In 1996, PRS introduced the "Private Stock" line as a way to build the ambitious spec sheets Paul envisioned outside the constraints of the normal manufacturing process. According to PRS, Private Stock "represents the highest quality of materials, the most personally crafted instruments, and the greatest level of customization at PRS." Their goal with Private Stock guitars is to build instruments that are "equally as good as an heirloom to be treasured and a tool to make music."
This Private Stock PRS is #6985, and it was made in 2017. It features the DGT (David Grissom Tremolo) body design with a 24.594" scale length. The surest way to good results is to start with the finest materials, and this Private Stock was constructed with premium woods throughout, including a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. The stunning Quilted Maple top has a subtle Faded McCarty Sunburst, and the African Ribbon Mahogany back wood keeps the guitar resonant and lightweight (7 lbs 11.4 oz without the tremolo arm).
Most Private Stock guitars boast high-end details, and this DGT is elegant and classy, without being ostentatious. In general, it seems that the design considerations focused on showing off the fine woods. The fingerboard inlays are the traditional Birds design, but they feature intricate scrimshaw etching, which makes each bird species stand out. On the peghead, the etched mother-of-pearl Private Stock eagle inlay match perfectly.
This 2017 Private Stock Brazilian DGT has been played, but it is in excellent shape. There is only one ding worth noting—on the bass side top, just a few inches away from the bridge (see photos). Also, one quirk—the original owner decided they didn't like the aged pickup covers, so they swapped them out with polished chrome covers (original covers are included). In doing so, they damaged the neck pickup, so the neck pickup has been replaced with the exact same DGT bass model as listed on the spec sheet. The guitar functions and sounds 100% as it is supposed to.
True to the PRS reputation, this 2017 Private Stock Brazilian DGT plays like a dream with a low, inviting setup. Every note feels accessible, and the tone is touch-sensitive and responsive to your picking technique. With the shorter scale, big bends come easily, and the tremolo adds another dimension of expression. This guitar is smooth with singing sustain, and in your hands, the precise details add to the inspiration. It includes its original hardshell case spec sheet signed by Paul Reed Smith.
Specifications as listed on spec sheet:
- Model: DGT with 24.594" scale length
- Neck wood: Dark Peruvian mahogany
- Fingerboard wood: Brazilian rosewood
- Top wood: Quilted maple
- Back wood: Lightweight African ribbon mahogany
- Headstock Veneer wood: Brazilian rosewood
- Neck Carve: DGT
- Side Dots: Ivoroid
- Color/Stain: Faded McCarty Sunburst
- Fingerboard inlays: Etched mother of pearl birds
- Headstock veneer inlays: Etched mother of pearl Private Stock eagle
- Finish type: High gloss nitro
- Pickups: Treble: DGT Bass: DGT
- Electronics: Two volume, push-pull tone with 3-way toggle
- Hardware: Gold/nickel PRS tremolo, phase III locking tuning pegs with ivoroid buttons
- Set-Up: D'Addario .011 with an unwound G
- Case type: Private Stock British Fawn Tolex
- Specials: Faded McCarty Sunburst high gloss nitro finish, etched mother of pearl bird inlays as well as a 24.594" scale length. The woods on this guitar were personally hand selected by the dealer from the PRS Private Stock Vault and was built for the USA Only