McCarty
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 and a slightly thicker back for enhanced tone and sustain. The PRS McCarty model is anchored by a stoptail bridge with brass inserts and non-locking PRS Phase III tuners with brass shafts for added resonance and sustain.
The PRS McCarty is outfitted with McCarty III treble and bass pickups. McCarty III pickups were spec’d by Paul Reed Smith and the PRS New Products Engineering team. From our own hands-on research into coveted vintage pickup models to advancements in signal analyzation and “tuning” technology, these pickups incorporate every detail of pickup knowledge PRS has gained in recent years of R&D. PRS McCarty III pickups are vintage-inspired humbuckers that bring a vocal clarity to their full, warm tone. Paired with a push/pull tone control and a 3-way toggle pickup switch, these pickups provide a complete palette of tones.
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 Paul’s own experiences as a guitar builder.
Featured Specifications
PRS Stoptail with Brass Inserts
Engineered with curved string slots with brass inserts and brass studs to take full advantage of the resonant properties of the guitar.
PRS Phase III Non-Locking Tuners with Wing Buttons
With vintage elegance, these lightweight tuners promote tone transfer for a louder, more resonant instrument.
PRS McCarty III Pickups
Vintage-inspired pickups that bring a vocal clarity to their full, warm tone.
Specifications
Body | |
Body Construction | Solidbody |
Top Wood | Maple |
Back Wood | Mahogany |
Top Carve | Violin |
Neck | |
Number of Frets | 22 |
Scale Length | 25" |
Neck Wood | Mahogany |
Neck Construction | One-Piece |
Truss Rod | PRS Double-Acting |
Neck Shape | Pattern |
Neck Depth at the 1/2 Fret | 7/8" |
Neck Depth at the 12 1/2 Fret | 61/64" |
Neck Width at the Nut | 1 11/16" |
Neck Width at the Body | 2 1/4" |
Fretboard Wood | Rosewood w/ Faux Bone Binding |
Fretboard Radius | 10" |
Fretboard Inlay | Birds |
Headstock Logo | Signature, Inlaid |
Neck/Body Assembly | |
Neck/Body Assembly Type | Set |
Finish | |
Finish Type | High-Gloss Nitro |
Hardware | |
Bridge | PRS Stoptail w/ Brass Inserts |
Tuners | PRS Phase III Non-Locking Tuners w/ Wing Buttons |
Hardware Type | Nickel |
Nut | Bone |
Truss Rod Cover | "McCarty" |
Electronics | |
Treble Pickup | McCarty III |
Bass Pickup | McCarty III |
Controls | Volume and Push/Pull Tone Control w/ 3-Way Toggle Pickup Switch |
Additional Info | |
Strings | PRS Signature 10-46 |
Tuning | Standard (6 String): E, A, D, G, B, E |
Case | Hardshell Case |
Options | 10 Top with Hybrid Hardware |
Controls
McCarty - Controls Description
3-way toggle pickup switch:
Position 1 (down) - treble pickup
Position 2 - treble and bass pickups
Position 3 (up) - bass pickup
Coil-tap:
Down - humbucker mode
Up - single coil mode
Colors
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."