TEST: PRS McCarty Korina

 Paul Reed Smith has polarized musicians into two diametrically opposed camps ever since his company was founded. Some appreciate the guitars equipped with high-quality components and first-class workmanship as one of the best products that has ever brought forth the electric guitar construction, others dub the instruments due to their high-price segment and their sometimes sprawling appearance as "dentist guitars" or "living room tables" with a lack of independence.

The McCarty Korina I have for testing is not going to make the aforementioned camps break out in a collective frenzy of joy, but the initial appearance is much more moderate than some of the visually upscale Private Stock models. Although the living room table....;-)

By the way, the McCarty series was named after Theodore "Ted" McCarty, who, although never a musician himself, became president of Gibson Guitars in 1950 and is considered the mentor of Paul Reed Smith. Under his leadership, Gibson was reportedly able to increase its profits fifteenfold due to various groundbreaking inventions, such as the Tune-o-matic Bridge.



Construction:

PRS tried then, as now, to find a middle ground between the two major protagonists Gibson and Fender with its instruments. Also with the McCarty model these two worlds meet again and are partly merged, partly worked off in individual parts.

Let's start with the choice of wood, which clearly carries the Gibson lead. The used body and neck wood Korina, a mahogany subspecies, was strictly protected due to massive overexploitation a few decades ago and was not allowed to be used in instrument making for years. Through appropriate reforestation measures, however, the stock could be saved and is now available again for instrument making.

Korina is an extremely light mahogany species, which also comes into its own in this PRS. You wouldn't think it was mahogany when you take the guitar out of the case (which is many times heavier) that comes with it. For musicians who always wanted to play a Paula but found the weight too "manly", Korina is an adequate substitute.

The body shape, on the other hand, undoubtedly has the famous Strat touch, which is also noticeable in the subtle shaping on the back, the front (violin shaping) and a very practical hollowing out in the lower cutaway for playability in high registers.

The neck, equipped with a rosewood fingerboard, is made in the so-called "fat neck" shaping. One should not be misled here, the neck is quite practically executed, only the "meat content" is somewhat higher than on other necks. For someone like me, who anyway considers half of a baseball bat as a "normal" neck shape, this neck is even rather slim ;-)

The fretboard inlays of the twenty-two frets are done as bird inlays and in abalone, where I think you have to have a bit of abstracting ability. Some of the birds are really easy to spot, the kite from the 3rd fret, the hummingbird in the 7th fret, even the buzzard in the 12th fret is very obvious, but what the "flatsch" in the 21st fret is supposed to represent is beyond me. Maybe one of the readers can help me out.

A really innovative invention by PRS was the 25" scale (63,5 cm). It represents a middle ground between the short (Gibson) scale (62.5 cm) and the long (Fender) scale (64.8 cm) and allows both camps of musicians to get along on a PRS immediately.

In terms of hardware, in addition to six vintage style tuners with plastic wings, the McCarty has a special piece of work, the wraparound bridge. This is a solid piece of metal, in which the string guide together with the different support points regarding the octave purity was milled based on experience. The only adjustments are two large lateral guide screws (height) and two grub screws inserted from behind (string length).

The advantage of such a construction is the mass of the component, which also has virtually no moving parts. As is usually the case with solid bridge construction (see also bass construction), this makes itself felt in very good vibration behavior and long sustain.

The disadvantage of this bridge variant is the lack of flexibility of the support points. Even if about 90% of all string constellations are covered with this tailpiece in terms of optimal adjustability, so you should be aware that corresponding custom sets with non-linear string gauges, or even a 012 or 013 set with wound G-string, in terms of octave purity with this bridge is not to adjust!

As pickups, two in-house humbuckers are used, which were provided with chrome caps and sit in cream-colored frames. A 3-way toggle sandwich takes over the selection of the pickups. The tone control is a push/pull pot and switches the humbuckers to single coil mode when needed.



Practice:

The PRS McCarty Korina is a real sustain monster! You just have to put it this way. Since the entire design is trimmed exclusively for vibration preservation and resonance shaping, this is not surprising, but the fact that the intensity extends across the entire tonal spectrum without any dips amazes even me.

Sound-wise, the PRS offers great cinema in almost every facet. Warm, clean sounds with the necessary humbucker depth are just as possible as pearly, sometimes crisp single-coil sounds. Here it is interesting to hear how the Korina wood used, even in single-coil mode, does not octave the instrument the low-mid board known from other mahogany woods.

I also very much like the practical shaping, especially the cutaway milling cannot be appreciated enough. Compared to the traditional Les Paul "hau-ruck" milling, the sun really rises here.

The playability of the fat-neck is good, the dressing of the medium-strength frets is very clean and always sustain, sustain, sustain.....



Conclusion:

Let's make it short, the PRS McCarty Korina sounds excellent! Especially clean and crunchy sounds suit this high-quality instrument very well. Vibration behavior and workmanship are exemplary, the components used first choice, end, end, basta!

Is there nothing at all "bad" about the guitar, apart from its (albeit justified) selling price? Well, it depends on which camp you belong to (see the beginning of the article).....;-))) Even if dirty rock'n'roll with this guitar is undoubtedly technically and sonically possible at a high level, can you imagine a really scratched PRS with played-off varnish and beer stains on the top……?


Additional Informations:

- Company Profile: Paul Reed Smith Guitars

Introduction:
Paul Reed Smith Guitars, often abbreviated as PRS Guitars, is an American guitar manufacturing company known for producing high-quality, custom-built electric guitars and amplifiers. Founded by luthier Paul Reed Smith in 1985, the company has earned a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to producing instruments that cater to the needs of professional musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide.

