The legendary brand created by Paul Reed Smith (PRS) carries with it a very personal piece of its founder’s history. Today we want to share a fascinating detail about one of its most iconic designs: the birds that fly freely across its fretboards.
A few years ago, we explored the technical aspects of the PRS guitars that Orianthi Panagaris plays at most of her concerts, crafted both in the United States and in Korea (mainly the SE line). But this time, instead of focusing on specs and construction, let’s dive into the origin of one of PRS’s most recognizable symbols: the bird inlays.
On PRS guitars, fret markers vary: entry-level models often feature moons, while high-end instruments proudly showcase birds gracefully soaring across the frets. These inlays represent nine or ten different bird species, each carefully placed on its respective fret.
The story behind them goes back to Paul Reed Smith’s childhood. His mother was a passionate bird watcher, often taking Paul and his siblings to observe different species, instilling in them a deep appreciation for nature. That love stayed with him.
Years later, in 1976, while building a guitar for Peter Frampton (Humble Pie), Paul decided to embellish the fretboard with a row of birds. What started as a personal touch soon became a tradition — and ultimately, a universal symbol of PRS Guitars, carried proudly today by world-class musicians like Orianthi, whose music soars with every note.
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