PRS guitars, made by Paul Reed Smith, are known for their high quality craftsmanship and intricate inlay designs. Many PRS models feature ornate bird inlays on the fretboard, which have become a signature part of the PRS style. But what species of birds are used in these inlays, and why were they chosen?
The History of PRS Bird Inlays
Paul Reed Smith started adding bird inlays to his guitars in the mid 1980s. According to Smith, he was inspired by a dream where he saw colorful birds sitting on his guitar fretboard. When he woke up, he decided to try incorporating bird designs into his inlays.
The first bird used was a style inspired by a Phoenix, representing rebirth and renewal. Phoenix inlays can be found on many early PRS models like the Custom 24. Smith also used dove inlays early on, symbolizing peace. As the years went on, he expanded the bird motif to include a wide range of species.
Common Bird Species Used for PRS Inlays
Here are some of the most popular bird inlay designs found on PRS guitars:
Eagle
The eagle inlay is bold and commanding. It represents freedom, vision, and power. Eagles are found on models like the PRS McCarty.
Owl
Owls represent wisdom and patience. Their large eyes give them a watchful look. Owls can be seen on guitars like the PRS 509.
Pelican
Pelicans are striking coastal birds with large beaks. They symbolize self-sacrifice and are found on guitars like the PRS Silver Sky.
Crane
The crane’s long legs and neck exemplify poise and balance. Cranes represent longevity and can be found on many PRS acoustics.
Peacock
Peacock feathers are known for their iridescent color. They represent integrity and visionary thinking. Peacock inlays adorn guitars like the PRS Grainger.
Hummingbird
Hummingbirds have energetic personalities and represent joy. Their inlays capture movement with wings spread. Hummingbirds fly across guitars like the PRS Mira and Holcomb models.
Rare and Unique PRS Bird Inlays
While the above birds are commonly seen, PRS has experimented with many more species over the years. Here are some special bird inlays that appear more rarely:
Duck
Duck inlays represent family and relationships. They have appeared on rare models like certain PRS Private Stocks.
Goose
The goose symbolizes teamwork and community. Geese take flight together in a V formation. Goose inlays can be found on some acoustic PRS models.
Swallow
Swallows are agile, graceful fliers. Their inlays represent love and loyalty. Swallows have been used on custom PRS builds.
Robin
Robins herald the coming of spring. They represent renewal and new beginnings. Robin inlays are rare but have been seen on some PRS Private Stocks.
Bluebird
Bluebirds are a symbol of happiness and prosperity. Their bright color catches the eye. Bluebird inlays occasionally appear on PRS signature models.
Sparrow
The little sparrow represents simplicity and contentment. Sparrow inlays convey humility and have appeared on rare PRS builds.
Why PRS Uses Birds for Fretboard Inlays
There are a few key reasons why Paul Reed Smith gravitates towards using ornate birds for his inlay designs:
Symbolism
As noted above, each bird carries some symbolic meaning and deeper significance. Smith intentionally chooses birds that convey positive ideals and attributes.
Artistry
The flowing shapes and colors of birds allow for artistic creativity. Smith enjoys experimenting with different species and poses to make each fretboard visually unique.
Personality
Birds seem to have distinct personalities that come through in their inlays. This gives each guitar some character that players appreciate.
Craftsmanship
Intricately carved bird inlays demonstrate master craftsmanship. They showcase the skill of PRS artists in working with materials like abalone, wood, and mother-of-pearl.
Legacy
After decades of bird inlays, they have become deeply tied to the PRS brand identity. Birds are now an expected signature that PRS fans look for.
Popular Woods for PRS Bird Inlays
PRS bird inlays stand out beautifully against a variety of tonewoods. Here are some of the most common fretboard woods used for bird inlaid PRS models:
Wood | Description |
---|---|
Rosewood | A dense tropical wood with a warm, rich appearance. Provides clarity and definition. |
Ebony | A luxurious black wood known for its hardness. Enhances articulation and speed. |
Maple | A lighter grained wood with clean tones. Provides brightness and attack. |
Pau Ferro | An eco-friendly alternative to rosewood. Offers balanced resonance and clarity. |
East Indian Laurel | A rosewood substitute with chocolate hues. Provides warmth and sweetness. |
The contrast between the vibrant colors of the bird inlays and dark fretboard woods makes each design stand out beautifully. The birds seem to pop right off the fretboard.
Popular Inlay Materials for PRS Guitars
PRS bird inlays are crafted from a range of materials that enhance their luminosity and depth. Here are some of the most common materials used:
Mother-of-Pearl
Mother-of-pearl provides an iridescent, oceanside hue. Its swirling patterns complement flowing bird shapes.
Abalone
Abalone shell shimmers with rainbow colors. It gives a psychedelic vibe perfect for graphic bird designs.
Paua Shell
Paua shell from New Zealand exhibits bright blue, green, and purple highlights. Its colors make bird details pop.
Maple
Figured maple wood adds fine grain patterns. Flamed or quilted maple creates visual depth without covering bird details.
Macassar Ebony
Macassar ebony from Indonesia contains lighter tan and brown streaks. These bring a vintage look to intricate bird carvings.
PRS blends these materials together in stunning combinations. A single bird may include multiple types of inlays for one-of-a-kind works of art.
Most Expensive PRS Guitars with Bird Inlays
While all PRS instruments demonstrate masterful craftsmanship, certain rare models with bird inlays fetch especially high prices among collectors. Some of the most valuable PRS guitars featuring ornate birds include:
PRS Private Stock Super Eagle
With a huge outstretched eagle inlay of over 330 pieces of mother-of-pearl, this guitar sold for $50,000 at auction.
PRS Double 12 String
This lavish instrument has two distinct 12-string necks, each with extensive bird inlays. It sold for over $45,000.
PRS Private Stock #7124 “Whitewater”
Recognized as Paul Reed Smith’s personal guitar, this unique instrument with abalone bird inlays sold for $32,000.
PRS Private Stock Hollowbody I
Only 100 made, this rare hollowbody has a sunburst Phoenix motif inlay. Models sell for $25,000 and up.
PRS Private Stock McCarty Archtop I
This first run McCarty Archtop featured a hand-carved eagle inlay. It fetched over $20,000 at auction.
While not typical, these high value birds showcase the incredible artistry PRS luthiers can achieve when given creative freedom.
Unique PRS Special Edition Guitars
PRS has built many special edition guitars over the years featuring one-of-a-kind bird inlays. Some noteworthy models include:
PRS Grainger 5
This custom model designed for virtuoso Jon Grainger has a peacock inlay fanning across the fretboard.
PRS Surfing Bird Singlecut
A surf rock-inspired guitar with bird silhouettes and ocean waves carved into Paua shell.
PRS CFIII Kingfisher
A tenor guitar with mother-of-pearl kingfisher birds in flight across the fretboard.
PRS “Birds of a Feather” Private Stock
A one-off featuring nine distinct bird species carved from a variety of exotic woods.
PRS Graveyard Limited
Hollowbody model with skeletal bird outlines made of bone, buffalo horn, and fossilized walrus tusk.
These imaginative designs allow PRS artists to stretch their wings creatively with bird themes.
Conclusion
For over 35 years, PRS Guitars has made birds a signature feature of their inlay artistry. Paul Reed Smith incorporates a range of species from eagles to hummingbirds to visually enhance the fretboard. While early models focused on phoenix and dove motifs, the variety has greatly expanded. Now PRS offers countless artistic bird interpretations rendered from mother-of-pearl, abalone, wood, and other materials. From common production models to rare private stocks and special editions, ornately carved bird inlays continue to give PRS guitars unique personality and beauty.