‘Classical style’ seated playing - SE Custom 24-08 vs SE McCarty 594?

[RoryM]

I’ve had my SE 24-08 custom for a while and love it. I bought it a BF sale and can’t believe how good it is for the money.
However, the only aspect I don’t get on with is the position of the neck when I’m sat practicing with the guitar on my left leg - classical style (I’m definitely not a classical guitarist!. I find my Strat much more comfy to sit with, but the my 24-08 is so versatile and the neck width is really sweet.

For context, I’m in my 60’s and have a good few old biking injuries. So, I just find it more comfortable to switch between standing and sat ‘classical’.

I’ve got a dose of G.A.Syndrome and have my beady eye on a McCarty 594 double cut. It looks like the combination of shorter scale length and different bridge/tailpiece means the neck is a bit rightwards when sat(?).

Does anyone on here have both guitars? If so, do you find the McCartys neck and bridge feel a bit further right than the 24-08?

 

[veinbuster]

You are right on both counts: the 594 nut is a bit closer to you and there is a bit more space between the body/neck joint and the bridge.
That said, I don’t really notice the difference when playing. I do mostly play seated and do play classical.

 

[RoryM]

Thanks for the reply. I wondered if there wouldn’t be a significant difference, so might hold fire on the purchase until I get into Edinburgh or Glasgow and try one in person. It looks like the neck on the McCarty is chunkier than the ‘wide/thin’ on my guitar, so be interesting to try that.

 

[Jimmy]

I play classical style as well and have both a Fiore (22 frets) and an S2 24-08 (24 frets). The 24-08 is going to be about an inch to an inch and a half further from your body, which will make it slightly less comfortable in classical position. Your elbow raises just enough to create some light tension in the shoulder if you mostly play cowboy chords. I still love my 24-08 though. I've been doing a lot of triad work all over the neck lately, so I don't really run into that tension issue. Also, a good foot stool with a wide range helps!

I personally don't love the wide fat neck. Make sure you try one to know if it's for you. If it isn't, check out the SE Mira, SE Santana, SE Singlecut Standard, S2 McCarty Thinline, etc.

 

[BrianC]

I play CU24's - mostly standing but when learning new songs seated. Always with a strap - no issues.

I agree with the above about the WF neck, not for me.

 

[Bminor]

I am a pro and studied ( not only) classical guitar. After trying a lot of „helpers“ to avoid a bad position in playing classical or electric while seated i use now some products of the gernan brand „guitarlift“ (i am to new to post a link).
They are in different sizes and i use a small one for my S2 24-08. They come with suction cups and hold the guitar very stable. So i can play in classical position ( on left leg) and the instrument is near and cozy to the body. No awkward handling and both feet are even on the floor.
HTH

 

[RoryM]

Thanks very much for the replies, they’re really helpful. I do use a Taylor guitar stool that I like and more recently got a height adjustable footrest, and I find this combination is great, especially with my Strats. Jimmy - your comment regarding the cowboy chords is spot on, and it’s something I’d not thought about. I guess I’d put myself at early intermediate level, and try and do a total of at least an hour a day practice (although if I’m jamming along to pre-done backing tracks, this can get towards 2 hours).

After I’ve worked on the ‘homework’ that my teacher has set me, I’ll play along to some backing tracks off the Justin Guitar app, just for fun. The backing tracks have a mix of cowboy chords and power chords - although depending on the song etc, I substitute some open chords for bar chords. I think it’s the amount of time I’m spending playing cowboy chords that may be the issue, so I’ll have a chat with my teacher about playing the same chords elsewhere. By coincidence, my teacher tested me on the CAGED system last week - and it was identified as an area needing a lot more practice!

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

 

[RoryM]

A quick update. I managed to get into ´the big city’ last week and try out a few guitars. I ended up getting an S2 594 double cut, and my goodness, what a guitar - I can’t stop picking it up for a quick play! I’ve had a few sessions going between the 594 and my 24-08, and definitely find the 594 puts me in a more comfortable position than the 24-08. I like the neck shape, and it’s not as baseball bat-like as I was expecting - surprisingly, think I actually prefer it to the wide-thin on my 24-08.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

A quick update. I managed to get into ´the big city’ last week and try out a few guitars. I ended up getting an S2 594 double cut, and my goodness, what a guitar - I can’t stop picking it up for a quick play! I’ve had a few sessions going between the 594 and my 24-08, and definitely find the 594 puts me in a more comfortable position than the 24-08. I like the neck shape, and it’s not as baseball bat-like as I was expecting - surprisingly, think I actually prefer it to the wide-thin on my 24-08.

Congratulations. If you haven’t already, we’d all love to see a “New Guitar Day” thread with obligatory photos, if you haven’t already time.

 

[bodia]

A quick update. I managed to get into ´the big city’ last week and try out a few guitars. I ended up getting an S2 594 double cut, and my goodness, what a guitar - I can’t stop picking it up for a quick play! I’ve had a few sessions going between the 594 and my 24-08, and definitely find the 594 puts me in a more comfortable position than the 24-08. I like the neck shape, and it’s not as baseball bat-like as I was expecting - surprisingly, think I actually prefer it to the wide-thin on my 24-08.

Congrats!