Opj, it would be cool if you were from Mayberry RFD, lol. Industry jobs for a musician are probably food for the soul, Tell me you have the coolest guitar and or bass ever
No matter what you think of PRS guitars, you know this is an outstanding company by the fact that SO many people are there for decades! That only happens when the employer respects the employees and vice versa. That's a wonderful legacy no matter how you look at it. Way to go Paul and everyone at PRS. Thanks for the tour Lee!!!
@@JayBirdGuitars Do you have a personal gripe or is this hearsay? I'm not a PRS owner as I prefer Fenders and Gibsons, but anything I've ever seen is noteworthy. Pun intended.
@@JayBirdGuitars No, the emphasis shouldn't necessarily be on the customer- taking care of them, yes, but catering to their desires- hell no. Just as a music artist shouldn't give a toss what the fans want and should follow their own creative direction, neither should a different kind of artist such as an instrument maker. A majority of fans/consumers want popular garbage that won't stand the test of time.
I hope you find this tour interesting - we certainly loved seeing how PRS make their guitars. Whilst there I also interviewed Paul & talked through some of his earliest builds, plus we chatted to Jack (ex PRS President) about the SE range…. And of course we had some epic jams! Please subscribe to the channel & you’ll see all these videos early in the new year. And if you enjoyed this video & haven’t seen our Fender, Gibson & G&L factory tours, then please search for those on UA-cam. Cheers, Lee 🎸🎸🤘🤘
you must visit harley benton factory too, i know you in the biz probably not like them or think they are stealing your sales, but it would be super fun to see how they do it i mean most people dont buy fender and gibson , i think it would be coo
I'm not a fanboy of any brand, but c'mon! This guys quality control and attention to detail is incredible. I LOVE my CE 24, and every time i watch a video with Paul, or the factory, i'm becoming a fanboy.
I remember watching you guys come thru and film around my work area in the factory, had to hold myself back from asking for your signatures while you were on tour 😂 love your channel and love the video!
That neck and body assembly section starting at 1:14:37 was incredible. It's always inspiring to see skilled people talk about their work and to see someone work right down to an individual swipe of a piece of sandpaper is amazing.
You'll see the same thing in some Chinese factories. Many Steinway piano's are made in China as are some of the finest sub-$2000 guitars. 90% of the work is done by the CNC machines, both in Maryland/California or in China, and then people with sandpaper or similar do the rest to varying degrees.
@@frankie-tr6gf that's not what he said. He said he doesn't score the square glue surface of the body at the joint. You DO score the back and bottom of the neck, as well as the SIDES of the inside of the body. You only score one surface of that big mating joint so that you can maintain squareness with pressure and allow the glue to soak into the excess surface area. It's ingenious, and taken straight from old school metal and body working techniques while incorporating modern CNC and techniques derived from composite work. Because wood is the original composite material.
I have been a gigging and studio recording guitarist for 57 years. During my career I have owned just about every brand, and most major models, of guitar that the major manufacturers, and a number of custom luthiers, produce. However, it was only 4 years ago that I finally purchased my first PRS guitar. I had erroneously believed that PRS guitars were all about the “looks”. Well, I could not have been more incorrect. PRS guitars are without a doubt, the highest quality, best looking, most versatile, best sounding guitars made today…bar-none! This tour shows why their guitars are second to none…it’s the attention to the details…from design to final inspection that every PRS goes through. I currently own over 30 guitars, many are collectible vintage guitars, and my PRS guitars are used nine times out of ten for live and recording gigs…the rest stay in their cases in my storage locker in my studio.
@@easilyoffended7772 Highly intelligent comment. I’m sure “They suck” gives everyone all the information they need to discount the information I posted. Now, why don’t you tell us what causes you to post such an intelligent post?
@@Ryan-rn3cf Perhaps, but that is not how many guitarists I know felt about them. In any event, the truth is that they look great, play great and sound great in reality!
@@petesmith6434 There always has to be a few that hate life and anyone that enjoys something. I have worked on guitars and built for 40 years and PRS are ALWAYS as close to perfection as possible.
The factory is so clean and the employees all seem to have a good relationship with the business and each other. The meticulous attention to detail put into these guitars is insane! A joy to watch. Thanks, Andertons. My PRS is worth every 'penny' I paid for it.
Paul still being involved makes a huge difference. When Leo sold Fender the quality went down. Same when Gibson was bought and then passed around by investors.
The fact that there are people that have worked with PRS for decades really gives a positive vibe about the company. Really feels like the workers love working there and that they are appreciated. That is very important for me as a consumer. Also the level of quality on every step of the way is insane, love it! I'm lucky to have a Custom 22 which is my go-to guitar when doing sessions and it never lets me down. Also, Lee's enthusiasm is amazing! He has seen a lot, but still gets super excited when doing these factory tours. I didn't even realise this video was over two hours long, it felt like 15 minutes, haha! Great job, once again!
I think this video says it all. Every employee had such a high level of pride in what they were doing. It was truly impressive and affirms why PRS is the best of the best.
I picked up a PRS Faded Wale blue 24 custom ( core ) 2018 !, what a beautiful guitar with tone that’s from another world 🫠!, after seeing this video!, I’m starting to understand why it has some much personality & melodic soul!, thank you all at PRS . Made in the USA 🫡🇺🇸
I wanted a PRE Custom 24 when they first came out. I like the Strat shape, but hate their sound. I like, for the most part, the Les Paul tones and construction but not their shape.
Notice how the PRS Core line are 1 piece backs whereas Gibson Les Paul Standards are 2 piece? I'd rather see Gibson drop their output slightly and build a quality product than release the mass produced rubbish they do now.
