Is this a legitimate PRS McCarty gold top?

[Shane]

I'm new to PRS guitars, but I have high interest in one. She's a bit older and a bit worn, but that's kind of what I like about her. The guitar does not have original matching tuning pegs, but they are PRS. I've never seen black knobs on a gold top McCarty. It does not say McCarty anywhere on the guitar and the pawn shop has no idea about it. Given the condition, I'm sure to get a decent price on it. My question is, can anyone tell me if this is indeed a McCarty and what type? Have you ever seen black knobs on a gold top? What do you think is a fair asking price in this condition? Please forgive my ignorance. I'm a Fender guy looking to experiment with something new. Any help is greatly appreciated.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/114003031@N02/sets/72157639620291493/

 

[ChrisCst22]

I can't blow up the pictures enough to really see, but I'm fairly certain that's a fake. And really looks like a pretty good one considering I can't tell for sure.

The headstock shape, logo, tuner placement, and serial number all look weird/wrong.

EDIT: Wait I take that back. I'm now fairly certain it is real, it just looks a little off to me for some reason. Some else hopefully can chime in, but I'm now saying it looks legit.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

I'm gonna go for it and say real...the middle hole on the back of headstock looks right for D and G tuners from around that period...I've seen sloppier serial numbers on real PRSi...uh...Shawn?? Or call customer service...

 

[jetydosa]

Its a legit PRS...just very rough. It might be a McCarty or it could bee a CU22 someone converted. Considering you can get pretty clean McCartys for 1200-1300, Id say no more than about 700 or so since its had so much changed on it. Its higher than that on ebay right now. I'd pass.

 

[toothace]

Been watching this one too on ebay…looks legit...

 

[AP515]

Yeah, it's legit, just been road hard and put away wet. I don't mind being banged up, i'm lookinf for one that's see combat, but I don't like the replacement tuners.

 

[JMintzer]

Not a McCarty, but it looks like an older CU-22 that originally had the old style winged tuners, that were changed to the Phase II non locking tuners. Pretty beat up, as well…


Jamie

 

[wardog]

that one is also posted on ebay, it went for $651 and the person cancelled the bids due to that price and relisted it. he is trying to get close to a 1000 for it i think!!!

 

[Mike Duncan]

Pretty beat up as well?

You ou say that like it's a bad thing! Ha!

 

[pat10295]

94' CU22 Stoptail with replaced tuners. McCarty's didn't have the shared G & D screw back in 94' as far as I know. I asked him about what pickups were in it and he showed me a picture of it containing Gibson PAF Reissues.

 

[6pack Jon]

It's a fine candidate for some PTC tlc.

 

[JMintzer]

Pretty beat up as well?

You ou say that like it's a bad thing! Ha!

Only at the wrong price!

 

[Shane]

Lots of great info, guys. Thanks for all the help!