I just got the Singlecut 594 this week and a new SE Custom 24 a few weeks earlier. I was astonished how much PRS had upped their quality control game in Indonesia. I've had older Korean made models that couldn't touch these newer models in terms of playability, tuning stability, and finish.
How you compare both, I'm towards between the custom 24 and the 594 Mccarty for playing modern stuff, think like Metállica, Álter Bridge, etc in a lower tuning than E. The pickups is not a problem, I have a couples of them to swap. Thank you in advance !
@vicentepiconguitarcovers4748 I'd go with the custom 24 for metal. The pickups are hotter and it's got a longer scale length. The 594 is more in line for classic rock tones.
PRS does have its own factory in Indonesia. It is connected to the Cor-Tec company, but they do have their own facility, their own quality control and their own engineers.
Jeremy you mentioned these are 85/15 “S” but I believe it is 58/15 LT “S”. I believe it’s the first time PRS put these on the SE versions. Before that was their S2 line.
It's a great guitar. I used to have PRS Core DGT Goldtop. I now have a PRS SE Standard 24-08 and SE 594 McCarty and they're both fantastic to play. Incredibly versatile workhorse guitars. Defo gets my vote.
And I just bought a McCarty 592 S2 single cut. My local shop didn’t have the SE version but cut me a great deal on the S2 at $1400. It’s amazing. Like having a lighter more comfortable Les Paul.
The critics were feeding off this video. Jeremy, you have always talked with your hands. You always have the excitement of a kid that has just seen a thing that excites him for the first time. It’s you. Don’t pay attention to some of the crabby comments. Good video! Keep them coming!
Truly enjoyed your program this morning. Enjoyed the subject matter, and breakdown of all the different areas to pay attention to prior to purchasing a guitar. Thank you for your time and efforts in bringing forth a good/heading towards excellent program.
The pickups in this guitar are the 58/15 LT "S". They are not 85/15 "S" , as stated in the video. These are their 'low turn' version of their PAF. Hence why they are "not so spicey"
Something that I believe leads to the quality of the SE range now is that starting 2019 PRS has it's own factory within the Cort factory, with a on site PRS manager. Their facility features custom-designed machinery and a staff of engineers and guitar builders who are solely focused on making PRS SE guitars.
The main difference to me when you jump from an SE to an S2 or Core is the neck building process. The USA necks take like 2-3 months to complete. The woods are dry and stable, frets are perfectly level, and the construction process is meticulous to say the least. That's a big deal to me but this McCarty SE is a fantastic guitar at a pretty fair price so you really can't go wrong.
In general yeah, but I’ve got a core whose neck isn’t as stable as my SE neck so sometimes it just depends on the circumstances. The main differences I’ve seen between the SE, S2 and core are the electronics and overall feel of the guitar. You get what you pay for but a PRS SE is typically a better value than other budget range guitars. For me, if it was between a 594 SE and a 594 core, I’d buy the SE and switch out the pickups and knobs IF I got along with the feel of the neck.
G&L has been doing this already... when you get their overseas guitars they use not just the same hardware, but the same pickups as well. Their import line is called "tribute". I love my G&L Comanche Tribute
The SE 594 guitars are a fantastic guitar for the price. I bought mine last year when they were discounted, and I swapped in a set of Pearly Gates and new pots, and now it is an absolute killer guitar!
Just got my first PRS SE.... It's a Paul Allender model. It has more bass and midrange, it's purple burst quilted maple, and it has BATS on the fretboard instead of birds. NOW i understand what all the PRS fuss is about!!!
Thank you for your review! I have an SE 594 exactly like yours. Since I gained some guitar experience, after buying a Superstrat (excellent Ibanez!) I felt the need for a "Les Paulish" that was not Gibson. In the PRS 594 I found my holy grail. After careful evaluation between the S2 and the SE I chose the latter, which fully meets all my needs, bank account included. The proof that I made the right choice I have every day when I ask myself the question, “What guitar do I play with?” Eight times out of ten my arm reaches out for the PRS.
I've had a couple of SE models, but both had major QC issues. The first had binding falling off in multiple spots, and horrible finish work. The top was all orange-peeled, and the body seams were sharp. I returned it, and they sent another, this one had good QC, but the pickups were out of phase. If I get another itll be a core model.
Don't bother wasting almost $5000 on a core. Get yourself a $1700 AP2 strat and a $3000 les paul standard 60s, and you'll have all the tones you'll ever need.
@manofthepeople2165 i gave up on PRS altogether. They're garbage and and are boring to play. I shoukd have mentioned I have a large number of Gibsons and other brands. For $7k CAD(price of a core model) i could buy a used R9/0, Fender CS, Suhr, EBMM, etc and be way happier. I liked PRS when I wrote the comment, but after meeting him at an even in Toronto, he strikes me as a huckster with no interest in his customers.
i have the S2 version of this - there is something special about this scale length to me. Totally underrated model in general SE S2 whatever version highly recommend
I have a 594, and I have no problems with the fit or finish. My guitar has no "specks" on the binding. The thing about PRS is having clarity over output. Even with overdrive the tones remain clear, not muddy. The pickups are intentionally lower output in keeping with the '59 LP vibe. I also have an Epiphone LP Modern that has higher output pickups. I suppose the fit and finish on it are better than other Epiphones, but I think Gibson has straightened out its guitar line and made Epiphones better (at least that's what most reviewers are saying). PRS SEs have great quality.
I’m like a 90% acoustic player and have a lot of Taylors, Martins, etc. Being from Maryland, I’ve admired the success of PRS over the many years they’ve built market share with their very fine U.S. and overseas-made SE guitars. I have several Fenders and Epiphone solid and hollowbody electrics, but never felt compelled to buy a Gibson ($$). Fender has such a wide variety, you can collect several models and modify them without breaking the bank. Only recently, I finally decided to buy a PRS SE Custom 24 with a beautiful spalted maple top. For me, having a unique wood or stain is important. Plus, I already had an Ibanez SZ520 in curly maple (PRS clone) and don’t like tiger maple. What impresses me about PRS SE is the quality checks they do on the overseas models when they arrive to ensure they’re up to their high standards.
I am new and I agree. I can mod a guitar exactly the way I want to. Do a great fret job and pick your hardware. you can build a custom shop guitar for a fraction of the price. Take it a step farther and I now build my own. I get to pick every component. Great hobby for a grandfather. Also, could you EQ those humbuckers spilt to give you a sound you would really like? Strat like, for example.
