Reviving a Classic: The Transformation of a Faded PRS Guitar
in recent years, pre-worn guitars have gained immense traction among musicians, yet not every sign of aging is embraced. When a guitarist’s cherished PRS instrument fully lost its vibrant finish, the company took action to restore it.
The Story Behind the Fade
Meet The Donut Doctor, a touring guitarist and YouTuber with nearly 100,000 followers. Known for showcasing his PRS Semi-Hollow II in his videos, he was taken aback when the striking “Blue Fade” finish of his guitar began to fade dramatically. What was once a deep blue hue transformed into a pale, almost ghostly shade over time.
“This guitar has been my go-to for years,” he shared in a recent video. “I never imagined it would actually fade away!”
Taking Care of a Treasure
Addressing potential speculation from the guitar community about whether he had exposed the instrument to direct sunlight-similar to the infamous ‘Red Eye’ Les Paul-he clarified that he has always taken meticulous care of his guitar. It has mostly remained in its case when not in use.
“In 2019, I noticed the color starting to shift,” he explained. “I understand that blue dyes can lose their vibrancy over time, but the extent of the change was unexpected.This isn’t what I signed up for,” he lamented.
PRS Comes to the Rescue
After sharing his experience online, PRS quickly reached out, inviting him to send the guitar for evaluation. Once it arrived in Maryland, the guitar was refinished and returned to him looking as brilliant as ever just a few months later.
“It’s absolutely stunning,” he exclaimed upon unboxing his revitalized Blue Fade “baby.” PRS, he noted, “did an unbelievable job. It feels like it’s been brought back to life.”
Beyond the Finish
He also mentioned that PRS went above and beyond by addressing various scratches and a meaningful gash on the bass-side horn, which had occurred when the guitar fell from a stand in Nashville. “It’s like having a brand-new instrument; it’s breathtaking. It’s akin to aging and suddenly feeling youthful again,” he humorously remarked.
Guitar World reached out to PRS for their perspective, and they acknowledged that the finish should not have faded as substantially as it did. However, they reminded players that finishes are not impervious to change over time.
Understanding Guitar Aging
“Guitars are dynamic entities that evolve over time,” PRS stated. “Finishes can fade due to various factors, including UV exposure, heat, and natural aging processes.”
“While we don’t frequently see such drastic color changes, when they do occur, we thoroughly assess the instrument and collaborate with the owner to determine the best course of action. We’re pleased to have been able to assist.”
