PRS McCarty Guitars

PRS McCarty Guitars are where tradition meets innovation. Named after Ted McCarty, a pivotal figure in the guitar industry, the McCarty embodies the spirit of classic guitar design alongside modern PRS craftsmanship.

Built to provide that unmistakable vintage charm, the McCarty series features classic-inspired appointments like bound fretboards, 22-fret Pattern shaped necks, and slightly thicker backs for enhanced tone and sustain.

As for the sounds, the McCarty LT and 58/15 LT pickups on this series give a rich voice with plenty of mid-range clarity, and a top-end that’s airy and bright. The LT stands for “low turn”, meaning a lower output to give you vibe and tone of retro guitars.

A tribute to McCarty’s legacy and his friendship with Paul Reed Smith, the McCarty series can give you the authentic golden-era guitar experience, without any of the drawbacks. Shop the range at Gear4music, where every PRS guitar is backed by our comprehensive three-year warranty and speedy delivery service.

About PRS McCarty Guitars

Launched in the late 1990s, the PRS McCarty series pays homage to Ted McCarty, the legendary guitar maker and former president of Gibson. Under his guidance, some of the most iconic electric guitars were born. Paul Reed Smith, looking to capture the essence of those golden years, designed the McCarty series to reflect the tone, aesthetics, and playability of classic instruments while incorporating PRS’s modern advancements.

The McCarty line is renowned for its rich, warm tones, achieved through a combination of vintage-inspired specifications and PRS innovation. Features include thicker bodies for enhanced sustain, 58/15 pickups for smooth, articulate sound, and a Pattern neck shape for comfortable playability. Models like the McCarty 594 (referring to the 24.594” scale length of iconic vintage guitars) and the McCarty Singlecut 594 offer players a versatile range of tones suitable for any genre, from blues to rock.

Signature touches like the PRS two-piece bridge, phase III locking tuners, and nitro over cellulose (CAB) finish not only pay respect to McCarty's designs but also ensure these guitars stand out in the modern era. The series has expanded to include various models and configurations, including the McCarty 594 Hollowbody II, combining PRS’s acoustic and electric guitar innovations.

The original McCarty model differs slightly from the subsequent 594s in a few ways. It is equipped with McCarty LT pickups that have don’t have quite as many switching options, the pickup selector is set into the body rather than the upper bout, and the guitar uses a PRS Stoptail bridge, not the two-piece setup of the 594s.

Today, the selection of McCarty’s is larger than ever, with models spanning the Core, S2, and SE series to match the budget of any player seeking that old-school feel.

The McCarty is a great choice for the pure vintage experience and character, while the 594’s retain that spirit but add in enhanced features to give you a versatility and tonal palette that’s unmatched.

FAQs

What does McCarty mean on PRS Guitars?

The "McCarty" on PRS guitars honours Ted McCarty, an industry pioneer, blending vintage design with modern craftsmanship. This series reflects McCarty's legacy with rich tones, classic aesthetics, and PRS innovation, appealing to players seeking a blend of history and quality.

Where are PRS McCarty guitars made?

The Core and S2 PRS McCarty guitars are made in the Maryland, USA PRS factory. The SE McCarty’s are produced at the PRS facility in Indonesia. All series capture the vintage magic that Ted McCarty brought to guitar design and suit multiple price points to get that sought-after sound.

What pickups does a PRS McCarty have?

PRS McCarty guitars can feature a variety of pickup sets depending on their model. The standard McCarty has McCarty LT pickups, the Core 594 has 58/15 LT humbuckers, and all S2 and SE models feature 58/15 LT "S" pickups.