Paul Reed Smith

Paul Reed Smith is an American guitar luthier and the founder of PRS Guitars, one of the most respected guitar manufacturers in the world. Born in Bethesda, Maryland in 1956, Smith began building guitars in his college dorm room at St. Mary's College of Maryland, famously convincing musicians including Ted Nugent and Carlos Santana to try his instruments before his company was formally established. PRS Guitars was founded in 1985 in Annapolis, Maryland and quickly gained a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and premium tonewoods. Smith's guitars are known for their distinctive bird inlays, vibrant finishes, and a playability that has made them favorites among professional guitarists across virtually every genre of music.