PRS PAUL REED SMITH MCCARTY

$3,900.00

5.0 (4)

$3,300.00 21 available New

$2,499.00 19 available Used

$3,900.00

$4,399.00

Average Price: $3,790

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, PAUL REED SMITH MCCARTY is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "PAUL REED SMITH MCCARTY". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The PAUL REED SMITH MCCARTY guitar is a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern precision, paying tribute to the legendary Ted McCarty, a pivotal figure in the electric guitar industry. This instrument is not just about aesthetics; it embodies the rich heritage of guitar craftsmanship with its 58/15 LT humbuckers, delivering a sound that is both clear and robust, perfect for those seeking the classic PRS tone. The guitar's mahogany body, topped with flamed maple, enhances its tonal depth and sustain, while the rosewood fingerboard with bird inlays offers both visual appeal and a smooth playing experience.

The McCarty model features a Pattern neck profile, slightly thicker in design for added resonance and comfort, making it ideal for players who favor a more substantial grip. Equipped with a PRS stoptail bridge complemented by brass studs, the guitar boasts a vintage-style resonance that will transport you back to the golden age of electric guitars.

Whether you're navigating intricate solos or laying down solid rhythms, this guitar ensures versatility with its coil-split function, giving you the option to switch between humbucking and single-coil tones effortlessly. With PRS vintage tuners and nickel hardware, this instrument not only sounds extraordinary but also exudes classic elegance.

Key Features:

Mahogany body with flamed maple top
Mahogany neck with a Pattern neck profile
Rosewood fingerboard with bird inlays
22 frets and 25" scale length
58/15 LT humbucker pickups
PRS stoptail bridge with brass studs
Vintage-style tuners and nickel hardware
Volume and tone controls with push/pull coil split function
3-way toggle switch
Includes case
Made in USA

Product specs

Available since	December 2023
Colour	Charcoal
Body	Mahogany
Top	Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Fretboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Scale	635 mm
Pickups	HH
Tremolo	None
incl. Bag	No
incl. Case	Yes
Limited Run	No
Model	Mccarty
Shape	ST-Style
Pickup System	HH

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the PRS McCarty electric guitar?: The PRS McCarty features a pattern neck profile, which is known for its comfortable feel, offering a perfect balance between vintage and modern neck shapes, making it suitable for various playing styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the PRS McCarty's pickups?: The PRS McCarty is equipped with HH pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones from warm, rich cleans to powerful, articulate overdrives, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the PRS McCarty suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the PRS McCarty is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players looking for a professional-grade instrument with exceptional playability and tonal versatility.
Does the PRS McCarty come with a case?: Yes, the PRS McCarty includes a case, ensuring your guitar is protected during transport and storage.
What materials are used in the construction of the PRS McCarty?: The PRS McCarty features a mahogany body and neck, a maple top, and a rosewood fretboard, chosen for their tonal qualities and durability, contributing to the guitar's rich sound and comfortable playability.

Videos

Add video

PRS Guitars

The McCarty | PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

FIRST LOOK! PRS 2024 McCarty 10-Top Guitar STUNNER! (+1 hr PRS Blues)

Justin Johnson

The McCarty Prototypes | From The Archives | PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Well-defined, dynamic look enhances visual appeal
Exceptional tone quality with upgraded adjustable bridge
Versatile across various music genres
High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
Excellent playability for long practice sessions
Suitable for both clean and distorted sounds
Ideal choice for a long-term, "forever" guitar

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PAUL REED SMITH MCCARTY.

Build quality

0 0

PRS core guitars, including the McCarty models, are built in the US with a full violin carve top and thicker body structure.
Source
0 0

There are mentions of janky and crooked knobs, suggesting some inconsistencies in manufacturing quality control.
Source
0 0

Some owners report quality control issues with the Modern Eagle V, including a poorly cut nut and uneven frets.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The SE McCarty 594's coil-tapped neck pickup provides a beautiful tone, offering versatility for various musical styles.
Source
0 0

The original McCarty features a basic fixed bridge, whereas the 594 offers a unique two-piece bridge system.
Source
0 0

The 594 model includes more control options, such as push/pull pots and separate volume controls, compared to the simpler McCarty setup.
Source
0 0

The Modern Eagle V features mini humbuckers similar to those on '70s Gibson Deluxes, offering a distinct vintage sound.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The SE McCarty 594 is lighter than an Epiphone and offers a warmer tone, making it a comfortable choice for those seeking a Les Paul alternative.
Source
0 0

Owners note the SE McCarty 594 Singlecut feels like a more modern and comfortable Les Paul, with a brighter, more mid-focused tone compared to traditional Les Pauls.
Source
0 0

The McCarty has a 25" scale length, contrasting the 594's 24.594" scale derived from Ted McCarty's ideal measurement method.
Source
0 0

The McCarty 594 is likened to a double-cutaway Les Paul, while the Single Cut resembles a traditional Les Paul.
Source

User experience

0 0

A user with experience across 12 guitars praises the SE McCarty 594's bridge pickup as exceptional, and highlights its perfect neck and balance when played.
Source
0 0

Owners note the McCarty LT pickups provide a brighter tone, while the 58/15 LT pickups on the 594 are softer and lower in output.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

It's suggested that adding Bare Knuckle PAF pickups can bring the tone closer to classic Les Paul sounds, though achieving the same bottom end remains challenging.
Source
0 0