Hi Lee & Pete Thank you for such a comprehensive visit to PRS. What struck me is the mix of engineering, artistry, and the commitment to excellence. Having sold the coated abrasives and adhesives to the industry it never fails to amaze me the impact of the human touch. Also I noted younger people are joining the industry and finding satisfaction and careers. Now this an incentive to support the industry and more quality products:)! Thanks Will share this post with others
I wasn't a PRS fan until this video. This changed my mind MASSIVELY. I actually fell in love with a PRS, probably my next purchase. Thanks to you, guys.
Thank you very much Andertons and PRS! This is the best factory tour video going. I’m a total PRS nerd and I loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this great video!
Sweet! I guess I can ask a PRS nerd why the company switched from WMIC, which *doesn't* have the history of its labor lighting itself on fire, to Cor-Tek, a company so utterly foul they literally had to move from South Korea to Indonesia or cease to exist. The guitars were much better, too. WMIC is that which others compare themselves too; Cort is that which others hope nobody mistakes them for (in human rights). Think if FOXCONN built guitars. That's Cort.
WOW! What a great watch I have a a 1991 EG II, (Serial # 51544) with solid Alder body, 22 fret one-piece Maple EG-wide-thin bolt on neck, East Indian Rosewood Fretboard, with dot inlays, locking tuners, 2 HFS humbuckers plus one Fralin "regular" single-coil pickup, volume, push/pull tone, 5 way blade pickup switch, finished in Tobacco Sunburst, with nickel hardware. It’s basic, like my playing, but I saving for a hollow body. Having watched this it will be a PRS from Andertons. Thanks guys 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Part of what I love about guitars and what keeps me interested is the level of craft that goes into building them. I think it's important that we preserve these things and don't simply automate away a human's contributions just because we CAN automate it. The little differences caused by the human hand is what makes things so special. PRS seems to understand this better than most.
I’m a big fan of PRS because of their quality at any given price point. Simply the best guitars I ever tried, from SE to Private Stock… all worth their price tag!
This is why PRS is my favorite brand. I have and play other guitars but even before watching this video you could tell how much Paul cares about the process and each instrument. I hope in 50 years when Paul isn’t around anymore they are still paying this much attention to detail in their process. @Andertons: I’d love to hear you guys ask Paul about what his succession plan is when you get the chance.
It is fun to compare and contrast with the Gibson tour. There is definitely more of a human touch to the PRS, even with all the CNC machines. Just the attention to detail seems to be at a different level. Rob (tour guide) is a great ambassador for the brand and is much more relatable than Paul, himself.
I own 2 PRS core modals and now I understand why they are so completely perfect guitars. It's refreshing to see a company take so much pride in making their product perfect. Thank you PRS and Andertons for the tour.
Always thought PRS made good looking guitars but was never too bothered about owning one. This tour just changed that. I’m left wondering how any other brand can compete with PRS attention to detail and hoping my next guitar comes from here. Keep up the good work, PRS & Anderton’s 🤘🏻
I told my wife the exact same thing... now I have to consider them when I save up enough for a fender custom shop, novo, (now) prs core... it's a good thing that she appreciates this stuff, too! I REALLY love the attention to detail each stage goes through!
This was a fantastic video. I love seeing whole factory and watching the whole thing.I was really lucky to be able take the tour with you all. It was brilliant. Thank you so much. makes me regret selling my custom 24/35 anniversary Scarlet blue burst.
What an incredible business model: insane quality, premium price, and yet crazy production volume. PRS must be printing money-and they deserve every cent of it.
They are like 2 kids in a candy store - That's one heck of a good looking factory - nicely laid out - I have a newfound respect for PRS - note; since their expansion, I am still amazed at how big of a plant/operation they are for the U.S. production facility ~ wow - I'm always amused how LEE is always staring around whilst' holding a conversation
PRS employees really did the company proud on this one. Thanks Andertons for bringing us into the factory and showing the value and love put into these guitars.
Loved the Gibson tours, loved the Fender ones, love seeing all these behind the scenes videos of how the guitars are made, but there's always something special about the way PRS does it
I really enjoyed this whole video, but the attention to detail that Kyler puts into the neck join work absolutely blew my mind. What a fantastic video. It feels like everyone really loved what they were doing, and you don't stick around for 10 years + if you aren't enjoying yourself.
Fun fact - Matt Eriza is the creator of Eriza Verde, one of the best greens in the core spectrum! I encourage anyone to visit the factory, you get to meet and see with your own eyes that every position is filled by someone who is passionate about guitars and not just looking for a job. Seeing a staggering amount of employees working there for 2 or 3 decades really says alot about the brand and them believing in the mission. Paul is also the Willy Wonka of the guitar world - if you catch his attention for a few minutes youll see hes constantly thinking and brainstorming. You may not vibe with the brand, but you cant deny they are built to unreal levels of care and anyone who thinks the SS or NF53 are replicas of existing guitars youre missing Pauls mission. His quest is to build upon the 200 years of instrument building and making them better. The nuance and improvement he brings is what makes them a PRS, not the body shape.
It's great to see some of the people who made my S2 Studio. I love this guitar and now I have seen they made it with love and passion. Thanks for that 👍
I bought the covid era 35th Anniversary Custom 24 Ten Top in the Charcoal Cherry burst finish. Just an absolutely amazing and beautiful guitar! Love my PRS! ! !
