next Carlos Santana interviewed by Ibanez CEO

What I admire about both of these guys is their integrity as human beings. It’s evident in this interview.

I do admire Paul for looking after his employees its a sign of great humanity

So Paul is an eccentric innovator that treats his employees like family and works on improving medical technology as a side project? Dude is a national treasure.

Great call!

Paying his guys during Covid.... I love this guy even more ... I’ll never sell my PRS guitars

Major respect to Paul for still paying all his employees during the pandemic.

Hats off for taking care of your people.

What Paul said at 14:45 about bringing back every guitar and updating them, says a lot about him. He's a real craftsman and takes pride in the product he puts his name on. And his analogy of the race car or Stradivarius constantly being in the shop is true. It's not just to fix damage, it's to make the tool better. He want's all the guitars he makes to be better than they were when he sold them originally. Impressive.

I never gave a single thought about PRS guitars. I’m 42 years old, just to show that I’ve witnessed a huge part of his timeline as PRS. I’m also from Maryland. Never saw them as something that fit what I like, even though they really do. It’s my own fault. Now that he has become so much more prevalent in these types of videos, I am enthralled! I see something I don’t think many, if any do. He is clearly Asperger’s syndrome autistic. My brother has all the same mannerisms and dedication to his perseveration as Paul. It’s a passion for people in the boat of Asperger’s. I’m soo impressed this man has made a career as he has and built this company with insane quality control that is unparalleled. I’ve never even heard of Qc issues with a PRS product. I love this man and am going to make my next guitar a PRS!

Not only does he produce the best guitars on the planet, but he takes care of those who actually make them, and treats them like assets to the company and not numbers or liabilities. I wish more people were as classy and had this kind of integrity. I love the ones I own.

Everytime I watch or hear Paul talk about his views on the world, on life, on his work and on what matters, I feel the urge to buy a PRS guitar just as a way of telling him that I wholeheartedly agree.

I was on a flight from LA to Chicago when 747's were the rage. An "Old Hippy" was in the front row 2nd class facing the front partition, by himself in 3 seats. In the other 2 seats were a guitar case (electric guitar) and a very beat up Vox AC 30. This was in the 70's. I just know that this musician had paid for 3 seats and no damned luggage handler was going to touch his tools of the trade... so to speak. Didn't talk to him, but I am sure he was a professional. The amazing thing to me was I could smell old nitro when I walked past his row... that put a smile on my face.

I just bought a PRS (SE) a couple of weeks ago. And after hearing what you said about keeping your employees employed and safe...I couldn't be happier. It's almost fate I clicked on this video as I spent the afternoon arguing with the HR department from a job I was let go of back in March....they let me go, and I didn't hear anything for over 5 months from them. They called me back and offered me 3 days work over the next 2 months. I said "No thanks" as it wasn't worth my time. What did they do? They went and issued me another Record of Employment saying I quit, thus negating the ROE they had issued saying I was laid off. Now hearing your story, I know you are the kind of an employer that is setting the right kind of example and I am glad I spent my hard earned $$$ on one of your guitars (and it sounds amazing too). Thanks for being down to earth and taking care of people!

I met mr PRS in the early 2000s, he signed a catalogue I had and was genuinely the nicest CEO I've ever met, I still have it today and was amazed he took the time to talk to me.

These two guys are some of the nicest, down to earth geniuses you will ever meet. Btw my USA and import PRS instruments have been the best money I have ever spent.

The more I watch of Paul, the more I want one of his guitars. I really like his style and attitude.

I love the way Paul asked how Steve was! Two awesome mo-fo's! Both have big hearts! The questions are awesome! Both of you are legends !

PRS guitars are awesome. I've always wanted an american made PRS. Just don't have money to get one. And Steve is one of the greatest guitar player's ever. These long distance calls that Paul does. They are cool , you get a chance to learn a lot.

If these aren't the two most genuine, charming, endearing people in the music industry, I don't know who are. This conversation was so intimate and wonderful, I could have watched for an hour. It was so cute that Paul was obviously bashful about the work that his imaging company is doing, and the way that he cradled his guitar as he was talking about it was delightfully human.

Two down to earth genuine caring human beings. Masters of their crafts. Steve Via is one of the greatest guitar players that ever walked this planet and Paul Reed Smith is the creator of one of the finest guitars ever made.

Wow! I love my USA made 2002 PRS Custom 24 , but having heard this really interesting conversation between two real guitar gods (a player and a builder) I am more proud than ever of being the owner of such a beautiful and amazing instrument. Thanks a lot Mr. Smith.

I know both of these guys and that was an absolute joy to watch. We NEED to treasure these people while they are still here ❤️

Fascinating!!! Steve Vai always amazing... No end to the many facets of Paul always amazing!!!Truly a visionary!!! While Steve calls him the watchmen of the integrity of the instrument and Paul humbly calls himself the repairman... Outstanding!!!

