PRS Guitars launches 40th anniversary celebration with limited-edition releases
PRS Guitars has begun its 40th-anniversary celebrations, set for 2025, by unveiling two exclusive guitar models: the PRS Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon and the PRS 40th Anniversary Custom 24.
The Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon
Marking the tenth installment in PRS’s iconic Dragon series, the 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon carries on a tradition that started with the first model in 1992. The intricate dragon artwork was designed by renowned fantasy artist Jeff Easley, known for his contributions to Dungeons & Dragons rulebook covers, and masterfully inlaid by Aulson Inlay. This piece showcases over 200 individual inlay segments made from materials like Blue Pacific Opal, Brown Scale Juma, and various shades of Mother of Pearl. The stunning inlay extends to the truss rod cover, set against a pale moon ebony fretboard. A standout Private Stock Eagle in black with a gold web outline graces the headstock, enhancing its exclusive appeal. Production will be limited to only 165 units.
Paul Reed Smith, founder and managing general partner of PRS Guitars, shared his thoughts:
“As a teenager, I dreamt of a guitar adorned with a dragon down the neck. This vision became a pivotal part of our history. For our 40th anniversary, it felt right to combine this design with the McCarty model, connecting back to the original 1992 Dragon that inspired the McCarty line. I’m proud to merge these two historic PRS designs.”
The 40th Anniversary Custom 24
Limited to just 400 guitars worldwide, the 40th Anniversary Custom 24 features both modern enhancements and classic elements. A key highlight is the debut of the new PRS DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) Treble and Bass pickups. Developed by Paul Reed Smith and the PRS New Products Engineering Team, these pickups stem from extensive research into vintage models and technological advancements in signal analysis. The result is a set of pickups that offer an open, vocal-like sound with rich tonal clarity across the spectrum.
The design of the Custom 24 includes an artist-grade maple top with a vintage-inspired violin carve, outlined “Old School” bird inlays, and the “Pre-Factory” headstock eagle, paying tribute to early PRS designs. It also features the PRS Gen III tremolo, Phase III locking tuners with wing buttons, and Signature 10-46 strings. Additionally, this edition boasts a ziricote fretboard and headstock veneer and is accompanied by a hand-signed 40th Anniversary certificate.
Looking ahead
This announcement marks just the beginning of PRS Guitars’ year-long 40th-anniversary celebration, with more new products set to debut starting in January.