Just love it. I really wanted to see inside a factory that's a family business lead by CEO that does it for passion and could make a product any day of the week himself. Love seeing all the people with long white beards, just gives you an idea that these guys have worked there forever and really enjoy working there. It really did seem like nobody ever wants to leave, makes me want to reconsider my career too. What's better than craftmanship in a place where everyone cares about their job and product? And it beats me how all the PRS I've seen look like they're identical really, but seeing people hand sanding them all over puts some appreciation to it. That must be hard on hands, I remember as a kid in school having to sand stuff and I would have so many breaks and hands just really fatigued. The PRS and Caparison inlays are absolutely my favourite, two that are so recognizable, that set them apart from every other manufacturer. The birds and the clock faces. So beautiful, so much effort put into such a meaningless detail that makes you feel like you have something special in your hands. Impressed by the production you managed to get, that storage hall must be noisy given how it sounds in the video, but you still got the people more audible. If you criticise guitar prices, it's a real eye opener to think about how you have to buy wood when it's available and then you might have to keep it drying for months or even years. It's a massive storage cost and pre-cost before you can even start making a product to try and cover your labour costs. And if you have quality standards, not all of that wood will even end up in a product that pays back. Not that wood was the biggest cost in the guitar, but it's still a noticeable cost if you buy a stock and storage it. CNC really is cool, that's why I got into machine engineering too. It's just really curious to see wood operations and realize that it's quite different from milling metal. With a metal piece you'd just run over with finishing settings and get a beautiful finish most of the time, but with wood you really need to work it with a more careful eye. It's also somewhat shocking to see a business that makes it so core of what they're doing that the product is really good and stable, that everything follows that idea of a quality product. Usually manufacturing is just minimizing throughput time and costs meeting the minimum standard set. I'd love to get a PRS guy come talk on quality and measuring or manufacturing technology class about their process, it's so fundamentally right sounding for all that I've studied about manufacturing and quality. At the end of the video I'm close to crying how beautiful of a factory, staff, process and everything they got. Something to dream about.
What a great video. I had to watch it in three sittings but watched it in full. Andertons Music, thank you for taking the time and putting in the work to create this.
"Mary-Land!" Neat, how Lee gets to be a spy in various guitar factories, despite his own biz/investments. Stealth, in plain sight! "These guys handle a lot of wood." And Danish Pete temporarily burst into flames. I love factory tours. Always love guitars, but each time i watch a tour, i get an added appreciation for the instruments and the people behind them.
Watching this PRS tour and the tour of another major US manufacturer back to back in my opinion really highlights what a great job Paul is doing with PRS, and how they really are a notch above the rest right now. The number of employees PRS has that have been there for 10-20-30 years says a lot.
Couldn’t love this video more! Living just across the bridge it’s such a prideful thing to see fellow Marylanders making the finest guitars in the world. Thank you for the great trip through the factory and apparently you boys had no issues with crossing the Bay Bridge, well done!
I never own a PRS, but looking at their attention to details, and also their SE range made in Indonesia where they showcase the making process in their channel in details, it made me want to have one.
It is great to be able to see the actual work and care that it takes to make those instruments. Whether people like those guitars or not , we can't deny that these guys are masters at what they are doing. Especially considering the volume of production they have, it is impressive how much care and quality driven they have. Kudos to the PRS employees and to Andertons for this documentary.
I bought my first PRS, a core Studio, 3 weeks ago…from Andertons actually! I was blown away by the quality….now I know why, it’s the people. Quality people make quality products: QED 😊
Playing my Custom 24 and I'm actually not surprised at the amount of work that goes into making it play and sound as good as it does to me. Masterpiece.
I love watching these factory tours and this one is really detailed and in depth and am amazed by the amount of CNC machines there are at PRS and as a previous CNC machinist in the kitchen industry I always enjoy watching the CNC processes in the guitar industry
Absolutely love Andertons TV! PRS guitars have fascinated me since '87 when they seemed totally out of reach. Now I’ve got four! Watching this full process video is truly brilliant. Big thanks for sharing it all. I’ve seen tons of your vids but never commented before-had to now! Cheers!
I have an S2 McCarty 594 and it is beautiful. The finest guitar I can afford and it was money well spent. The quality is amazing and thank you for sharing the process and letting us see some of the wonderful people building these guitars. Well done.
Lee and gang. Luv these factory tour vids. It so cool seeing these instruments come to life. Hats off to PRS for their quality control and attention to detail. And that factory is so freaking clean and organized. Wish my house was that clean 🤘
Just bought my first American guitar after playing 47 years a PRS 2024 24 CE Egyptian Gold with 57/08 pickups.... I don't necessarily have a Favorite brand, still after owning a Korean single cut SE with active Seymour Duncan Blackout pick ups for 9 years,3 SE's the last year a Blue McCarty(thickest neck I've ever played ☺️), Black Gold Paul's and Gold DGT and really being inspired and getting the most attention in my collection which is 20 strong right now (probably have had 50 guitars over the years) I pulled the trigger on the CE on sale and I'm loving it.I live in Baltimore and hope to do the Stevensville tour one day.Love watching you and Pete, your playing has obviously been inspired and influenced by Mr Honoré and seen the pride in Pete's eyes during the loop jam in the beginning of the PRS Fatback Private Stock video.😊
Still the biggest mystery to be revealed and no one has yet, the person who writes the serial number on each and every guitar so meticulously and consistently.
So I was working at Sam Ash when they first picked up the PRS brand. It was arranged that all guitar salesmen were sent to the PRS factory in Md for a tour and learn how they were made. This was the smaller shop that was around late 80s. I was in the first group. Paul met us for dinner and drinking the night before the tour. Was there the next morning and gave us the tour himself. It was incredible back then and looks even better now. It's very well possible I met some of the people still working there today. One thing I do remember is them making Basses, they were great instruments as well.
