1995 PRS March Guitar Of The Month McCarty Violin Amber

Brian (Owner, Brian's Guitars): The PRS Guitars Guitar of the Month run from 1995 was a pivotal moment in the company's history, laying the groundwork for what would become the Private Stock program. Each month, PRS introduced a guitar featuring unique specifications, including experimental inlays, new pickup designs, hardware prototypes, and even entirely new body shapes. This series allowed PRS to push the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship, refining ideas that would later influence their core lineup and high-end custom builds. Many of the design innovations first seen in this run became staples in PRS future offerings, solidifying its reputation for blending artistry with cutting-edge engineering.

March 27, 1995 (note written by Paul Smith):
This very special instrument was handmade by Joseph Knaggs and myself at the PRS factory in the month of March 1995.  This is the third 1995 Guitar Of The Month. The Indian Rosewood neck and Curly Maple top are special pieces from my private stash.  The hand carved Rosewood neck is part of an experiment using different types of neckwood which is working remarkably well. The finish is as close to an old violin's color and thickness as we could produce.  The inlays are made from 14 Karat gold and Onyx. Inlay work was done by Pearlworks which to my knowledge has not been done before.  This instrument has a single headstock bird which is my personal logo.  I am very pleased with the tone of this instrument.
These guitars are becoming the prototypes for the future of PRS.
Sincerely, 
Paul Reed Smith
Serial Number: March 1995 3 of 12, 5 21698
Weight: 8.2lbs
Condition: Mint and never played, shows little to no wear.  A couple of light indentations in the pickup covers. Original hardshell case and paperwork included.
Finish: Gloss Nitro
Neck: Indian Rosewood, hand-carved 
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Inlays: Onyx birds with 14K gold outline
Back: South American Mahogany
Top: "Killer Tiger Curl Red Maple"
Color: Violin Amber
Pickups: New McCarty humbuckers with Prototype Nickel Silver Covers
Bridge: Gold Anodized PRS Stoptail
Tuners: McCarty pegs
Hardware: Gold, Nickel pickup covers
Case: Original black leather hardshell