PRS
Since 1985
Paul Reed Smith Guitars is an American guitar and amplifier manufacturer located in Stevensville, Maryland. The company was founded in 1985 in Annapolis, Maryland by luthier Paul Reed Smith.
40
Years in Business
1M+
Guitars Sold
$100M+
Annual Revenue
Complete PRS Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about PRS guitars.
PRS Price Overview
PRS covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,800
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,500
Active listings
Sold This Month
800
+10% vs last month
Price Range
$500-$15,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
PRS Timeline
Company Founded
Paul Reed Smith starts PRS Guitars in Annapolis, Maryland.
Custom 24 Debut
The Custom 24 is unveiled at the NAMM Show, becoming the company's flagship model.
CE Series Introduced
The 'Classic Electric' (CE) series with bolt-on necks is launched.
Dragon Series
The highly ornate and collectible Dragon series is introduced.
SE Series Launch
The affordable 'Student Edition' (SE) line is introduced, made in Korea.
S2 Series Launch
The S2 Series is introduced, offering American-made quality at a more accessible price point.
Silver Sky Model
Collaboration with John Mayer results in the popular Silver Sky model.
Complete PRS Product Lineup
PRS offers a wide range of guitars, from affordable student models to high-end custom instruments.
Core Models
The heart of the PRS line-up.
Other Series
A wider range of options.
Signature Models
Guitars designed with world-renowned artists.
"PRS offers a wide range of guitars, from affordable student models to high-end custom instruments."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Custom 24 Buying Guide
Pickup Configuration
Usually equipped with humbuckers, but some models offer coil-splitting for single-coil tones.
Tremolo System
Features a patented PRS tremolo system known for its stability.
Neck Profile
Offers various neck profiles, with 'Pattern' and 'Pattern Thin' being the most common.
Silver Sky Buying Guide
Vintage-Inspired Design
A modern take on a classic 1960s single-coil guitar, developed with John Mayer.
Pickups
Features custom-voiced single-coil pickups for a vintage tone.
Neck and Fretboard
The neck shape and fretboard radius are based on vintage instruments.