Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$4,950.00 $3,799.00 $1,151.00 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$4,065.40 New
$2,650.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$3,899.00 $3,877.00 $22.00 · All time low

Average Price: $3,598

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "PRS Limited Edition 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The PRS Limited Edition 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 is a tribute to two legends, Paul Reed Smith and his mentor Ted McCarty, capturing the essence of vintage tone and modern innovation. This meticulously crafted guitar combines a weight-relieved mahogany body with a beautifully figured maple top, delivering both comfort and eye-catching aesthetics. The Pattern Vintage neck profile offers a chunky yet comfortable grip, perfect for players who appreciate a bit more substance in their fretting hand.

Equipped with the celebrated PRS McCarty III humbuckers, this guitar produces a versatile tonal palette, merging the warmth and fullness of classic PAF-style pickups with modern clarity. The neck pickup sings with rich, vintage warmth, while the bridge pickup delivers a clear, chimey tone that's perfect for both clean and overdriven settings. The Old School Birds inlays and the iconic eagle headstock inlay lend an elegant touch to the rosewood fingerboard, completing the SC56's vintage-inspired look.

This limited edition guitar, with only 400 pieces worldwide, is not just a collector's dream but a player's versatile companion, embodying the spirit of innovation and tradition in every note.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition of 400 pieces worldwide
  • Weight-relieved mahogany body with a figured maple top
  • Set-in mahogany neck with a Pattern Vintage profile
  • 10" radius rosewood fingerboard with Old School Birds inlays
  • Dual PRS McCarty III humbuckers for versatile tonal options
  • PRS 2-piece bridge and vintage-style tuning machines
  • Includes a high-quality case
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Model McCarty SC56
Special Release PRS 40th Anniversary
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape McCarty
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Maple
Body Finish Gloss Nitro
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Pattern Vintage
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 10"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay PRS Birds
Number of Frets 22
Fret Material Nickel
Scale Length 24.594"
Scale Length Type Standard Scale
Nut Width 1.687"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece PRS Two-Piece
Tuners PRS Vintage-Style
Neck Pickup PRS McCarty III Humbucker
Bridge Pickup PRS McCarty III Humbucker
Controls 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings PRS Signature, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56?

The PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 features a Pattern Vintage neck profile, which is designed to offer a comfortable grip with a slightly thicker feel, reminiscent of vintage guitars, making it ideal for players who prefer a more substantial neck.

What kind of tones can I expect from the PRS McCarty III Humbucker pickups?

The PRS McCarty III Humbucker pickups provide a versatile tonal range, offering rich, warm tones with excellent clarity and sustain, making them suitable for genres ranging from blues and jazz to rock and metal.

Is the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it ideal for advanced players seeking superior sound and playability.

What is the body material of the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 is made from mahogany with a maple top, providing a balanced tone with warm mids and bright highs, contributing to its rich and resonant sound.

Does the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 come with a case?

Yes, the PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transport of the guitar.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS Limited Edition 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56.

Features and functionality

  • The SC56 includes chambering and features McCarty III pickups, contributing to its distinct tonal character and lighter weight, approximately 7.2 lbs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners compare the SC56 to a Gibson R9, suggesting it offers a similar experience without the historical lineage.

    Source
  • An owner noted the SC56 doesn't outperform their Suhr or Ernie Ball guitars in terms of playability, despite it being a first PRS purchase.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner with a collection of PRS and other high-end guitars ranked the SC56 slightly higher, indicating PRS has refined the singlecut set neck design over 25 years.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS celebrates the first humbuckers with McCarty SC56 | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The PRS Limited Edition 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 impresses with its blend of tradition and modernity. Celebrating 40 years of PRS, this single-cutaway guitar features a thick mahogany body and a violin-carved maple top with weight relief, addressing common ergonomic concerns. Its McCarty III pickups deliver warm, vintage tones, while the versatile electronics allow for personalized soundscapes. The non-locking Phase III tuners might be a downside for some, but overall, its craftsmanship and sound quality shine through. With a price tag of $4,950, it's a premium choice for those seeking a blend of history and innovation.

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