Buying a McCarty 594 Model

[Becca5]

Hello,

I am relatively 'new' to the guitar community. I've been playing casually for a couple years now. My fiancé is a more serious player and has played daily for 10+ years. His 30th birthday is mid next year, and I want to buy him a PRS McCarty 594 Model (he has no idea I'm planning this, and I know from making notes after previous conversations that this is the model he wants). I want to poke at him for information... but don't want to jeopardize the element of surprise either. All I know is that either single or double cut is fine, and he likes flame maple and red wood burl.

I'm here because I feel like I need more information on 'how' and 'where' to start this process. I need recommendations- or even questions- to make sure I am going about this the right way (I have reached to PRS dealers listed on their website). Any information you think is helpful is welcome.

Thanks!

-B

 

[El Fenix]

What city are you in?

Check out Ish Guitars and Wilcutt for online buys.

 

[Becca5]

What city are you in?

Check out Ish Guitars and Wilcutt for online buys.

I’m in Southern Ontario. NY isn’t far.

 

[El Fenix]

I’m in Southern Ontario. NY isn’t far.

Long & McQuade is the Canadian chain I'm aware of. Only shop I know of that's decent in NY is Parkway Music.

 

[Moondog Wily]

Hello,

I am relatively 'new' to the guitar community. I've been playing casually for a couple years now. My fiancé is a more serious player and has played daily for 10+ years. His 30th birthday is mid next year, and I want to buy him a PRS McCarty 594 Model (he has no idea I'm planning this, and I know from making notes after previous conversations that this is the model he wants). I want to poke at him for information... but don't want to jeopardize the element of surprise either. All I know is that either single or double cut is fine, and he likes flame maple and red wood burl.

I'm here because I feel like I need more information on 'how' and 'where' to start this process. I need recommendations- or even questions- to make sure I am going about this the right way (I have reached to PRS dealers listed on their website). Any information you think is helpful is welcome.

Thanks!

-B

Welcome to the forum Becca! Very cool that you are going to treat your man with such a great surprise! One thing that would help would be knowing what kind of music he plays. The Hollowbody II is certainly NOT the guitar you would want to use for some types of music. Same thing with the other McCarty models. For example, for finger picking stuff, the HBII. For rockin' stuff, any of the other McCarty's. There are many other PRS models that do better in some categories than others, but if he is sold on a McCarty, those are not in the picture ;~))

As for places to buy from, I can tell you that I have had great experience with Ish Guitars (Syracuse, New York) and Wildwood Guitars (Louisville, Colorado - not to far from Denver). Other than that, I have no help on where to buy from.

Best of luck and let us know what other specifics we can help out with!

MW

 

[Becca5]

Welcome to the forum Becca! Very cool that you are going to treat your man with such a great surprise! One thing that would help would be knowing what kind of music he plays. The Hollowbody II is certainly NOT the guitar you would want to use for some types of music. Same thing with the other McCarty models. For example, for finger picking stuff, the HBII. For rockin' stuff, any of the other McCarty's. There are many other PRS models that do better in some categories than others, but if he is sold on a McCarty, those are not in the picture ;~))

As for places to buy from, I can tell you that I have had great experience with Ish Guitars (Syracuse, New York) and Wildwood Guitars (Louisville, Colorado - not to far from Denver). Other than that, I have no help on where to buy from.

Best of luck and let us know what other specifics we can help out with!

MW

We're a rock and metal household! I've definitely never heard him mention any desire to own a HB PRS. I really appreciate any help. With Covid, I doubt I'll be going outside Canada before his birthday, but I do appreciate the suggestions of places to buy from.

There is a such a huge range in prices; I'm a bit scared of not spending enough/in the 'right' areas. I was hoping to stay under $4000, but that's not a hard cut off.

Thanks!

 

[Moondog Wily]

We're a rock and metal household! I've definitely never heard him mention any desire to own a HB PRS. I really appreciate any help. With Covid, I doubt I'll be going outside Canada before his birthday, but I do appreciate the suggestions of places to buy from.

There is a such a huge range in prices; I'm a bit scared of not spending enough/in the 'right' areas. I was hoping to stay under $4000, but that's not a hard cut off.

Thanks!

So one thing you might not be aware of is some of the nomenclature surrounding the models and their special versions. For example, the Joe Walsh McCarty 594 is significantly more expensive than the regular McCarty 594 models. That is due in part to it's special fit/finish as well as the limited production nature of that guitar. Same is true with "Wood Library" and "Artist Package" models. Extra fit/finish refinements, possibly variations on how electronics are set up, pickups, tuners, bridges, etc. Another item that will take prices up is the "10 Top" designation. That indicates that the maple on the top is a "10" so to speak. The rule is that no area larger than a few square inches can be void of grain. The 10 Top designation will not effect the sound, and many Non 10 tops look better than some 10 tops IMO. Then of course there is the Private Stock versions. These are the items that are meticulously crafted by the very best craftsmen and materials at PRS, and will be well out of that price range.

