Paul Reed Smith Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon - Burnt Chestnut #160 of 165

The PRS Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon stands as a testament to PRS Guitars’ enduring commitment to artistry, innovation, and uncompromising performance. This exceptional instrument seamlessly merges breathtaking visual craftsmanship with professional-grade playability and tone, embodying the very essence of the PRS legacy.

"As a teenager, I envisioned a guitar with a dragon inlaid down the neck—an idea that first materialized in 1992 and has since become a cornerstone of our story. For our 40th Anniversary, the McCarty model was the natural choice as the foundation for the Dragon, given that the original 1992 Dragon laid the groundwork for what would evolve into the McCarty model. Bringing these two iconic designs together is a proud milestone."
— Paul Reed Smith, Founder & Managing General Partner, PRS Guitars

Originally introduced in 1994, the PRS McCarty model was PRS’s first venture into a 22-fret, vintage-inspired instrument. The 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon enhances this heritage with a slightly thicker mahogany body, a meticulously engineered stoptail bridge featuring brass inserts and steel studs for optimal string vibration transfer, and the newly developed McCarty III pickups. These pickups deliver a rich, vocal-like tonal quality that is warm, articulate, and expansive, ensuring that this guitar is not merely a collector’s piece, but a formidable musical tool.

The instrument’s visual artistry is nothing short of extraordinary. The dragon inlay, originally envisioned by acclaimed fantasy artist Jeff Easley, known for his iconic Dungeons & Dragons rulebook covers, has been brought to life with masterful precision by the artisans at Aulson Inlay. Composed of over 200 intricately arranged pieces, the inlay features an exquisite array of materials, including Blue Pacific Opal, Brown Scale Juma, and Gold, Black, White, and Brown Mother of Pearl. Extending onto the truss rod cover, the dragon design appears to leap from the pale moon ebony fretboard, while the Private Stock Eagle, crafted from Black with Gold Web and outlined in Gold Mother of Pearl, graces the headstock as a finishing touch.

"Since 2002, I've had the privilege of working on PRS Dragons, and this journey has connected me to something far greater than myself. Collaborating with Paul over the years has pushed me beyond my creative limits, enabling the development of techniques once thought impossible. Thanks to his relentless pursuit of excellence, our team at Aulson Inlay has grown into an extraordinary force. I often wish Larry Sifel were here to witness the evolution of the Dragon since its inception in 1992."
— Jaime Aulson Myers, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Aulson Inlay

In celebration of PRS's 40-year legacy, production of the Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon will be limited to just 165 instruments, ensuring that each guitar remains a rare and coveted piece of musical history.

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Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #9951 Hollowbody II McCarty 594 – Koa (Basic Demo)