I own a core 594 and I would still consider one of these in the future. PRS has a commitment to quality that Gibson can't compete with. When I bought my 594 I was actually shopping for a Les Paul. I played probably 2 dozen in varying price ranges. Played one 594 and didn't even pick up the second 594 that was beside it.
Core 594s are INSANELY awesome. Obviously, everyone has their preferences, but I’ve had the same experience (just haven’t bought a 594 yet). As far as “bang for your buck,” these S2 594s are really hard to beat. I was really, really impressed.
@@TomButwin A thing of note for some is that the pattern vintage neck is chunky. If you are in the market for a thin neck, this might not be the LP you want. If finding a LP shaped object is what you are down for.
@@TomButwin my 594 is a SC (Semi Hollow) if the LP comparison doesn't make sense to some. Although the 594 as a model is based on a Les Paul if people aren't aware.
If I was in the market for a Les Paul, I'd get one. From Gibson. Otherwise it will most likely remain or reappear on the "I need" list. By then, a somewhat decent LP is still going to cost upwards of £4k. That said, you could obviously get two equally good or better made guitars from most other brands for that same £4k.
PRS S2 McCarty 594 10th Anniversary model just released has the core electronics and pickups in it. It cost more than the one in this video but it is still cheaper than the core.
Great video, Tom. I have a core and a couple of S2 594s…and an LP Studio and an LP 50s Standard. I agree with you; the S2 is an incredible value. I’m fortunate enough to have a 10th anniversary S2 594 with the 58/15LT TCI pickups and it is absolutely amazing.
@@LuisDiaz-gt4vwsorry for the slow response. Yes, it is a great value and I believe it to be worth the extra money. I’d love to see PRS offer a configuration where we get US pickups AND a 10 top!
If you could only keep one between the LP 50’s Standard and the S2 594, which would you keep? I’ve been saving for the 50s Standard but now I’m starting to GAS for the S2
Nice video! Totally agree with your points in terms of excellent value. I went with the S2 594 after a long Les Paul search that never resulted in a purchase. Im generally more of a Fender / single coil guy but I’ve wanted a Les Paul but never really connected with any in my price range for one reason or another. Biggest reason is that I don’t like the slim 60s Gibson neck that they put in the Studio and Classic etc. When they came out with the S2 594 I was really intrigued by the Pattern Vintage neck profile. I just had a feeling that I’d get on with it given that i like necks a bit chunky overall but also it’s asymmetrical in that it fills your hand more near the thumb side but doesn’t get in the way in terms of playability, if that makes sense. I just totally bonded with it. Lastly, the tuning stability is so solid. Not only does the straight string through headstock design make a huge difference but the neck doesn’t move much at all day to day or season to season so I never have to chase the truss rod.
You basically described me to a T (pun intended) and how I’ve felt about a LP and searching for one I connected with. One more reason I think I may have to actually own one of these S2s. What color do you have?
@@TomButwin i wouldn’t hesitate to buy again. Only downside imo is Korean pots and import pickups. But if its a keeper then i dont think thats a huge deal. I do plan to swap electronics even though there’s nothing wrong with it stock. Pretty sure my finish is non standard and called Tobacco Smokeburst based on some searching. It might be an exclusive for one of the online sites. I don’t know for sure because i bought it used from Guitar Center online. Btw I would totally keep that option in mind. There are some great used bargains on GC. I got mine for a little under $1300 to my door. Basically a no ask return policy. If there’s anything defective or even not properly disclosed they reimburse the shipping too.
Sounds like you got a great deal! I agree that the pickups are the weak point on the guitar (maybe the pots to a lesser extent) and that’s a fairly easy fix. I did a quick video on PRS actually selling some of their pickups: ua-cam.com/video/VX9bgQcjHoU/v-deo.html With the price you paid, plus this pickups and a pro install, you’re still way below a Core model price!
@@TomButwin cool, didn’t know PRS is selling core pickups now or at least on limited run. $500 is a bit of an initial shock but I totally get it re S2 or SE upgrade. They would probably go for more on reverb in a year anyhow. Messaging you about the S2 594 pickups got me thinking and last night I swapped in a SD Pearly Gates bridge pickup from an HSS pickguard that I had set aside. Not sure why I didn’t do that sooner, really happy with it. Honestly, it did reinforce that the stock pickups are decent but I could immediately tell that the Pearly Gates has more clarity and is overall more to my liking.
It’s the clarity! That’s what I missed the most. It was immediately apparent on every Core model I’ve played and I instantly noticed the lack of clarity on the S2 pickups. However, I will say, I used the S2 demo PRS sent on a couple recording sessions and it worked great for the songs I was doing at the time. I really had no complaints or issues with the guitar in the context of a mix. So, who knows! Sounds like you discover a gem in that extra pickguard too.
