After more than two decades of meticulous collaboration between Paul Reed Smith and guitar virtuoso David Grissom, the wait is finally over. PRS has officially announced the release of the DGT Semi-Hollow, bringing a previously exclusive Private Stock treasure to the Core lineup.
The DGT (David Grissom Trem) has long been a staple for players seeking a “hot-rodded” McCarty, but this new semi-hollow variant adds a layer of airy resonance and dynamic touch sensitivity, defining a new chapter for the signature model.
Airy Resonance Meets “Texas-Fried” Tone
The foundation of the DGT Semi-Hollow is a marriage of classic tonewoods and innovative architecture. By taking the time-tested mahogany body and maple top combination and adding a single F-hole, PRS has created an instrument that breathes.
“For me, the DGT Semi-Hollow has been a super versatile companion to my solidbody DGTs,” says David Grissom. “The semi-hollow design has a bit warmer top end, a little less bottom than the solid body, and I can get more controlled feedback.”
Precision Playability
The guitar features the custom DGT neck profile—a slightly smaller, more ergonomic version of the PRS Wide-Fat carve—paired with a 25” scale length. To ensure effortless bends and maximum expression, the rosewood fingerboard is outfitted with 22 jumbo frets, a hallmark of Grissom’s personal preference for high-performance playability.
Custom-Voiced Electronics
At the heart of the DGT Semi-Hollow are David Grissom’s signature humbucking pickups. These are meticulously modeled after vintage PAF-style tones but voiced to handle modern gain levels. The control layout remains faithful to David’s unique setup:
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Two Volume Knobs: Allowing for precise blending of the bridge and neck pickups.
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Push/Pull Tone Control: Activates the coil-split for chimey, single-coil textures.
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3-Way Toggle: Standard pickup switching for intuitive navigation.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Body Construction | Semi-Hollow with Single F-Hole |
| Top Wood | Maple (Violin Carve) |
| Back Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | One-Piece Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | DGT |
| Scale Length | 25” |
| Frets | 22 Jumbo |
| Bridge | PRS Patented Gen II Tremolo |
| Tuners | Phase III Locking with Faux Bone Buttons |
| Finish | High-Gloss Nitrocellulose |
Premium Hardware and Finish
True to its “Gold Top” heritage, the DGT Semi-Hollow is finished in a high-gloss nitro, allowing the wood to resonate freely while providing a vintage feel that will age gracefully. The hardware is equally impressive, featuring the PRS Gen II Tremolo for rock-solid pitch stability and Phase III locking tuners for rapid string changes.
Visual touches like the “Moons” fingerboard inlays, natural reveal binding, and hybrid nickel hardware ensure this guitar looks every bit as good as it sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the DGT Semi-Hollow and a standard McCarty?
While both share the McCarty heritage, the DGT features David Grissom’s specific neck carve, jumbo frets, a unique two-volume control layout, and custom-voiced DGT pickups that offer a more “vintage-hot” Texas tone compared to standard PRS humbuckers.
Does the semi-hollow design cause feedback issues?
The DGT Semi-Hollow is designed for “controlled feedback.” While it is more resonant than a solid body, the mahogany block construction helps manage unwanted howling, making it excellent for high-gain stage use.
What strings come standard on the DGT Semi-Hollow?
The guitar ships with PRS Signature 11-49 strings, notably featuring a plain G string, matching David Grissom’s personal setup for a beefier feel and tone.
Is a case included?
Yes, the PRS DGT Semi-Hollow comes with a premium PRS Hardshell Case to ensure the nitro finish and hardware stay protected.
Conclusion
The PRS DGT Semi-Hollow is more than just a signature model; it is a refined tool built for the working musician. By blending the warmth of a semi-hollow body with the aggressive, “Texas-fried” voice of Grissom’s signature pickups, PRS has delivered an instrument that is as versatile as it is beautiful. Whether you are seeking vintage PAF warmth or screaming lead tones, this guitar offers a level of musicality that few instruments can match.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons priced at £3899 in Tiger Eye, McCarty Tobacco Sunburst, and Gold Top finishes.
Available at Sweetwater, priced at $4420 in Gold Top, McCarty Sunburst, Dark Cherry Sunburst, all with Moon inlays. Or Dark Cherry Sunburst for 10-Top with Birds for $5540, or McCarty Sunburst and as a Gold Top with Birds for $4740.
More Information
#PRS Guitars #DGT Semi-Hollow
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