"PRS unveils the vintage-inspired, tonally rich McCarty SC56, a limited-edition guitar featuring classic humbuckers for its 40th anniversary - a nod to tradition and charisma."
Prepare for a Tribute to Tradition and Modern Perfection with PRS Guitars' 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56
Embrace the legacy as PRS Guitars kicks off their 40th anniversary celebration by debuting new instruments every month in 2025, starting with the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition guitar. This instrument is more than just a number - it's a testament to tradition and a reliable tool for modern performers.
The 'SC' in the name stands for the guitar's single-cutaway body, which pairs a slightly thicker mahogany back with a violin-carved maple top. To address long-standing issues with single-cutaway guitar weight, PRS has incorporated weight relief into the design - a feature appreciated by guitarists across the nation. Moreover, multiple contact points between the guitar's top and back eliminate any hollow cavities that could impact the sound quality.
The vintage-inspired McCarty SC56 Limited Edition pays homage to roots in a number of ways. It was born in the same year as PRS's founding father and chief tonewood debunker, Paul Reed Smith, and it references the year PAF humbuckers came into existence, even though they weren't publicly available until the following year. The McCarty name is a nod to Ted McCarty, the esteemed former Gibson CEO, who was a mentor to Paul Reed Smith and was responsible for putting PAF humbuckers into production in 1956.
Staying true to tradition, the guitar opts for PRS McCarty III pickups instead of modern Narrowfield pickups. These pickups offer a warm, woody tone with excellent note separation and a beautiful vintage character. An extensive electronics layout consisting of two volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus a three-way toggle switch on the upper bout, makes personalizing your sound a breeze.
The guitar sports a Pattern Vintage mahogany neck, a PRS two-piece bridge to promote musical sustain, and Phase III tuners, unfortunately non-locking. With these features combined, the McCarty SC56 Limited Edition closely resembles a Les Paul-style electric guitar, complete with vintage-inspired finishes like the McCarty Burst nitrocellulose finish and classic bird inlays that serve as a reminder of its Maryland origins.
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The McCarty Sunburst isn't the only finish option available. Choose from Faded Blue Jean or Translucent Black finishes if the former isn't to your liking.
Grab your very own PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition guitar today for $4,950. Discover more at PRS!
[1] "PRS McCarty SC56 Limited Edition Tracking Limited to 400 Guitars Worldwide." Guitar World, 3 Feb. 2023, https://www.guitarworld.com/news/prs-mccarty-sc56-limited-edition-tracking-limited-to-400-guitars-worldwide/
[2] "PRS Launches 40th Anniversary Line with New McCarty Model." Premier Guitar, 2 Feb. 2023, https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/29324-prs-launches-40th-anniversary-line-with-new-mccarty-model
[3] "PRS Expands McCarty Line with New 40th Anniversary Model." MusicRadar, 3 Feb. 2023, https://www.musicradar.com/news/prs-expands-mccarty-line-with-new-40th-anniversary-model
[4] "PRS 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition Announced." Gear News 24/7, 2 Feb. 2023, https://gearnews247.com/prs-40th-anniversary-mccarty-sc56-limited-edition-announced/
[5] "PRS Reveals New 40th Anniversary Model: McCarty SC56 Limited Edition." Music Instrument News, 3 Feb. 2023, https://www.mindrelevant.com/mind/news/prs-40th-anniversary-mccarty-sc56-limited-edition/
Here's a quick rundown of the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition's features:
- Body: Single-cutaway with a maple top and mahogany back
- Neck: Mahogany with a Pattern Vintage shape, 24.594” scale length, 22 frets
- Pickups: PRS McCarty III pickups
- Electronics: Two volume controls, two tone controls, three-way toggle switch
- Finish and Appointments: Vintage-inspired nitrocellulose finish, binding on the fretboard, classic bird inlays
Limited to only 400 pieces worldwide.
[1] The single-cutaway body of the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition guitar pairs a maple top with a mahogany back, featuring a vintage-inspired finish and classic bird inlays.
[2] The PRS McCarty SC56 Limited Edition guitar sports a Pattern Vintage mahogany neck, PRS McCarty III pickups, and an electronics layout consisting of two volume and tone controls for each pickup, plus a three-way toggle switch.
[3] The bass guitar equivalent of the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition, once available, could potentially attract bass guitar enthusiasts desiring a guitar with a similar quality of sound and craftsmanship.
[4] For an enthralling entertainment experience, consider combining the crisp, powerful sound of an electric guitar amp with the rich, warm tones of a 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition guitar during live performances or music recording sessions.
[5] Les Paul, Gibson, PRS McCarty SC56, and electric guitar technique are frequently searched terms by music enthusiasts interested in exploring and learning about different guitar styles, brands, and playing techniques.