Ultimately, you can change pickups on pretty much anything. The biggest difficulty for the Core swap (that I didn’t mention in the video) is availability of those PRS pickups. I’m sure they’re out there used, but from PRS, they are only released in very limited numbers.
Awesome! That’s what I hope for in these videos. Both guitars are great and you really can’t go wrong. I’d you’re shopping online, purchasing through this link supports the channel and doesn’t cost anything extra: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673 Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
It will be closer, but they are still different guitars. I would try to get your hands on an S2 and an SE to feel the differences. You can put the core pickups in either guitar, but S2 vs SE definitely have different feels/looks.
Ooo that’s a tough call. Personally? My needs would be better fulfilled by the S2 594. However, the 24-08 brings a ton of cool, additional tonal options (plus a trem). Quality-wise/value, I think they’d absolutely be equal.
The S2s used to be a good value, now that's only true if you buy used. The new 594 SE is kind of a premeditated S2 killer. Looks better, same hardware, and half the price. To resurrect the S2, they plan on tossing core pickups in them and upping the price a few hundred to compensate. Wait a few months and used S2 594s with the import pickups will be dirt cheap :)
S2 McCarty 594 on Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/jr65oe
S2 McCarty 594 on Zzounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--PAUS2594
I own a core 594 and I would still consider one of these in the future. PRS has a commitment to quality that Gibson can't compete with. When I bought my 594 I was actually shopping for a Les Paul. I played probably 2 dozen in varying price ranges. Played one 594 and didn't even pick up the second 594 that was beside it.
Core 594s are INSANELY awesome. Obviously, everyone has their preferences, but I’ve had the same experience (just haven’t bought a 594 yet). As far as “bang for your buck,” these S2 594s are really hard to beat. I was really, really impressed.
@@TomButwin A thing of note for some is that the pattern vintage neck is chunky. If you are in the market for a thin neck, this might not be the LP you want. If finding a LP shaped object is what you are down for.
Good point!
@@TomButwin my 594 is a SC (Semi Hollow) if the LP comparison doesn't make sense to some. Although the 594 as a model is based on a Les Paul if people aren't aware.
If I was in the market for a Les Paul, I'd get one. From Gibson. Otherwise it will most likely remain or reappear on the "I need" list. By then, a somewhat decent LP is still going to cost upwards of £4k. That said, you could obviously get two equally good or better made guitars from most other brands for that same £4k.
PRS S2 McCarty 594 10th Anniversary model just released has the core electronics and pickups in it. It cost more than the one in this video but it is still cheaper than the core.
I think this may be the direction for the whole S2 line with pickups.
I have an S2 and put a set of Thornbuckers in it. It sounds and plays great!
OOO I like that combo. What characteristics of the S2 pickups made you swap them out?
@@TomButwin the stock pickups are a bit dark for my taste. The Thornbuckers add a bit more clarity. They also split really well too!
I felt the same way, that’s why I was curious! Glad my ears didn’t betray me lol
@@jerrymckenzie1858 Please record some video of S2 594 with Thornbuckers!!!
How about getting a much cheaper SE model and use the same pickup? Will it sound like core?
i’ve been eyeing this model for a while now. i LOVE the burst and finish. now, i just need the money!
I loved it!
Great video mate, keep it up
Thank you! I’ll try. Appreciate you watching.
Great video, Tom. I have a core and a couple of S2 594s…and an LP Studio and an LP 50s Standard. I agree with you; the S2 is an incredible value. I’m fortunate enough to have a 10th anniversary S2 594 with the 58/15LT TCI pickups and it is absolutely amazing.
Hi I'm interested just in that guitar, anniversary, is a good value?, and worth over the "normal" s2. You can tell the difference.
@@LuisDiaz-gt4vwsorry for the slow response. Yes, it is a great value and I believe it to be worth the extra money. I’d love to see PRS offer a configuration where we get US pickups AND a 10 top!
If you could only keep one between the LP 50’s Standard and the S2 594, which would you keep? I’ve been saving for the 50s Standard but now I’m starting to GAS for the S2
My understanding is that they have started putting USA made pickups on the S2’s
Correct! Huge upgrade to this line.
