Recent content by zumaboy

Did someone say moons? ‍

I have two guitars that started life with McCarty pickups, a ’98 IRW neck McCarty and a’99 Swamp Ash Special. I stuck with the McCarty pups for a long time, gigging in a variety of small clubs, outdoor festivals, and the occasional theatre. I also had possession for a while of a friend’s ‘96...

The PTC did it. The mini toggles split the 53/10’s. The push/pull pot engages the Fralin. The new bridge will get there, I’m sure!

Rounded-corner McCarty pickups, yes. The ones that followed, not so much.

How about a pair of 53/10’s (and a Fralin Vintage Hot) in a somewhat modified Swamp Ash Special... :cool:

I asked about it and they said it could be done but the old screw holes would still be visible, even if filled. I do prefer the Phase III’s but the winged tuners still work fine so I decided to stay with them...

I bought a set a few years back when production stopped, and then put them away for use later. Later has arrived, lol . They match up well with the swamp ash body and the Fralin.

Great job on my “reimagined” ‘99 Swamp Ash Special... - NOS 53/10 pickups - Fralin Blues Special - New lampshade knobs & wiring scheme (resistors on the split coils) - Mini-toggles to split the ‘buckers - Push-pull tone pot to engage the Fralin - New adjustable one-piece bridge - Fret...

And on and on it goes, lol... :eek:

You can buy about 4 used mid-90’s McCartys for the price of a 594. What’s wrong with this picture?

The neck pickup in my 98 McRosie could get just plain muddy. I’m not sure whether that was a result of the rosewood neck or just the way that the McCarty pups evolved after the first few years. Before PRS developed the 57/07s and subsequent models, I had Mick at Manlius pickups wind me a set...

I’m the same way with my ‘96. Those early McCarty pickups with the round corners just sound really good and I’ve never convinced myself to change them. I survived the many years of 57/07 lust which has now turned into 58/15 lust, but those original pups are still in there. The later model...

Mine’s going to come back from the PTC with 53/10’s, a Fralin Blues Special in the middle, mini toggles, and a new adjustable bridge (it’s not a trem model). Should be a whole new axe and hopefully something special. I never did like the McCarty pups in that guitar...

The same thing happened with the SAS. I just sent my ‘99 SAS to the PTC for rework because I just couldn’t sell it for a reasonable price. I would love to get a 594, but with the SAS, an early McCarty, a McRosie, and a DGT all in the stable, I can’t really justify it without moving a few of...

Hard to beat a good McCarty. I don't think you're missing out on much not having the original pups, there are tons of great choices for replacements, both PRS and other...