The 594 does have one rival, PRS' very own DGT SE. I'd still choose the 594 for a single-cut with hardtail. The S2's made sense before PRS moved SE production to Cor-tek. Until then the S2 line was the only way to get a Mira or Vela. Now they're part of the SE range they make less sense. Cheers for the video.
Years ago, I was a big Creed/Mark Tremonti fan and I absolutely LOVED the look of his PRS singlecut! I so badly wanted to own one and saw that PRS had a MUCH cheaper version with the SE line. Not long after, I saw that same SE model in a guitar store and was disappointed with it. One of the main things that visually drew me to the look of his guitar was that black, beautifully sculpted thick carved top and with the SE model it had a very slight carve to it, almost flat in comparison to the original. To some, that might seem like such an insignificant detail, but I really liked and wanted that deep carved top, yet couldn't justify paying a couple thousand $$ more for it.
I know that PRS and the staff are VERY involved in the SE line. This is not a case of "hey Indonesia, we will send you a drawing. Please make 1000 of these" They go to Indonesia regularly and have a PRS employee there full time to oversee production. PRS CARES!
There is a PRS section in the Cort factory that only makes the PRS guitars. They have their own crew that has been trained by the PRS team. All the PRS SE guitars get shipped to PRS in Maryland where they inspect them and then ship them out to dealers.
I was in hometown last weekend and grabbed the BTB Ibanez, I remember you mentioned your having a channel to another customer, interesting that UA-cam suggested one of your videos lol. Subbed just because lol
Awesome!! I Love PRS! Though they look the same on paper, they're not manufactured the same. The SE line all have 3 piece bodies and 7 piece necks ( 3 pieces glued together the length of the neck), so the lower end axes are wood scraps glued together. The S2 line Have a 1 piece body and a 5 piece neck ( solid piece of wood the length of the neck). This is were the price difference comes in. If you are someone that mods and upgrades, the value is in the S2. The SE, in my opinion, would be good for gigging not for modding. Also, the Korean made SE's feel different than the Indonesian made ones. I had a couple of 277's from both places and the Korean neck had a much better carve than the Indonesian one.
I know that this guitar costs almost double what a Squier Classic vibe cost but in saying that in the fender realm this guitar is PRS's Squier so when I purchased it that's the quality I was expecting. Let me just say when I took it out of the nice gig bag and looked at it I was amazed not only was I impressed by the look and feel of it but the playability of it felt like something that was way out of my price range. Not saying this guitar is inexpensive by any means but this is the poor mans treasure. I don't know why more people aren't talking about it or maybe I do . There is no reason to pay more if you like the les paul style of guitar. Great video.
I’ve owned three PRSs. One was an SE CU22 that I picked up cheap at a pawn shop. It was a decent guitar and good enough to gig with. I moved it on for other purchases. Later I acquired a 2012 Experience CU24 with a Private Stock neck. It is a work of art and plays/sounds like you would expect. I then bought a DGT Wood Library with a korina neck which is fantastic. Both are keepers and I view them as investments. If I play out somewhere, I have other guitars I take instead, but I do play them at church.
Overall a good value for the price point. Not too particular crazy about the sound of those coil splits but better to have and not need then to need and not have. The disparity gap between uber cheap and extremely expensive is closing more and more.
As of today, the se 245 is my unrivaled go to. I picked it up 2 months ago for $400 on reverb. Guy bought it with tax refund, put in seymour duncans, got into financial woes, and sold it to me. It was one of those things that i was in the right place at the right time and had cash available. I cant foresee me ever letting this thing go. Yes, its that good. Of all the strats, teles, 335’s, and les paul’s ive ever had, this is head and shoulders above them all. The wide/fat neck is perfect for me anyway, but the overall performance is great.
The Zach Myers SE model has a satin back neck, so plasticy finish is minimized where it matters. And no coil taps, though I don’t see why those are an issue (you dont have to use them). And it also has the fat neck, and it’s a semi! 😎
Hey Jeremy! May I ask for an opinion? I was lucky enough to win a prize package with all kinds of stuff that can be used to upgrade a guitar from PRS and Phil McKnight. The package included the limited edition 58/15 LT pickups. Are you familiar with those? (PRS made a video about them if you search PRS 58/15 LT.) I’ve never upgraded a guitar and never owned an electric of my own (though I’ve borrowed from time to time). I am not as familiar with PRS, but their guitars are awesome. I’m curious if you can think of a couple of the SE models that would be right for those pickups. The only thing that isn’t great for me is a 25.5” scale length and giant baseball bat necks because I have short, stubby fingers. I’d be open to a tremolo/vibrato system. I’d prefer a coil splitting config since the pickups are wired for that. Any thoughts? I can’t afford a guitar beyond the one I have, but I’m hoping to set my sites on something even if it takes me forever to save. It would be really special to upgrade the pickups, and there were also locking SE tuners included too. Sounds like the McCarty or DGT might be a good fit, but what’s your take? Btw, if it matters, I’m mostly a rhythm player with an acoustic background. I play all sorts of stuff (I was born in ‘81). We seem to have similar music tastes. I mostly play rock, metal, and punk when I get my hands on an electric, but I also love beautiful clean tones from so many types of music too. Tyvm for your input and a very helpful review! 😊
My no. 1 complaint with any SE is this; the non-recessing of the access panels on the back of the guitar. Even my Epiphone Les Paul Florintine model had them flush with the surface. It was made in Indonesia too! Routing the PRS’ would not add that much cost with the change. Just an additional thought!
That is something i notices also on the 5 of these i own... and it bugs me also....im going to try and insetting the covers some time with my small trim router...if i can do it with out fucking up the finish ...it would be like a 5 minute job for each....I play these more then any guitar i own is all i know... these are so great
Jeremy, new sub here. Thank you for the excellent and well-balanced review. I was lucky with the Epiphone I bought 10 years ago ("Custom Pro") with an ebony fingerboard and the producers, which I think sound great. And it stays in tune despite a lot of bending. I have had bad luck with the two Gibson LPs I've owned (Studio and Tribute). They sounded great with (unlike the SE) great finishes, but they wouldn't stay in tune. That has media me gunshy of getting a Gibson LP Standard. In your experience, do those (unlike anything with PRS on the headstock) have tuning stability issues? Don't want to spend 3 grand on a guitar that won't keep good tune.
