PRS McCarty McCarty Sunburst Electric Guitar, (Used)

The PRS McCarty in McCarty Sunburst is a beautifully crafted American-made electric guitar that combines classic vintage-inspired tone with the exceptional build quality, playability and refinement for which Paul Reed Smith guitars are renowned.

Named in honour of legendary guitar designer and former Gibson president Ted McCarty, the PRS McCarty was developed to capture the warmth, resonance and expressive response of traditional electric guitars while incorporating the precision and innovation associated with PRS.

The model features a distinctive double-cutaway body, carved maple top, mahogany back, set neck construction and 22-fret fingerboard. Its slightly thicker body design and traditional PRS stoptail bridge contribute to the substantial feel and resonant response that have made the McCarty a favourite among blues, classic rock and professional session guitarists.

Finished in McCarty Sunburst, this instrument has an elegant, vintage-inspired appearance, with warm amber tones transitioning towards darker edges. The finish highlights the classic styling of the McCarty and provides an attractive alternative to more contemporary PRS colours.

The McCarty's traditional dual-humbucker design offers an expressive range of sounds, from warm, rounded clean tones to articulate rhythm guitar and rich, sustaining lead sounds.

Its 25-inch scale length provides a comfortable balance between traditional Gibson and Fender dimensions, while the double-cutaway body offers convenient upper-fret access.

This particular PRS McCarty is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, with visible wear to the neck finish from previous use. This cosmetic wear is an important part of the individual instrument's condition and is reflected in the description.

The guitar weighs 7.3 lbs (approximately 3.31kg), carries serial number 152785 and comes complete with a hardcase.

For guitarists seeking an American-made PRS with traditional styling, expressive humbucker sounds and an appealing played-in character, this McCarty Sunburst is an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	PRS / Paul Reed Smith
Model	McCarty
Finish	McCarty Sunburst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Serial Number	152785
Weight	7.3 lbs / 3.31kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Notable Cosmetic Wear	Wear to Neck Finish from Previous Use
Case	Hardcase Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This PRS McCarty Sunburst is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, showing signs of previous use consistent with a guitar that has been regularly played and enjoyed.

The instrument features the distinctive McCarty Sunburst finish, classic PRS double-cutaway body shape and traditional McCarty appointments.

Please note that the finish on the neck shows visible wear resulting from previous use. This should be considered when assessing the guitar's overall cosmetic condition.

The wear is specifically associated with the neck finish and forms part of the instrument's individual appearance and playing history. No claim is made that the neck has been refinished or that the underlying wood has been structurally affected.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully, particularly the neck area, for a closer assessment of the wear and the instrument's overall cosmetic condition.

Neck Finish Wear

The most notable cosmetic characteristic of this example is the wear to the neck finish through previous playing.

Guitars that have seen regular use can develop visible changes to the finish in areas contacted by the fretting hand. Such wear may contribute to a distinctive played-in appearance.

The wear should not be confused with a factory relic or aged finish treatment; it has developed through previous use.

Prospective buyers should refer to the photographs to assess the extent and appearance of the finish wear.

Serial Number

Serial Number: 152785

PRS's published serial-number guidance places this numerical sequence within its approximate 2009 set-neck production range. The complete year-prefix format should be checked on the instrument before assigning a definitive manufacture year.

Weight – 7.3 lbs

This PRS McCarty weighs 7.3 lbs (approximately 3.31kg).

Its relatively comfortable weight is particularly attractive for a carved-top, mahogany-bodied electric guitar, making it suitable for extended rehearsals, studio sessions and live performance.

Hardcase Included

This PRS McCarty comes complete with a hardcase, providing valuable protection during storage and transportation.

What's Included

• PRS McCarty McCarty Sunburst Electric Guitar

• Hardcase

Service & Setup

The PRS McCarty features an adjustable truss rod and traditional PRS bridge construction, allowing appropriate adjustment of neck relief, string action and intonation. Regular attention to the frets, nut, tuning machines, pickup height and electronics helps maintain comfortable playability and consistent performance. The existing wear to the neck finish should be taken into account when cleaning and maintaining the instrument, with care taken to avoid aggressive polishing or unsuitable cleaning products. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and playability.

