John Mann (engineer)

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John Mann
OccupationEngineer

John Mann is an American engineer known for his design of the PRS Vibrato/Tuning system.[1] Today, PRS Guitars has grown into a very successful company endorsing many artists including Carlos Santana and John Mayer.[2][3]

History with Paul Reed Smith[edit]

The look of a prototype PRS bridge setup from the back of the guitar

John Mann first met Paul in 1978 when he wanted to have a trashed Gibson SG refinished.[4] At that time, John worked at Westinghouse, a large research and development engineering facility for the Navy on the outskirts of Annapolis, Maryland. Mann built many components for the early guitars such as the 4-spring vibrato tailpieces.[5][6]

John Mann and Paul Reed Smith made history together when their PRS vibrato/tuning system received its U.S. patent. The two men have worked closely together since 1978, when they first met at Paul's one-man workshop on West Street, in Annapolis, Maryland.[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ GP Staff. "MannMade Issue the Original PRS-MANN Vibrato Bridge in Limited Edition". www.guitarplayer.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  2. ^ Carlisle, Cassie (October 16, 2017). "Making magic, a PRS guitar is the tool of the stars". ABC WMAR.
  3. ^ Astley-Brown, Michael (April 10, 2017). "Is John Mayer readying a PRS Strat-style electric?". musicradar.com. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  4. ^ Burrluck, Dave (2015). Bacon, Tony (ed.). The PRS Electric Guitar Book A Complete History of Paul Reed Smith Electrics. London: Backbeat Books; 2 edition (August 1, 2014). pp. Pages=8–9. ISBN 978-1-4803-8627-3.
  5. ^ Considine, J.D. (1982). "Toward the Guitar of Guitars". Sun Magazine. Baltimore, Maryland.
  6. ^ Hall, Stanley (March 1982). "Alternative Solidbodies". Guitar Player. Vol. 16. ASIN B001MSLZ62.
  7. ^ GP Staff. "MannMade Issue the Original PRS-MANN Vibrato Bridge in Limited Edition". www.guitarplayer.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.