I didn't know much about PRS guitars until now. I was a Gibson fan. That changed with this video. The level of care involved with each guitar is special. I also didn't know they're made a short distance from me in Maryland. My next guitar will definitely be a PRS Core.
i had one semi hollow se i bought used with some mods. loved how it felt but conviced myself to sell it to try to upgrade. let it go for a steal and honestly still miss it. the pickup (seymour duncans) were great and the neck profile didnt feel like any prs ive played since. love their guitars in theory but havent been able to find one that chimed and felt like that one did. they fall into a weird category imo, havent found many that i truly like but i respect the legacy of the brand
Wonderful tour, and Paul's unrelenting dedication to producing stellar guitars is evident throughout the factory and embodied in the employees. Really impressive standards and QC.
Love watching these PRS factory tours. I bought a PRS Paul's Guitar SE from Sweetwater and I could not be happier. I know mine is made in the Indonesian factory but I feel like the quality is similar. Maybe one day I can get one of the USA models, but if that does not happen I am still grateful to look at my guitar and see the PRS logo which makes me so happy. And I love the Abalone birds as well....... Thank you Paul for being such a stickler for quality!
Dang these guys are doing amazing work, you can tell by the attitudes of the employees and how much they care about what they are building. It says a lot about what kind of business owner Paul is! I will definitely be buying a guitar from this company!
Absolutely loved this! I've always thought PRS factory would be full of passion but this is on another level. Can't wait to get my hands on my first PRS ever in future
Wow, that was impressive! In my opinion PRS appears to spend the most effort of all the manufacturers to create a real perfect product 😎 it also makes it easier to understand the pricing of those guitars.
Lee, I have been following Chappers and The Captain for a while now. I love your reviews and your sense of humor. This was a great PRS factory tour and is most appreciated.
Fantastic.... It is wonderful to see that each person takes so much pride in the product they make, and I think somehow each guitar has a little of them in it.
What ever you preferred brand is you can't take away Paul and the teams attention to detail is staggering. great viewing for a wet December afternoon cheers.
Its always so good to see you getting a warm welcome here in the US PRS is the best in the country 😊❤ happy owner of two cores one 10 top and one 94 Annapolis factory custom 22 beautiful even 30 years later
Fantastic video! I am sure I would not see this much if I toured the facility myself. I love my beautiful core even more after watching this - seeing the diligence and the passion that go into building these gorgeous instruments. Thank you!
I've been playing guitar for 25 years. In that time, I've owned dozens of guitars from every brand under the sun. I've sold, traded, or modified pretty much every one of them. The only guitar i have never parted with, and NEVER modified, is my 2003 PRS Custom 22 Artist in Blue Matteo. From the moment it was my hands, it was PERFECT. Perfect tone, feel, and playability. Absolutely exceptional!!
1:49:28 hey that's me! Big fan of the Anderton's channel and it was so awesome having the Captain visit the factory!!
Ain't gonna lie it looks like a cool place to work
@@Wayne-i5sI'm loving it! I just moved to setup about a month ago from preassembly and it's a lot of fun!
That’s a cool job bro. Well done!
Opj, it would be cool if you were from Mayberry RFD, lol.
Industry jobs for a musician are probably food for the soul,
Tell me you have the coolest guitar and or bass ever
No matter what you think of PRS guitars, you know this is an outstanding company by the fact that SO many people are there for decades! That only happens when the employer respects the employees and vice versa. That's a wonderful legacy no matter how you look at it. Way to go Paul and everyone at PRS. Thanks for the tour Lee!!!
the emphasis should be on the customer. they always get left out...
@@JayBirdGuitars Do you have a personal gripe or is this hearsay? I'm not a PRS owner as I prefer Fenders and Gibsons, but anything I've ever seen is noteworthy. Pun intended.
@@JayBirdGuitars No, the emphasis shouldn't necessarily be on the customer- taking care of them, yes, but catering to their desires- hell no. Just as a music artist shouldn't give a toss what the fans want and should follow their own creative direction, neither should a different kind of artist such as an instrument maker. A majority of fans/consumers want popular garbage that won't stand the test of time.
I hope you find this tour interesting - we certainly loved seeing how PRS make their guitars. Whilst there I also interviewed Paul & talked through some of his earliest builds, plus we chatted to Jack (ex PRS President) about the SE range…. And of course we had some epic jams! Please subscribe to the channel & you’ll see all these videos early in the new year. And if you enjoyed this video & haven’t seen our Fender, Gibson & G&L factory tours, then please search for those on UA-cam. Cheers, Lee 🎸🎸🤘🤘
I will take a better look at PRS Guitars after watching this factory tour. Excellent employees . Attention to detail. Quality Control excellence
Attention to detail….pretty impressive. Makes one appreciate PRS all the more. Well done PRS and great video Andertons!
W
you must visit harley benton factory too, i know you in the biz probably not like them or think they are stealing your sales, but it would be super fun to see how they do it i mean most people dont buy fender and gibson , i think it would be coo
i would love to see their overseas factory more than the american one.. SE line is their real money maker..
I'm not a fanboy of any brand, but c'mon! This guys quality control and attention to detail is incredible. I LOVE my CE 24, and every time i watch a video with Paul, or the factory, i'm becoming a fanboy.
Fan boy here... CE 24 owner as well ❤
And another very happy CE 24 owner here!! My only complaint so far - the trem springs vibrate louder than than the strings when I'm not plugged in.
Love PRS but I get the feeling working for Paul would be nightmare!
@@PerryCodesI've seen people use electrical tape on the spring to help stop that but I prefer the audible spring.
CE 24 ruby red, have it.
I remember watching you guys come thru and film around my work area in the factory, had to hold myself back from asking for your signatures while you were on tour 😂 love your channel and love the video!
Love it!!❤
LOL now trying to guess your work area😂 1:06:42
@@jerseattle0722haha I do work close to Neck Team, but nope that's not it 😂
That neck and body assembly section starting at 1:14:37 was incredible. It's always inspiring to see skilled people talk about their work and to see someone work right down to an individual swipe of a piece of sandpaper is amazing.