Nice video! Totally agree with your points in terms of excellent value. I went with the S2 594 after a long Les Paul search that never resulted in a purchase. Im generally more of a Fender / single coil guy but I’ve wanted a Les Paul but never really connected with any in my price range for one reason or another. Biggest reason is that I don’t like the slim 60s Gibson neck that they put in the Studio and Classic etc. When they came out with the S2 594 I was really intrigued by the Pattern Vintage neck profile. I just had a feeling that I’d get on with it given that i like necks a bit chunky overall but also it’s asymmetrical in that it fills your hand more near the thumb side but doesn’t get in the way in terms of playability, if that makes sense. I just totally bonded with it. Lastly, the tuning stability is so solid. Not only does the straight string through headstock design make a huge difference but the neck doesn’t move much at all day to day or season to season so I never have to chase the truss rod.
You basically described me to a T (pun intended) and how I’ve felt about a LP and searching for one I connected with. One more reason I think I may have to actually own one of these S2s. What color do you have?
@@TomButwin i wouldn’t hesitate to buy again. Only downside imo is Korean pots and import pickups. But if its a keeper then i dont think thats a huge deal. I do plan to swap electronics even though there’s nothing wrong with it stock. Pretty sure my finish is non standard and called Tobacco Smokeburst based on some searching. It might be an exclusive for one of the online sites. I don’t know for sure because i bought it used from Guitar Center online. Btw I would totally keep that option in mind. There are some great used bargains on GC. I got mine for a little under $1300 to my door. Basically a no ask return policy. If there’s anything defective or even not properly disclosed they reimburse the shipping too.
Sounds like you got a great deal! I agree that the pickups are the weak point on the guitar (maybe the pots to a lesser extent) and that’s a fairly easy fix. I did a quick video on PRS actually selling some of their pickups: ua-cam.com/video/VX9bgQcjHoU/v-deo.html
With the price you paid, plus this pickups and a pro install, you’re still way below a Core model price!
@@TomButwin cool, didn’t know PRS is selling core pickups now or at least on limited run. $500 is a bit of an initial shock but I totally get it re S2 or SE upgrade. They would probably go for more on reverb in a year anyhow. Messaging you about the S2 594 pickups got me thinking and last night I swapped in a SD Pearly Gates bridge pickup from an HSS pickguard that I had set aside. Not sure why I didn’t do that sooner, really happy with it. Honestly, it did reinforce that the stock pickups are decent but I could immediately tell that the Pearly Gates has more clarity and is overall more to my liking.
It’s the clarity! That’s what I missed the most. It was immediately apparent on every Core model I’ve played and I instantly noticed the lack of clarity on the S2 pickups. However, I will say, I used the S2 demo PRS sent on a couple recording sessions and it worked great for the songs I was doing at the time. I really had no complaints or issues with the guitar in the context of a mix. So, who knows! Sounds like you discover a gem in that extra pickguard too.
Question. Would it be possible to change the pickups on the s2 594 to that of a core 594?
Haha sorry nvm 1:00
but… I feel like the same would apply to les pauls, no? Is it possible to put standard lp pickups on a studio?
Ultimately, you can change pickups on pretty much anything. The biggest difficulty for the Core swap (that I didn’t mention in the video) is availability of those PRS pickups. I’m sure they’re out there used, but from PRS, they are only released in very limited numbers.
@@TomButwin I think I’m getting the s2 594 or a studio. Your input was just what I needed to narrow down my options. Much appreciated.
Awesome! That’s what I hope for in these videos. Both guitars are great and you really can’t go wrong. I’d you’re shopping online, purchasing through this link supports the channel and doesn’t cost anything extra: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673
Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
I am debating between SE and S2. Can I use core pickup in SE and have the same quality sound as core?
It will be closer, but they are still different guitars. I would try to get your hands on an S2 and an SE to feel the differences. You can put the core pickups in either guitar, but S2 vs SE definitely have different feels/looks.
Would you get this over the S2 24-08?
Ooo that’s a tough call. Personally? My needs would be better fulfilled by the S2 594. However, the 24-08 brings a ton of cool, additional tonal options (plus a trem). Quality-wise/value, I think they’d absolutely be equal.
2024 now the pickups are the same. Wooohooo.
I’m glad this video aged poorly for that reason! Lol
I’ve got one and it’s a great guitar
It really is. What color do you have?
@@TomButwin black gold burst.
Nice!
The S2s used to be a good value, now that's only true if you buy used. The new 594 SE is kind of a premeditated S2 killer. Looks better, same hardware, and half the price. To resurrect the S2, they plan on tossing core pickups in them and upping the price a few hundred to compensate. Wait a few months and used S2 594s with the import pickups will be dirt cheap :)
Doesn’t sound like a bad plan to me! Or, should I just save up for a Core 594?
Is S2 better than SE only because of the core pickup? How about using the core pickup in SE?
4 minutes of talking? Wow.