PRICE POA
The PRS Dragon 2002 Series is an awe-inspiring guitar that blends extraordinary craftsmanship with innovative design, setting a benchmark for high-end instruments. PRS collaborated with Pearl Works to produce the intricate inlays that are the hallmark of this model. Leveraging advanced, computer-driven equipment, they created a stunning dragon design composed of materials like abalone, turquoise, coral, mammoth ivory, and even gold. While the inlays of the Dragon 2002 are slightly less intricate than the earlier Dragon III, the quality and attention to detail are unparalleled, showcasing PRS's mastery of both artistry and technology.
One of the standout features of the Dragon 2002 is its neck, crafted from Brazilian rosewood, a rare and heavily regulated material. This choice not only adds to the guitar's exclusivity but also contributes to its warm, resonant tone. Sourcing and processing Brazilian rosewood involves an arduous legal process to ensure compliance with international laws, which significantly raises the cost of the instrument. PRS has taken care to use only legal, documented rosewood, ensuring each Dragon 2002 meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and ethical sourcing.
The pickups fitted to the Dragon 2002 are PRS's #7 pickups, known for their balanced, vintage-inspired output. With a DC resistance lower than PRS’s higher-gain pickups, such as the Tremonti, these pickups deliver a versatile sound, ranging from smooth cleans to rich, growling overdrive. This tonal versatility is one of the reasons the Dragon 2002 is as much a performer’s instrument as it is a collector's item. Despite its high-output capabilities, the pickups maintain clarity and warmth, making them an excellent match for the guitar's overall design and tonal character.
Built with a solid mahogany body, a figured maple top, and heavy inlay work, the Dragon 2002 is a substantial instrument in terms of both weight and tone. Unlike many modern guitars, it is not chambered, giving it a heft that traditionalists may appreciate. This weight underscores its lineage, as the design draws inspiration from the Gibson Les Paul. For players or collectors lucky enough to own one of these masterpieces, the Dragon 2002 represents a rare intersection of functionality, luxury, and unparalleled artistry.
