Paul Reed Smith Inducted Into Rockwalk at Austin Festival
The renowned guitar maker was honored during the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival at Dell West Plaza.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Rock
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Austin music fans gathered at Dell West Plaza as Paul Reed Smith, founder of the guitar company that bears his initials, was inducted into the Guitar Center Rockwalk. The ceremony, which included Smith placing his handprints in cement, took place during the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival.
Why it matters
The honor highlights Smith's five decades of innovation and craftsmanship in the music industry. The recognition celebrates his role in growing PRS Guitars into the third-largest electric guitar manufacturer in the United States.
Paul Reed Smith joins a prestigious list of more than 150 artists and innovators honored by the Rockwalk since its inception in 1985. His company currently stands as the third-largest electric guitar manufacturer in the United States.
The players
Paul Reed Smith
The founder of PRS Guitars, an electric guitar manufacturer recognized for five decades of craftsmanship.
John Mayer
A well-known guitarist who introduced Smith during the induction ceremony.
The details
John Mayer introduced Smith during the ceremony, which was held at the festival grounds in Austin. Following the induction, the handprints will be moved to the Guitar Center flagship store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. The honor serves as a milestone for Smith following five decades of work in the guitar industry.
Timeline
1985: PRS Guitars was founded.
September 26, 2026: Paul Reed Smith was inducted into the Rockwalk.
The Texas Context
Smith's induction adds his name to a permanent collection that has recognized over 150 influential figures since 1985. The ceremony follows a long pattern of the Rockwalk highlighting industry innovators alongside legendary performing artists.
The ceremony was a standalone event held within the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Fans who attended the festival at Dell West Plaza witnessed the induction of this influential figure into music history.
The takeaway
Smith is now recognized among the most significant innovators in the history of the electric guitar. Fans can look for his handprints to be installed at the Guitar Center flagship store on Sunset Boulevard in the future.
Further reading
For more on the local music scene and industry milestones, visit Rock.
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Do you believe it is important to honor pioneers of instrument manufacturing in music culture?
