NGD - My First PRS

[FenianEMT]

So I was in Bozeman, Montana on vacation last week, and I decided to stop by Music Villa, which is now my favorite guitar store. I had been drooling over (and reading about) PRS guitars online and in magazines for a while, so I decided to take the opportunity to play a few while I was there. I had no intention of buying (and was honest with the staff about that), but they were happy to let me try out the guitars anyway. The new Paul's Guitar didn't do much for me, but there was this used 2003 McCarty Hollowbody II. Well, since it happened to have my last name on it anyway (I share that with the late Ted McCarty), I decided to give it a shot. From the first note that came out of it, I loved that guitar. It plays wonderfully, and the tone is absolutely beautiful (we'll get to the appearance in a moment). The salesman offered to reduce the price a bit and ship it back to Baltimore for me, but I was bound and determined to be financially responsible. As, with a tear in my eye, I was preparing to return this incredible work of art to its wall hanger, my girlfriend, who had accompanied me to the store, said, "Go ahead and box it up." To my complete shock (seriously, I don't think I put a coherent sentence other than "Thank you!", and "I love you!" together for the rest of the day), she had decided to buy it for me as a gift (which should cover the next several years of birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases). Needless to say, my girlfriend is amazing. I expect to spend quite a long time becoming worthy of both her and the guitar (I'm really not all that good yet). I had to part with the guitar for a couple of days, but it arrived here this evening, and it is every bit as breathtaking as I remember. So much so that I'm half tempted to resurrect the "Show us your f-holes" thread!

So, since I doubt anybody is really interested in all that backstory (seriously, how did it get that long), here are the photos:

 

[Mikegarveyblues]

That's a sharp looking axe, and a great colour too!

Welcome to the forum!

 

[FenianEMT]

Thank you! As you might imagine, I'm ecstatic! It's really hard to believe this is a 12-year-old used guitar. There is not a scratch or a mark on it! The previous owner must have been a collector.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Right On!!! Welcome to the forum!



..... I'm gonna shame my girlfriend with this post tonight.

 

[vchizzle]

Congrats! Teal black - classic PRS color. Love it and your GF, she's a good one!

 

[bodia]

I'm with Sergio on this one. You're damn right I'm interested in that backstory. I've been married for almost 27 years. Next time I'm in the mood for another guitar (always), I'm whipping this out!

Sweet as as sweet axe, and welcome to the forum!

 

[dogrocketp]

That was a great back story. Sure as hell beats today`s news. Enjoy the guitar. Good tools will always help you get better faster.

 

[Huggy Love]

Thank you! As you might imagine, I'm ecstatic! It's really hard to believe this is a 12-year-old used guitar. There is not a scratch or a mark on it! The previous owner must have been a collector.

He didn't have to be a collector, an HB is such a nice instrument I treat mine like gold and use my other instruments for jamming around or bar gigs, I bet most HB owners think the same. Your HB is close to the same year as mine, so I understand the revelation of having such a great piece. Savor it.

Your first, and it's an HB II? You'll never look at your other guitars the same anymore.

Welcome to the club!!!

 

[gush]

Nice machine and welcome to this forum.

My wife bought me a McCarty as a surprise gift out of the blue for no occasion. That was back in 2005 maybe.

Still have my wife and McCarty. Life is good!

 

[garrettb]

He didn't have to be a collector, an HB is such a nice instrument I treat mine like gold and use my other instruments for jamming around or bar gigs, I bet most HB owners think the same. Your HB is close to the same year as mine, so I understand the revelation of having such a great piece. Savor it.

Your first, and it's an HB II? You'll never look at your other guitars the same anymore.

Welcome to the club!!!

Great story, great guitar, and great girlfriend! My girlfriend (now wife) helped me order mine in '02.

I do admit to babying it, but it has still collected a handful of dents and dings. I agree it doesn't go to a gig unless I know it will be a safe environment! If it's unknown or a dive, well that's what Strats and Teles are for. :top:

 

[11top]

I'm half tempted to resurrect the "Show us your f-holes" thread!

Do it! That's a deserving guitar. Congrats.

 

[CantankerousCarl]

Heck of a way to make an entrance! I agree with the others - it's a great story and a memory you will treasure.

Totally worthy of resurrecting the "F-Holes" thread BTW...congrats!
.

 

[alantig]

Needless to say, my girlfriend is amazing.

Not necessarily.

One guitar may be a fluke.

It'll take two or three to make sure she's amazing. :vroam:



Congrats - and welcome aboard! That's a beauty. And the girlfriend sounds like a keeper.

 

[vchizzle]

I love a good story with a new guitar, makes it way more interesting!

 

[markintime]

My GF bought me a SE A10E Angelus (black) for Valentine's last year. Hope I don't have to wait another 37 years.... uh, no, I beat her to the punch. I still haven't satisfactorily explained the buying spree........

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Great story, glad the first one you got was such a fantastic model. Of course, the danger in that is, nothing else may compare. Which sounds like your girlfriend.

(And thanks for identifying it as teal black, whoever spotted it. Always loved that colour, should have recognized it.)

 

[dleuen]

Wow, congrats. that's a beautiful instrument.

 

[Bluesboy998]

Beautiful love the color,welcome aboard .

 

[veinbuster]

Fantastic.
Great guitar and wonderful story.
I do find it a bit amusing that someone from Maryland found their PRS way off in Montana.

 

[FenianEMT]

I thought that was pretty funny too. But I haven't found anybody in this area who seems to carry a significant stock of PRS guitars. (I'd certainly be open to suggestion there.) Also, the staff at Villa Music were universally excellent. I went in a few times during the week, and they always encouraged me to play even the most expensive of instruments (including the $15k Private Stock acoustic). I also didn't feel remotely intimidated or self-conscious there, which can be a problem for me at music stores. (In fairness, Mike's Music here in Ellicot City has always been good in that last respect too.)