Users suggest replacing stock pickups with Lollar or Ron Ellis for a more authentic vintage tone, noting a significant tonal improvement.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Some owners report the need for nut filing to achieve proper intonation, indicating potential setup adjustments may be necessary out-of-the-box.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Core PRS guitars are noted for not holding their value well, often selling for around $2,000 less than new prices on the used market.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The McCarty line, with its low-output 58/15 LT pickups, is versatile but may not match true vintage PAF sounds without aftermarket upgrades.
Source

Critic Reviews

PRS McCarty 2020 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The PRS McCarty 2020 impresses with its exceptional build quality, versatile tones, and playability, making it a strong contender for those seeking a vintage-voiced electric guitar. Its new hardware and nitro-over-cellulose finish enhance its appeal, offering a broad range of tones from smooth jazz to blues-rock. However, its high price and competition within PRS's lineup pose challenges. Overall, the McCarty remains a favorite for its rich sound and craftsmanship, despite being a considerable investment.

positive

Full Review

PRS McCarty review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The PRS McCarty is a masterclass in refined, versatile guitar design, balancing vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship. Its remarkable build quality, expansive tonal range, and excellent playability make it a standout in the PRS lineup. The attention to detail, such as the weight and tone of the tuners, enhances the guitar's performance. However, its high price and competition from other PRS models may be a consideration for potential buyers. Overall, the McCarty remains a worthy tribute to its namesake, offering a rich array of tones and impeccable construction.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Benjamin Burnley

Singer, Guitarist

Breaking Benjamin

Verified via Photo

Color/Finish: Whale Blue Year: 2000s

Ben Burnley is seen playing a PRS McCarty with a whale blue finish (likely a 2001 or 2003 model). This guitar was his Drop C# backup during his PRS endorsement. It was his Drop C# main during the 2006 tours (before Phobia released), and the Phobia tours in 2007. During the Dear Agony tours in 2009 and 2010, he went back to his platinum Standard 22.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More PRS Solid Body Electric Guitars

PRS CE 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,826.65 - $2,699.00

4 available stores

5.0 (30)

^# 23

Who’s using this:

26 artists using

PRS SE Custom 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$636.75 - $949.00

7 available stores

4.5 (90)

^# 31

Who’s using this:

23 artists using

PRS Custom 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$2,868.78 - $4,260.00

3 available stores

5.0 (95)

^# 40

Who’s using this:

115 artists using

PRS Silver Sky Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,899.00 - $2,749.00

5 available stores

4.5 (16)

^# 56

Who’s using this:

40 artists using

PRS SE 245 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$775.94 - $799.00

3 available stores

4.5 (34)

^# 69

Who’s using this:

13 artists using

PRS McCarty Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars

$301.85 - $4,740.00

4 available stores

5.0 (14)

^# 97

Who’s using this:

32 artists using

PRS SE Standard 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$519.00 - $584.10

3 available stores

5.0 (27)

Who’s using this:

PRS McCarty 594 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$3,856.00 - $5,600.00

2 available stores

5.0 (15)

Who’s using this:

13 artists using

PRS Custom 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$3,200.00

1 available store

5.0 (23)

Who’s using this:

70 artists using

PRS SE Custom 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$750.25 - $866.00

4 available stores

4.5 (23)

Who’s using this:

PRS S2 Vela Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,274.95 - $2,150.00

4 available stores

5.0 (11)

Who’s using this:

9 artists using

PRS CE 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,600.00 - $2,899.00

5 available stores

4.5 (5)

Who’s using this:

PRS Mira Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,050.00

1 available store

5.0 (7)

Who’s using this:

16 artists using

PRS SE Silver Sky Solid Body Electric Guitars

$577.00 - $1,277.12

8 available stores

4.5 (10)

Who’s using this:

5 artists using

PRS S2 Mira Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars

$949.99

1 available store

5.0 (16)

Who’s using this:

11 artists using

PRS SE 277 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$799.00 - $1,111.00

4 available stores

4.5 (7)

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

PRS SE Custom 24 Floyd Solid Body Electric Guitars

$777.00 - $1,079.00

5 available stores

5.0 (10)

Who’s using this:

3 artists using

PRS Standard 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$449.00 - $2,199.00

6 available stores

4.5 (6)

Who’s using this:

5 artists using

PRS Singlecut Solid Body Electric Guitars

$2,000.00

1 available store

5.0 (9)

Who’s using this:

28 artists using

PRS SE Tremonti Solid Body Electric Guitars

$335.00 - $729.00

4 available stores

4.5 (16)

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

PRS SE Mark Tremonti Signature Solid Body Electric Guitars

$612.48 - $939.00

6 available stores

4.5 (21)

Who’s using this:

3 artists using

PRS S2 Singlecut Solid Body Electric Guitars

$1,599.00

1 available store

5.0 (9)

Who’s using this:

9 artists using

PRS SE CE 24 Solid Body Electric Guitars

$529.00 - $699.00

7 available stores

5.0 (1)

PRS SE 277 Baritone Solid Body Electric Guitars

$659.00 - $859.00

6 available stores

4.5 (3)

Who’s using this:

4 artists using

PRS Mark Tremonti Signature Solid Body Electric Guitars

$3,700.00 - $4,888.00

3 available stores

5.0 (20)

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

PRS Fiore Solid Body Electric Guitars

$2,199.00 - $2,899.00

5 available stores

5.0 (2)

Who’s using this: