PRS Guitars prove their worth as top performers in the used guitar market, with Reverb recognizing them as a "silent titan", while the optimal Squier model for investment remains a question.

In the world of electric guitars, a recent study by online gear retail giant Reverb has revealed some fascinating trends. The market, which has seen volatility from 2019 to 2025 as detailed by the Retail Price Index (RPI), has been anything but predictable. Yet, amidst this turbulence, certain brands have managed to maintain their value, with PRS Guitars leading the pack.

Paul Reed Smith, the renowned guitar manufacturer, recently shared that pro session players have been praising PRS guitars for their ability to hold their tune better, a factor that seems to have contributed to their consistent value.

Reverb's survey of the market for used guitars over the past six years has shown that PRS Guitars have held value better than almost any other brand. They have remained steady in pricing, earning a reputation for consistency. Interestingly, the brand whose used guitar prices have held best over the past six years is not specified in the search results provided, underscoring PRS's dominance.

Other notable mentions include Joe Bonamassa's Signature "Treasure" Firebird I, which has doubled its value since 2019, and the Squier guitar, specifically the Hello Kitty Stratocaster. The latter proved to be the best investment over the last six years, with a staggering 275% increase from 2019. However, it should be noted that the Hello Kitty Stratocaster experienced a 27% price slump in the past year.

Vintage guitars have also held onto pandemic-era price gains, with Fender's Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar up 71% since 2019. The EVH 5150 Striped Series is up 40% on its 2019 value.

Interestingly, despite the spike in demand for guitars during the pandemic causing prices to rise, PRS Guitars did not see the same spike. Instead, they remained steady, neither rising excessively nor falling off a cliff afterward. This consistency is a testament to the brand's quality and reliability.

It's worth noting that tariffs and other inflationary pressures have yet to see any impact on the used market. After the pandemic, prices for used guitars have fallen and stabilized, providing a more stable environment for buyers and sellers alike.

Joe Bonamassa, a renowned guitarist, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the resale value of electric guitars. He states, "A guitar is worth what someone is willing to pay for it." This sentiment underscores the subjective nature of guitar value, even as data suggests trends and patterns in the market.

In conclusion, while the electric guitar market has seen its fair share of volatility, brands like PRS Guitars have proven their resilience and consistency. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve. For those in the market for a new or used guitar, the data suggests that PRS Guitars are a safe and reliable choice.

For more stats and data, you can check Reverb's comprehensive reports on the used guitar market.

PRS Guitars prove their worth as top performers in the used guitar market, with Reverb recognizing them as a "silent titan", while the optimal Squier model for investment remains a question.