Finally, a really KEY QUESTION I have about both of these models - in positions 2 and 4, can you hear much of a difference when the bridge or neck is in humbucking mode, rather than the traditional single, single? I believe position 2 on a Custom’s 5-way is: the bridge full, with the neck split.
Is that what this kind of sounds like on the 509 and/or SH Special? Cause that’s a gorgeous, very useful strumming tone that I use a lot on my PRSi with a 5 way. I’d really appreciate your opinions on those tones specifically. Thanks so much everyone!
I can't really add anything that
@bodia hasn't said in his post above.
The video above does go through the sounds whilst playing to give you an idea of the sounds on a relatively clean channel. Its worth watching for the intro playing by Bryan Ewald.
This video demonstrates the versatility and how it sounds when playing a lot of well known pieces.
And just for comparison, here is the PRS demo of the PRS Special 22 Semi-Hollow - again played by Bryan Ewald so you can get a better idea of the two. As
@bodia said, the Narrowfield is quite different to a 509 Single Coil and adds a bit more thickness to the tone but its still quite a noticeable difference if, unlike Bryan Ewald does, you play the humbucker and Narowfield and then use the mini toggle to show how it differs when tapped or full Humbucker.
Nothing I can say or share with you can be a substitute for you trying and hearing these for yourself. Its easy to show 'visual' things online but we can't share how something sounds or feels, both of which could also differ person to person. I can't tell you how to spend your money, which guitar you really ought to buy as its not me that will be playing it, having to live with it and the financial impact of spending that much to you (and any dependants/family if you have any). It seems to me that you are leaning more towards the PRS 'SuperStrat' 509 as that will fit your requirements better. That could well be more beneficial to you as well - giving you more time and opportunity to look for any specific Wood Library versions of the 509 (if you want a Maple neck and Fretboard, maybe even a Swamp ash body to bring out more 'strat' like tones) rather than rushing to get a Special whilst you can. You also stand more chance of saving a bit of money on the 509 as there is more chance of finding a used one.
My 2017 PRS 509 in Fire Red Burst
I completely understand that a Silver Sky is not an option. My 509 was bought to fill the role of a Super Strat/Tele as I already had the 594 giving me the vintage Les Paul type tones as well as the other 5 PU combinations that individual coil splitting offers. Maybe we have different reasons why a 'Strat' isn't an option but my 509 is my PRS 'super strat' to give give me those Single Coil sounds. My Special 22 is my Custom 22 on steroids - giving me the most versatile instrument in my collection but, as yet, its not replacing my 509's role.
Maybe I should of gone for a Wood Library to make my 509 more Stratty but I do prefer Mahogany set neck builds with Rosewood (or even Ebony) fretboard. I wouldn't of turned down the opportunity to have a stained flame Maple neck on my 509 as long as it has a rosewood/ebony fretboard but wasn't in a position to spend that much and couldn't find one anyway in the UK at that time.
My 2019 PRS Special 22 Semi-Hollow Limited Edition in Charcoal Cherry Burst
Even though my 509 is built using the same wood types with a lot of the same parts (tuners, bridge etc), I wouldn't even consider selling my 509 with the thinking that the Special 22 can fill that void, that role in my tonal palette that the 509 brings. Having rewatched the 509 demo that show's its versatility, I can see that maybe I was short-changing mine and remembered how good the Humbuckers can sound. As I said, with all my humbucker based guitars, my 509 has been more Single Coil usage and now looking forward to rediscovering and running the Humbuckers on my 509 again...
Anyway, I really hope this has helped you to reach a decision and I look forward to your NGD post...