A Legacy of Innovation

Named after Ted McCarty, a pioneer of the electric guitar and musical instrument industry, the McCarty model embodies the most up-to-date findings from PRS and looks back to the golden age of the guitar. This vintage-appointed guitar features a bound, 22-fret Pattern neck, a slightly thicker back for enhanced tone and sustain, and 58/15 LT treble and bass pickups, which have now been through the TCI (tuned capacitance and inductance) process. 58/15 LT’s are a vintage style pickup with exceptional clarity and focused midrange. Paired with a push/pull tone control and a 3-way toggle pickup switch, these pickups provide a complete palette of tones. The McCarty model is anchored by a PRS stoptail bridge with brass studs for added resonance and vintage-style tuners.

“One of my sayings is that everything that touches the string is God – well, that’s really the bridge, the nut, and the tuners. So when we went after the McCarty model, that’s where we looked. These updates make a huge difference in the tone. The guitar sustains longer and the tone has more character,” said Paul Reed Smith. “The puzzle pieces all fit together, and there is no compromise to the integrity of the instrument. We’re very happy.”

For 2020, PRS has updated this model with TCI-tuned pickups and nitro over cellulose (CAB) finish.

In the late 1980’s, Paul Reed Smith called on Ted McCarty to consult with him on guitar design and production techniques. He not only served as a mentor but became a great friend of Paul and everyone he met at PRS. In 1994, PRS released the first McCarty, an instrument that incorporated the full spectrum of techniques and knowledge Paul had gained from Ted as well as his own experiences as a guitar builder.

Gallery

Specifications

Body
Top Wood Carved Figured Maple
Back Wood Mahogany
Neck
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25"
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Pattern
Fretboard Wood Rosewood w/ Faux Bone Binding
Fretboard Inlay Birds
Neck/Body Assembly
Neck/Body Assembly Type Set
Hardware
Bridge PRS Stoptail w/ Brass Inserts (Optional:PRS Adjustable Stoptail)
Tuners Vintage-Style
Hardware Type Nickel
Electronics
Treble Pickup 58/15 LT
Bass Pickup 58/15 LT
Controls Volume and Tone Control w/ 3-Way Toggle Pickup Switch

Colors

Antique White
Antique White
Aquamarine
Aquamarine
Black
Black
Black Gold Wrap Burst
Black Gold Wrap Burst
Charcoal Burst
Charcoal Burst
Charcoal Cherry Burst
Charcoal Cherry Burst
Dark Cherry Sunburst
Dark Cherry Sunburst
Emerald
Emerald
Faded Whale Blue
Faded Whale Blue
Fire Red Burst
Fire Red Burst
Gold Top
Gold Top
Gray Black
Gray Black
McCarty Sunburst
McCarty Sunburst
McCarty Tobacco Sunburst
McCarty Tobacco Sunburst
Orange Tiger
Orange Tiger
Trampas Green
Trampas Green
Violet
Violet
Violet Blue Burst
Violet Blue Burst
Yellow Tiger
Yellow Tiger
Find A Dealer

Accolades

"In all, the McCarty is a badass guitar and a superb choice for a lot of different styles. A welcome return indeed, and it earns an Editors’ Pick Award."

- Guitar Player

Related Products

Back To The Top