PRS S2 McCarty - USA 2019

The 2019 PRS S2 McCarty is a guitar built around restraint, balance and intent. Rather than chasing extremes, it focuses on feel, musicality and the fundamentals that make a great electric guitar inspiring to play. This example, finished in Dark Cherry Burst, leans into that philosophy with a classic aesthetic and a tone palette that feels considered and mature.

The Dark Cherry Burst finish gives the guitar a deep, understated presence, allowing the carved maple top to glow subtly rather than shout. It’s a colour that suits the McCarty design perfectly, sitting comfortably between vintage influence and modern refinement. The S2 line is built in the USA, and while it’s positioned as a more accessible PRS range, the craftsmanship and attention to detail remain unmistakably PRS.

The McCarty platform is all about balance. The slightly thicker body and traditional stoptail bridge contribute to a strong fundamental note, excellent sustain and a natural resonance that you feel immediately when the guitar is unplugged. It’s lively and responsive, with a sense of solidity that encourages dynamic playing rather than fighting it.

Tonally, the S2 McCarty covers a broad, usable range without excess. The pickups are voiced for clarity and warmth, delivering rich, rounded cleans and articulate driven tones that never feel brittle or overcooked. The push-pull control opens things up further, adding brighter, more open textures that expand the guitar’s versatility without compromising its core voice. It’s the kind of instrument that rewards nuance and touch as much as it does volume.

Playability is a standout. The neck profile feels comfortable and natural, striking a sweet spot between vintage fullness and modern ease. It sits beautifully in the hand, making long sessions effortless and encouraging confident movement across the fretboard. Everything feels well judged, from the fretwork to the setup, reinforcing the McCarty’s reputation as a player-focused design.

Supplied with a PRS gigbag, this S2 McCarty in Dark Cherry Burst is an excellent example of a guitar that prioritises musical usefulness over flash. It’s refined, expressive and quietly confident, offering a lot of depth for players who value tone, feel and balance above all else.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.63mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.03mm

Nut Width: 42.17mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.64mm

Weight: 3.18kg

Model: PRS S2 McCarty

Finish: Dark Cherry Burst

Country of Manufacture: USA

Body: Mahogany with carved maple top

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Scale Length: 24.594"

Pickups: PRS S2 McCarty humbuckers

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, push-pull coil split, 3-way toggle

Bridge: PRS stoptail

Hardware: Nickel

Case: PRS gigbag