2003 McCarty Brazilian Limited Trade Question

[guitarnj]

Hello All,

This is my first post in the group and my first potential venture into PRS guitars. Hopefully the image links will work. I own a 2008 Gibson Les Paul R8 which is basically in mint condition - I believe it's a lemon or ice tea finish. I've played it only a handful of times and never enjoyed it as much as my 1982 Explorer E2. I've had it posted to sell but not in a rush. Someone made an offer to trade a 2003 PRS McCarter Brazilian Limited 10 Top, one of 500 made. The guitar itself looks fantastic, but it does have some minor scratches/worming on the back and a small knick on at the top of the headstock. So not in the "mint" condition of the R8.

I've always played Gibsons so I have a better knowledge of their value/growth over time and the proper price point. I unfortunately don't know much about PRS guitars. I tried out a PRS guitar a couple of days ago just to see how it felt/sounded, and liked it. So from a playability perspective, I'm sure this would be a good fit. My question is more about value or "collectability" of these limited edition runs. I play my guitars at home only, don't have a band and don't plan on destroying it. So while I'm not looking to trade for the PRS just for the collectability aspect, that is something that comes into consideration for me.

I would appreciate any feedback on whether this seems like a fair trade price wise, and your thoughts on these limited edition PRS guitars. If this deal makes sense, I hope to make it work in the next couple of weeks. Thank you in advance!

 

[veinbuster]

A McCarty Brazilian will be a treat to play. Value is pretty personal, particularly with cosmetic flaws involved. If the wear isn’t going to bug you, I would trade the guitar I’m not playing for one that is going to feel good to play - a lot.

I don’t think Brazilian necked Guitars are going to stop being in demand. An 08 R8 probably less so.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Uhhh... I mean traditionally speaking, a Les Paul will usually hold it’s value and sell quicker better than a PRS but, I’d say that’s a solid trade for both of you.

 

[guitarnj]

Thank you both for the quick response. The R8 is not a flamed top so I think generally there is less interest in them, based on personal preference as well. It sounds great, I just always preferred the E2. But would be curious to venture out into the PRS world. Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I haven't seen many of these 2003 limited runs, so hard to find info on them.

 

[DISTORT6]

Looks like it has a OG PRS Forum TRC on it (and one helluva top). Extra coolness.
I traded my R8 for a HB Spruce. I know I got the better in that deal.

 

[bodia]

As a guy that owned an R8, I'd make that trade all day long. For the neck on that, alone. As a matter of fact, I traded my R8 in on a Artist Pack Santana. One of the best moves I've made.

 

[guitarnj]

Looks like it has a OG PRS Forum TRC on it (and one helluva top). Extra coolness.
I traded my R8 for a HB Spruce. I know I got the better in that deal.

Thanks. The top is definitely awesome on that PRS. It's 45 min away from me, but seems worth the drive.

 

[guitarnj]

Thanks. The top is definitely awesome on that PRS. It's 45 min away from me, but seems worth the drive.

My concern was about the slight scratches/dings on it since the R8 is pretty much mint. But I guess in the long run it's still in great shape.

 

[JMintzer]

Remember, those only have BRW FINGERBOARDS, not BRW NECKS...

They only made 250 of the BRW NECK guitars (which, of course, also had a BRS fingerboard...)

That said, take the drive. If the guitar speaks to you, make the trade...

 

[guitarnj]

Remember, those only have BRW FINGERBOARDS, not BRW NECKS...

They only made 250 of the BRW NECK guitars (which, of course, also had a BRS fingerboard...)

That said, take the drive. If the guitar speaks to you, make the trade...

Thank you for the clarification. I wasn't sure what the difference was between the 500 and 250 limited runs.

 

[Glenn Gross]

I have multiple R9s and my first PRS is one of the 250. I’d do the trade. I wouldn’t do it with a R9, but I wouldn’t hesitate with a plain top R8.

 

[AaeCee]

Remember, those only have BRW FINGERBOARDS, not BRW NECKS...

They only made 250 of the BRW NECK guitars (which, of course, also had a BRS fingerboard...)

That said, take the drive. If the guitar speaks to you, make the trade...

Came here to say that.

I've owned one of the BRW necked versions which I still miss, although mine was a bit on the heavy side. If that was that full neck version, I'd make the trade in a NY second. Considering it's the limited version with only the BRW board and sounds like it's definitely not close to mint, I'd think very hard about an even swap.

R8s are easy to sell especially in pristine condition, and a lot of people love the plain tops. OTOH, there are plenty of PRSs with BRW boards around these days, thus IMO this one is just another nice looking but used McCarty. I'd venture a guess that your LP would sell more quickly and for a slightly higher price in a cash deal.

 

[NBW]

A McCarty Brazilian will be a treat to play. Value is pretty personal, particularly with cosmetic flaws involved. If the wear isn’t going to bug you, I would trade the guitar I’m not playing for one that is going to feel good to play - a lot.

I don’t think Brazilian necked Guitars are going to stop being in demand. An 08 R8 probably less so.

If I could afford a guitar with a Brazilian neck I’d be all over it. I played one once, it was the most pleasant to play instrument I’ve ever played.

 

[guitarnj]

If I could afford a guitar with a Brazilian neck I’d be all over it. I played one once, it was the most pleasant to play instrument I’ve ever played.

This one is Brazilian fingerboard, not the entire neck. Still a beautiful instrument.

 

[guitarnj]

Came here to say that.

I've owned one of the BRW necked versions which I still miss, although mine was a bit on the heavy side. If that was that full neck version, I'd make the trade in a NY second. Considering it's the limited version with only the BRW board and sounds like it's definitely not close to mint, I'd think very hard about an even swap.

R8s are easy to sell especially in pristine condition, and a lot of people love the plain tops. OTOH, there are plenty of PRSs with BRW boards around these days, thus IMO this one is just another nice looking but used McCarty. I'd venture a guess that your LP would sell more quickly and for a slightly higher price in a cash deal.

Thank you. I was leaning in this direction as well, so was asking for cash on top of trade but seller is not willing to add cash. I couldn't find any examples of these specific PRS guitars that sold in the past to gauge what price is reasonable. I generally have an idea what the R8 is worth in cash.

 

[Tonart]

Better to focus on the guitars themselves rather than collectability, cos after a while everyone comes to know that apart from the the rare occasional random unintended event, the term “limited edition” seldom really means limited. This regardless of manufacturer.

 

[11top]

Remember, those only have BRW FINGERBOARDS, not BRW NECKS...

Big difference. While any BRW is nice, a fret board is no deal breaker for me. However, a BRW neck is as good as it gets.

 

[Fennosteve]

That’s beautiful. I just bought one similar.