A Masterpiece of Resonance and Artistry
This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a testament to the art of lutherie. A PRS Private Stock is the pinnacle of Paul Reed Smith’s vision, and this McCarty Semi-Hollow is a breathtaking example. The Aquamarine Glow finish dances over a truly spectacular Curly Maple top, creating a sense of depth you could get lost in. But the real magic happens when you pick it up. The semi-hollow construction, paired with a resonant Black Limba back, delivers an airy bloom and complexity that solid-body guitars can only dream of—it’s a truly three-dimensional playing experience.
Tonewoods of the Gods
The foundation of this McCarty’s voice is its impeccable selection of woods. The Curly Maple top doesn’t just look incredible; it provides a crisp, articulate attack and high-end shimmer. This is perfectly balanced by the Black Limba back, which brings in a warmth and midrange character reminiscent of the best vintage mahogany. The neck—itself a piece of art crafted from stained Curly Maple—is capped with a Ziricote fingerboard and headstock veneer. Ziricote is a dream to play, offering a slick, fast feel and a tonal response that’s both clear and harmonically rich.
Vintage Voice, Modern Clarity
Plug it in, and you’re greeted with the soulful, nuanced voice of PRS McCarty LT pickups. These are not high-output shredders; they’re all about clarity, warmth, and dynamic response. They have a beautiful, vocal-like quality that lets every note sing. Dig in, and they’ll give you a satisfying grit and bite. Roll back the volume, and they clean up with a glassy sweetness. The simple, effective control layout—a single volume, a push-pull tone for coil-splitting, and a 3-way switch—gives you a huge palette of sounds, from full, throaty humbucker tones to spanky, chimey single-coil sounds.
The Private Stock Experience
From the moment you open the luxurious Private Stock Brown Leather case, you know you’re holding something special. Every detail has been obsessed over, from the stunning Abalone bird inlays outlined in Mother of Pearl to the nickel hardware and vintage-style tuners. The Pattern neck carve feels instantly familiar and comfortable, a perfect handful for chording or single-note runs. This is more than an instrument—it’s an inspiration machine built to last a lifetime.