58/15 LT-e PAF style classic voiced humbuckers. Very articulate and clear, with just enough bite to get some crunch going. Possibly the best import pickups available. Maybe not as versatile as say Custombuckers or Burstbuckers. But for the price its a no brainer. I'm still monkeying around with my Singlecut Standard. I wired it 50's style and upgraded everything but the pickups, obviously. Still sounds the same dimed. But when I try'n dial back the volume to utilize the 50's wiring. It gets unusably thin sounding. Which makes the coil tap switching even worse. I'm thinking the low turn pickups are just too weak to push a fat base heavy signal, through the added resistance created with 50's wiring. I'm gonna go back to modern wiring and add a couple treble bleed curcuits. That should do the trick. The HOG version in Vintage Cherry is the best deal on a LP style guitar available. Peace!
I believe the pickups are 58/15 S. This guitar is a high quality price-point instrument. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to say the electronics in this beast are close to the same level of quality as the core model. American made and spec’d pickups and wiring will ALWAYS be superior to overseas electronics, with the exception of fully Made in Japan like an Ibanez Gem. The S2 still uses overseas pickups and wiring. The woods and build of the guitar are U.S.A. This is still a very playable guitar, just don’t expect the same degree of clarity in most Asian made pickups as their U.S.A. counterparts.
I have an SE Custom 24 with the same finish. It'd be nice to have a hardtail version of it. Been thinking of selling my Gibson and getting one of these, then upgrading the pickups and pots. Honestly, the Gibson is nice but it's a backbreaker with a huge neck that, sometimes I feel, hinders my playing.
13:00 thanks for being honest. I have yet to try this guitar since it's been very hyped up since released. Looking forward to try it soon. The Epiphone 1959 and Lazarus were hyped like hell on UA-cam and some youtubers even compared it with the custom shop R9. I got my Epi 59' with high expectation that it may replace my Gibson USA LP Standard and save some cash. Nope, it just didn't feel the same at all. Yes, it sounds not bad at all, but the nitro finish makes it feels plasticky. The nitro finishing is a big part of the Gibson equation.
Awesome tones man! I'd love to get my hands on one of those! Nice last name too! 😂 This is the first video I've seen of yours. Great stuff man, keep it up!
Maybe you should see the S2 10th Anniversary Custom 24 and S2 10th Anniversary McCarty 594. The appointments on the 10th Anniversary appointments now makes the S2 so much like the Core. Add the limited edition to it, could/should be a consideration for some folks. My S2 10th Anniversary Custom 24 should be here any day now.
Agree that they did a number of right upgrades on the 10th Anniversary S2’s. Enough that I couldn’t see spending an additional $1300 on a Core just to gain the violin carved top and hand made fretboard/neck. My 10th Anniversary 594 arrives tomorrow. Enjoy!
I need to sell couple of my guitars until I can get one. They are ones that I have not bonded with or don’t play them anymore. This would probably my next purchase. I am wondering when sweetwater will have them for sale.
Thanks for the review. I'm considering this guitar or the se dgt. Also interested in the se Mccarty single cut standard. Same specs/wood without the more attractive maple top. $829 compared to $949. Can't hear a difference in the tone, but I've only heard youtube vids.
I've only found a couple vids on the standard model, but user reviews are positive. I've read the maple top might get a brighter tone, but sounds like it's more about aesthetics. Do have an opinion on that? I might be willing to pay $120 extra for a more professional look, but just wondering if a maple top would make much of a tone difference on any quality solid body mahogany guitar with the same pickups. and you seem like an honest reviewer who's had your hands on a lot more guitars than me. Wish I had access to one.
The facility PRS produces in is a custom built facility top to bottom and you can see a tour on you tube .. it’s quite an amazing facility in Java Indonesia … and that truth bit about what can be built for what price ,well technology along with facility has a lot to do with more of a guitar these days … but those little specs well that’s cause demand is higher and things still slip .. I know this as I have 3 perfect SE guitars and the se dgt I ordered was sent back due to little issues so still waiting on a replacement … now my usa silver sky that was 2500 bucks , while it’s a great guitar the nitro came off the neck shoulders in a week and it soiled both sides of the neck .. that was not cool since my 92 And 94 fender necks are still clean that neck looked old dirty on the edges in say 10 days
The only problem I have/had with my PRS guitars is that the woods they choose are too resonant, making the guitar too noisy with medium to hot pickups. Every time I’ve swapped to low outputs, usually A2 magnets, it brings out the best in the guitar. It livens them up quite a bit, and takes away the sterility of the sound.
So is the neck like a 59 LP or 58? Big difference. 59 not too chunky. 58 chunkier, 54 a bit chunkier than a 58 ( these are the recent CS 2020 on). I’m curious and order through Reverb or places like that. I like the guitar for cheap. Had a PRS custom 22 ten top. Neck was way to slim for me. I’m an acoustic/ electric player and always gravitated towards the thicker neck. Like the studio by the way. Thanks for the review 👍
@@JeremySheppard Nice that’s what I’m looking for. I want a cheaper electric I’m not afraid to get a ding or two on. I have to be so careful with my CS stuff 🤣
I would consider those little marks as beauty marks and get on with playing it. I personally wouldn't return it if that was the only issue. They just add a little character.
Mostly I agree. There are some really good affordable guitars that just need some good pickups or a decent trem or whatever. I have a PRS SE 22 semi-hollow that is awesome. I haven't changed anything on it. That being said, there are some really special guitars out there that might warrant paying more than $1K. I have a limited edition US Strat with a solid rosewood neck that has a fabulous tone. Maybe the best Strat tone I have ever heard. Or a guitar that a famous musician played. Or an extremely vintage guitar. But for every day picking, there are some really great axes on the market for under a grand. Spend the extra cash on a tube amp. 😊😊😊
Hey Jeremy. Odd request, but on the off shoot you’d say yes, any way you’d be open to letting a fellow Virginian put check out anything in your collection to get some hands on experience to stuff that’s tough to find? I love you channel and would love to see what a furch neck feels like since I can’t find them anywhere else! I like in Fredericksburg and would happily make a trip to talk guitar shop!
I don't think PRS was lying to us, just that they couldn't do it until now at the standard they wanted. I also don't consider the finish cheesy, just more durable. I don't care for stuff that looks cracked etc. too soon.
I think the higher price stuff is not so much about sound but about feel. The expensive 2k plus stuff always feel better. Like on the PRS, when you have a gloss painted neck on the PRS, it feels terrible, even if it sounds great!
Nice guitar but for that kind of cash my money is on Gibson Tribute series…sure, not as fancy looking, but it’s made in America, plek’d, nitrous finish, sweet gig bag, and nothing chugs like it. Can’t even come close.
Yes, by a long shot. I had a 59 dark burst, inspired by Gibson last year it was okay. Sounded good but was still cheap feeling. This one feels like a pro guitar.
