Business Quote by Paul Reed Smith
“In the camera business, you won't survive if you don't innovate. In the guitar business you may or may not. The guitars being sold were designed between '48 and '59, Gibson SGs in '61.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Guitar Industry Trends, Paul Reed Smith, 2019
Innovation is essential in cameras, but guitars can survive with classic designs.
In simple terms: Cameras must innovate; guitars can stay classic.
Key Takeaway
Invest in innovation where needed.
Themes
business
technology
design
Mood
strategic
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- camera manufacturers
- guitar makers
- tech startups
- design schools
Key Concepts
product development
market adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a company prioritize tradition?
- How to balance heritage with new tech?
A Different Perspective
Risk of over‑innovation alienating loyal customers.
![“I like the idea of having an old Gibson [guitar], but I don't have one. The Gibson has a different quality, but it's almost like you need both.” quote by Steve Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/131/steve-young-2710_different_i-like-the-idea-of-having-an-old-gibson_1516637.jpg)
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)