Whoa, didn’t see this one coming. Just saw this on Modern Guitars via Guitar Noize‘s Twitter. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here regarding the Private Stock department.

Paul Reed Smith to Assume Responsibility of the PRS Private Stock Department

Joseph Knaggs, Director of R&D and Private Stock, has decided to leave PRS Guitars to launch his own artistic endeavor. As of July 1, 2009, Paul Reed Smith will assume management of PRS Guitars’ world-renowned Private Stock Department. Both Paul and Joe are looking to a positive future.

Paul Reed Smith stated, “I grew up with Joe. He has been with the company for decades, and I wish him the very best.”

As one would expect, Paul has strong plans for the growth of the Private Stock department. While official announcements will be made in the coming months, one thing that can be counted on is the input and beautiful craftsmanship from the remarkable luthiers of the Private Stock Department who have been building breathtaking instruments over the years. PRS also has many unique Private Stock activities planned for “Experience PRS” being held this September.

PRS Guitars constantly strives to build the highest quality instruments possible. The Private Stock department seeks to raise that bar through material choice, personalized specifications, and the careful, trained eyes of a small group of specialty luthiers. It has been described as “a business inside a business” and has always been a healthy addition to PRS’s offerings. Paul’s talent, instinct, and management make this a natural transition…or as Paul Reed Smith simply said, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to build guitars again.”

About PRS Guitars:
Paul Reed Smith Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high-quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has been providing some of the world’s most renowned guitarists with instruments since 1985. More than 290 highly skilled craftspeople produce more than 70 guitars each day for worldwide distribution. PRS Acoustics and PRS Amps were introduced as new product lines in 2009 with support from renowned artists Ricky Skaggs and Derek Trucks. Carlos Santana, Linkin Park, Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down and Mark Tremonti of Creed are also among the artists currently playing PRS guitars.

PRS Guitars Info: www.prsguitars.com

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