This 2009 PRS McCarty is a fine example of one of Paul Reed Smith’s most enduring designs, created to capture the feel and character of late-1950s American guitars while retaining the precision, playability, and consistency for which PRS has become renowned. The McCarty line has long been regarded as one of the cornerstones of the PRS range, offering a more vintage-inspired specification than the company’s Custom models.

Built with a carved figured maple top over a mahogany body, paired with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard, the guitar delivers the warm, resonant voice that has made the McCarty such a favourite among players. The comfortable neck profile and impeccable build quality provide an effortless playing experience, while the traditional PRS stoptail bridge contributes excellent sustain and tuning stability.

This example is fitted with the original McCarty humbuckers, offering a balanced, vintage-voiced response with plenty of clarity and dynamic range. Combined with the familiar PRS control layout, the guitar is equally at home delivering warm clean tones, articulate blues sounds, or more driven classic rock voices. The understated moon inlays further reinforce the model’s traditional aesthetic, a feature often preferred by players seeking a more understated appearance than the company’s signature bird inlays.

The original backplate has been signed by Paul Reed Smith, adding an interesting and highly personal element to the instrument’s provenance. A replacement backplate (genuine PRS part) has been installed to preserve the signature on the original.

Condition is very good overall, with only light signs of use. There is some finish lifting and chipping to the top edge of the headstock, a cosmetic issue that does not affect the structural integrity or playability of the guitar. Elsewhere, the instrument presents well and reflects the quality of a carefully looked-after PRS.

A superb example of a 2009 PRS McCarty, this guitar combines the craftsmanship and attention to detail that established PRS as one of the world’s premier guitar builders with the more traditional voice that has made the McCarty a modern classic. The signed backplate provides an unusual talking point, while the guitar itself remains a highly versatile professional instrument built to an exceptional standard.