SV almost saying sorry for not playing a PRS was brilliant

Amazing call, it’s just awesome

This is the First I've Seen of These True Heart Values Expressed By Mr Paul-RS' What an Awesome and Priceless Spirit He Intentionally and Valiantly Projects and Protects! Wishing Unconditional Blessings To Both These Amazing Gentleman -Mr. 'Here Lets Intentionally Make This Way More Awesomer ! Steve Vai' and Mr."Good Call,'And Lets Make The World A Way Better Place Simultaneously 'Because We Can!' Paul Reed Smith! - Always!🎼🎸🌎🌍🌏🎸🎼

Like Steve, Ibanez RG's are so comfortable for me because I've played them for so long. I wish PRS would make one for Steve. I'd buy it in a hearbeat. A PRS built RG-esque guitar (doesn't have to be pointy but the controls have to be in the right place!) would be a dream guitar for me.

I could listen to these two guys talk all day long. Thanks to them for sharing the phone call.

Steve is a businessman just as he one of the best of the best player and musician. he will never do an interview without having a deal and this deal is probably his signature acoustic which I am game for. love the interview.

This was so compelling to watch. Seeing two of the most humble and talented people talk together like this shows humanity at its best

What amazing itegrity and human spirit PRS has by taking care of his employees.

That may be my favorite to this point. 2 total geniuses at what they each do, with a common thread between them. I would be super interested in seeing what guitar Paul would make for Steve. Would be totally out of Paul’s comfort zone but I know he would somehow rise to the occasion. What do you say Paul, make him a guitar and see what he thinks?

LOL 8:55 "I've tried that" - Steve Vai

This is great....I have learned so much about Steve I honestly did not know and gained such a deeper , much deeper respect for Paul.

Ive found a new admiration for Paul. He has serious integrity i have alot of respect for that. I unfortunately dont have a PRS in my collection. This has really inspired me to change that! it definitely helps that they are insanely beautiful. Thanks for the vid it was fantastic

A true pair of class acts! True gentlemen of guitar!

2 absolute legends, changes the world of guitars for sure.

I saved my butt off too buy my prs custom usa 24 the day it arrived too my home in Australia i instantly fell in love with my guitar as cliche as it might be after watching this video im more than impressed about pauls genuine care of his staff a rare commodity today and the legend Mr Vai who inspires me to play and too realise music has no boundaries except the one's you create for yourself 😎🤘

Hey you guys Steve & Paul, I'm blown away by the intelligence and humanity revealed in this chat. While the common social media can be so mean, so low, you two have raised the bar for more than just guitars sound and music. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, I'm proud to hold a guitar in the brotherhood.

I'm learning so much about Paul that I never knew. Incredible 2-way interview, we need a follow-up between these two geniuses

It's called work ethic Steve.........everything that came to you is because of your hard work.

Having been laid off and furloughed by my job in the aerospace machining industry this really makes me respect Paul Reed Smith.

Bless you P.R.S. you are a humble genius.

The Attitude Song! That little plastic record in GP!!! Loved that song!!!

damn, Steve Vai and John Mayer, 2 guitar legends who love architecture,

I have even more respect for these 2 guys. Good people..

What a lovely conversation.

I wanna hear this amp that sounds like an oboe!! be great to hear Vai play thtu it!!

Hi Paul just brought a CE 24 . Just wanted to say it is honestly as close to perfection as I have ever played . Absolutely fantastic . Brought from Thomann delivered to UAE . Brilliant service . Im will buy a JEM next :)

This should have been longer. All these sessions ive heard so far have been delightful.

And this is why I'm a total PRS nut. I love the enthusiasm Paul has for the guitar and his operation, I love how they never seem to rest on their laurels and they keep innovating, the guitars themselves are great. I have three SE's, one fourteen years old and it still plays like day one. They really seem like a company that gets it, that has a sense of concern for their craft.

Love the shoutout about Frusciante here at the end. PRS please him a Silver Sky!

I just got it!!! After all these years.... the logo on Steve's hat is a "V" and it goes through a prism and then it's a EYE!!! Thus, Vai... Geez, why did it take so long?

Two geniuses, two humanitarians, two great souls.. Thanks Paul, thanks Steve..

you can see how much paul cares about all his employees and his empathy for everyone in the general in how his mood's affected.

This vid made my day.. so humorist...these men are great...1/07/2021 nz

Paul you are a wonderful human, kudos for you for looking after your staff. More could learn from you in this world

What a great conversation guys! That little black plastic record blew me away at the time. I hung out with John F a few months while going to GIT ... up until he got the RHCP gig. He would play Steve's songs so good. BTW does PRS make the CE lefty?

The two masters!

What an unexpected yet absolutely amazing interview.

