... I love my 594 alot, however I am swapping the 58/15 LT bridge for a 59/09. Alot of players on the forum have done this...
As someone who has all the current Pattern neck types across the 5 core PRS guitars I have, the Pattern Vintage maybe the most 'chunky' numerically BUT it doesn't feel particularly chunky - not compared to some guitars. The asymmetric carve fits the hand as very few (if any) people have a perfectly symmetrical 'C' shape in between the thumb and fingers. If you look at the shape of the hand as if you were gripping a cup, you will see its not a symmetrical shape and its that shape that the Vintage carve is designed like.
The best way I can describe it is as if the guitar has been played for decades and worn away some of the wood so that it fits your natural grip shape. As such, it doesn't really feel bigger than the Pattern neck and combined with the rolled edges, it makes the neck feel broken in. It fits with the vision and spirit of the 594. It was designed to capture the spirit and sounds of the Vintage 'Les Paul' that very few and only those privileged enough could get their hands on. Its not 'just' the Pick-ups and the arrangement of the knobs and switches but also the neck feel too - as much as they could - which is why its the only PRS guitar range with the Pattern Vintage neck. It represents the bigger necks that has been played for years and worn to the more natural shape of the hand.
I do appreciate that people are different and that they may want something different which is fair enough. I think that PRS though have successfully built a guitar that matches their design brief, a guitar that captures the vintage sound and 'feel'. That doesn't mean that its a guitar that everyone must like and may want hotter sounding PU's for example (although I prefer lower output PU's and can always boost the sound to hit the amp harder which is easier to do than trying to lower the output) and prefer wizard thin shredding necks. That is their prerogative of course and nothing wrong with that.
Knowing the story behind the creation of the 594 and the design brief, I have to say that PRS absolutely nailed it...
I had an opportunity to try out a DC McCarty 594. The quality, sound, weight, and look of the guitar is superb.
The one thing that surprised me was the neck. When I played it, the back of the neck seems to be a little bulky at the low point (bottom of the neck) . When I play it, the area below my thumb on my left hand started to hurt a little. I'm talking about the muscle pain when you don't play rth guitar for a while and then when you play for a half hour it hurts in that area below your thumb. I have no issues with my Les Paul, Strat or Carvin SH 575. In face I prefer the circumference of my Carvin and LP neck more.
I will have the guitar for over a week. As I play it more and get used to it, I will give a more detailed review.
The sound is similar to my LP just not as thick with a pleasant snappier mid range. Can't post a photo as I don't have a Url for me to attach the photo. I will work on that when I get to a computer instead of my phone.
This is my first impression, but I think I may be happier with a Core 24 which has a easier neck to play on.
UPDATE
As I start to play it more, the neck is not as much of an issue as I get use to it. When I switch to my Les Paul, if I back off the bass on my Fender Twin by 3, it sounds closer to the 594. But the 594 just as more even sound from the bass, mid to treble. The LP had a more recessed mids
I'm in BIG trouble. The more I play the 594 DC guitar the more I am falling in love with it. It's so comfortable to play with a strap and sitting down. It sounds fantastic, plays like a dream, it has some classic features while having modern features as well.
It lacks the extra kick in energy that my Les Paul has and instead offers a more balanced sound in the highs, mods, and lows. So it does not replace my LP but it offers a wonderful alternative. I'm so hooked.
The bad news is, I can t buy another guitar until I pay off some bills. In addition with having a Carvin semi hollow body that already gives me a more balanced sound over my Les Paul, it makes it a little harder to justify buying this beautiful PRS.
Awesome!!!well, it's a keeper. But I will have to adjust to the neck. I generally don't make a final opinion until it's been in my house for a week or so, and the wood settled down from change in humidity. My room is controlled. But I can certainly manage the neck. video of the "grand opening" here. Oh that smell!
well, it's a keeper. But I will have to adjust to the neck. I generally don't make a final opinion until it's been in my house for a week or so, and the wood settled down from change in humidity. My room is controlled. But I can certainly manage the neck. video of the "grand opening" here. Oh that smell!
Yep I can relate. I have very small hands and used to like thin necks and now after many years I like em a lil chunky. Love the neck on my 408. I’m gassing hard on the 594. Can’t wait to find one to play!i have smallish hands and strangely, the bigger necks fit my hand better. I recently played again one of my first guitars with a very small neck and it felt very uncomfortable.
My 594 won't be replacing my LP either, but it does feel and sound special enough to justify keeping it for sure. I grab my LP now, and even though my LP has the slim neck, for some reason I keep wanting to go back to the 594. MAybe still the honeymoon phase but I agree with what u said about tone.