I gather from the video that he does, and I would too. Just keep in mind that PRS pickups are designed to be as clear as possible, which means there won't be as much of the muddy mids as on a Les Paul. Problem is that a lot of us really like those mids, so if you get a PRS or try one, turn the mids up on the amp or use a pedal that's midi-forward (like a tube screamer). A lot of times I'll be unhappy with what I'm getting out of a PRS but the problem is really just trying to play a PRS with 'Les Paul' amp settings. (Of if you have only 2 bands of EQ on your amp, just turn the Treble and Bass down and then turn your gain up to compensate)
Just keep in mind that a McCarty is not a Les Paul. They're better than Les Pauls, but at the same time if you really want the "Les Paul" thing this might not do that without bridging the gap with a mids push somewhere in the signal chain.
Hi Jeremy, another couple of great options in this category are the Ibanez AR420, any of the Yamaha revstar guitars, or the Godin Radiator. I totally agree, if the plastic feeling finish was improved, this guitar would be even more outstanding. There are some incredible options out there around $1000.
yeah i never buy the se guitars because i hate the thick poly finishes i always wished they'd makes the all just satin finish guitars, satin poly buffed correctly always feels fricken perfect
Unfortunately I got one that has major fit and finish issues, to the point that the squire and Xavier guitar fetish guitars I recently bought have a better quality. QC failed somewhere on the SE I got. Crack in 1st fret finger board, toggle switch is iffy and a knob on the push pull pot fell off. Plus glue squeeze out in neck joint. So upset that this guitar was allowed to ship as new and not a second
Here's the PRS hierarchy, all of these tiers have merit and any of them could be considered the best value, depending on what YOU value: --- Private Stock: every guitar is a handmade one-off work of art aside from a couple LTD Edition runs of less than 100 each (different from Fender Custom Shop, where every guitar is handmade but they're all one of several packages of vintage replicas they offer, with some limited customizations available) ...[Best PROVENANCE and HOLYGRAIL-CHASER-PERFECTIONIST value] Core: PRS USA instruments with PRS USA electronics (usually) (10 tops and other add-on features could be put on core's or private stock guitars, but ALL private stocks are going to be made of something special) ...[Best 'MURICA! value if you like set neck designs] Bolt-On : PRS USA instruments with Bolt-on necks (cheaper to make than cores by design but not inferior in quality) ...[Best 'MURICA!' value if you like bolt-ons or if you don't care about Bolt-on vs Set-neck] S2: PRS USA instruments with foreign import electronics (usually), simpler body carves to save CNC time (some people like the flatter SG-esque carve better) ...[Best COMPROMISE between 'Murica and Tone-and-Feel-For-Your-Money value, also best SG-THING value] SE: Cort guitars made to PRS specs and under PRS supervision ...[Best TONE-AND-FEEL-FOR-YOUR-MONEY value]
I don't like the 85/15s in my Mira SEs. The bridge is kinda weak and a little ice picky. I think it depends on the guitar the pups are in. The mcarty has a thicker mahogany body and maple cap. And yeah, I wish they'd make a satin finish SE
PRS just makes quality instruments. I have three of their guitars and they're all keepers. Thanks for this!
I just got the Singlecut 594 this week and a new SE Custom 24 a few weeks earlier. I was astonished how much PRS had upped their quality control game in Indonesia. I've had older Korean made models that couldn't touch these newer models in terms of playability, tuning stability, and finish.
How you compare both, I'm towards between the custom 24 and the 594 Mccarty for playing modern stuff, think like Metállica, Álter Bridge, etc in a lower tuning than E. The pickups is not a problem, I have a couples of them to swap.
Thank you in advance !
@vicentepiconguitarcovers4748 I'd go with the custom 24 for metal. The pickups are hotter and it's got a longer scale length. The 594 is more in line for classic rock tones.
@@jntdhome thank you!
PRS does have its own factory in Indonesia. It is connected to the Cor-Tec company, but they do have their own facility, their own quality control and their own engineers.
Jeremy you mentioned these are 85/15 “S” but I believe it is 58/15 LT “S”. I believe it’s the first time PRS put these on the SE versions. Before that was their S2 line.
They have been using the 58/15 S in the 594'. New for 2023 is the LT S version
2024 is core pups on s2 line
It's a great guitar. I used to have PRS Core DGT Goldtop. I now have a PRS SE Standard 24-08 and SE 594 McCarty and they're both fantastic to play. Incredibly versatile workhorse guitars. Defo gets my vote.
And I just bought a McCarty 592 S2 single cut. My local shop didn’t have the SE version but cut me a great deal on the S2 at $1400. It’s amazing. Like having a lighter more comfortable Les Paul.
The critics were feeding off this video. Jeremy, you have always talked with your hands. You always have the excitement of a kid that has just seen a thing that excites him for the first time. It’s you. Don’t pay attention to some of the crabby comments. Good video! Keep them coming!
PRS didn't lie, they can't make it at that price point, but Cort can and they did.
Very nice
Very astute
Im pretty sure it was who built the bigger factory , prs who has the design etc they literally just get built cheaper lol
😂 well said
amazing how cheap slave wages are
Truly enjoyed your program this morning. Enjoyed the subject matter, and breakdown of all the different areas to pay attention to prior to purchasing a guitar. Thank you for your time and efforts in bringing forth a good/heading towards excellent program.
The pickups in this guitar are the 58/15 LT "S". They are not 85/15 "S" , as stated in the video. These are their 'low turn' version of their PAF. Hence why they are "not so spicey"
Something that I believe leads to the quality of the SE range now is that starting 2019 PRS has it's own factory within the Cort factory, with a on site PRS manager. Their facility features custom-designed machinery and a staff of engineers and guitar builders who are solely focused on making PRS SE guitars.
The main difference to me when you jump from an SE to an S2 or Core is the neck building process. The USA necks take like 2-3 months to complete. The woods are dry and stable, frets are perfectly level, and the construction process is meticulous to say the least. That's a big deal to me but this McCarty SE is a fantastic guitar at a pretty fair price so you really can't go wrong.
😊
@Stratisfied - The process is the same in Indonesia. Watch "SE Factory Tour: Surabaya, Indonesia".
Mahogany is more stable than maple..
(Not torrified maple)
In general yeah, but I’ve got a core whose neck isn’t as stable as my SE neck so sometimes it just depends on the circumstances.
The main differences I’ve seen between the SE, S2 and core are the electronics and overall feel of the guitar. You get what you pay for but a PRS SE is typically a better value than other budget range guitars.
For me, if it was between a 594 SE and a 594 core, I’d buy the SE and switch out the pickups and knobs IF I got along with the feel of the neck.