That was crazy how much he cared about his job, I thought it was cnc'd to the right size and angle and glued in etc 👍
You'll see the same thing in some Chinese factories. Many Steinway piano's are made in China as are some of the finest sub-$2000 guitars. 90% of the work is done by the CNC machines, both in Maryland/California or in China, and then people with sandpaper or similar do the rest to varying degrees.
Did He just contradict himself ? At 1.26.19 by scoring the back of the neck when at 1.23.41 he saiid it would throw the neck out. He's winding us up 🤣
@@frankie-tr6gf that's not what he said. He said he doesn't score the square glue surface of the body at the joint. You DO score the back and bottom of the neck, as well as the SIDES of the inside of the body. You only score one surface of that big mating joint so that you can maintain squareness with pressure and allow the glue to soak into the excess surface area. It's ingenious, and taken straight from old school metal and body working techniques while incorporating modern CNC and techniques derived from composite work. Because wood is the original composite material.
I have been a gigging and studio recording guitarist for 57 years. During my career I have owned just about every brand, and most major models, of guitar that the major manufacturers, and a number of custom luthiers, produce. However, it was only 4 years ago that I finally purchased my first PRS guitar. I had erroneously believed that PRS guitars were all about the “looks”. Well, I could not have been more incorrect. PRS guitars are without a doubt, the highest quality, best looking, most versatile, best sounding guitars made today…bar-none! This tour shows why their guitars are second to none…it’s the attention to the details…from design to final inspection that every PRS goes through. I currently own over 30 guitars, many are collectible vintage guitars, and my PRS guitars are used nine times out of ten for live and recording gigs…the rest stay in their cases in my storage locker in my studio.
they suck
@@easilyoffended7772 Highly intelligent comment. I’m sure “They suck” gives everyone all the information they need to discount the information I posted. Now, why don’t you tell us what causes you to post such an intelligent post?
You have it backwards. They were always known for being amazing guitars that looked awful.
@@Ryan-rn3cf Perhaps, but that is not how many guitarists I know felt about them. In any event, the truth is that they look great, play great and sound great in reality!
@@petesmith6434 There always has to be a few that hate life and anyone that enjoys something. I have worked on guitars and built for 40 years and PRS are ALWAYS as close to perfection as possible.
Always a good sign when you see staff staying decades with a company
Tyler in the neck assembly department is an absolute legend. By far my favourite part of all the factory tours. Keep on rocking dude!
Tyler rocked it. I would buy any guitar he worked on
One of the better, more complete tours of the place I work! Shame I work 2nd shift and I'm never a part of these things! Thanks Andertons! #wemakePRS
You guys make the finest guitars on the planet. Great work
I just bought a studio 22 10 top. I still suck, but the guitar is amazing
The factory is so clean and the employees all seem to have a good relationship with the business and each other. The meticulous attention to detail put into these guitars is insane! A joy to watch. Thanks, Andertons. My PRS is worth every 'penny' I paid for it.
Amazing, Mr. Smith has set the standards for guitar manufacturing.
Andertons and PRS, Thank You for the tour.
I guess he demanded a factory where people don't set themselves on fire. That's setting the bar a bit low, isn't it?
Paul still being involved makes a huge difference. When Leo sold Fender the quality went down. Same when Gibson was bought and then passed around by investors.
The fact that there are people that have worked with PRS for decades really gives a positive vibe about the company. Really feels like the workers love working there and that they are appreciated. That is very important for me as a consumer. Also the level of quality on every step of the way is insane, love it!
I'm lucky to have a Custom 22 which is my go-to guitar when doing sessions and it never lets me down.
Also, Lee's enthusiasm is amazing! He has seen a lot, but still gets super excited when doing these factory tours. I didn't even realise this video was over two hours long, it felt like 15 minutes, haha! Great job, once again!
I think this video says it all. Every employee had such a high level of pride in what they were doing. It was truly impressive and affirms why PRS is the best of the best.
I picked up a PRS Faded Wale blue 24 custom ( core ) 2018 !, what a beautiful guitar with tone that’s from another world 🫠!, after seeing this video!, I’m starting to understand why it has some much personality & melodic soul!, thank you all at PRS . Made in the USA 🫡🇺🇸
It makes you want a PRS over a Gibson seeing both Factory tours!
I wanted a PRE Custom 24 when they first came out. I like the Strat shape, but hate their sound. I like, for the most part, the Les Paul tones and construction but not their shape.
I really like my PRS 245 over my LP.
Notice how the PRS Core line are 1 piece backs whereas Gibson Les Paul Standards are 2 piece? I'd rather see Gibson drop their output slightly and build a quality product than release the mass produced rubbish they do now.
The best PRS factory tour by far, and I'm not even finished yet! I love my PRS core model.
I would call it the Paul'd Eagle. Referring to the nameless eagle thing at the beginning.
It's so amazing to see so many people loving the work they do. One day, I'd love to work for PRS.
Hi Lee & Pete
Thank you for such a comprehensive visit to PRS. What struck me is the mix of engineering, artistry, and the commitment to excellence. Having sold the coated abrasives and adhesives to the industry it never fails to amaze me the impact of the human touch. Also I noted younger people are joining the industry and finding satisfaction and careers.
Now this an incentive to support the industry and more quality products:)!
Thanks
Will share this post with others
I wasn't a PRS fan until this video. This changed my mind MASSIVELY. I actually fell in love with a PRS, probably my next purchase.
Thanks to you, guys.
Always love how candid Lee is. Asking questions like the rest of us would.
🤙
It cracks me up how Lee always has to touch everything.
