Material choice shapes how an instrument responds over time, influencing not only its voice but how naturally it settles into a player’s hands. The PRS Private Stock #11788 McCarty 594 in Sandstorm Glow reflects a carefully considered balance of vintage-inspired design and modern refinement, realized through disciplined wood selection and precise execution. A curly maple top paired with a swamp ash body was sourced from the PRS Vault, producing an open, articulate response with strong note separation and a lively sense of resonance. That acoustic clarity is carried forward by a pair of 58/15 LT pickups, chosen for their low-output voicing and ability to translate touch, dynamics and harmonic detail with accuracy rather than compression. The familiar 24.594" scale length anchors the feel in classic territory, while a pattern vintage roasted curly maple neck with a matching fretboard provides a substantial yet fluid playing experience. Finished in high-gloss nitrocellulose and appointed with gold hardware throughout, this Private Stock McCarty 594 is built to reward nuance, touch and long-term musical engagement.
Curly Maple and Swamp Ash Construction With Ebony Detailing
Construction choices throughout the build reinforce tonal balance and visual cohesion. The curly maple top contributes articulation and harmonic focus, while the swamp ash body adds a lighter feel and enhanced resonance. A high-gloss nitrocellulose finish allows the wood to breathe and mature naturally over time, complemented by ebony body binding, ebony pickup rings and a matched back plate that frame the instrument with subtle contrast. Gold hardware, including a PRS two-piece bridge and vintage-style tuners, completes the build with durability and visual continuity.
Pattern Vintage Roasted Maple Neck and Fingerboard Feel
The physical connection to the instrument begins at the neck, and this McCarty 594 places that experience at the forefront. Roasted curly maple—heat-treated to improve dimensional stability and enhance resonance—is used for both the neck and fingerboard, contributing a smooth, consistent feel and a slightly quicker attack compared to untreated maple. Carved to PRS’ pattern vintage profile, the neck offers a substantial grip that remains comfortable during extended sessions. A 10" radius and 22 vintage frets support controlled bends and accurate intonation, while original bird inlays with gold and white mother-of-pearl accents, complemented by an old-school eagle, provide clear visual orientation with refined restraint.
58/15 LT Pickups Voiced for Touch and Definition
The tonal character of this Private Stock instrument is shaped by a pair of covered 58/15 LT humbuckers selected to prioritize nuance over output. Their low-output voicing preserves harmonic detail and note separation, allowing clean passages to remain open and expressive while driven tones stay focused and controlled. Variations in pick attack and dynamics translate naturally, making the guitar particularly responsive to players who rely on touch as a central element of their sound.
Expanded Tonal Control Without Disrupting Character
Versatility is introduced through a control layout designed to expand the instrument’s range without complicating its core voice. Dual push/pull tone controls enable individual coil splits for each pickup, offering access to more focused single-coil textures alongside traditional humbucking warmth. Combined with a 3-way toggle switch on the upper bout, this configuration supports smooth tonal transitions that feel musical rather than mechanical.
A McCarty 594 Built for Long-Term Musical Use
The PRS Private Stock #11788 McCarty 594 is designed to support consistent performance and long-term musical growth rather than deliver a fleeting impression. Its combination of responsive materials, touch-sensitive electronics and familiar proportions makes it equally suited to studio environments and demanding live use. Presented in a black paisley case with black interior, the instrument reflects a level of care and intent meant to endure years of focused playing and creative exploration.