So be sure when you are looking at these McCarty 594's, that you are not looking at a 10 Top or a Wood Library or a Artist Package or a Private Stock. All of these designations will increase the price, but not necessarily create a guitar that sounds any better. Aside from it having one of those designations, prices should be fairly consistent as PRS uses rules about what must be charged at minimum for their products. But be sure to ask when you contact dealers if they can give you a better deal than the advertised price!

MW

 

[CrimesAgainstMusic]

Wow ...

A 4 Kilobuck guitar...

A really neat lady buying one for her guy ?

MAN ... What I'd give for that !
I'm a tyro player ... bedroom variety . Its illegal for me to play out loud ...anywhere !

But shopping ? For basic Market Research, I'd recommend checking out the Sweetwater site. I have had good experiences with them and they show a lot of merchandise on line .You have to call though, to get "The Cool Price" because on Minimum Advertised Pricing... but that holds to everybody.

I looked to see about international shipping (kinda hard to consider Canada "foreign" as I grew up in a city where Canada was only across a not so big river . And prior to 9/11, one could pop back & forth with ease.
Sweetwater apparently charges shipping on "international" addresses but free within CONUS.

But hey for a deal like yours , I'd think shipping costs would be negotiable ...

Don't know how advanced your musician is ... but any of the US made McCarty's (s2 and Core) is going to be a great guitar.

The Core McCarty's are my coolest of the cool ... but I know I would never wring all of the guitar goodness out of one !

I have an S2 Mc Carty 594 "Thinline" ... a skinny , petite version, that some figure isn't true to McCarty tradition ...But as a "small hands" player ... I love it . The Pattern Thin neck profile is perfect for me.

I wanted to buy a S2 594 DC, but was concerned about the "Pattern Vintage " neck carve. Lots of players love it.

I fondled my first example a few hours ago. It is chunky. Feels good, and I'd like to think it would not be a problem... but ...I think I'd rather not have to adjust to it.

This Pattern Vintage neck carve felt chunkier than the "Wide Fat" neck profile on the SE Hollowbody (China import) that I will be buying soon ....

For anywhere from $1,550 US to some than sneak in just under $4 K ... you will not go wrong.

One problem regarding product availability though. If you don't find what you want in a dealers stock ... You may have to wait several months. I waited 6 months for mine. Worth it though

And he has to name the guitar "Becca ...

 

[CrimesAgainstMusic]

Moondog gives some good advise above. In the highest tier (crazy stratospherically priced instruments)

The quality of the maple cap will greatly affect price. "10 Top" and Artist and all the crazyness that will pump up price to $6K or so ... but not make instrument sound any better ...

S2 ... are US made guitars, that save dollars by NOT having the more complex and cool looking "violin carve" of the Core series . But again , not responsible for tone at all.

S2 saves $$$ (cuts corners, depending on one's degree of snootyness) by using imported parts ... Pickups, are generally off shored. Tuners and bridges are the same as offered on some US Core models ...

One popular US YouTube guy, Phil Mc Knight ... compared the S2 Mc Carty to his Core, and liked several features of the S2 better ... BUT . he offed the 58/15S pickups. (the "S" signifies import) . I think the 58/15 S sound great in my Thinline, and the SE Hollowbody ... but with an "upgrade"

You can take an $1,800 guitar and with replacement pickups , say $325 for a killer boutique set

And puts it on par with $4 to 6 K worth of guitar. .. If I am trying to say anything, it is you do not have to spend $4,000 to get a killer guitar. The S2's are within reason and with upgrades where you choose... definitely within the killer ballpark ...

Your guy is one lucky Motha (shut you mouth ! ) guy ...

 

[El Fenix]

We're a rock and metal household! I've definitely never heard him mention any desire to own a HB PRS. I really appreciate any help. With Covid, I doubt I'll be going outside Canada before his birthday, but I do appreciate the suggestions of places to buy from.

There is a such a huge range in prices; I'm a bit scared of not spending enough/in the 'right' areas. I was hoping to stay under $4000, but that's not a hard cut off.

Thanks!

I'm partial to the David Grissom model but it's a great one to check out. As stated, the 594 is also an excellent choice.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Given your taste in music (dig it!) and the desire for 594. Id look for a Double Cut 594 on reverb in your range. There are lots of wood library or artist packages in the range you mention.

Are there favorite colors/wood combos that he might appreciate more? I think you can find some incredible pieces for him

Happy hunting!

 

[dmatthews]

Ask these guys

PAUL REED SMITH ELECTRIC GUITARS FOR SALE AT THE GUITAR SHOP IN MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO CANADA

 

[RC Mike]

We generally aren’t allowed to discuss prices here. MAP is the Minimum Advertised Price. Think of it as a starting point for dealers to compete for your business.

I love my Core SC 594. Great guitar! I’d suggest sticking to a Core or Wood Library model. Usually when people refer to a 594, that’s what they mean. If he says he wants a 594, odds are he isn’t referring to an S2 model. Core models are the traditional PRS recipe in terms of wood types. Wood Libraries can vary an awful lot, but can have some unique and desirable options. As a gift that he won’t have too much input on, I’d suggest getting a Core.

