I finally decided to hunt down a prs dgt used after years of playing standard McCartys, and honestly, it might be the best gear decision I've made in a decade. There's something about the David Grissom Tremolo model that just feels a bit more "soulful" than the typical precision-engineered PRS. If you've been scouring Reverb or lurking in the forums looking for one, you probably already know they don't exactly sit on the shelves for long.
The DGT is a bit of an outlier in the Paul Reed Smith lineup. It's based on the McCarty platform but has these specific tweaks that David Grissom spent decades refining. When you buy one used, you aren't just getting a discounted guitar; you're often getting a piece of gear that has already been broken in, which is exactly what a guitar like this needs.
Why the DGT stands out from the crowd
Most PRS guitars are known for being "perfect." Sometimes, though, that perfection can feel a little clinical to players who grew up on old Gibsons or Fenders. The DGT changes that. It's got a bit more grit. The first thing you notice when you pick up a prs dgt used is the neck shape. It isn't the standard Wide-Fat or Pattern Thin. It's a very specific, slightly narrower nut width with a deep carve that feels incredibly comfortable for thumb-over playing.
Then there are the frets. Grissom insisted on large, jumbo frets. If you're coming from a vintage Strat, this might feel like a huge change, but it makes bending notes effortless. When you're looking at used models, you really want to check the fret wear. Because these frets are so big, they have plenty of life in them, but players who really dig in might have left some divots behind.
The used market and price points
Let's talk money, because that's usually why we're looking for a prs dgt used instead of buying a brand-new one from a dealer. A new Core DGT is going to set you back a significant chunk of change—usually north of $4,000 these days. On the used market, you can find them in the $2,800 to $3,500 range depending on the top and the condition.
One thing to keep in mind is the "10-Top" factor. PRS labels their most highly figured maple tops as 10-Tops. If the guitar has a small "10" written on the back of the headstock, the price is going to be higher. But here's a tip: if you're a player and not a collector, the non-10-tops often sound just as good (some say better, though that's a rabbit hole) and you can save a few hundred bucks.
The finish: Nitro vs. V12 vs. Polyester
If you are looking at a prs dgt used, pay attention to the year it was made. Around 2020, PRS switched to a Nitro over Cellulose (CAB) finish for their Core models. Before that, they used the V12 finish, and even earlier models had a polyester base coat.
A lot of guys swear by the newer Nitro finishes because they feel "thinner" and let the wood breathe. However, the older V12 finishes are incredibly durable. If you find an older used DGT, it might look almost brand new because that finish is tough as nails. The Nitro ones tend to show "honest wear" a lot faster. Personally, I like a guitar that looks like it's been played, so a slightly beat-up 2021 model is right up my alley.
Those legendary DGT pickups
You can't talk about this guitar without mentioning the pickups. David Grissom spent a year A/B-ing different prototypes against his favorite vintage PAFs. The result is a set of humbuckers that have plenty of growl but clean up beautifully.
One of the coolest things about finding a prs dgt used is that it's one of the few PRS models with a truly usable coil tap. Most humbuckers sound thin and wimpy when you split them. The DGT uses some clever resistor magic to keep the volume consistent and the tone beefy even in single-coil mode. It's the only guitar I've played where I actually use the split tones live.
Also, unlike a standard McCarty or Custom 24, the DGT has two volume controls and one master tone. This allows you to blend the pickups in the middle position, which is a total game-changer for blues and rock players.
What to look for when inspecting a used one
If you're meeting someone locally or checking out photos online of a prs dgt used, there are a few specific things to look for:
- The Tremolo bridge: Check for any oxidation or pitting on the saddles. PRS hardware is high quality, but sweat can take a toll over time.
- The Tuners: The DGT uses faux-bone buttons on the locking tuners. They look cool, but make sure they aren't cracked—though this is pretty rare.
- The Case Candy: A used PRS should ideally come with the original hardshell case and the "eagle tag." The tag lists the specs, the serial number, and the date it was completed. It's not a dealbreaker if it's missing, but it helps with resale value later.
- The Bridge Pickup Ring: It sounds weird, but the DGT neck pickup is pushed slightly closer to the bridge to accommodate the 22 frets and the specific tone David wanted. Just make sure everything looks original and hasn't been modded with aftermarket pickups that might not fit the vibe.
The SE DGT vs. Used Core Models
Recently, PRS released the SE version of the DGT, which is made in Indonesia. It's a fantastic guitar for the price, and it has actually made the prs dgt used Core market even more interesting.
Some people buy the SE, realize they love the specs, and then immediately start looking for a used Core model to upgrade. This has kept the demand for used Core DGTs pretty high. If you find a used Core model for a "steal," jump on it, because they usually vanish within hours.
Is it a "forever" guitar?
Most people who buy a prs dgt used end up keeping it. It's often called the "Swiss Army Knife" of guitars. It can do the Gibson thing, it can do the Fender-ish thing, and it stays in tune perfectly thanks to the locking tuners and the well-designed tremolo.
I've owned a lot of gear over the years, and usually, the honeymoon phase wears off after a month. With the DGT, it's different. Every time I plug it in, I find a new sound. Whether it's rolling back the volume for a glassy clean or diming it for a thick, harmonically rich lead tone, it just works.
If you're on the fence about picking up a prs dgt used, my advice is to go for it. Even if you decide it's not for you, the resale value on these is incredibly stable. You can usually sell it for exactly what you paid for it, making it a "no-risk" trial of one of the best production guitars ever made. Just be prepared—once you get used to those jumbo frets and the dual volume controls, your other guitars might start collecting a bit of dust.