the Custom 24 Floyd IMO. For heavy music players, locking tuners are a huge quality of life boon for string changes.
Why did it take over 40 years to become transitioned from design to implementation? BTW this inquiry is not a dig or critique - I own several of these awesome instruments but am just curious 😊
Paul has a very tactful way of navigating the "stick in the mud" crowd. Basically telling them to pound sand without saying it.
Yeah, who cares what the customers think. I think it might be time for PRS to experience some capitalism because they've had a free ride so far.
@@dudebroguymate It’s his brand, his vision. There’s plenty of competition in the market. I’ll reserve judgement until I play one with them.
@@danielcrescenzo354 Who cares that it’s his brand? You have to give customers what they want, otherwise you’ll go out of business.
@@dudebroguymate His company, his choice. Really not hard stuff to grasp dude. Buy it or don't.
@@danielcrescenzo354 People will vote with their wallets.
While I understand the intent it still looks cheap, like plastic pressed on to a heated shaft guaranteed to loosen or break off one day. I see screws on the original design, but not on the sample, which still looks like cheep plastic department store parts. I get it, function over form, and my McCarty S2 has those cheap-@$$ tuner heads, which I hate, but the guitar itself is too good for that to get in the way. But its Fugly, and that's a really odd thing to say about a PRS aesthetic.
Slow news day.
Love his guitars.
Some great ideas.
Please do not try to tell me that these buttons makes the guitar sound different in any way.
Hi Paul, I'm sure the new tuning machines are just as good if not better than the previous design. Why not provide more customization options for the knobs? Polished aluminum, Perloid, Ebony wood and/or other similar hardwood to make the guitar even more personal. Business-wise, I'm sure fans would opt to spend more money to fully customize their guitar's look with complementing tuning knobs. Cheers!
Follow your heart Paul!
The shape is nice but I've never met anyone in my life that has ever said I'd rather this guitar had plastic tuning buttons and no locks. Selling cost saving measures as an upgrade.
And people are happy about it. Really sad to see.
Talk about a boy with their toys. He made an outstanding company with this ideas and bright mind.
Keep it up.
Thanks for the announcement and explanation. Please keep the Phase 3 tuners in stock.
I like them. Any chance they will fit the PRS locking tuners I just got for my PRS SE Hollowbody Standard Piezo?
Why do away with the phase 3 lockers
so they have something "new" to talk about at NAMM
He is turning into the “Henry J” of PRS guitars
And this is why I’m a PRS convert with 3 new USA builds in the last 6 months after selling a few other brands to fund.
Will this change help the guitars play better / sound better? I don’t know.
Does any other major brand give enough of a damn for the CEO to spend some time explaining a change like this? Nope. No shot.
Congrats, Paul. You’re a stud.
He's telling you straight up that he's going to rip you off even more by taking more value out of his guitars and essentially charging you more for them, like Apple removing the charger from the iPhone box. And you're congralutating him.
Been a long time supporter, owner, and promoter of PRS guitars. Ive always known them to put out the very best of what is possible, regardless of the bottom line. Does it mean a price increase to continue to maintain that level of quality when fiat currencies inflate? It sure does but it means not compromising on what matters most and that is producing the best that human efforts can manage. This change in combination with the change from high quality wooden/vinyl cases to cheap molded cases with plastic latches is the first time ive seen PRS look for ways to cut costs rather than stay true to course. I would imagine shortcuts in electronics will be next ie: Alpha pots, imported switches and jacks etc. I also don't appreciate being told what I will learn to accept in products I buy, I accept only the best from PRS nothing less.
One of my favourite things about my PRS SE Sliver Sky is the tuning pegs, so slick and smooth...
I’ve got a US Silver Sky. I enjoy the smooth tuning and locking mechanism, but I really dislike the look and feel of the plastic buttons. I hear that mass reduction at the headstock is intentional to improve the tone, but really wish they didn’t go to plastic here. Not easy to change out as most Fender “box” tuners are not 3+3. Maybe the hole pattern from PRS Phase III tuners would work? Still a chance for me to get them before it’s too late!
@@davidfung7902not to mention it doesn't affect tone one iota
So, Paul, how much money are you saving by installing these new tuning pegs over the old ones ? We all know that's the bottom line.
Cool... another original design 👍🏼
Paul is going to go down in history as the greatest guitar builder of all time... bet.
and why not......
