Jon Jourdan is an accomplished guitarist currently touring with Mammoth. In addition to his work with Mammoth, he's performed with Clint Lowery's solo project and continues to write and perform with his own band, To Whom It May.

As a longtime PRS player, Jon recently worked with PRS on a new limited-edition signature model. We caught up with him to talk about the guitar, music, and his approach to tone. Check out his Q&A below.

Photo Credit // Chuck Brueckmann

PRS: You've spent the last several years touring with Mammoth. Looking back, how has your role in the band evolved since those early days?

Jon: It’s been a great ride, and we’ve all grown a lot together over the years. The biggest thing that’s evolved is just the amount of time we’ve spent on the road. When you’re playing night after night, you develop a deeper connection with the music, the band, and the audience. One thing that’s remained consistent, though, is our approach to the show. Whether we’re playing a festival stage in front of thousands of people or a smaller club, we try to bring the same energy and commitment every night.

PRS: Mammoth songs demand a lot from a guitarist; huge rhythm parts to leads and everything in between. How do you approach serving the song while still bringing your own voice to the music?

Jon: When you’re performing live, you’re naturally going to leave your own imprint on the music. We all have our own musical fingerprint, and that’s part of what makes a live performance exciting. At the same time, our goal is always to honor the songs and recreate the albums as faithfully as possible. There are definitely moments where things stretch beyond the blueprint a little bit, but those choices are intentional and always in service of the song rather than just trying to put a spotlight on ourselves.

PRS: You and Wolfgang have developed a strong musical chemistry. What have you learned from working alongside him night after night?

Jon: Wolf has an incredible dedication to performing and genuinely cares about every aspect of the show, from the way the set flows to adding little details that only the diehard fans might pick up on. That level of care and attention to detail is what stands out to me the most. It’s a reminder that the small things matter, and that people notice when you’re fully invested in what you’re doing.

Photo Credit // Hunter Wurzelbackher

PRS: Is there anything in the works with your other project, To Whom It May?

Jon: Yes, absolutely! After this current European tour with Mammoth, I’ll be heading into the studio to finish the third To Whom It May record. We’re aiming to wrap it up around mid-September. I’m really excited about the music we’ve been putting together, and for this album we’ve teamed up with producer and friend Josh Barber, whose work with Norma Jean and The Devil Wears Prada has always been inspiring. He’s helped push these songs into some exciting new territory, and I can’t wait for people to hear them.

PRS: You've played PRS guitars for years. Do you remember the first time you picked one up, and what made you stick with them?

Jon: The first time I picked up a PRS was in high school at a local Guitar Center. A friend of mine worked there and insisted that I try a used Scarlet Red Custom 22 they had in stock. Up until that point, I’d mostly admired PRS guitars from a distance through players like Clint Lowery, Mark Tremonti, and Wes Borland.

The moment I picked it up, I felt a connection to it. The craftsmanship was immediately obvious; the violin carve really spoke to me, and the neck shape felt perfect in my hands. I knew right then that I had to have that guitar. To this day, I still own it, still record with it, and it will never leave my collection.

PRS: What do you love most about your PRS guitars in general?

Jon: The consistency is probably the biggest thing for me. We play in so many different environments, venues, and climates, and I know my PRS is always going to be the constant in my rig. No matter what changes around me, it’s the one piece of gear I never have to second-guess. That level of reliability is incredibly important when you’re on the road as much as we are.

PRS: We're excited to be releasing a limited-edition signature model with you. What was it like seeing your ideas come to life in a guitar of your own?

Jon: First and foremost, I’m a fan of PRS; it’s a tremendous honor. I’ve believed in the company and its instruments for over 20 years. To now be in a position where I can put my own spin on such a classic design still doesn’t feel completely real.

What has meant the most to me throughout this process is how enthusiastic everyone at PRS has been about the ideas I’ve brought to the table. Every step of the way, they’ve embraced the vision and helped elevate it. I think the final result is a reflection of that collaboration, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together.

PRS: For players getting their hands on the guitar, what's one feature or detail you're especially excited for them to experience?

Jon: I think the single-pickup design is something every guitarist should experience at least once. Pickups are magnets, and removing the neck pickup means there’s less magnetic pull on the strings. The guitar responds differently, and I find that it changes the way I play. On top of that, removing the neck pickup puts even more focus on one of my favorite parts of a PRS: the violin carve. It’s such a beautiful design feature, and having that uninterrupted top really lets it shine. For me, it’s a win-win.

PRS: What's coming up next for you?

Jon: Mammoth is going to keep us very busy. We’ll be opening for Iron Maiden in Chile on Halloween night, followed by a European headlining tour later in the fall in support of The End. It’s an exciting time for the band, and I’m looking forward to getting these new songs in front of people.

On the other side of that, To Whom It May will be finishing up our third record in September and preparing for a 2027 release. Between both projects, it’s shaping up to be a very busy year, and there are still a few exciting things on the horizon that I can’t talk about just yet.

Photo Credit // Andre Schnittker