H.S. Anderson Mad Cat V3

The Closest You’ll Ever Get to the Original.

The H.S. Anderson Mad Cat V3 is the most faithful recreation ever produced of one of the most iconic electric guitars in modern music. Handcrafted in Japan, the V3 is the culmination of four years of meticulous research, historical reference, and collaboration with the person who knows Prince’s original guitar better than anyone else—Takumi Suetsugu, Prince’s long-time guitar technician and current custodian of the original Mad Cat.

Designed for collectors, professional musicians and dedicated Prince enthusiasts alike, the V3 delivers an unprecedented level of authenticity in both feel and construction.

Refined Where It Matters Most

Development of the V3 began in 2022 with one clear objective: to create the most accurate Mad Cat reissue ever built.

While the acclaimed V2 reissue was widely regarded as exceptionally faithful to the original instrument, Takumi identified one subtle but important difference—the neck profile.

Previous reissues were based on surviving 1979 and 1984 Mad Cats, resulting in a neck shape that sat between a traditional C and D profile. For the V3, H.S. Anderson returned to the source, referencing original 1976 H.S. Anderson Strat-style guitars from the same production period as Prince’s own instrument.

The result is a slimmer, more traditional C-shaped neck that captures the feel of the original with remarkable precision.

It’s a refinement many players may never notice on paper—but they’ll feel the difference the moment they pick it up.

Built Like the Original

Every Mad Cat V3 is handcrafted in Japan using the same distinctive construction that made the original legendary.

From its walnut, ash and maple body to the unmistakable leopard-print appointments and vintage-correct angled bridge pickup, every detail has been recreated with extraordinary attention to detail.

At its heart are H.S. Anderson’s custom-made Heartbreaker pickups, delivering the articulate attack, clarity and unmistakable character that helped define one of the most recognisable guitar tones in popular music.

Each instrument is individually measured before leaving the factory and includes a pickup measurement report, confirming that the installed pickups match the original reference specification.

Trusted by the Original Team

The authenticity of the Mad Cat reissues extends beyond the workshop.

In 2019, Takumi Suetsugu commissioned two modified reissue Mad Cats for use at Paisley Park celebration performances. These instruments have since been played by members of Prince’s extended musical family, including Sheila E., further cementing the reputation of the modern H.S. Anderson reissues among those closest to the original legacy.

Features

• Handcrafted in Japan
• The most accurate Mad Cat recreation produced to date
• Newly refined V3 slim C-shaped neck profile
• Developed with direct input from Takumi Suetsugu
• Walnut, ash and maple body construction
• One-piece maple neck
• Custom-made Heartbreaker pickups
• Vintage-correct angled bridge pickup
• Four-way switching with series and parallel pickup options
• Leopard-print pickguard and output jack plate
• Black body binding
• Colour-matched polyurethane finish
• Exclusive H.S. Anderson headstock
• Pearloid H.S. Anderson logo
• Individual pickup measurement report included
• Supplied in an SKB-66 premium hard case

Specifications

Included

• Individual pickup measurement report
• Extra Gotoh modern saddles
• SKB-66 hard case with full-length neck support

Product Details

Item Number: 9022

Brand: H.S. Anderson

Model: Mad Cat V3

Finish: Natural Amber

Country of Manufacture: Japan