1999 Paul Reed Smith McCarty Archtop II

About this instrument

A rare, extremely beautiful and ultimate archtop from a premier builder. This guitar was designed and built by Joe Knaggs when he worked at PRS. Joe also designed and built the 2008 Paul Reed Smith single-cut jumbo in my collection. The McCarty Archtop II features unparalleled build and materials quality. It also had a mind-blowing price tag of $5,000 back in the 1990s. As a result, not many of them were sold.

Strung from the factory with 12-gauge strings, it is an extremely resonant and fairly loud acoustic instrument. No amplification of any kind is needed if you're just playing around the house. Another distinction of this guitar is that it is the deepest hollow body that Paul Reed Smith has ever manufactured.

Specs

• Body4″ deep (at bridge) hollow mahogany
• Top & backDouble flame maple 10 top and back
• FretboardBrazilian rosewood
• InlaysPaua bird inlays
• TunersEbony
• PickupsPRS archtop pickups
• CaseLeather-wrapped hardshell case

Personal instrument — not for sale.