The Unsung Influence: How David Grissom Crafted One of PRS’s Most Desired guitars
success in the realm of signature guitars hinges not merely on the celebrity attached to the instrument, but rather on the unique vision and preferences that resonate with guitar enthusiasts everywhere. A signature model can be marketed with a famous name,customized pickups,and a flashy finish,but true value lies in the connection between the artist and the audience.
Interestingly, one of the most iconic signature guitars in history-Paul Reed Smith’s (PRS) highly sought-after model-was not designed for a household name. Instead, it was crafted for the talented Texan guitarist David Grissom, a revered figure among musicians and a session player known for his work with John Mellencamp, as well as a former columnist for Guitar World.
The PRS DGT (David Grissom Tremolo) stands as a testament to modern electric guitar craftsmanship, firmly established within PRS’s Core lineup in Maryland and its Indonesian SE counterpart. This collaboration emerged from the deep-rooted friendship between Grissom and Smith. in a recent discussion with guitarist, both artists shared insights into the DGT’s advancement.
“David envisioned a McCarty model equipped with a tremolo system; he wanted every detail to be perfect,” Smith explained. Grissom’s specifications were meticulously tested through numerous prototypes during live performances.
The DGT was “born from countless gigs and numerous recording sessions.” Grissom’s input was so significant that PRS even modified its pickup wax-potting process, as he believed that the traditional ten-minute soaking was compromising the tonal quality.
Moreover, the interview unveiled a fascinating aspect: Grissom had the opportunity to attach his name to a PRS guitar earlier in his career. He had been involved in the testing phase for the McCarty model, named in honor of Ted McCarty, the legendary Gibson president and designer who played a pivotal role in the brand’s golden age.
Grissom served as PRS’s trusted advisor and innovator,influencing various design elements,including the thicker mahogany body and pickup configurations. Initially, he hesitated at the thought of having his name on the guitar. “I felt like I was relatively unknown,and I didn’t want my name associated with it,” he admitted.
“Many of the concepts I was trying to implement were inspired by Ted McCarty’s innovations at Gibson, which I found fitting. We exchanged ideas for years, leading to unique developments,” Grissom added.
Though, grissom’s vision for the PRS McCarty was about to evolve. He sought an instrument tailored specifically to his playing style, and Smith was committed to making that a reality.
The Art of Detail: Crafting the DGT
the success of a signature model frequently enough lies in the intricate details and the physical characteristics of the instrument. The DGT transcended being just an upgraded McCarty; every aspect was meticulously designed,from the pickups to the quest for the perfect balance of warmth and clarity,down to the fret bevels.
“We adjusted the control layout so that the bridge pickup volume knob was more accessible to my little finger, as I frequently used it,” grissom noted. “We spent years refining the neck profile through numerous prototypes.”
For those interested in diving deeper, the full interview with David Grissom and Paul Reed Smith is featured in the latest issue of Guitarist, available now from Magazines Direct. Subscribing could save you a significant amount-especially useful if you’re considering a PRS DGT.