They would look great on a PRS 594 Baritone 30 scale w single coils -hint hint , keep up the great work guys . Cheers BC
🙏 thank you Mr Reed! You build and spec guitar's that other companies really need to take notes.
Who stopped you Paul from designing your own guitars the way you see fit for almost 40 years. A really strange explanation for this design update. And from my point of view, a not very successful one
Congratulations Paul, those tunning buttons were imagined by you, and your dreams came true, you wanted a new design and now you have it, amazing!
Is your nose brown?
I hope they will be available to purchase. I love my Silver Sky SE but hate the grey plastic keys.
Paul's basically like "we're changing them, everybody just get over it." Lol
People will vote with their wallets.
@@dudebroguymate yeah they'll buy Mann-made locking tuners to swap in like I did
Thanks for the heads up, I just picked up a new set of the original chrome style on eBay before the price increases. I'd love to keep my Mushok and SE stay original. Never had an issue but good to see your following your own dreams. It would be nice to see some frequency output curves on both types, the one's I'm using now versus the new style one's being described.
What utter tripe, I really don’t get the fanboy love for this brand at all
They look like a variation of the SS buttons. Alot of folks hate them but I find them comfortable and very useable.
phil mcknight said they feel the same as tusq. what are they made of and how sure are you regarding their durability over time and in different conditions especially those near the equator.
What does that bridge pickup off the drawing sound like?
Nice! Thank you Paul for my PRS SE 594 in Vintage. I love it and that’s the only guitar I play now, much love and thanx to my Daughter for the gift 🤓🤘
Honestly, I am usually down with the things that PRS does, but this looks really cheap. I know that the ones on the Silver Sky feel super janky. Hopefully I am wrong and this turns out to be a good thing.
Paying more for guitars is never a good thing.
HOPEFULLY ITS GRAPH TECH TUSQ
They work great on my new mccarthy se. Keep up the good work PRS
😂
Looks great! Will the new design/size require a larger than standard string winder, or will the newer models come with one?
Bass tuners have big tips so I suspect these will be fine
@@markharmon9892 I was kind of going with a sarcasm angle, since a 2k+^ guitar is shipped out in a bean bag. Lol. Thank you for the response!
@@wadekresak2149I thought you were serious lol
I wish they would use PRS branded Mono Vertigo bags they are great. Sold my PRS hardcases for this
Totally agree. First and last PRS for me
I like the shape, a little large though .
Good to see that you’re constantly seeking improvement
I’m starting to like these a lot more than I did just a few days ago. Given that the buttons on last year’s McCarty 594’s (and earlier) are my all time favorite, I’m surprised at how quickly I’m warming up to the new buttons. Paul’s story behind them really appeals to me. I feel a new Core McCarty on my horizon…
😂
Ive got my Special 22 Semi hollow at end of last year. Mine does it have these new style buttons?
stainless steel frets?
nope. they're too bound by tradition
I do enjoy the brass buttons but I do like the shape of these. Nice to see you finally getting your original realisation after all this time. :)
Regular tuners on non trem guitars is actually a good thing, if strung correctly they hold tuning just as well. Think about the split shaft fenders for example, they hold up perfectly unless there is divebomb action going on. Having extra screws that can wear and strip out is just as stressful. I like the new design 👍
If it’s not broken ,don’t fix it
Keep doing what you’ve been doing from day 1 , scrap the new tuner’s
I love listening to Paul talk about guitars.
I Love it
Nice. I feel this creates a more balanced profile with the larger buttons. Always felt the PRS’s headstock although beautiful was a little “ Dainty”. What’s cool is that PRS guitars have become fully fleshed out original guitars although inspired by the classics. They are their own thing.
Is Paul loosing his mind?
I am thinking the change is to reduce costs to keep price down.
I really like the new shape! Nicely done!
Paul, you're always the best, bro. Keep up the fantastic phenomenal work.
I like the buttons on my John Mayer SE. I like the color and the feel. Chrome ones on my Strat always look smudged with fingerprints.
Preface: PRS owner here.
This is what happens when your second and third in command guys aren't brave enough to tell you NO when you come up with a bad idea. Tuning pegs don't affect the tone. Plastic does not look nor feel better than metal. The only benefit being weight relief. The shape is subjective so how about you poll the people paying huge sums of money on your guitars for their opinion, such as do you like these pegs? would you prefer this shape and material?
Also, I'm not paying $3000+ on a guitar that doesn't have locking tuners. Paul is just being ridiculous here. This feels like a cost-saving move.