Key Features

• American-Made PRS McCarty: Premium electric guitar inspired by classic vintage designs.

• McCarty Sunburst Finish: Traditional warm sunburst styling.

• Carved Maple Top: Classic PRS construction with attractive contours.

• Mahogany Body: Provides a rich, resonant foundation.

• Double-Cutaway Design: Comfortable upper-fret accessibility.

• Set-Neck Construction: Traditional construction associated with the McCarty range.

• 22-Fret Design: Vintage-inspired playing range.

• 25-Inch Scale Length: Balanced string tension and expressive playing feel.

• Traditional Dual-Humbucker Configuration: Versatile tones for blues, rock and studio work.

• PRS Stoptail Bridge Design: Straightforward operation and reliable string anchoring.

• Vintage-Inspired McCarty Heritage: Developed in collaboration with legendary guitar designer Ted McCarty.

• Comfortable 7.3 lb Weight: Appealing for extended playing sessions.

• Visible Neck Finish Wear: Clearly disclosed cosmetic wear resulting from previous use.

• Hardcase Included: Protection for storage and transportation.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: A distinctive, previously enjoyed American-made guitar.

Why You'll Love It

The PRS McCarty is particularly appealing to players who appreciate the warmth and expressive character of vintage electric guitars but want the precision and comfortable playability associated with PRS.

Its combination of mahogany and maple follows a traditional construction philosophy, producing a responsive foundation for warm rhythm tones, articulate cleans and sustaining lead guitar.

The McCarty's 25-inch scale length provides a distinct playing feel, sitting between the familiar Gibson and Fender standards.

Its elegant double-cutaway body is comfortable and practical, while the classic sunburst finish provides timeless visual appeal.

This particular example also has an individual character resulting from previous ownership, most notably the visible wear to the neck finish.

For guitarists who enjoy the appearance and feel of an instrument that has been played rather than kept entirely pristine, this may be part of its appeal.

Detailed Features & Benefits

The Classic PRS McCarty Design

Introduced in 1994, the PRS McCarty was developed to combine the traditional characteristics of vintage electric guitars with the construction standards and innovations associated with Paul Reed Smith. Its design includes a slightly thicker mahogany back than the traditional PRS Custom model, helping distinguish the McCarty's physical and tonal character. The model has become particularly respected among players seeking a traditional instrument capable of handling a wide range of musical styles.

Beautiful McCarty Sunburst Finish

The McCarty Sunburst finish gives the guitar a warm, vintage-inspired appearance, combining rich amber colouring with darker shading towards the edges. The finish complements the carved-top body and elegant PRS styling, creating a sophisticated aesthetic closely associated with traditional American electric guitars. This classic colour scheme is particularly appealing to blues and rock players who prefer an understated instrument.

Carved Maple Top & Mahogany Body

The McCarty model combines a carved maple top with a mahogany body, following a traditional electric guitar construction philosophy. Mahogany is associated with warmth, body and midrange depth, while maple contributes definition and articulation. Together, these timbers provide a versatile foundation for the instrument's humbucking pickup design, making the McCarty suitable for expressive clean tones and rich overdriven sounds.

Traditional Set-Neck Construction

The McCarty's set-neck construction provides a solid connection between the neck and body, maintaining the design philosophy of classic American electric guitars. This arrangement complements the guitar's resonant character and distinctive playing response. The double-cutaway body allows convenient access to the higher frets, while the neck design offers a familiar feel for players accustomed to traditional electric guitars.

Comfortable 25-Inch Scale Length

One of the defining characteristics of PRS electric guitars is the 25-inch scale length, which sits between the traditional Gibson 24.75-inch and Fender 25.5-inch dimensions. This provides a balanced playing experience, combining comfortable string bending with articulate note attack. It is particularly appealing for guitarists who regularly alternate between rhythm and lead playing.