LOL That's what I was laughing about. They need a leash to keep Lee from wandering off.
thanx LEE & PETE & the PRS factory workers - my guitar world will never be the same ~ in time, I'll view this tour again from start too finish ✨
Thank you very much Andertons and PRS! This is the best factory tour video going. I’m a total PRS nerd and I loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this great video!
Sweet! I guess I can ask a PRS nerd why the company switched from WMIC, which *doesn't* have the history of its labor lighting itself on fire, to Cor-Tek, a company so utterly foul they literally had to move from South Korea to Indonesia or cease to exist. The guitars were much better, too. WMIC is that which others compare themselves too; Cort is that which others hope nobody mistakes them for (in human rights).
Think if FOXCONN built guitars. That's Cort.
@@russellzaunerAre you enjoying your little comments campaign? Nutter.
WOW! What a great watch I have a a 1991 EG II, (Serial # 51544) with solid Alder body, 22 fret one-piece Maple EG-wide-thin bolt on neck, East Indian Rosewood Fretboard, with dot inlays, locking tuners, 2 HFS humbuckers plus one Fralin "regular" single-coil pickup, volume, push/pull tone, 5 way blade pickup switch, finished in Tobacco Sunburst, with nickel hardware.
It’s basic, like my playing, but I saving for a hollow body. Having watched this it will be a PRS from Andertons. Thanks guys 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Part of what I love about guitars and what keeps me interested is the level of craft that goes into building them. I think it's important that we preserve these things and don't simply automate away a human's contributions just because we CAN automate it. The little differences caused by the human hand is what makes things so special. PRS seems to understand this better than most.
So true
That must be the most detailed factory visit to date! Thanks Andertons and PRS, I am so happy to see the whole process about how my guitars are made.
I’m a big fan of PRS because of their quality at any given price point. Simply the best guitars I ever tried, from SE to Private Stock… all worth their price tag!
Literally the exact same words for me too. I just love everything about them. Go-to brand for me
This is why PRS is my favorite brand. I have and play other guitars but even before watching this video you could tell how much Paul cares about the process and each instrument. I hope in 50 years when Paul isn’t around anymore they are still paying this much attention to detail in their process.
@Andertons: I’d love to hear you guys ask Paul about what his succession plan is when you get the chance.
It is fun to compare and contrast with the Gibson tour. There is definitely more of a human touch to the PRS, even with all the CNC machines. Just the attention to detail seems to be at a different level. Rob (tour guide) is a great ambassador for the brand and is much more relatable than Paul, himself.
I think PRS is the guitar company to beat. I’m only buying PRS from here on out. This group of builders is amazing
I own 2 PRS core modals and now I understand why they are so completely perfect guitars. It's refreshing to see a company take so much pride in making their product perfect. Thank you PRS and Andertons for the tour.
This is easily the best guitar factory I’ve ever seen
Nice! I was thinking of getting a PRS. This factory tour will help my future buying decisions,
I've watched every PRS tour I can find on UA-cam multiple times and I've toured the factory myself! So fascinating. Such a great company!
Always thought PRS made good looking guitars but was never too bothered about owning one. This tour just changed that. I’m left wondering how any other brand can compete with PRS attention to detail and hoping my next guitar comes from here. Keep up the good work, PRS & Anderton’s 🤘🏻
I told my wife the exact same thing... now I have to consider them when I save up enough for a fender custom shop, novo, (now) prs core... it's a good thing that she appreciates this stuff, too! I REALLY love the attention to detail each stage goes through!
This was a fantastic video. I love seeing whole factory and watching the whole thing.I was really lucky to be able take the tour with you all. It was brilliant. Thank you so much. makes me regret selling my custom 24/35 anniversary Scarlet blue burst.
0:00 Glad you guys survived the drive from Baltimore to Maryland, it's a long and dangerous one.
😂
Gotta love Paul's continued enthusiasm for guitar building and guitars after decades.
I've got a purple SE McCarty and I love it.
What an incredible business model: insane quality, premium price, and yet crazy production volume. PRS must be printing money-and they deserve every cent of it.
They are like 2 kids in a candy store - That's one heck of a good looking factory - nicely laid out - I have a newfound respect for PRS - note; since their expansion, I am still amazed at how big of a plant/operation they are for the U.S. production facility ~ wow - I'm always amused how LEE is always staring around whilst' holding a conversation
😂😂😂I noticed the same thing!
It's like an ADHD child that can't focus on one thing for more than 10 seconds.
PRS employees really did the company proud on this one. Thanks Andertons for bringing us into the factory and showing the value and love put into these guitars.
THANK YOU ANDERTONS TEAM! literally completed Netflix and need something to sit down and chill to after being back at work today 🤘🤘🤘
Loved the Gibson tours, loved the Fender ones, love seeing all these behind the scenes videos of how the guitars are made, but there's always something special about the way PRS does it
I really enjoyed this whole video, but the attention to detail that Kyler puts into the neck join work absolutely blew my mind. What a fantastic video. It feels like everyone really loved what they were doing, and you don't stick around for 10 years + if you aren't enjoying yourself.
Fun fact - Matt Eriza is the creator of Eriza Verde, one of the best greens in the core spectrum! I encourage anyone to visit the factory, you get to meet and see with your own eyes that every position is filled by someone who is passionate about guitars and not just looking for a job. Seeing a staggering amount of employees working there for 2 or 3 decades really says alot about the brand and them believing in the mission. Paul is also the Willy Wonka of the guitar world - if you catch his attention for a few minutes youll see hes constantly thinking and brainstorming. You may not vibe with the brand, but you cant deny they are built to unreal levels of care and anyone who thinks the SS or NF53 are replicas of existing guitars youre missing Pauls mission. His quest is to build upon the 200 years of instrument building and making them better. The nuance and improvement he brings is what makes them a PRS, not the body shape.
