PRS Guitars recently announced its largest roster in the six-year history of the PRS Pulse Artist program. Nearly 6% bigger than last year, the class of 2026 comprises 145 artists from 30 countries including the USA, reflecting the program’s global scope and range of playing styles. The 2026 PRS Pulse Artists, like their predecessors, are making waves in local music scenes throughout the world and in the online guitar community. Additionally, five artists from the class of 2025 will be graduating to Official Artist status, an increased level of endorsement, effective this month: Bay Melnick Virgolino (United States), Jem Manuel (Philippines), Jien Takahashi (Japan), Leeland Thompson (United States), and Ratanapol Kengrien (Thailand). At just 10 years old, 2025 “America’s Got Talent” alum Bay Melnick Virgolino becomes the youngest PRS Official Artist in the company’s history.
“We’re thrilled to see the continued success of the Pulse Artist program and couldn’t be more excited about the talent in this new class of artists. Their creativity and passion embody everything Pulse stands for, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make. A special congratulations to the five artists being promoted to the Official PRS Artist roster! This is a well-deserved milestone that reflects their dedication and artistry,” said PRS Guitars Director of Artist & Community Relations, Bev Fowler.
PRS Guitars launched the PRS Pulse Artist program to help influential guitar players form stronger relationships with their go-to retail store and each other. The goal is to amplify these musicians and their art and help to connect more people through music. Through the program, artists are granted exclusive discounts on guitars, amps, and accessories through their local Authorized PRS Dealer. They also receive exposure through editorial content on the PRS Guitars website and posts on its social platforms. Adding “PRS Pulse Artist” to their resume has also helped these players connect with venues and potential sponsors.
“The PRS Pulse Artist program helped me connect to a network of rising stars and collaborate with them on the most extraordinary projects. It enabled me to boost my professional career and gave me a better perspective. Plus, the discount program helps to get you closer to your dream gear!” said PRS Pulse Artist Ali Yasin Eser.
For the complete list of 2026 Pulse Artists and more information on the program, visit prsguitars.com/artists/pulse and follow #prspulseartist on Instagram.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year. For all of the latest news, click www.prsguitars.com/40 and follow @prsguitars on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)