Traditional 22-Fret Layout

The PRS McCarty features 22 frets, reflecting the traditional electric guitar design influences behind the model. This provides a familiar playing range for blues, classic rock and melodic lead guitar, while the double-cutaway body supports comfortable access to the upper fingerboard. The design is particularly suitable for players who prefer a vintage-inspired playing experience.

Expressive Dual-Humbucker Sounds

The McCarty's traditional dual-humbucker layout provides a versatile tonal foundation for blues, rock, country-influenced playing and studio work. Neck-position humbucker sounds are particularly suited to warm cleans and expressive melodic leads, while bridge-position sounds provide greater attack and presence for rhythm guitar. The combination makes the McCarty an adaptable instrument for musicians who move between clean, lightly driven and more saturated amplifier settings.

Traditional PRS Stoptail Design

The McCarty is closely associated with PRS's traditional stoptail bridge design, which offers a straightforward approach to string anchoring and dependable performance. Its clean appearance complements the guitar's vintage-inspired styling, while the construction provides a familiar playing response. The precise bridge hardware fitted to an individual guitar should be assessed when carrying out detailed setup or maintenance.

Comfortable Playing Weight

At just 7.3 lbs, this McCarty offers a comfortable weight for a traditional carved-top electric guitar. Players who regularly perform standing up may particularly appreciate this manageable weight, while the substantial feel of the instrument remains reassuring for rhythm and lead playing. Combined with the double-cutaway design, it provides an attractive balance between traditional construction and everyday comfort.

Individual Played-In Neck Character

The visible neck finish wear is a noteworthy feature of this particular guitar. Developed through previous use, it distinguishes the instrument from an immaculate or unplayed example. Some guitarists appreciate the appearance of naturally worn instruments, while others prefer pristine finishes, so the wear has been disclosed clearly to allow buyers to make an informed decision.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: An expressive instrument suited to warm, dynamic playing.

Classic Rock Musicians: Traditional humbucker sounds and comfortable playability make it an excellent choice.

PRS Enthusiasts: A distinctive example of the historic McCarty design.

Session Guitarists: Versatile tonal character suitable for recording rhythm and lead parts.

Vintage-Inspired Players: Combines traditional construction with the refinement of a PRS electric guitar.

Players Seeking a Lightweight Guitar: Its 7.3 lb weight is particularly appealing for longer performances.

Playing Styles & Applications

The PRS McCarty is well suited to blues, blues-rock, classic rock, soul, alternative rock, country-influenced guitar and studio recording.

Its traditional humbucker design makes it particularly effective for warm clean playing, expressive overdrive and sustaining lead guitar.

The guitar is equally appropriate for chord-based rhythm work and melodic soloing, with its double-cutaway body and 25-inch scale providing a comfortable playing experience.

How It Compares

PRS McCarty vs PRS Custom 22

The PRS Custom 22 and McCarty share a broad family resemblance, but the McCarty was developed with a stronger emphasis on vintage-inspired construction and tonal character. Its slightly thicker body and traditional hardware philosophy distinguish it from the more contemporary design approach of the Custom Series.

PRS McCarty vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

Both models use traditional maple-and-mahogany construction and offer versatile humbucker-driven sounds. The PRS McCarty features a double-cutaway body and 25-inch scale length, while the Gibson Les Paul Standard uses a traditional single-cutaway design and shorter scale. Players seeking a blend of vintage character and PRS ergonomics may find the McCarty particularly appealing.

PRS McCarty vs PRS McCarty 594

The McCarty 594 builds upon the original McCarty concept with a 24.594-inch scale length, a two-piece bridge system and its own electronics layout. The standard McCarty retains the familiar PRS 25-inch scale and traditional McCarty design, offering a different playing feel from the 594.

PRS McCarty Heritage

The PRS McCarty was introduced in 1994 and named after Ted McCarty, the influential guitar designer and former president of Gibson.

Ted McCarty played an important role in the development of several legendary electric guitar designs during the 1950s and 1960s.

Paul Reed Smith developed a close relationship with McCarty, drawing upon his experience and knowledge of traditional guitar construction.

The resulting PRS McCarty model became an important part of the company's history, combining vintage-inspired design principles with contemporary manufacturing precision.