I have an Eriza Green Studio 2011 Ten Top. Great guitar. One of my 4 Cores. Just wish I could play better.
How they could have him as part of the tour and not mention that I don’t know
There are lots of colors that are named after the PRS employee that developed the specific color scheme.
It's great to see some of the people who made my S2 Studio. I love this guitar and now I have seen they made it with love and passion. Thanks for that 👍
I bought the covid era 35th Anniversary Custom 24 Ten Top in the Charcoal Cherry burst finish. Just an absolutely amazing and beautiful guitar! Love my PRS! ! !
Just love it. I really wanted to see inside a factory that's a family business lead by CEO that does it for passion and could make a product any day of the week himself. Love seeing all the people with long white beards, just gives you an idea that these guys have worked there forever and really enjoy working there. It really did seem like nobody ever wants to leave, makes me want to reconsider my career too. What's better than craftmanship in a place where everyone cares about their job and product? And it beats me how all the PRS I've seen look like they're identical really, but seeing people hand sanding them all over puts some appreciation to it. That must be hard on hands, I remember as a kid in school having to sand stuff and I would have so many breaks and hands just really fatigued.
The PRS and Caparison inlays are absolutely my favourite, two that are so recognizable, that set them apart from every other manufacturer. The birds and the clock faces. So beautiful, so much effort put into such a meaningless detail that makes you feel like you have something special in your hands.
Impressed by the production you managed to get, that storage hall must be noisy given how it sounds in the video, but you still got the people more audible.
If you criticise guitar prices, it's a real eye opener to think about how you have to buy wood when it's available and then you might have to keep it drying for months or even years. It's a massive storage cost and pre-cost before you can even start making a product to try and cover your labour costs. And if you have quality standards, not all of that wood will even end up in a product that pays back. Not that wood was the biggest cost in the guitar, but it's still a noticeable cost if you buy a stock and storage it.
CNC really is cool, that's why I got into machine engineering too. It's just really curious to see wood operations and realize that it's quite different from milling metal. With a metal piece you'd just run over with finishing settings and get a beautiful finish most of the time, but with wood you really need to work it with a more careful eye. It's also somewhat shocking to see a business that makes it so core of what they're doing that the product is really good and stable, that everything follows that idea of a quality product. Usually manufacturing is just minimizing throughput time and costs meeting the minimum standard set. I'd love to get a PRS guy come talk on quality and measuring or manufacturing technology class about their process, it's so fundamentally right sounding for all that I've studied about manufacturing and quality. At the end of the video I'm close to crying how beautiful of a factory, staff, process and everything they got. Something to dream about.
This is an amazing 2 hours, one of the best insights I've ever seen into the building of a guitar.
What a great video. I had to watch it in three sittings but watched it in full. Andertons Music, thank you for taking the time and putting in the work to create this.
"Mary-Land!"
Neat, how Lee gets to be a spy in various guitar factories, despite his own biz/investments. Stealth, in plain sight!
"These guys handle a lot of wood." And Danish Pete temporarily burst into flames.
I love factory tours. Always love guitars, but each time i watch a tour, i get an added appreciation for the instruments and the people behind them.
The guy who puts the neck on the body just got PRS a ton of new customers. They really should give him a bonus.
PRS ! The movie !! Nothing better on a winters evening .
I have owned 6 PRS guitars and still have 3 that I will always have and then pass them on to someone else. Just a great guitar.
Watching this PRS tour and the tour of another major US manufacturer back to back in my opinion really highlights what a great job Paul is doing with PRS, and how they really are a notch above the rest right now. The number of employees PRS has that have been there for 10-20-30 years says a lot.
We brought one of the larger one recently and its great. Just the feel of a drier house was well worth it.
2+ hours - this has got to be the perfect musicians' Xmas movie! I'll settle down to enjoy! 😎
Couldn’t love this video more! Living just across the bridge it’s such a prideful thing to see fellow Marylanders making the finest guitars in the world. Thank you for the great trip through the factory and apparently you boys had no issues with crossing the Bay Bridge, well done!
I never own a PRS, but looking at their attention to details, and also their SE range made in Indonesia where they showcase the making process in their channel in details, it made me want to have one.
It is great to be able to see the actual work and care that it takes to make those instruments. Whether people like those guitars or not , we can't deny that these guys are masters at what they are doing. Especially considering the volume of production they have, it is impressive how much care and quality driven they have. Kudos to the PRS employees and to Andertons for this documentary.
I bought my first PRS, a core Studio, 3 weeks ago…from Andertons actually! I was blown away by the quality….now I know why, it’s the people. Quality people make quality products: QED 😊
PRS has hands down the most beautiful flame tops in the business!
I know it's a hallmark of such a professional facility, but I can't get over how clean the place is
Playing my Custom 24 and I'm actually not surprised at the amount of work that goes into making it play and sound as good as it does to me. Masterpiece.
I love watching these factory tours and this one is really detailed and in depth and am amazed by the amount of CNC machines there are at PRS and as a previous CNC machinist in the kitchen industry I always enjoy watching the CNC processes in the guitar industry
Absolutely love Andertons TV! PRS guitars have fascinated me since '87 when they seemed totally out of reach. Now I’ve got four! Watching this full process video is truly brilliant. Big thanks for sharing it all. I’ve seen tons of your vids but never commented before-had to now! Cheers!
I have an S2 McCarty 594 and it is beautiful. The finest guitar I can afford and it was money well spent. The quality is amazing and thank you for sharing the process and letting us see some of the wonderful people building these guitars. Well done.
Lee and gang. Luv these factory tour vids. It so cool seeing these instruments come to life. Hats off to PRS for their quality control and attention to detail. And that factory is so freaking clean and organized. Wish my house was that clean 🤘
Understanding the production process makes me appreciate the price. It's worth it.