Multi-ply necks are more stable than one piece necks. Period.
G&L has been doing this already... when you get their overseas guitars they use not just the same hardware, but the same pickups as well. Their import line is called "tribute".
I love my G&L Comanche Tribute
The SE 594 guitars are a fantastic guitar for the price. I bought mine last year when they were discounted, and I swapped in a set of Pearly Gates and new pots, and now it is an absolute killer guitar!
Just got my first PRS SE.... It's a Paul Allender model. It has more bass and midrange, it's purple burst quilted maple, and it has BATS on the fretboard instead of birds. NOW i understand what all the PRS fuss is about!!!
Thank you for your review! I have an SE 594 exactly like yours.
Since I gained some guitar experience, after buying a Superstrat (excellent Ibanez!) I felt the need for a "Les Paulish" that was not Gibson. In the PRS 594 I found my holy grail. After careful evaluation between the S2 and the SE I chose the latter, which fully meets all my needs, bank account included.
The proof that I made the right choice I have every day when I ask myself the question, “What guitar do I play with?” Eight times out of ten my arm reaches out for the PRS.
Or is it 4/5 times? Always reduce your fractions! - some math teacher somewhere
Nice review. The little spots on the upper neck binding wouldn't bother me. I would think of them as beauty marks and get on with it.
I've had a couple of SE models, but both had major QC issues. The first had binding falling off in multiple spots, and horrible finish work. The top was all orange-peeled, and the body seams were sharp. I returned it, and they sent another, this one had good QC, but the pickups were out of phase.
If I get another itll be a core model.
Don't bother wasting almost $5000 on a core. Get yourself a $1700 AP2 strat and a $3000 les paul standard 60s, and you'll have all the tones you'll ever need.
@manofthepeople2165 i gave up on PRS altogether. They're garbage and and are boring to play. I shoukd have mentioned I have a large number of Gibsons and other brands. For $7k CAD(price of a core model) i could buy a used R9/0, Fender CS, Suhr, EBMM, etc and be way happier. I liked PRS when I wrote the comment, but after meeting him at an even in Toronto, he strikes me as a huckster with no interest in his customers.
@manofthepeople2165 and yeah, the AP2 strat is one of my favorites. I have a green FSR with all Rosewood neck. Im definitely an LP guy, though.
sounds about right
@@RByrneby
i have the S2 version of this - there is something special about this scale length to me. Totally underrated model in general SE S2 whatever version highly recommend
is the s2 better im thinking of buying one but im a gibson guy but just think the price of a new les paul is rediculous
@@pentatonicpaddy I havent played the SE, but I love the S2
I just got my SE McCarty 594 and love it!!!! I did switch out the tuners (that I DID NOT like) for Kluson non-collard locking tuners.
which ones?
I was looking at those, how do they look in person? On the pictures they look really green. I kind of like the white bone look.
@@SergioFigaroa I think that they look great. Much better than the stock ones on the SE.
I have a 594, and I have no problems with the fit or finish. My guitar has no "specks" on the binding. The thing about PRS is having clarity over output. Even with overdrive the tones remain clear, not muddy. The pickups are intentionally lower output in keeping with the '59 LP vibe. I also have an Epiphone LP Modern that has higher output pickups. I suppose the fit and finish on it are better than other Epiphones, but I think Gibson has straightened out its guitar line and made Epiphones better (at least that's what most reviewers are saying). PRS SEs have great quality.
Liked! Does it fit perfectly inside a Les Paul case? Curious. Thanks.
😎👍💓🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!!
RELIC FREE SINCE 1985!
Great video! New subscriber. The best part of this is, there’s little dots under the finish, let me get my macro lens. Lol.
Mike Oldfield is a big influence on me - and he was playing PRS since the late 80's. I have the S2 version of this - it's amazing.
I’m like a 90% acoustic player and have a lot of Taylors, Martins, etc. Being from Maryland, I’ve admired the success of PRS over the many years they’ve built market share with their very fine U.S. and overseas-made SE guitars. I have several Fenders and Epiphone solid and hollowbody electrics, but never felt compelled to buy a Gibson ($$). Fender has such a wide variety, you can collect several models and modify them without breaking the bank. Only recently, I finally decided to buy a PRS SE Custom 24 with a beautiful spalted maple top. For me, having a unique wood or stain is important. Plus, I already had an Ibanez SZ520 in curly maple (PRS clone) and don’t like tiger maple. What impresses me about PRS SE is the quality checks they do on the overseas models when they arrive to ensure they’re up to their high standards.
I am new and I agree. I can mod a guitar exactly the way I want to. Do a great fret job and pick your hardware. you can build a custom shop guitar for a fraction of the price. Take it a step farther and I now build my own. I get to pick every component. Great hobby for a grandfather. Also, could you EQ those humbuckers spilt to give you a sound you would really like? Strat like, for example.
PRS split coils actually sound more usable then other guitar brands. I actually use that function on my Grissom model.
The 594 does have one rival, PRS' very own DGT SE. I'd still choose the 594 for a single-cut with hardtail. The S2's made sense before PRS moved SE production to Cor-tek. Until then the S2 line was the only way to get a Mira or Vela. Now they're part of the SE range they make less sense. Cheers for the video.
At 2:44, your caption says "Neck Humbucker" but the switch is clearly in the bridge position.
Yeeesh. Good find.
@@JeremySheppard Just got one of these. I love it!
Years ago, I was a big Creed/Mark Tremonti fan and I absolutely LOVED the look of his PRS singlecut! I so badly wanted to own one and saw that PRS had a MUCH cheaper version with the SE line. Not long after, I saw that same SE model in a guitar store and was disappointed with it. One of the main things that visually drew me to the look of his guitar was that black, beautifully sculpted thick carved top and with the SE model it had a very slight carve to it, almost flat in comparison to the original. To some, that might seem like such an insignificant detail, but I really liked and wanted that deep carved top, yet couldn't justify paying a couple thousand $$ more for it.
I know that PRS and the staff are VERY involved in the SE line. This is not a case of "hey Indonesia, we will send you a drawing. Please make 1000 of these" They go to Indonesia regularly and have a PRS employee there full time to oversee production. PRS CARES!
There is a PRS section in the Cort factory that only makes the PRS guitars. They have their own crew that has been trained by the PRS team. All the PRS SE guitars get shipped to PRS in Maryland where they inspect them and then ship them out to dealers.
Only PRS cares, because they are the only company that wants to sell their guitars.
Great demo and review. Totally agree with you about affordable guitars. Thanks so much!
