The problem with PRS no one tells you

Utkarsh Mohan on Music #22: Quality and PRS usually go together. But there are two major quality issues affecting PRS guitars that most do not know about out. This is something to be aware of before you buy a Paul Reed Smith guitar

[patricksantana]

I was a supplier of the clearcoats and stains to PRS from the mid 80's up until 1995. PRS was using a BASF automotive clearcoat under the brand Glasurit 923-85 urethane clearcoat. The stains were made by PPG. After that, they switched to Dupont automotive clearcoats (not sold by me), which were also urethane based. I visited Paul around 2013-2014 and took a tour of the factory. While in the paint shop, I noticed that the products he was using were from Cardinal Chemical. I am not sure what the chemical composition was as I did not get a close enough look. All I can add to this was that in the period that I sold him and during the urethane days, I never heard of the problem with hazing. From my experience with lacquers, a poor choice of solvents will definitely cause hazing as solvents like acetone attract moisture. Whether this has anything to do with this specific issue, I am not sure.

[NidhiBelani]

If they have a problem, the real problem is why do we have 50 of them??🤔😆

[ronwall]

To counteract the cloud, I run a soft cloth soaked in white spirit over the milky spot and the paint becomes like new again. Be careful not to rub, just wipe it lightly once to avoid damaging the paintwork. In order to avoid UV damage to my Gibson and PRS, which unfortunately are not colored with lightfast stain, I always place them protected from sunlight and place a cotton cloth over the guitars and so far in over forty years, none of my guitars have lost their color. Great video, thanks!

[comment.highlighted]

My Purple 97 Custom 24 is clouding and fading. It definitely has pissed me off over the years 🤨❤

[wilgenesis]

Thanks for knowing this. My PRS artist 2003 and Spruce 2006 hollowbody are also cloudy

[jimmyjames]

Yes these are long time PRS issues but lots of people don't know about them so this vid is worthwhile, not just "clickbait". A used buyer might think a clouded PRS is from surface wear and just needs a polish to restore it but that won't solve it. I keep all my guitars out of the sun and humidity as they will affect every model, not just PRS. Problem with PRS is the dyes are so vividly gorgeous and the fade so extreme it's disastrous, whereas say for Gibson, the dye fade is often part of the charm.

[mortonwilson]

I would add that the wiring in the SE series is a bit suspect. I own a nice Custom 24-08 and I tried a 245 in the shop a year or so ago. The Bridge pick-up on the 245 just didn't work - the switcher is my guess . . . and this was in the PRS flagship store! The pick-up switcher on my 24-08 is also erratic. A bit of CRC will most likely fix it BUT despite the build being absolutely fine the guys in Indonesia really need to get their act together when it comes to wiring.

[mentalswill]

Color bleaching is very common. Many printed items have a UV coating or lamination to help slow the process.

[debajitpalchoudhury]

My SE had a nut issue and toggle switch issue. Those are easy fixes . But the neck, body, fretboard, fret everything is awesome.

[Napalm]

This is becoming my favorite channel. I have a CE Semi-Hollow Faded Blue Smokeburst on the way 😂 🤦‍♂️ Great videos dude!

[JohnMagannL]

Appreciate the honest takes even on guitars you really enjoy!

[brianbarrett]

Good video. Thanks. Fair, informative and accurate.

[trevorclarey]

I am mostly Fender & Gibson man but I didn't know about the fading, & will affect resale value.

[TheMozart]

Have you tried using a hair dryer to remove the cloud?

[shawnmcginnis]

My 2021 CE24 had a chipping issue. I've seen several others from the same time period with the problem. I sent mine back to PRS to fix it and they did. It was in the middle of the corona nonsense and it took a while to get back. They fixed the problem without question, and while it was there I asked for them to upgrade to the 24-08 switching, and they offered to knock off about 1/3 of the price of the upgrade simce the repair work.was taking so long.

[bjh]

On nitro finishes you can use Jett Blush Remover spray. It works wonderfully. I build guitars and occasionally it is too humid when I spray the clear coat. When that happens, I use the blush remover and it disappears! Try it.

[Sams]

I just bought a Core series "Special" which comes with a Nitrocellulose finish ... I'm in Las Vegas where it's very dry, my room humidity is usually 29% .. I haven't seen any issues with it so far, but its only been 2 weeks...

[roscoepcoltrane]

I love my PRS. Plays great sounds great and stays in tune. That’s a great combo.

[tonys]

I've read that the SE line does not fade because of the stains being not natural. Is this true?
I've got an SE Eriza verde (green) and it worries me a lot.

[AManning]

When my car’s headlights are cloudy i use a product called Plastex that removes build-up on headlights. I wonder if this product would also work on guitars?🤔