Love this. Not my first time watching a prs factory tour. Won’t be my last. Design, engineering, craftsmanship, music. It’s medicine for my soul.
Just bought my first American guitar after playing 47 years a PRS 2024 24 CE Egyptian Gold with 57/08 pickups.... I don't necessarily have a Favorite brand, still after owning a Korean single cut SE with active Seymour Duncan Blackout pick ups for 9 years,3 SE's the last year a Blue McCarty(thickest neck I've ever played ☺️), Black Gold Paul's and Gold DGT and really being inspired and getting the most attention in my collection which is 20 strong right now (probably have had 50 guitars over the years) I pulled the trigger on the CE on sale and I'm loving it.I live in Baltimore and hope to do the Stevensville tour one day.Love watching you and Pete, your playing has obviously been inspired and influenced by Mr Honoré and seen the pride in Pete's eyes during the loop jam in the beginning of the PRS Fatback Private Stock video.😊
Still the biggest mystery to be revealed and no one has yet, the person who writes the serial number on each and every guitar so meticulously and consistently.
It's me. Basil does it.
I'm not admitting to anything specific...but there is a reason why the *Keebler Elves* no longer appear in cookie commercials
Paul himself, perhaps?
So I was working at Sam Ash when they first picked up the PRS brand. It was arranged that all guitar salesmen were sent to the PRS factory in Md for a tour and learn how they were made. This was the smaller shop that was around late 80s.
I was in the first group. Paul met us for dinner and drinking the night before the tour. Was there the next morning and gave us the tour himself. It was incredible back then and looks even better now. It's very well possible I met some of the people still working there today. One thing I do remember is them making Basses, they were great instruments as well.
I didn't know much about PRS guitars until now. I was a Gibson fan. That changed with this video. The level of care involved with each guitar is special. I also didn't know they're made a short distance from me in Maryland. My next guitar will definitely be a PRS Core.
Really amazing stuff. The strive for perfection is really something else. Thanks for the video.
The attention to detail is amazing, from that comes the insane amount of consistency throughout the PRS guitars.
i had one semi hollow se i bought used with some mods. loved how it felt but conviced myself to sell it to try to upgrade. let it go for a steal and honestly still miss it. the pickup (seymour duncans) were great and the neck profile didnt feel like any prs ive played since. love their guitars in theory but havent been able to find one that chimed and felt like that one did. they fall into a weird category imo, havent found many that i truly like but i respect the legacy of the brand
Their attention to detail is why they are growing as a favorite choice of players
I think I'll go home and play some of my PRS's now that I am reminded of the passion and quality behind every US made one!
Wonderful tour, and Paul's unrelenting dedication to producing stellar guitars is evident throughout the factory and embodied in the employees. Really impressive standards and QC.
Love watching these PRS factory tours. I bought a PRS Paul's Guitar SE from Sweetwater and I could not be happier. I know mine is made in the Indonesian factory but I feel like the quality is similar. Maybe one day I can get one of the USA models, but if that does not happen I am still grateful to look at my guitar and see the PRS logo which makes me so happy. And I love the Abalone birds as well....... Thank you Paul for being such a stickler for quality!
Dang these guys are doing amazing work, you can tell by the attitudes of the employees and how much they care about what they are building. It says a lot about what kind of business owner Paul is! I will definitely be buying a guitar from this company!
Absolutely loved this! I've always thought PRS factory would be full of passion but this is on another level. Can't wait to get my hands on my first PRS ever in future
Wow, that was impressive! In my opinion PRS appears to spend the most effort of all the manufacturers to create a real perfect product 😎 it also makes it easier to understand the pricing of those guitars.
Fascinating tour. As you said, striving for an insane level of perfection.
Just got my first SE guitars. A Paul Guitar and a Swamp Ash Special. I am blown away by how good they are.
I've seen many PRS bts/factory tour videos over the years...
...but a video that's over 2 whole hours???? Only Andertons could pull that off. Bravo.
Lee, I have been following Chappers and The Captain for a while now. I love your reviews and your sense of humor. This was a great PRS factory tour and is most appreciated.
Fantastic.... It is wonderful to see that each person takes so much pride in the product they make, and I think somehow each guitar has a little of them in it.
What ever you preferred brand is you can't take away Paul and the teams attention to detail is staggering. great viewing for a wet December afternoon cheers.
Its always so good to see you getting a warm welcome here in the US PRS is the best in the country 😊❤ happy owner of two cores one 10 top and one 94 Annapolis factory custom 22 beautiful even 30 years later
Love the tours, boys. Here's to your success in 2024.
The contrast in accents from Andertons to Balmur was great. Since they don't do factory tours anymore, last I checked, this was killer
An amazing product by a truly amazing company. This tour reinforces why PRS is world class!
Fantastic video! I am sure I would not see this much if I toured the facility myself. I love my beautiful core even more after watching this - seeing the diligence and the passion that go into building these gorgeous instruments. Thank you!
This is the best factor tour i have seen. Love your channel. From your American cousins.
I have an original Santana SE from 2001. Things still holds up 23 years later. One of my favorites.
I've been playing guitar for 25 years. In that time, I've owned dozens of guitars from every brand under the sun. I've sold, traded, or modified pretty much every one of them.
The only guitar i have never parted with, and NEVER modified, is my 2003 PRS Custom 22 Artist in Blue Matteo. From the moment it was my hands, it was PERFECT. Perfect tone, feel, and playability. Absolutely exceptional!!
I love that color
If I had seen this video in your series I would only buy PRS. Frankly they are many levels above the others in terms of quality control. Wow
The attention to quality and detail is mind blowing. I now have ab lot of respect for PRS and all the people who work there. Great video!