Details On PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty Guitar

The PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty has been spec’d to deliver the highest level of playability and loud, clear, soulful tone.

The PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty features a bound, 22-fret, 25” scale length Pattern mahogany neck with African Blackwood fretboard. The guitar is anchored by Vintage-Style tuners and a PRS Stoptail bridge with brass inserts, both of which add to the guitar’s liveliness and tone – as do its thin, hard nitro finish, bone nut, and thick mahogany back. As an added detail, Paul Reed Smith has hand-signed the front of each headstock and Robben Ford has autographed the backplate of each instrument.

“As a guitarist, everything is important. All the details have an impact. The willingness of Paul and everyone at PRS to dig deep and refine based on my feedback as an artist has been priceless.” – Robben Ford

How did the relationship with Robben come about?

PRS Guitars: We had already been building guitars for Robben for many years, so this wasn’t a new relationship, but rather a natural evolution of a long-standing collaboration between Robben and PRS. In 2018, we sent him a McCarty 594 Thinline model, which he immediately connected with. That guitar became the catalyst for deeper conversations and ultimately inspired the development of his signature model.    

How did the idea of a sig model come up? Is it technically a signature model, even though it was a variation on the existing McCarty?

Yes, it was a limited run of 200 pieces and is officially considered a signature model. While it was based on the McCarty platform, there were several key specifications that were especially important to Robben. Most notably were the pickups and electronics layout. These elements were carefully chosen to capture the tonal characteristics he’s known for. Robben has a very distinct signature tone, and it was essential that this guitar authentically reflect and reproduce that voice.

What was the process of developing the signature model, and what specifics did Robben want included? The pickups were the biggest undertaking, correct? 

The development process was both collaborative and incredibly rewarding. Robben is meticulous about tone, so dialing in that aspect of the guitar was the most significant and detailed part of the project. The pickups, in particular, required extensive attention. In fact, we went through multiple iterations of guitars and pickup designs before finalizing the specifications for the limited run. Robben spent several days at the PRS factory working closely with the team, directly comparing the prototypes to some of his vintage instruments. That hands-on evaluation was critical to ensuring we captured the nuance, response, and tonal character he was looking for in a single, cohesive instrument.

Why only 200 pieces? 

Two hundred pieces has become our standard platform for introducing new signature models. In our experience, keeping the production run limited helps preserve the exclusivity and special nature of the instrument. It creates a sense of occasion around the release and enhances its appeal to players and collectors alike. Many customers appreciate the opportunity to own something that feels rare, distinctive, and special.

How was the model received by the market? 

Overall, this model garnered attention and excitement when it was officially introduced, with gear media highlighting its meticulous specs, unique features (hand-signed headstocks, Robben’s own pickups, modified controls), and its high-end tonal goals. Robben still actively plays this guitar and remains a proud endorser of PRS guitars.

Check out the Jazz Guitar Today interview with Robben.

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