Regarding the updating of guitars, I’m happy that my Custom 22 was the BEST they could do in 2008. I’m happy with what 2008 PRS made was to 💯

Having met Paul a few times, I can say he's one of the nicest people in music, isn't afraid to be a little colourful with his language ;) , and he's a prankster too, as we learnt with my uncles se custom 24, pretending to throw it in PMT Manchester, that was a "fun" moment, so much knowledge though , such a clever switched on guy, the things id do to get 30-60 minutes to just sit down and talk with paul, or steve for that matter and learn more about guitar etc, would be interesting to hear his thoughts on my current setup also :) Keep it up Paul, doing a great job

Steve Vai architect! 😍 music is architecture

Two of my favorite people in the industry! Paul - I purchased one of the 35 Anniversary SE's back in May, and I'm quite happy with it. I've heard how hard you've been working to keep your employees, and it made me even happier that I was able to support your business. One day, I might grab a core series Custom 24 (but I'm just a math instructor who can't play very well... it'll be a while!)

My 92 PRS C24 Is for life. This video is fantastic.

binge watching these long distance calls! Paul you are an absolute class act!

Whoa! Cool interview! It’d be something to get Steve to join the PRS family, wouldn’t it?! 🤘🏻😁

Glad to hear that you're taking care of your crew. I'm glad to be a PRS customer, thank you both.

Most excellent description of how to filter out undesirable noise or distortion in images. I did a work contract in Hanover, Maryland a few years back and wanted to tour the PRS factory near there. I studied three years towards and Electrical Engineering Degree and work in the high Tech industry. It is quite refreshing to see this technical side of your character, and a different viewpoint of Steve Vai's character. I own and watched the movie Crossroads last night, as Steve is one of my favorite guitar players. I could have seen one of my early influences, Jimi Hendrix live. Steve's playing and musical history and knowledge is amazing. I'm a wannabe guitar player since 1969, have played on stage, and currently own a Marshall DSL100H Full Stack, Gibson Custom Standard Les Paul and an acoustic/electric 12 string Takamime. I also would love to own a PRS next, as another one of my guitar heroes and early influences is Carlos Santana since 1969, and the quality of PRS itself.

Even is Steve will be playing his jem forever, i would looooove to see a PRS/Vai prototype, just for fun.

That start riff and chords...💖 The sound is incredible..! Very Welcome Home sounding and so fat, clean and Bell like..pure gorgeous tube tone and playing...just incredible..👌👍🤘🤘🤘🤘

Paul, I have a 1987 Custom that I bought brand new. And I wouldn't ask for a single update or change. I appreciate your comment around the 16:00 mark, but I couldn't ask for more. And I applaud you keeping the lights on for your people in these trying times.

I remember Guitar Player magazine and those little records were called “Soundpages”. I remember distinctly that Steve’s Soundpage was Blue Powder. Absolutely blew me away.

22.56 what a better world we’d live in if more people thought like this 👍

two of my very favorites aliens in the world ! thanks for sharing the call !

Paul is such down to earth great guy i glad to see he is so dedicated to his guitars i just wish i could afford one I lost my job do to ulcer colitus 2 surgery and 1 to go couldnt make it back to work so many complications Im glad to see Paul treats his employees good

It's amazing to hear about the people you guys look up to. Now I want to know who THEIR heroes are.

The combination of my grandfather and the movie crossroads made me want to play guitar

I’d love to send my wood library back but I doubt it could be much better it’s a fantastic guitar already.

Absolutely loved this. Paul, you're amazing for keeping your staff's best interest at heart!!! You rock!

Steve, such an amazing player

Steve Vai is such a humble human being.

Paul Reed Smith calls Steve Vai and they talk about John Frusciante PURE GOLD

Steve Vai would probably be an amazing architect.

These two are so pure 💚

Love both of you and your "passions". Rock on..

"My whole career seems to have come to me on a silver platter" NO! You put in the work to be ready when an opportunity came along you could make more of it than was there initially. Hard work makes a LITTLE luck go a long way.

Paul's description of how to play a french horn is my exact relationship with my ex.

I thought it was "The Attitude Songe" that was in guitar player. My needle for through the insert from that magazine. I was totally amazed.

14:07 i take my hats off to that statement, really a guitar lover and that why he´s is number 1.

I've had a few guitars ranging in quality and price over the last 25 years. Last year I bought a custom 24 and it has changed my life. First prs I've owned. If it broke I would get it fixed. Far more attachment.

purely awesome and benificial to the world , bravo.

This is the best of all of them so far. Fantastic video.

Beautiful conversation.

Just became PRS fan!

Paul - old-fashioned decency. Much respect and love. Proud to be a customer. But I wish you could replace the broken neck on my 1999 Custom 24 Artist ...

That little record was awesome.

I'd be interested to see what Paul can do to created a Vai line of guitars.

That little black record made me cry