I was in hometown last weekend and grabbed the BTB Ibanez, I remember you mentioned your having a channel to another customer, interesting that UA-cam suggested one of your videos lol. Subbed just because lol
Heyo! Glad we're connected. Small world.
Awesome!! I Love PRS! Though they look the same on paper, they're not manufactured the same. The SE line all have 3 piece bodies and 7 piece necks ( 3 pieces glued together the length of the neck), so the lower end axes are wood scraps glued together. The S2 line Have a 1 piece body and a 5 piece neck ( solid piece of wood the length of the neck). This is were the price difference comes in. If you are someone that mods and upgrades, the value is in the S2. The SE, in my opinion, would be good for gigging not for modding. Also, the Korean made SE's feel different than the Indonesian made ones. I had a couple of 277's from both places and the Korean neck had a much better carve than the Indonesian one.
What’s the song sample at the end?Sounds fantastic. Creed?
I know that this guitar costs almost double what a Squier Classic vibe cost but in saying that in the fender realm this guitar is PRS's Squier so when I purchased it that's the quality I was expecting. Let me just say when I took it out of the nice gig bag and looked at it I was amazed not only was I impressed by the look and feel of it but the playability of it felt like something that was way out of my price range. Not saying this guitar is inexpensive by any means but this is the poor mans treasure. I don't know why more people aren't talking about it or maybe I do . There is no reason to pay more if you like the les paul style of guitar. Great video.
I’ve owned three PRSs. One was an SE CU22 that I picked up cheap at a pawn shop. It was a decent guitar and good enough to gig with. I moved it on for other purchases. Later I acquired a 2012 Experience CU24 with a Private Stock neck. It is a work of art and plays/sounds like you would expect. I then bought a DGT Wood Library with a korina neck which is fantastic. Both are keepers and I view them as investments. If I play out somewhere, I have other guitars I take instead, but I do play them at church.
Overall a good value for the price point. Not too particular crazy about the sound of those coil splits but better to have and not need then to need and not have. The disparity gap between uber cheap and extremely expensive is closing more and more.
As of today, the se 245 is my unrivaled go to. I picked it up 2 months ago for $400 on reverb. Guy bought it with tax refund, put in seymour duncans, got into financial woes, and sold it to me. It was one of those things that i was in the right place at the right time and had cash available. I cant foresee me ever letting this thing go. Yes, its that good. Of all the strats, teles, 335’s, and les paul’s ive ever had, this is head and shoulders above them all. The wide/fat neck is perfect for me anyway, but the overall performance is great.
The Zach Myers SE model has a satin back neck, so plasticy finish is minimized where it matters. And no coil taps, though I don’t see why those are an issue (you dont have to use them). And it also has the fat neck, and it’s a semi! 😎
Godin guitars are the most underrated yet totally amazingly versatile and North American made at overseas prices for most models
Hey Jeremy! May I ask for an opinion? I was lucky enough to win a prize package with all kinds of stuff that can be used to upgrade a guitar from PRS and Phil McKnight. The package included the limited edition 58/15 LT pickups. Are you familiar with those? (PRS made a video about them if you search PRS 58/15 LT.) I’ve never upgraded a guitar and never owned an electric of my own (though I’ve borrowed from time to time). I am not as familiar with PRS, but their guitars are awesome. I’m curious if you can think of a couple of the SE models that would be right for those pickups.
The only thing that isn’t great for me is a 25.5” scale length and giant baseball bat necks because I have short, stubby fingers. I’d be open to a tremolo/vibrato system. I’d prefer a coil splitting config since the pickups are wired for that.
Any thoughts? I can’t afford a guitar beyond the one I have, but I’m hoping to set my sites on something even if it takes me forever to save. It would be really special to upgrade the pickups, and there were also locking SE tuners included too.
Sounds like the McCarty or DGT might be a good fit, but what’s your take?
Btw, if it matters, I’m mostly a rhythm player with an acoustic background. I play all sorts of stuff (I was born in ‘81). We seem to have similar music tastes. I mostly play rock, metal, and punk when I get my hands on an electric, but I also love beautiful clean tones from so many types of music too.
Tyvm for your input and a very helpful review! 😊
That's incredible! Email me and let's talk. Info@jeremysheppard.com
Dosen't Schecter make their import models there as well?
My no. 1 complaint with any SE is this; the non-recessing of the access panels on the back of the guitar. Even my Epiphone Les Paul Florintine model had them flush with the surface. It was made in Indonesia too! Routing the PRS’ would not add that much cost with the change.
Just an additional thought!
Is that new? I thought Epiphany had their own factory in China.
@@Scott__C No, and I’m not sure they make anymore!!??!!
That is something i notices also on the 5 of these i own... and it bugs me also....im going to try and insetting the covers some time with my small trim router...if i can do it with out fucking up the finish ...it would be like a 5 minute job for each....I play these more then any guitar i own is all i know... these are so great
Jeremy, new sub here. Thank you for the excellent and well-balanced review. I was lucky with the Epiphone I bought 10 years ago ("Custom Pro") with an ebony fingerboard and the producers, which I think sound great. And it stays in tune despite a lot of bending. I have had bad luck with the two Gibson LPs I've owned (Studio and Tribute). They sounded great with (unlike the SE) great finishes, but they wouldn't stay in tune. That has media me gunshy of getting a Gibson LP Standard. In your experience, do those (unlike anything with PRS on the headstock) have tuning stability issues? Don't want to spend 3 grand on a guitar that won't keep good tune.
I had a SE Custom 24 and it was very nice. I just didn't like the wide thin neck I'll probably pick up one of these.
You can upgrade this guitar up to a core model ? How, just add hardware? It wouldn’t be the same as a core however.
Does it also Sound good with Metal (rectifier Sound)?
58/15 LT-e PAF style classic voiced humbuckers. Very articulate and clear, with just enough bite to get some crunch going.
Possibly the best import pickups available.
Maybe not as versatile as say Custombuckers or Burstbuckers.
But for the price its a no brainer.
I'm still monkeying around with my Singlecut Standard. I wired it 50's style and upgraded everything but the pickups, obviously. Still sounds the same dimed. But when I try'n dial back the volume to utilize the 50's wiring. It gets unusably thin sounding. Which makes the coil tap switching even worse. I'm thinking the low turn pickups are just too weak to push a fat base heavy signal, through the added resistance created with 50's wiring. I'm gonna go back to modern wiring and add a couple treble bleed curcuits. That should do the trick. The HOG version in Vintage Cherry is the best deal on a LP style guitar available. Peace!
