"I tried to make guitars that were close to what my heroes played. That's the way it's done. My experience is that you have to do it like a musician. You have to learn the language before you can learn to be a novelist."
About Paul Reed Smith
Paul Reed Smith — Life and Legacy
Paul Reed Smith is a distinguished guitar maker whose innovative designs have transformed the music landscape. His commitment to craftsmanship is evident in his approach to guitar making, where he merges artistry with technical precision. Smith famously stated, 'The guitar is a tool for self-expression,' highlighting his belief that music is a personal journey and that the instruments used should reflect the musician's identity. This perspective has not only shaped his work but also inspired countless musicians to explore their creativity. Smith's philosophy extends beyond mere instrument creation; he emphasizes the importance of listening in the musical process. He believes that understanding and interpreting music requires a deep engagement with sound, a sentiment echoed in his quote about 'the importance of listening.' This insight reveals his dedication to fostering a genuine connection between musicians and their instruments, encouraging them to explore the stories each guitar can tell. Today, Paul Reed Smith's influence is felt across the music industry, as his guitars are sought after by musicians worldwide. His focus on innovation and creativity continues to resonate, reminding artists that their instruments are not just tools but extensions of their artistic expression.
Quote collection
Paul Reed Smith quotes
14 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Somebody's going to wake up and their job in life is going to be to make guitars. There are a lot of good, talented people."
"I'm pretty good at letting people do what they are good at, that's why they're experts."
"The world is in great need of more music education. When students play music, it allows a part of their artistic mind to express itself, which is very important in helping to balance a child intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally."
"In the camera business, you won't survive if you don't innovate. In the guitar business you may or may not. The guitars being sold were designed between '48 and '59, Gibson SGs in '61."
"I have my own hard earned money and if I buy a fly rod I'm going to give my money to the company that's giving me value. I'm going to the guy who gives me my money's worth."
"I don't see any rock stars playing an electric guitar from some new maker like you see in the acoustic guitar world."
"I change guitars as they come and go. I have one I played for almost a decade, but I've put it away. It was the first McCarty. Now, I'm playing one I grabbed off the line. I've been playing it ever since."
"There are times when product is more important than people and sometimes the people are more important than the product."
"Nobody gives twenty-five million dollars to anybody if they're not getting twenty-five million worth out of it. Forget it. It just doesn't happen."
"It used to be that I could talk to someone in Texas and nobody would hear about it. Now, the moment I open my mouth it's all over the world. The second I say something, guys in Germany know about it. It's basically a wonderful thing because more information is spread, but you have to keep your mouth shut."
"People will pay exactly what things are worth give or take a few bucks. You might pay a few bucks more if you like the dealer and think the dealer will take care of you, but most people are going to the internet and don't care about that. I don't think that hard earned money is given away."
"I see money as a reflection of how much impact you're having on the world. I see money as a metaphor in a way."
"People by themselves can be pretty stupid. People working together can be very powerful."