If I were you, I’d ask some non-incriminating questions that might help you narrow things down.

What weight does he like? You’ll find 594s ranging from about 7lbs to a bit over 9lbs. Good dealers will be able to tell you a specific guitar’s weight. Mine is just a hair over 8lbs, which is about as much as I like a guitar to weigh. Single cuts tend to weigh a bit more than double cuts, but that’s a generalization.

What kind of color does he like? You can find 594s with colors ranging from traditional to wild. Some folks are really specific in what they like (or don’t like).

One of the great things about Core PRSs is that they’re so consistent in quality. You can confidently buy one online, knowing that you’ll get a great guitar.

 

[Herr Squid]

We're a rock and metal household! I've definitely never heard him mention any desire to own a HB PRS. I really appreciate any help. With Covid, I doubt I'll be going outside Canada before his birthday, but I do appreciate the suggestions of places to buy from.

There is a such a huge range in prices; I'm a bit scared of not spending enough/in the 'right' areas. I was hoping to stay under $4000, but that's not a hard cut off.

Thanks!

In that price range and considering rock/metal tastes, I'd think you want to look for a non-hollow, non-S2, non-wood library 594 model. Assuming all that holds true, you'll find the most choices in the double cut model. The single cuts are pretty great, but there are fewer of them out there so there's more to choose from in double cuts. The 10 top option will add hundreds of bucks to the price, so unless Fiance has said he wants one of those specifically, you might find something really cool that's not a 10 top that he'd really like.

 

[CrimesAgainstMusic]

The information regarding the S2 line , is offered to explain why there is such a wide spread in pricing in all the McCarty 594 models And to give some insight into what it is. The 594 line can get pretty pricey , depending on the premium (usually wood ) options one opts for. They all sound and perform well. The are all McCarty 594's ...

The biggest problem you may have, is finding what you decide is the "one" , available in a dealers inventory. Wait times on these puppies can be lengthy. PRS used to say that they had a year backlog ... back in 2019 ... before anyone knew what a "Covid" was . Now ? You have to ask, and of course, there are no guarantees on the completion dates.

Hey ... I just noticed that you may have to "mid 2022 " before you need this bad boy, so I noticed some "non S2, non 10 Top non wood library that would come in just below your cap... and if you act now ... maybe mid '22 is a realistic delivery date !

 

[Vazzy]

Welcome to the forum Becca! Very cool that you are going to treat your man with such a great surprise! One thing that would help would be knowing what kind of music he plays. The Hollowbody II is certainly NOT the guitar you would want to use for some types of music. Same thing with the other McCarty models. For example, for finger picking stuff, the HBII. For rockin' stuff, any of the other McCarty's. There are many other PRS models that do better in some categories than others, but if he is sold on a McCarty, those are not in the picture ;~))

As for places to buy from, I can tell you that I have had great experience with Ish Guitars (Syracuse, New York) and Wildwood Guitars (Louisville, Colorado - not to far from Denver). Other than that, I have no help on where to buy from.

Best of luck and let us know what other specifics we can help out with!

MW

I don't know.. I use my mccarty 594 hollowbody ii for everything including high gain playing. No feedback issues. It's become my do all guitar.

 

[Moondog Wily]

I don't know.. I use my mccarty 594 hollowbody ii for everything including high gain playing. No feedback issues. It's become my do all guitar.

Understood and all good Vazzy! For me, it just does not feel like a rocker when I pick it up or really sound like one to me, but with the right effects and pedals I am sure it would! Knowing I have the CU24 right next to me which does feel like my rocker, I need not worry about making one guitar work for all (as no live gigs for these gits at this time)! Anyway, cool that you have it dialed in for all you need! Great job!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Welcome to the forum. Good advice from @dmatthews

 

[veinbuster]

I’m in Southern Ontario. NY isn’t far.

The Guitar Shop in Mississauga has always had good inventory - most of my PRS are from there.

Cosmos just north of Toronto, west of 404 has good selection.

The Arts in Newmarket is a great shop, but might not have as many PRS core models.

 

[Vazzy]

Understood and all good Vazzy! For me, it just does not feel like a rocker when I pick it up or really sound like one to me, but with the right effects and pedals I am sure it would! Knowing I have the CU24 right next to me which does feel like my rocker, I need not worry about making one guitar work for all (as no live gigs for these gits at this time)! Anyway, cool that you have it dialed in for all you need! Great job!

It's funny, because I used to mainly use my Custom 24 Floyd for anything heavy, but when I got this one I have barely played the Custom 24. So I just set it to drop D and it's now my drop D guitar for whenever I need it.

Also I do run it through an Axe-Fx so maybe that helps. I was deliberating purchasing a McCarty 594 SingleCut solidbody but from what I've seen the tones are so similar. I instead just purchased a maple fretboard silver sky for those strat tones which is really great, but the 594 Hollowbody II is still my favorite.