PRS Guitars has released a new feature-length documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Theodore “Ted” McCarty, the guitar industry titan who served as a mentor to founder Paul Reed Smith.
The 73-minute film, titled Ted McCarty: The Legend Behind the Gear, is now available for free on the PRS Guitars YouTube channel. It arrives as the company concludes its 40th-anniversary celebrations.
A Giant of Guitar History
Before his long association with PRS, McCarty was the architect of the “Golden Era” of electric guitars. Serving as President of Gibson from 1950 to 1966, he oversaw the creation of some of the world’s most iconic instruments and technologies, including:
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The Les Paul and the ES-335.
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The futuristic Explorer and Flying V.
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The Humbucking pickup (co-developed with Seth Lover).
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The Tune-O-Matic bridge.
From Patent Office to Partnership
Paul Reed Smith first discovered McCarty’s name while researching guitar patents in the early 1980s. What began as a cold call turned into a deep friendship and professional consultancy that lasted until McCarty’s death in 2001 at age 91.
“Ted was a legend—incredibly smart and exceptional,” said Smith. “He was a champion, a mentor, and a friend. In the end, he was family.”
The documentary features rare archival footage of McCarty, along with new interviews from Smith, McCarty’s daughter Sue Davis, and signature artist David Grissom.
A Living Legacy
The “McCarty” name has been a staple of the PRS catalog since 1994, representing instruments with a more “vintage” feel and sound. Today, the McCarty family of guitars extends across the company’s entire lineup, from the affordable SE Series to the premium Core models.
“Paul and PRS have made sure that the name Ted McCarty will be remembered for a long time to come,” said Sue Davis. “When Paul first asked my dad to put his name on a guitar, Dad wasn’t sure anyone would want to buy it. I couldn’t be more thankful for this tribute.”
PRS Chief Operating Officer Jack Higginbotham noted that McCarty remains “fundamental” to the company’s approach to building new instruments, ensuring his influence will continue for decades to come.
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