The McCarty remains one of the most respected guitars in the PRS range, particularly among players seeking classic American electric guitar character.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Electric Guitar
Brand	PRS / Paul Reed Smith
Model	McCarty
Finish	McCarty Sunburst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Serial Number	152785
Body Style	Double Cutaway
Body Construction	Solid Body
Top Material	Maple
Back Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Scale Length	25" / 635mm
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	Dual Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Number of Strings	6
Weight	7.3 lbs / Approx. 3.31kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Cosmetic Condition Note	Neck Finish Wear from Previous Use
Case	Hardcase Included

Power Requirements

The PRS McCarty uses conventional passive electric guitar electronics and does not require a battery or external power supply.

The guitar connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The PRS McCarty McCarty Sunburst is a beautifully designed American-made electric guitar that captures the spirit of traditional instruments while incorporating the craftsmanship associated with Paul Reed Smith.

Its classic maple and mahogany construction, comfortable double-cutaway body and familiar 25-inch scale provide an excellent foundation for blues, rock and expressive lead playing.

At 7.3 lbs, this example offers a comfortable weight for a carved-top electric guitar.

The McCarty Sunburst finish complements its vintage-inspired character, while the included hardcase provides valuable protection.

Importantly, this example shows wear to the neck finish through previous use. This is disclosed as part of its Very Good condition report and should be considered by customers who prefer guitars with pristine cosmetic finishes.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, session guitarists and enthusiasts of American-made PRS instruments.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: PRS SE McCarty models, mid-range dual-humbucker guitars and conventional single-cutaway instruments.

Most Commonly Paired With: Marshall-style valve amplifiers, boutique overdrive pedals, Fender-style clean amplifiers and analogue delay.

Our Tip: Experiment with the neck pickup through a lightly driven valve amplifier for warm, expressive lead sounds. The bridge position provides a more articulate response for classic rock rhythm playing.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned PRS McCarty from Fair Deal Music offers an opportunity to own a premium American-made electric guitar at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

We believe in clear descriptions of pre-owned equipment, including important cosmetic wear, modifications and confirmed accessories.

This particular instrument is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, with neck finish wear from previous use, weighs 7.3 lbs and includes a hardcase.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

The included hardcase provides valuable protection during storage and transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including PRS electric guitars, Gibson guitars, Fender guitars, acoustic instruments, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this PRS McCarty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this PRS McCarty in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, with visible wear to the neck finish resulting from previous use.

Does the neck have cosmetic wear?

Yes. The neck finish shows wear caused by previous playing. Please refer to the photographs for the extent and appearance of this wear.

Is the neck wear factory ageing?

No. The reported wear has developed through previous use.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

How much does it weigh?

This guitar weighs 7.3 lbs, approximately 3.31kg.

What finish does it have?

It features McCarty Sunburst.

Where was this PRS McCarty manufactured?

It was manufactured in the USA.

What is the serial number?

152785.  

What year was it manufactured?

PRS's approximate serial-number sequence places number 152785 around 2009, although the year prefix on the instrument should be checked before assigning a definite production year.

What is the PRS McCarty named after?

The model is named after Ted McCarty, the influential American guitar designer who worked closely with Paul Reed Smith.

What is the scale length?

It features a 25-inch scale length.

How many frets does the McCarty have?

The model features 22 frets.

Is the PRS McCarty suitable for blues?

Yes. Its traditional design and expressive humbucker sounds make it particularly well suited to blues.

Can it be used for classic rock?

Yes. The McCarty offers a wide range of clean, crunchy and driven tones suitable for classic rock.

Is it comfortable for live performance?

Its double-cutaway construction and 7.3 lb weight make it an attractive choice for extended live performances.

How does it differ from the PRS McCarty 594?

The standard McCarty has a 25-inch scale, while the McCarty 594 features a shorter 24.594-inch scale and different bridge and electronics arrangements.

Is this a PRS SE guitar?

No. This is a USA-made PRS McCarty.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its traditional passive guitar electronics do not require battery power.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this PRS McCarty?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.