Paul Reed Smith 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition - Translucent Black

The Paul Reed Smith 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition – Translucent Black is a show-stopping celebration of craftsmanship, tone, and legacy, masterfully executed in honor of PRS’s four decades of guitar excellence. Limited to only 400 pieces worldwide, this single-cut stunner is both a tonal juggernaut and a collectible work of art—representing the pinnacle of PRS’s vision for vintage-inspired refinement with modern performance.

At the heart of the SC56 lies a lightweight, resonant mahogany body enhanced with strategic weight relief, making it exceptionally comfortable while retaining the rich, sustaining voice players expect from a single-cut design. The top is a hand-selected flame maple cap, finished in a dark and moody Translucent Black that allows the wood’s natural figure to glow through with dramatic contrast and depth. This top is shaped with PRS’s signature violin carve, adding elegance and a sculpted feel that further elevates its boutique vibe.

The neck is a vintage lover’s dream: a one-piece mahogany neck carved to PRS’s Pattern Vintage profile, delivering a substantial, rounded grip that feels worn-in and solid without being cumbersome. Topping it off is a luxurious rosewood fretboard with binding, offering a smooth touch and rich tone, beautifully adorned with Old School Bird inlays that call back to the earliest and most revered PRS designs. The result is a neck that feels classic, plays effortlessly, and exudes character from every angle.

Electrifying this instrument is a newly developed set of McCarty III pickups, voiced for a warm, punchy midrange, smooth highs, and the harmonic richness PRS guitars are known for. These pickups excel at dynamic expression, letting your playing style and amp settings shine. The dual volume and dual push/pull tone controls, along with a 3-way toggle switch positioned on the upper bout, offer a vast tonal palette—from fat humbucker growl to crisp single-coil sparkle with the flick of a switch.

Every component of the SC56 is chosen for maximum resonance and reliability. The PRS 2-piece stoptail bridge, made from cast zinc, transfers string vibration with clarity and sustain, while Phase III vintage-style tuners with wing buttons maintain tuning integrity and add a touch of classic charm. All of this is complemented by sleek, timeless nickel hardware, tying the entire look together with subtle sophistication.

At just 7 lbs 8 oz, this guitar is as easy on the shoulder as it is pleasing to the ear and eye—perfect for marathon sessions or extended stage time. It ships in a rugged, road-ready PRS ATA D1 hardshell case, providing the protection an instrument of this caliber deserves.

The 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 in Translucent Black is a triumph of guitar design: visually striking, sonically versatile, and built with reverence for the past and precision for the future. With only 400 units produced, this is not just a guitar—it’s a piece of PRS history, destined to become a cherished and sought-after cornerstone in any serious collection.

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