Are PRS Acoustics Too Expensive?
Paul Reed Smith, one of the best known and well respected electric guitar manufacturers, entered the acoustic guitar market with two new models – the Angelus and the Tonare Grande at the Winter 2009 NAMM show. It’s without question that these are two beautifully designed, high quality guitars made from some of finest tone woods available. But the Angelus and Tonare Grande have a street price of about $5,250 and $7,460 respectively. So why did PRS decide to launch with two guitars that are priced well out the reach of most guitarists? Full story…
According to PRS’s website nearly four years of development with acoustic artist Ricky Skaggs and luthier Steve Fischer went into the construction of the Angelus Cutaway and the Tonare Grand. They used exotic woods, built their own bracing system and designed their own pickup for the guitars. While most PRS guitars have never been a budget instrument, the pricing on these two acoustic guitars is well outside the price range of most guitar players.
"Angelus" is Latin for angel
We’re guessing that since this is a new endeavor for the company, production costs are very high right now. For a company that’s primarily built electric guitars for years, PRS would need to bring on new acoustic luthier staff as well purchasing the manufacturing equipment and wood to build out the new line. It’s likely that these two guitars are really “show” guitars not meant for wide distribution in the guitar market but more to make a statement and create interest in the new PRS line. They definitely provide the company with a ton of “wow”.
Production costs should decrease over time and hopefully we’ll see some PRS acoustics that are more in the price range of everyday guitarists. Maybe even someday we’ll see acoustic guitars from PRS in the same price range as their SE electric guitar line like the SE Custom. Let’s just hope that the economic downturn doesn’t further hinder Paul Reed Smith’s foray into new markets. What do you think of the new PRS acoustics? Would you drop that kind of money on a guitar?
Tags: Paul Reed Smith, PRS, PRS Angelus, PRS Tonare Grande
Well I think PRS are positioning their acoustics alongside Taylor and Martin in which case if the quality is the same then a lot of professional guitarists will buy them, they’re probably not about to start pumping out these guitars off a production line unless they think it is going to be profitable. I paid $2000 Aussie dollars for an acoustic 4 years ago, but I would never buy another acoustic because i have too much G.A.S. for electrics, amps, effects!
Totally agree on positioning them along with Taylor and Martin, but even the classic Martin D-28 goes for about $2000 less the Angelus.
But then again there’s the Martin D-100…
I’m so lazy and rich I’m going to pick up two Angelus and leave one in the living room and one in the bedroom. I bought a Tonare Grand, pulled the strings off it and just filled it up with some leftover cash I found in my junk drawer.
when i first saw it and its videos i was like, yay 21 frets, yay very nice sounding, then i saw the price. its way to high, looks like im getting an ovation which has better sound distance to begin with
One day if I get successful with music I will purchase one but right now that is way too much money for a guitar. I can’t even afford one of the electric guitars right now. As much as I love the way those PRS guitars play I’ll have to stick with my Strat and my Martin.
Thought I was a Gibson man for life after writing a couple of #1 songs on one…then tried out the Angelus, was an instant believer in the tone and feel…bought it on the spot and have never been happier!
i bought a tonare grand, with the celtic inlays and electronics. i have high end taylors. the prs acoustic spoiled me. the sound is UNREAL. best guitar i have ever played, and probably will ever play. smith and fisher are guitar geniuses. period. save up the money and buy one. i honestly think that God plays a prs acoustic.
You guys are nuts. I bought a Tonare Grand. It blows my Olson (rosewood/cedar)) AWAY!!! (rosewood/cedar).
I bought it after I played everything in Mandolin Brothers high end room. It tops the McPhersons, the Schenks, and the Martins.
IT IS WAAAAY BEYOND THEM AND WORTH EVERY PENNY.
… MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO SPEND YOUR CIGARETTE MONEY ON A NEW PRS!!! LOL