Older PRS Hollow Body that was thicker

[Revelation]

I just saw a video where Paul said he loved the thicker Hollowbody they had but they didn't sell until they stopped production. See at 4:00 in the video.

Has anyone compared the tone of this guitar to the current Hollowbody II 594? I kinda wish they still had this guitar available. If you already have a 594, getting a other guitar thst is exactly the same except its a hollowbody....might as well get a PRS Studio instead if you want more of a different sound?

 

[Mark Ray]

That was the "Archtop" model. Very cool, very rare.

 

[aphantomvaper]

One of my first PRS exposures was an open stage in 2002 or so with a dude that was playing this model. Pretty thick looking, and I've been playing Kansas City ever since (that's the tune he wanted to jam). Every time I play that song I hear that tone in my head (but not in my hands 'cos I usually play an Alembic live )

Really super post!!!

 

[bodia]

Archtop. Had one for a while.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

The tone out of those Archtops is so killer. Big and full but snap on some gain and it cuts really well.

 

[Kiwi]

That was the PRS Archtop II. It's the same as a McCarty/ Hollowbody II in shape and size, but (obviously) with a deeper body.

As Paul said, they only made them in 1998-99 and they didn't sell, so they stopped production. I'd love for PRS to bring them back.

I got mine from Serious Poo here back in 2009, then put in 53/10s. It is not a 10-top but does have a bit of figuring. No piezo.

Photos, again from my talented friend David Campbell:

Here's what it sounds like (clean electric fingerstyle) - give it a minute, the tempo does pick up:

https://soundcloud.com/user-704424983%2Fthe-zero-bound

 

[strat63]

I'm a big fan of the Archtop. It looks huge but it's easy to play. The current 594 HB is more versatile but mine can't get the deep sounds of the Archtop. Here's a bad picture of mine.

 

[Revelation]

Wow, I would love that guitar! I already have a 594 McCarty and feel the Hollowbody II is perhaps too similar to my guitar with the same body and pickups. So this Archtop would be amazing.

 

[JasonE]

I'm a big fan of the Archtop. It looks huge but it's easy to play. The current 594 HB is more versatile but mine can't get the deep sounds of the Archtop. Here's a bad picture of mine.

That is the best looking Archtop I have seen. Congrats on being the owner of that fine specimen.

 

[Gtrbldr]

Beautiful guitar gents!

 

[Revelation]

What pickups did they use and how different does it sound from the current Hollowbody? Just a little more acoustic sounding?

 

[strat63]

What pickups did they use and how different does it sound from the current Hollowbody? Just a little more acoustic sounding?

I'm think mine has Archtop pickups although I'm not certain. I've compared it with a HB I, HB II, HB Spruce, & 594 HB. I would only describe it as more acoustic sounding unplugged. Into an amp it just sounds huge and with a lot of clarity. I love it through my Soldano at volume. The top just vibrates like crazy and it's very sensitive to pick attack. It might be the most expressive guitar I've ever owned.

 

[Revelation]

It makes sense it would be more acoustic sounding unplugged. But how does the neck pickup sound clean through an amp compared to the current Hollowbody II?

 

[strat63]

It makes sense it would be more acoustic sounding unplugged. But how does the neck pickup sound clean through an amp compared to the current Hollowbody II?

The neck pickup sounds great. Definitely, less gain from the low output pickup. So more clean and full in my opinion.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I'm a big fan of the Archtop. It looks huge but it's easy to play. The current 594 HB is more versatile but mine can't get the deep sounds of the Archtop. Here's a bad picture of mine.

Bit of an ES 175 vibe!

Stunning guitar, congrats.

 

[Andrew Paul]

I could be wrong but I believe there was a spruce top version of the Archtop.

 

[dmatthews]

My harem is full right now... this has been on the market for a bit and has come down in price (CAD). Sweet...

*PRS ARCHTOP II* Rare/ possible trade - musical instruments - by owner

1998 PRS ARCHTOP II McCarty. Rare to see these come up for sale. Gorgeous natural Flame Maple Top and Back(Double 10). Mahogany sides and neck(perfectly quartersawn), dark Rosewood fingerboard,...

vancouver.craigslist.org

***EDIT*** to say this is not my sale, just local (to me) CL sale...

 

[Andrew Paul]

I just saw a video where Paul said he loved the thicker Hollowbody they had but they didn't sell until they stopped production. See at 4:00 in the video.

Has anyone compared the tone of this guitar to the current Hollowbody II 594? I kinda wish they still had this guitar available. If you already have a 594, getting a other guitar thst is exactly the same except its a hollowbody....might as well get a PRS Studio instead if you want more of a different sound?

Just rewatched this video... he mentioned there were spruce tops.

 

[Jo-]

The Archtops are my fav model of the Hollowbody family.

I have 2. An Archtop II - maple front and back in teal black and an Archtop IV - spruce top, maple back and Brazilian fretboard. They came with the Archtop pickups. Such a great full sound.

L-R: AT II teal black, HBII Blue Matteo, AT IV

 

[Andrew Paul]

That was the PRS Archtop II. It's the same as a McCarty/ Hollowbody II in shape and size, but (obviously) with a deeper body.

As Paul said, they only made them in 1998-99 and they didn't sell, so they stopped production. I'd love for PRS to bring them back.

I got mine from Serious Poo here back in 2009, then put in 53/10s. It is not a 10-top but does have a bit of figuring. No piezo.

Photos, again from my talented friend David Campbell:

Here's what it sounds like (clean electric fingerstyle) - give it a minute, the tempo does pick up:

https://soundcloud.com/user-704424983%2Fthe-zero-bound

looks great and sounds great!! thanks for sharing