Founder and History:
The story of Paul Reed Smith Guitars began in 1985 when Paul Reed Smith, a skilled luthier and musician, decided to turn his passion for building guitars into a business venture. With the vision of creating instruments that combined the best features of vintage and modern guitars, Smith started his workshop in Annapolis, Maryland.
Having studied the work of renowned guitar makers like Ted McCarty (Gibson) and Leo Fender (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation), Smith honed his skills and aimed to create guitars that offered impeccable playability, flawless tone, and striking aesthetics. The dedication to excellence and the constant pursuit of perfection became the hallmark of PRS Guitars.

Innovations and Signature Features:
From the outset, PRS Guitars set out to innovate the guitar industry, and over the years, they have introduced several signature features that set their instruments apart from the competition.

The PRS Custom 24: One of the most iconic models, the PRS Custom 24, debuted in 1985, featuring a double-cutaway design, 24 frets, and a combination of humbucker and single-coil pickups. This model became the cornerstone of PRS Guitars' lineup.
PRS Bird Inlays: Recognizable on their fretboards, the bird inlays are elegantly designed, adding a touch of sophistication to PRS instruments.

PRS Tremolo System: PRS developed its patented floating tremolo bridge, which offered exceptional tuning stability and smooth operation.
PRS Pickups: PRS designed their own pickups, ranging from vintage-inspired to modern high-gain styles, allowing players to achieve a diverse range of tones.
PRS-Designed Hardware: Attention to detail is evident in the custom hardware and components designed by PRS, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.

Artist Collaborations:
PRS Guitars has collaborated with numerous renowned artists over the years, creating signature models tailored to each musician's unique style and preferences. Some notable collaborations include Carlos Santana, Mark Tremonti, John Mayer, and Dave Navarro, among others. These partnerships not only expanded PRS's presence in the market but also helped refine and improve their guitar designs through artist feedback.

Factory and Production:
The PRS factory is located in Stevensville, Maryland, where the company has invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. While the brand continues to produce custom-built instruments, they have also introduced several product lines that cater to a broader audience, including the PRS SE (Student Edition) line, manufactured in Korea, and the S2 series, produced in the USA.

Quality Control:
One of PRS Guitars' core principles is an unwavering commitment to quality control. Every instrument is subjected to a rigorous inspection process to ensure that it meets the brand's strict standards for playability, tonal excellence, and overall craftsmanship.

Community Engagement:
Beyond manufacturing exceptional instruments, PRS Guitars actively engages with the guitar-playing community through events, workshops, and support for various music education initiatives. They often participate in major music trade shows and exhibitions, showcasing their latest models and connecting with musicians and enthusiasts worldwide.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Paul Reed Smith Guitars has carved a prominent place in the guitar industry through their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of musicians. Their instruments are cherished by both amateurs and professionals alike, making PRS Guitars a leading name in the world of electric guitars. With a rich history of innovation, artist collaborations, and a passion for music, PRS Guitars continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of guitar manufacturing and the art of music.

- The Legacy of Ted McCarty: A Pioneer in the Guitar Industry

Introduction:
Ted McCarty, a visionary and innovator in the guitar industry, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern electric guitars. Born on November 15, 1909, in Somerset, Kentucky, McCarty's contributions to iconic brands such as Gibson and his relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on the world of music. This report delves into the life, achievements, and enduring impact of Ted McCarty in revolutionizing guitar design and manufacturing.

Early Life and Career:
Ted McCarty's early life was marked by a love for music and an inherent curiosity about mechanics. Raised in rural Kentucky, he developed a passion for playing the banjo and guitar, which would later fuel his enthusiasm for instrument design. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Cincinnati to study mechanical engineering, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments.

Gibson Era:
In 1948, Ted McCarty joined the Gibson Guitar Corporation as its president, a position he held until 1966. During his tenure at Gibson, he transformed the company into an innovative force within the guitar industry.

The "Golden Era" of Gibson: Under McCarty's leadership, Gibson experienced what is often referred to as the "Golden Era." He oversaw the design and release of some of the most iconic and influential guitar models, including the Les Paul, ES-335, SG, and Flying V.

Humbucking Pickup Invention: Ted McCarty collaborated with engineer Seth Lover to develop the humbucking pickup, which significantly reduced unwanted noise and hum in electric guitars. The humbucker became a standard feature in many Gibson models and remains popular to this day.

Thinline Semi-Hollowbody Design: McCarty's keen eye for innovation led to the creation of the ES-335, a semi-hollowbody guitar that combined the best attributes of solid-body and hollow-body designs. This model became a favorite among many guitarists for its versatility and tonal richness.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge: Another groundbreaking innovation was the introduction of the Tune-O-Matic bridge, a design that allowed for precise intonation adjustments and improved sustain. This bridge design remains widely used in various guitar models.

Legacy Beyond Gibson:
After his departure from Gibson, McCarty's passion for instrument design did not wane. He went on to co-found the Bigsby Guitar Company with Paul Bigsby, producing vibrato systems that further enhanced guitar playability.

Recognition and Awards:
Ted McCarty's achievements and contributions to the guitar industry did not go unnoticed. In 1983, he was rightfully inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact on the world of music.

Conclusion:
Ted McCarty's life and work are a testament to the power of innovation and passion in transforming an industry. Through his groundbreaking designs, inventions, and leadership, he forever altered the course of guitar manufacturing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the way we play and appreciate music. His innovative spirit and commitment to excellence serve as a timeless reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire industry and the world of music.