Paul Reed Smith Guitars Artist I

I believe these guitars start to be collectors items, which is a shame beacuse it really is a players guitar. Mine is in Whale Blue finish over a higly flamed maple top, mahogany body and neck, ebony fretboard with bird inlays, 24 frets, PRS floating trem, Shaller locking tuners. Mine is from 1991, serial number 71. I bought it second hand here in Norway for what I think was a bargain in 1991, PRS was not well known here then. (I had not heard of the brand either before I bought this guitar, the shop owner convinced me it was a good one).

I use the guitar with a 50W valve combo, and I have mainly used it to play jazz. Using the neck pickup and with a slightly rolled of treble the sound is smoot, rich and deep.

All different pickup settings sound beautiful though, this guitar can cover a lot of settings.

The guitar was beautifully set up when I got it. I have adjusted it slightly because I like heavier strings than the original factory setup.
PRS is rightly famous for the looks, the quality of the finish and the attention to details. This guitar is no exception, being the top of the line from the time when the company turned out relatively few guitars it is simpy stunning.

I have owned the guitar since 1991. It still looks beautiful. I never have had to do anything with it (except from changing strings!) This guitar will last a lifetime - and keep the owner immensly satisfied throughout.

Never delt with the company. Never experienced any problems.

I have been playing for +25 years. Own a Martin D-25, a K. Yairi YW 2000, a Gibson M-6 six string mandolin, a couble of amps, a small PA and some other stuff.
I love this guitar. Lost ore stolen I would long for it, but where could I get another one (and to which price?)
What I love most with it is the feel when you take it up and start to play. It sits so well in your hand, like an extension to your body, no struggle, sheer enjoyment, with a feel I have not felt from any other guitar. I take my hat off for Paul Reed Smith, he knows how to build guitars. I am glad to own one.

My Artist 1 (92) is an Quilt Amber, Trem, Birds, brazilian frets, the best of the best as PRS states themselves. I think only 500 (mine is # 402)were made and they were all 24 frets. It has the regular custom 24 features. Go to the PRS web page' look at discontinued guitars section and press one the Artist 1.

This is the guitar I miss when I'm away, it's an extention to my body. I'm a 24 fret guy and PRS has become a 22 fret company. The Artist is the only Artist with 24 frets and other than the Santanas it's the only special 24 fret that PRS has made. Of course they have the 24 fret customs, Standards and bolt-ons, but the Artist 1 is exceptional. I can't explain the tone in words, let's put it this way, I played my friends Artist 1 and loved it so much I hunted for years for one. They're not easy to find, and who ever has one doesn't want to part with theirs. Everything (exceptional woods, brazilian frets, the neck )adds up to a tonal dream. I use Line 6's Flextone 2 XL amps and the new POD. A PRS through a Flextone is a musical expierence and hundreds of tone possibilities.

I bought this guitar from Garrett Park, (an original, if not the first PRS dealer), so the guitar came with all the care in the world and perfect setup. It's a Quilt double ten top, and when people look at it they can't believe it's a real wood grain. The only flaw is I can't afford or find another one.

Even though this guitar is a collectors guitar I play it like it's any other guitar. I've played live with it in some ratty bars, and play it alot. I've traveled on planes and the NYC subway system with her. I bought it used 3 years ago, she's 11 years old and looks brand new. It was made to play and that's what I do. It's as dependable as any insturment you'll ever see. I always use a back-up (89 Studio) only because of strings breaking. If my house was on fire, I'd run in get my kid's out, then my Artist 1 (with Archtop and Studio), and then my wife. I feel no shame when I say I love this guitar.

Read my Studio comments. Paul Reed Smith signed this guitar for me and commented on it's beauty.

I've been playing guitar since 1980, I come from the old heavy metal day's of Black Sabbath, Maiden, Rush, Randy Rhoads etc. I was a Gibson guy from day 1, until I got introduced to PRS, leading to what I consider the holy grail of 24 fret humbucker guitars. If this guitar was stolen I would make it a life mission and hunt down the theif. If you love PRS guitars and play 24 fretted guitars, you must own an Artist 1.