I thought they came with 58/15 LT S pickups
I believe the pickups are 58/15 S. This guitar is a high quality price-point instrument. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to say the electronics in this beast are close to the same level of quality as the core model. American made and spec’d pickups and wiring will ALWAYS be superior to overseas electronics, with the exception of fully Made in Japan like an Ibanez Gem. The S2 still uses overseas pickups and wiring. The woods and build of the guitar are U.S.A. This is still a very playable guitar, just don’t expect the same degree of clarity in most Asian made pickups as their U.S.A. counterparts.
Mark Holcomb Of Periphery.. I Have PRS SE Mark Holcomb Holcomb Burst.. Its a Beast..
I have an SE Custom 24 with the same finish. It'd be nice to have a hardtail version of it. Been thinking of selling my Gibson and getting one of these, then upgrading the pickups and pots. Honestly, the Gibson is nice but it's a backbreaker with a huge neck that, sometimes I feel, hinders my playing.
13:00 thanks for being honest. I have yet to try this guitar since it's been very hyped up since released. Looking forward to try it soon.
The Epiphone 1959 and Lazarus were hyped like hell on UA-cam and some youtubers even compared it with the custom shop R9. I got my Epi 59' with high expectation that it may replace my Gibson USA LP Standard and save some cash. Nope, it just didn't feel the same at all. Yes, it sounds not bad at all, but the nitro finish makes it feels plasticky. The nitro finishing is a big part of the Gibson equation.
I felt the same way. The inspired 59's we're so hyped and to me they're we're okay but still very much an Epiphone
Awesome tones man! I'd love to get my hands on one of those! Nice last name too! 😂 This is the first video I've seen of yours. Great stuff man, keep it up!
The pickup selector switch looks out of place on the upper horn.
Maybe you should see the S2 10th Anniversary Custom 24 and S2 10th Anniversary McCarty 594. The appointments on the 10th Anniversary appointments now makes the S2 so much like the Core. Add the limited edition to it, could/should be a consideration for some folks. My S2 10th Anniversary Custom 24 should be here any day now.
Agree that they did a number of right upgrades on the 10th Anniversary S2’s. Enough that I couldn’t see spending an additional $1300 on a Core just to gain the violin carved top and hand made fretboard/neck. My 10th Anniversary 594 arrives tomorrow.
Enjoy!
I need to sell couple of my guitars until I can get one. They are ones that I have not bonded with or don’t play them anymore. This would probably my next purchase. I am wondering when sweetwater will have them for sale.
Thanks for the review. I'm considering this guitar or the se dgt. Also interested in the se Mccarty single cut standard. Same specs/wood without the more attractive maple top. $829 compared to $949. Can't hear a difference in the tone, but I've only heard youtube vids.
I've only found a couple vids on the standard model, but user reviews are positive. I've read the maple top might get a brighter tone, but sounds like it's more about aesthetics. Do have an opinion on that? I might be willing to pay $120 extra for a more professional look, but just wondering if a maple top would make much of a tone difference on any quality solid body mahogany guitar with the same pickups. and you seem like an honest reviewer who's had your hands on a lot more guitars than me. Wish I had access to one.
No need to reply. Found my answer. I wasn't that surprised... ua-cam.com/video/n02tImce3AE/v-deo.html
I have some older PRS guitars that are sweet. Thanks for the review!
I own a gen 1 Bernie Mardsen signature SE w/ SD ‘59’s and Gibson knobs and switch. I’d put it up there w/ my LP.
Did Cor-Tek ever do anything about their working conditions overseas?
The facility PRS produces in is a custom built facility top to bottom and you can see a tour on you tube .. it’s quite an amazing facility in Java Indonesia … and that truth bit about what can be built for what price ,well technology along with facility has a lot to do with more of a guitar these days … but those little specs well that’s cause demand is higher and things still slip .. I know this as I have 3 perfect SE guitars and the se dgt I ordered was sent back due to little issues so still waiting on a replacement … now my usa silver sky that was 2500 bucks , while it’s a great guitar the nitro came off the neck shoulders in a week and it soiled both sides of the neck .. that was not cool since my 92
And 94 fender necks are still clean that neck looked old dirty on the edges in say 10 days
Fair review!
OT, but I've always wanted to come across a guitar with something like a 24.25" scale.
Epiphone casino is 24.5 and is magical.
The only problem I have/had with my PRS guitars is that the woods they choose are too resonant, making the guitar too noisy with medium to hot pickups. Every time I’ve swapped to low outputs, usually A2 magnets, it brings out the best in the guitar. It livens them up quite a bit, and takes away the sterility of the sound.
That makes sense! I changed my custom 24 to mythos humbuckers and it's been a huge upgrade.
You forgot the CE line in the PRS lineup.
True. I'll do better.
So is the neck like a 59 LP or 58? Big difference. 59 not too chunky. 58 chunkier, 54 a bit chunkier than a 58 ( these are the recent CS 2020 on). I’m curious and order through Reverb or places like that. I like the guitar for cheap. Had a PRS custom 22 ten top. Neck was way to slim for me. I’m an acoustic/ electric player and always gravitated towards the thicker neck. Like the studio by the way. Thanks for the review 👍
This is a full D shaped neck, similar to 58's and some 59's I've played. Big and comfy.
@@JeremySheppard Nice that’s what I’m looking for. I want a cheaper electric I’m not afraid to get a ding or two on. I have to be so careful with my CS stuff 🤣
Would the small finish issues be something that would compel you to return it if you bought it online, from say Sweetwater?
I would consider those little marks as beauty marks and get on with playing it. I personally wouldn't return it if that was the only issue. They just add a little character.
Bought a custom 22 semi hollow se. Sold off 3 more expensive guitars 3 mos later. Buying more PRS.
The McCarty 594 and Custom 24 don’t actually have the same pickups. The McCarty has 58/15 LT “S” and the Custom 24 has 85/15 “S” pickups.
Thanks! I've been confused on those two.
Sure thing! The pickup names have solid logic behind them but some are very similar and make it pretty confusing.
Stay away from the 85/15s. Just bad all around
Does your bridge/saddle rattle when being played? Just got mine, but the bridge is rattling like crazy.
No, sorry to hear that. Is it an intonation screw that's loose?
@Jeremy Sheppard probably, but it's happening with almost all of the saddles. I thought it's a design flaws, but yours doesn't have the problem.
Mostly I agree. There are some really good affordable guitars that just need some good pickups or a decent trem or whatever. I have a PRS SE 22 semi-hollow that is awesome. I haven't changed anything on it.
That being said, there are some really special guitars out there that might warrant paying more than $1K. I have a limited edition US Strat with a solid rosewood neck that has a fabulous tone. Maybe the best Strat tone I have ever heard. Or a guitar that a famous musician played. Or an extremely vintage guitar.
