Paul Reed Smith The McCarty Model
Ted McCarty has been a great teacher at PRS, passing on the philosophy which made Gibson Guitars* a legend during his Presidency in the 1950s and 1960s. The ES335*, the tunamatic bridge and the humbucking pickup were all conceived and developed on his "watch". He was directly responsible for the Les Paul*, ES 335*, Flying V*, Explorer*, Firebird*, SG*, Byrdland*, the Tune-o-matic* bridge, and the humbucking pickup, etc. He has become a friend whose teachings in guitar making processes have been invaluable in the manufacturing of this instrument.
Some important people are saying some very nice things about the model we named for Ted, and which embodies much of his thinking about guitar design. Pete Prown, Editor of Guitar Shop magazine says, "the McCarty is the master of the lead tone." Guitar Player magazine adds, "It may be the quintessential humbucker-equipped solid body." Our McCarty Sunburst finish, shown opposite, is often copied but never equaled!
The McCarty Model has several changes from the PRS Custom including an increased headstock angle, PRS Dragon Pickups with covers, a thicker Mahogany back, a 22 fret Wide-Fat neck, warm old colors, our new PRS Stop-tail, simple inlays and a "Michigan Maple" top. This guitar is a culmination of Ted's history and teachings. It is an honor to bring this instrument, bearing his name, to you.