THE STORY OF MY FIRST PRS GUITAR. (Thank you in advance if you make it through the whole story, it is worth it). I will try to keep it short but this story is 14 years in the making. Ever since I was a teenager, I have dabbled in guitar playing and I mean dabbled. Never gave it the time or devotion it takes to become good. None the less, that did not stop me from buying guitars, ones that I could afford. Now I am all about good music, especially rock in all of its genres (I have seen 60 different groups in concert). In the late 1990s I was living in Myrtle Beach, SC and absolutely loved the sound and passion of Creed (haters-you know they rocked and probably liked them yourself at one time) most especially the guitar playing/style of Mark Tremonti. I bought 2 Ibanez guitars, a Line 6 digital amp, numerous magazines including “Guitar One” and “Guitar Player” and took lessons, again. By this time Creed was very well established and on their third album. It was in one of those magazines that I saw a full page ad for a Mark Tremonti Signature PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitar. I was in awe. Nothing against Ibanez, good guitars but they pale in comparison to the quality, craftsmanship and reputation of a PRS. I knew there was no way at that time I could ever afford one. So, I put it out of my head and moved on, literally. In 2002, we moved to Lexington Virginia. I still played the guitar occasionally and took lessons, again. By this time, Creed had broken up and Alter Bridge (I have yet to see them in concert) formed by Mark Tremonti ,the original line up of Creed and Myles Kennedy (a phenomenal singer and guitar player as well) were gaining notoriety. In the spring of 2010, I took the job as house chef (yet another very interesting story) at the Alpha Rho Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity here at Washington and Lee University. I decided to have a cookout for the brothers so they could get to know me and I could get to know them. They came out to the Inn and we had a great day. At some point during the day, William Brice (Brice to most) and I were talking about rock and roll, guitar playing and the fact I had a few guitars myself. He then says to me, “Did you know that Will Smiths dad is thee Paul Reed Smith?” Are you “expletive” kidding me?! I think I left a rosebud in my shorts. (Sorry, too graphic but you get the point). At this time Will Smith was a sophomore and on the basketball team. I love going to see the generals play basketball. As time went on, I thought I would eventually at least get to meet PRS at either a game or during Parent’s Weekend. By Will’s senior year, I had had no such opportunity. At that time, I told Will my story of the signature guitar I always dreamed of and asked him to please ask his dad how much it would cost me to acquire one from PRS. Now for those of you that don’t know Will, he can be aloof at times. So from the beginning of his senior year, I would ask him about once every three weeks if he had contacted his father (knowing that the window of opportunity was closing). “Oh my bad, I forgot. I’ll get to it today.” No such luck. Finally I got to meet PRS in person at a basketball game and we had conversations about music, Mark Tremonti (but never the guitar-too scared to ask myself) and symbols, like my “ohm” tattoo and how he uses it on guitars. A very personable, funny and down to earth person. I really enjoyed meeting him. Time goes on, fast. “Will have you asked your dad yet?!” “Oh my bad, I forgot. I’ll call him this weekend.” One week left before the class of 2012 graduates and Will moves on. No word from Will. Oh well, it is what it is. I am grateful to have at least met the man himself. The Monday before graduation there is a new tradition, that just the senior class comes out to my place and we share conversations about their 4 years together over small batch bourbons, cigars, beer and food. It was a great night and at one point, I think it was Tots who said. “Hey Chef, we got you something, close your eyes” When I opened them, (this time I did spot my pants, speechless, heart racing, emotions coming to the surface) in front of me the brothers were holding a PRS Mark Tremonti Signature guitar. I was dumbfounded. Will, in all his aloofness, and the class of 2012 had planned this for a very long time. I was literally shaking at the thoughtfulness and generosity. Are you “expletive” kidding me! Two nights later at the Fraternity House, we had a formal graduation dinner and PRS comes into the kitchen and we start talking about the guitar and he says, “The boys did it right for you. This isn’t a knock off or lesser version of the guitar. This is actually what Mark grabs when he comes to our shop. This is his guitar. So, where do you want me to sign?” Blood rushed to my head, I nearly passed out. As a music lover, guitar dabbler and rock-n-roller, this was a dream come true. There are no such things as coincidences. I cannot thank you all enough. Have I played it? Nope. It belongs in an oxygenated tank like in a museum. Thank you my brothers of 2012……
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:14:59 +0000
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