PRS McCartyThe PRS McCarty model pays homage to a legacy of innovation. As the President of Gibson during a true golden era of guitar building, Ted McCarty was a pioneer of the electric guitar and musical instrument industry. In the late 1980’s, Paul Reed Smith called on Ted to consult with him on guitar design and production techniques. McCarty not only served as Paul’s mentor but became a great friend.
In 1994, PRS released the first McCarty, an instrument that incorporated the full spectrum of knowledge Paul had gained from Ted, as well as his own experiences as a guitar builder. It is in honor of Ted McCarty – his knowledge, his friendship, and his memory – that PRS reintroduced the McCarty model.
The McCarty combines several innovations for which PRS is renowned, notably taking 1950s and early-’60s solid body designs and making ergonomic modifications, such as a 25″ scale and more comfortable neck profiles. To maximize sustain, the McCarty model has a thicker Mahogany body than some other PRS guitars. It also adds 58/15 pickups with coil taps designed by Smith himself, that offer vintage humbucker tone with the addition of authentic single-coil chime via the push-pull tone control. This coil-tapping, in conjunction with the 3-way toggle pickup selector, makes up what has become known as “McCarty switching.”
The bound Rosewood fretboard features Paul’s iconic bird inlays, and the carved, figured Maple top is available in 10-top, Artist Package and Moore Guitars Exclusive Wood Library options. The PRS adjustable stoptail bridge along with Phase III Locking Tuners provides exceptional stability and intonation. For vintage tone aficionados, look no further than the PRS McCarty.