2004 PRS Archtop Smokey Blond
This Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Private Stock #614 is one of the most storied PRS Private Stocks ever. This guitar was Joe Knaggs’s Personal Guitar, a very special guitar to him. Featured in the 2008 Private Stock Calendar, it was the first Archtop from PRS and Joe’s PRS employee 20th anniversary guitar. It was presented to Joe at the 10th anniversary of Private Stock at NAMM by Paul in recognition for Joe’s contribution to the growth and success of Private Stock. This Singlecut Jumbo archtop, finished in Smoky Blonde, features a Sitka spruce top, figured big leaf maple back, curly rock maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard and headstock veneer. The pickguard and tailpiece are ebony bound with exceptional curly maple.
It was also the first to use the the “Americana” bird inlay. This inlay pattern was created by world-renowned Master Bird Carver Floyd Scholz. The “Americana” inlay features a Bald Eagle in various positions of flight. Master inlay artist Kevin Enoch hand-cut hand and hand-engraved the birds and Joe inlaid them into the fingerboard. Joe cut the sides out of one block of maple, no bent sides, and glued the back to the middle block. Joe is especially appreciative of the dedication put forth by Danny Dedo and Kevin to make something unique and special for Joe. Later, Danny, PRS’s expert 3-D programmer, liked the engraved version of the birds so much he spent days programming the pattern into individual pieces. It was clear this design was something special, and PRS knew it would be used on future Private Stock guitars.
This guitar is an exceptional playing and sounding instrument. Having owned and played many of the finest archtop guitars from Gibson, and master builders James D'Aquisto, John Monteleone, Bob Benedetto, Jim Triggs, Tom Ribbecke, and Linda Mantzer, PRS PS #614 built by Joe deserves a vaulted position in this genre. Playability is exceptional, playing like your finest PRS Private Stock electric. The feel in your hands is firm and solid. Action and intonation are spot on. Responsiveness to fingerstyle and plectrum is quick and precise inspiring the player to new heights. Sound both acoustically and amplified is full, robust and precise. This instrument has a nice smooth bottom, as well as crisp and articulate mid-range and highs.
True investment grade guitars come along very infrequently. Private Practice hand-made instruments of this quality from Monteleone, Benedetto, Ribbecke, and Mantzer take years to build and are more expensive than what this instrument will cost. However, the fortunate owner of this treasure will be truly proud to have an instrument that has historical value and outstanding investment potential. Joe’s personal PRS Private Stock employee guitar will definitely take a special primary place in the owner’s collection.
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Returns are very rare but have happened. If an item is to be returned for ANY REASON, it must be approved by Artistic Guitars beforehand. Returns must be complete and in the original packaging with all accessories and complete documentation (COA’s, Warranty Card, keys, tools etc.), show no signs of wear or use. All returns will incur a 20% restocking fee (NO EXCEPTIONS). Items which are not normally stocked ("Special Orders", close-outs, previously-owned guitars, layaways, etc.) are not returnable. A 48 hour approval period may be granted on items, only if agreed to at the time of sale. New items not applicable. The Customer is responsible for all shipping charges on returned items, both to and from, and these charges as well as bank wire or transaction fees will be deducted from any refunds or credits along with any costs incurred in bringing the returned item back to it's original condition.