Paul Reed Smith

Paul Reed Smith Guitars, also known as PRS Guitars or simply PRS, is an American electric guitar manufacturer founded by Paul Reed Smith in 1985 in Annapolis, Maryland. After dropping out of college, Smith began making guitars by hand and found early customers like Peter Frampton and Carlos Santana. Smith achieved wider success with his namesake company's first production model, the Custom, and the ornate Dragon series. PRS has continued to expand its product line with models like the vintage-inspired McCarty, affordable SE range, and signature models for players including Santana, Mark Tremonti, and John Mayer. PRS also produces acoustic guitars, effects pedals, and amplifiers. By 2024, PRS had become the third best-selling guitar brand behind Fender and Gibson. The company is currently based in Stevensville, Maryland.