But for every day picking, there are some really great axes on the market for under a grand.
Spend the extra cash on a tube amp.
😊😊😊
I thought it was 58/15s?
SE CUSTOM 24 759.00
SE MCCARTY 594 759.00
SE SILVER SKY 679.00
Total 2197.00
1 each AMERICAN VINTAGE II 1961 STRATOCASTER $2199.00
Hey Jeremy. Odd request, but on the off shoot you’d say yes, any way you’d be open to letting a fellow Virginian put check out anything in your collection to get some hands on experience to stuff that’s tough to find? I love you channel and would love to see what a furch neck feels like since I can’t find them anywhere else! I like in Fredericksburg and would happily make a trip to talk guitar shop!
Let's get together. I've got two for you to check out. The vintage and standard necks.
I don't think PRS was lying to us, just that they couldn't do it until now at the standard they wanted.
I also don't consider the finish cheesy, just more durable. I don't care for stuff that looks cracked etc. too soon.
I recommend a Schecter Solo II Custom
Can you even get a guitar that’s not coated in the “cheesy” finish for under a grand?
Torn between this and the DGT se and Paul’s guitar se. Any thoughts anyone?
I have a DGT on the way. The Paul's guitar is cool too.
@@JeremySheppard looking forward to hear your thoughts on it. Brilliant reviews!
I think the higher price stuff is not so much about sound but about feel. The expensive 2k plus stuff always feel better. Like on the PRS, when you have a gloss painted neck on the PRS, it feels terrible, even if it sounds great!
So you said this is “Not a PRS Guitar”?
Where your signal chain in this video?
Follow me on Instagram and I'll post a picture/story
The Schecter Solo line is comparable to these. I own both and they are very close as far as quality vs price is concerned.
Scecter does a great job with their overseas made stuff.
Yeah, I have the Solo Black Jack and just put in an order for the SE McCarty. Can't wait to get my hands on it.
Nice guitar but for that kind of cash my money is on Gibson Tribute series…sure, not as fancy looking, but it’s made in America, plek’d, nitrous finish, sweet gig bag, and nothing chugs like it. Can’t even come close.
If I wanted a CORT I would buy one.
In general good video. I think you’re totally off on the Epiphone My Epiphone Gibson inspire Lespaul was $649 exact same price as my PRS SEstandard.
The inspired by Gibson 59 was $899 when I reviewed it last year.
Do you prefer this to the Epiphone 59 Paul?
Yes, by a long shot. I had a 59 dark burst, inspired by Gibson last year it was okay. Sounded good but was still cheap feeling. This one feels like a pro guitar.
@@JeremySheppard thank you so much for your advice,appreciate it
I gather from the video that he does, and I would too. Just keep in mind that PRS pickups are designed to be as clear as possible, which means there won't be as much of the muddy mids as on a Les Paul. Problem is that a lot of us really like those mids, so if you get a PRS or try one, turn the mids up on the amp or use a pedal that's midi-forward (like a tube screamer). A lot of times I'll be unhappy with what I'm getting out of a PRS but the problem is really just trying to play a PRS with 'Les Paul' amp settings. (Of if you have only 2 bands of EQ on your amp, just turn the Treble and Bass down and then turn your gain up to compensate)
Just keep in mind that a McCarty is not a Les Paul. They're better than Les Pauls, but at the same time if you really want the "Les Paul" thing this might not do that without bridging the gap with a mids push somewhere in the signal chain.
@@JeremySheppard I just bought the 59 Lemon Burst this week but from your advice I might exchange it for the PRS
I just bought one of these and i can confirm. It is the nuts 😂
Paul selling us Cortek when our grandads bought usa gibsons and fenders is another topic...
I want to make a video about that. I would also like to hear more of your perspective on it.
Failed to mention the CE series
Hi Jeremy, another couple of great options in this category are the Ibanez AR420, any of the Yamaha revstar guitars, or the Godin Radiator. I totally agree, if the plastic feeling finish was improved, this guitar would be even more outstanding. There are some incredible options out there around $1000.
Pretty much agree. I have a 2005 Ibanez AR 300 Korean made. Found it on Reverb. The 420 is Chinese made. Cort makes great guitars for other brands.
The Magic is in the 24.6 scale length…
Try one..
I love SEs. Not a pro musician and they are all I will EVER need.
yeah i never buy the se guitars because i hate the thick poly finishes
i always wished they'd makes the all just satin finish guitars, satin poly buffed correctly always feels fricken perfect
Unfortunately I got one that has major fit and finish issues, to the point that the squire and Xavier guitar fetish guitars I recently bought have a better quality. QC failed somewhere on the SE I got. Crack in 1st fret finger board, toggle switch is iffy and a knob on the push pull pot fell off. Plus glue squeeze out in neck joint. So upset that this guitar was allowed to ship as new and not a second
You said 85/15
Friendly correction:
These have 58/15 LT “S”
58/15 Lt “s” on the pickups
Here's the PRS hierarchy, all of these tiers have merit and any of them could be considered the best value, depending on what YOU value:
---
Private Stock: every guitar is a handmade one-off work of art aside from a couple LTD Edition runs of less than 100 each (different from Fender Custom Shop, where every guitar is handmade but they're all one of several packages of vintage replicas they offer, with some limited customizations available)
...[Best PROVENANCE and HOLYGRAIL-CHASER-PERFECTIONIST value]
Core: PRS USA instruments with PRS USA electronics (usually) (10 tops and other add-on features could be put on core's or private stock guitars, but ALL private stocks are going to be made of something special)
...[Best 'MURICA! value if you like set neck designs]
Bolt-On : PRS USA instruments with Bolt-on necks (cheaper to make than cores by design but not inferior in quality)
...[Best 'MURICA!' value if you like bolt-ons or if you don't care about Bolt-on vs Set-neck]
S2: PRS USA instruments with foreign import electronics (usually), simpler body carves to save CNC time (some people like the flatter SG-esque carve better)
...[Best COMPROMISE between 'Murica and Tone-and-Feel-For-Your-Money value, also best SG-THING value]
SE: Cort guitars made to PRS specs and under PRS supervision
...[Best TONE-AND-FEEL-FOR-YOUR-MONEY value]
Good review
Glad you enjoyed it
I don't like the 85/15s in my Mira SEs. The bridge is kinda weak and a little ice picky. I think it depends on the guitar the pups are in. The mcarty has a thicker mahogany body and maple cap.
And yeah, I wish they'd make a satin finish SE