A question about the new (old) McCarty

[hurtwoodec]

Hey all ive got a 2000 model that I love. Im just curious re the headstock angle on the just released model.

Does the new one share the old headstock angle? It was different to the other core models for memory and was more Gibson like and had a thinner headstock as well.

Any news as to whether they have carried these design elements forward to the 2020 model?

 

[RickP]

The new ones have a different bridge and the TCI version 58/15LT pickups. You’d likely need to email support for details on the neck angle/thickness.

From the web site:
“Named after Ted McCarty, a pioneer of the electric guitar and musical instrument industry, the McCarty model embodies the most up-to-date findings from PRS and looks back to the golden age of the guitar. This vintage-appointed guitar features a bound, 22-fret Pattern neck, a slightly thicker back for enhanced tone and sustain, and 58/15 LT treble and bass pickups, which have now been through the TCI (tuned capacitance and inductance) process. 58/15 LT’s are a vintage style pickup with exceptional clarity and focused midrange. Paired with a push/pull tone control and a 3-way toggle pickup switch, these pickups provide a complete palette of tones. The McCarty model is anchored by a PRS stoptail bridge with brass studs for added resonance and vintage-style tuners.

“One of my sayings is that everything that touches the string is God – well, that’s really the bridge, the nut, and the tuners. So when we went after the McCarty model, that’s where we looked. These updates make a huge difference in the tone. The guitar sustains longer and the tone has more character,” said Paul Reed Smith. “The puzzle pieces all fit together, and there is no compromise to the integrity of the instrument. We’re very happy.”

For 2020, PRS has updated this model with TCI-tuned pickups and nitro over cellulose (CAB) finish.

In the late 1980’s, Paul Reed Smith called on Ted McCarty to consult with him on guitar design and production techniques. He not only served as a mentor but became a great friend of Paul and everyone he met at PRS. In 1994, PRS released the first McCarty, an instrument that incorporated the full spectrum of techniques and knowledge Paul had gained from Ted as well as his own experiences as a guitar builder.“

All that being said, I’ve begun to take a different approach with my guitars. If I’m not digging it enough to be playing it, it’s getting sold and replaced by something that gets out of the case. No more “having just to say I have” guitars. But if I have one that has a soul when I play it, I might get another one or a newer one, but that guitar ain’t going anywhere! Sounds like you have one you love. Accessorize, don’t change.

 

[hurtwoodec]

It was the body thickness, neck angle and headstock thickness that made this model stand apart from the rest of the line originally. Im just curious as to whether they have ditched those elements for the sake of cost? I would assume it would have added to the cost of production somewhat.

 

[László]

It was the body thickness, neck angle and headstock thickness that made this model stand apart from the rest of the line originally. Im just curious as to whether they have ditched those elements for the sake of cost? I would assume it would have added to the cost of production somewhat.

I doubt it would add to cost, since the necks are CNC’d. The older ones had a thinner headstock. That alone would probably affect the headstock angle needed. And PRS has never been all that into cost issues, for example, I’m told it costs more to do nitro paint, and yet that’s what they’re doing.

They simply change the specs from time to time. No big deal.

I had several 2000-2010 McCarty models, with mahogany and rosewood necks, and they were great. But I also had a 2015 and 2016, and they were great, too. I have a 2020 on order.

Still, if you have any McCarty, regardless of year, consider yourself lucky! They really are wonderful guitars.

 

[gush]

Did you put the Mann kluson style locking tuners on yours yet????

Direct drop in no mods

 

[Bob Hundemer]

I have a 98 McCarty and I think the 594`s have a thicker body than the one I have. The pickups are probably better as well. And the older ones have a 25inch scale length. Plus the nitro finish. So lots of differences.

 

[gush]

https://i.imgur.com/fOcQYqH.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/1qnArdM.jpg

 

[gush]

https://i.imgur.com/1qnArdM.jpg

 

[László]

I have a 98 McCarty and I think the 594`s have a thicker body than the one I have. The pickups are probably better as well. And the older ones have a 25inch scale length. Plus the nitro finish. So lots of differences.

The new McCartys are still 25 inch scale length. The McCarty 594s are the ones with the 24.594 scale length. They’re two different models.

I have a couple of 594 double cuts, and if they’re any thicker than my McCartys, I’d be surprised. The Singlecut 594s are, I believe, indeed thicker.

With the pickups, I’d call them “different” and designed to do slightly different things. For my money, the old McCarty pickups were my favorite PRS pickups when I had my earlier ones, until the 57/08 and other numbered series came out. Nothing wrong with those pickups, though you could probably snag a set of 57/08s and have yourself some very nice pickups in that McCarty.