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PRS McCarty Archtop II (Double 10) | Dark Cherry Sunburst *Used*
Upgraded Double 10 Top & Back - Fully Carved Body - Custom Abalone Bird Inlays
This pre-owned 1999 PRS Archtop II is an exceptionally rare find, featuring a highly coveted double 10 top and back (both the top and back are made of the highest grade figured maple). This particular guitar is so rare that none of our staff have ever seen one in person before. Born from then Private Stock luthier Joe Knaggs's vision, the Archtop II boasts a fully carved body, inside and out, using CNC machinery, resulting in exceptional tone and surprising volume. This model features custom abalone bird inlays, a dark cherry sunburst finish, and specially voiced McCarty Archtop pickups. While showing signs of wear and tear consistent with its age, this guitar remains in good overall condition and represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of PRS history.
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A Rare Glimpse of Guitar History: The 1999 PRS Archtop II (Double 10)
This PRS Archtop II, a pre-owned model from 1999 boasting a rare double 10 top and back, is so rare that it is the first one any of our staff have ever seen in person. While showing signs of wear and tear expected from a vintage instrument, including some dings, to see one is remarkable, preserving the legacy of an extraordinary design.
The story of the Archtop II begins with then PRS Private Stock luthier Joe Knaggs's desire to create an archtop guitar. After discussions with Paul Smith, the project was greenlit, resulting in a stunning instrument with a violin-carved front and back, unique bracing, and a sound post. The resulting tone, playability, and overwhelmingly positive reception led PRS to put the Archtop II into production.
This particular model, crafted in 1999, showcases several custom features that elevate it to an even higher level of collectibility. This example boasts a "double 10" configuration. PRS designates their highest quality maple tops as "10-tops," meaning the wood exhibits clearly defined figure across its entire surface. This guitar has not only a 10-top but also a 10-back, hence "double 10", making it an exceptionally rare find, as only a minuscule percentage of maple trees qualify for this designation.
The process of creating these archtops is remarkably intricate. Unlike PRS' solid-body guitars of the time, the Archtop II’s body is carved both inside and out using CNC machinery, a process that takes four times longer. This meticulous carving contributes significantly to the instrument’s natural tone and surprising volume for its size. As Paul Smith himself stated upon its release, "I have never seen the release of an instrument cause such excitement. This guitar crosses all musical boundaries."
Further enhancing its appeal, this Archtop II features several other custom options. While standard models came with pearl and abalone moon inlays, this guitar showcases striking abalone bird inlays. The specifications of this 1999 model include:
- Body: Carved custom grade figured maple 10-top and 10-back with carved mahogany sides. Depth of 2 3/4" at the rim and 4" at the bridge.
- Neck: Mahogany with 22 frets, a 10" radius, rosewood fretboard, and a wide-fat neck carve.
- Headstock: Rosewood veneer.
- Hardware: Adjustable PRS stoptail and 14:1 low-mass tuners. The adjustable stoptail allows for precise intonation, even with heavier gauge strings.
- Electronics: Specially voiced McCarty Archtop pickups (based on the standard McCarty pickup but with fewer wire turns for a more defined "jazz" tone) with a volume control, tone control, and 3-way toggle pickup selector.
- Finish: Dark Cherry Sunburst.
This pre-owned 1999 PRS Archtop II, with its double 10 configuration, custom inlays, and exceptional tone, represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of guitar history. The wear and tear it exhibits is a testament to its age and playing history, adding to its vintage charm.