Johnny Hiland left PRS because they wouldn't pay him enough?

Help!I'maRock!

Help!I'maRock!

Mediocringly Derivative
that's how i read it...


Statement RE: Johnny Hiland Leaves PRS

Nashville TN, December 14th 2009

PRS and Johnny Hiland have officially parted ways. The guitar maker and Hiland reached an impasse in negotiations for a new contract and have decided to go separate ways.

Johnny says of the situation, "I am very proud of the work I did while endorsing PRS and I am also very proud of the model that bore my name. I was saddened that it didn't work out. Sometimes you are faced with raw facts about people you work with, that while you try to ignore, they become very self evident. Such was the case here. We offered a very fair deal to PRS to continue on with them, they agreed that the deal was very fair and not out of line. We were not overreaching by any stretch of the imagination. My manager sent them the deal and patiently waited for an answer. After repeated efforts to get a clear answer, the answer finally came in the form of a phone call from Paul himself. He made it very clear that he would not be granting our requested deal."

"I want to thank Bev, Winn, Larry, Grover and Doug Sewell, the team in the shop who made my wonderful guitars, and to all of the people who silently played a role in making my guitar a success. I know that there is no way to properly thank you all. It hurts me deeply to leave, but at some point I had to look at the principles involved and decide to do the right thing for my family and for my dignity. I know in my heart I did the right thing."

"We wish nothing but the best for PRS and their continued success. My five years there saw some great achievements to which I will always be proud. "

"To all my fans, and for the folks who are wondering, I promise you that very soon you will hear about my new affiliation. It is in the works and more news will be forthcoming. This new affiliation came after me leaving PRS, but I can tell you this, you won't be disappointed. "

"I want everyone to know that it was not a matter of quality or anything else at PRS, it was simply a principle disagreement regarding my contract that dissolved our relationship. The guitars PRS builds are incredible pieces of art and represent the vision of an American legend; Paul Reed Smith. Thank you Paul for bringing my model out to the public. It was a very proud day in my life. I move on with a clear conscious and a warm heart for PRS. I wish you nothing but the best."

"2010 is really looking great and we are really excited to hit the road with my new band and record. My return to traditional hardcore chickin' pickin' country music is long overdue. It's now time to show people that traditional country music is where it's at. I aim to do just that."

"I sincerely hope this clears up the stories that are floating around. We will see you out on the road in 2010. Until then, God's Blessings on all of you and Happy Holidays!"

Johnny Hiland
December 14, 2009
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I don't know how that all works, but I am assuming that was the case. I don't know how much money actually goes out in theses deals. I assumed it was usually mostly equipment but that was not the issue. Johnny seemed in the note to have enjoyed working with them. Maybe he is just not a high enough profile player for PRS...
 
Pretty much.

The guy is not a big enough name to command the kind of deal he probably asked for.
 
Could be. It could also be that they were asking him to do more clinics and appearances than he thought were worth the current endorsement deal.

Either way, I think both he and Paul have handled it as the class acts that they are.
 
Prediction: he's going to Fender. It would seem in line with his intention to head to traditional country music. Prediction: some kind of telecaster.

I suppose he'll go with Gibson though.
 
aliensporebomb said:
What do you think then?
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dang, not sure where I read it, but something was said about the necks of a guitar company that he liked and I know it wasn't Fender. Maybe it was, well I really forgot, but music man, ernie ball hope I can find the article and post it, maybe someone out there read it too
 
hobo uncle sam said:
dang, not sure where I read it, but something was said about the necks of a guitar company that he liked and I know it wasn't Fender. Maybe it was, well I really forgot, but music man, ernie ball hope I can find the article and post it, maybe someone out there read it too
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maybe it was PRS, the company he's been endorsed by for the past 5 years. :idea:
 
aliensporebomb said:
Prediction: he's going to Fender. It would seem in line with his intention to head to traditional country music. Prediction: some kind of telecaster.

I suppose he'll go with Gibson though.
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It would be the logical place to go, but I agree with you. It'll be wherever he can be the bigger fish in the pond.
 
Sterling Ball denied even talking to Hiland. i'm not saying it won't happen, but he denied there was any talk up to this point.

G&L would be interesting. they're owned by BBE, who is a company with the resources to pay Johnny's manager what he's looking for.
 
Help!I'maRock! said:
G&L would be interesting. they're owned by BBE, who is a company with the resources to pay Johnny's manager what he's looking for.
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They also have a history of sponsoring artists who are well respected players, but not necessarily household names (Will Ray, Doyle Dykes, John Jorgensen). And they did just do an higher profile thing with Jerry Cantrell...
 
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