I'm thinking about getting the Mark Holcomb SE 6 strings

[RCG]

I'm thinking about getting the Mark Holcomb SE 6 strings. How is the string action, is it comfortably low or uncomfortably high, I prefer to be on the low side. I would definitely change the strings to 9-42s and tune the guitar to standard tuning, will there be any issues with that regarding playability and sound because of the pick ups, by doing that would I get some fret buzz or would I have any tuning issues. Would I need to make any adjustments to the bridge. What size are the frets.

 

[d^rren]

Action is all about how the guitar is set up. From the factory, they'll be set up fine, but if you want the best possible, you'll want to either learn to do your own setups, or take it to a competent guitar tech who knows what you like and how to dial it in.

PRS Guitars will always be a little limited in how low you can go with your action because they only use straight radius from the nut to the bridge. Compound radius fretboards are the best way to get the lowest possible action without notes fretting out. On a tapered fretboard, strings are arranged with a conical taper, not laid out on a cylinder.

 

[Gtrbldr]

Action is all about how the guitar is set up. From the factory, they'll be set up fine, but if you want the best possible, you'll want to either learn to do your own setups, or take it to a competent guitar tech who knows what you like and how to dial it in.

PRS Guitars will always be a little limited in how low you can go with your action because they only use straight radius from the nut to the bridge. Compound radius fretboards are the best way to get the lowest possible action without notes fretting out. On a tapered fretboard, strings are arranged with a conical taper, not laid out on a cylinder.

However you can get it very VERY fast and the 25" scale usually helps with the ease of fretting.

But action is just understanding your bridge height and neck relief. When the nut is properly cut, it is just a matter of setting up correctly ans that guitar will be slick and fast. Or slow and gravelly. Whatever you want.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

I'm thinking about getting the Mark Holcomb SE 6 strings. How is the string action, is it comfortably low or uncomfortably high, I prefer to be on the low side. I would definitely change the strings to 9-42s and tune the guitar to standard tuning, will there be any issues with that regarding playability and sound because of the pick ups, by doing that would I get some fret buzz or would I have any tuning issues. Would I need to make any adjustments to the bridge. What size are the frets.

I love my Holcomb, but a few factors you should consider if you want to make those changes. It's designed to have 10-52 strings, tuned down a step. Of course you can change that, but might have issues with the nut slots on the 3 bass strings being cut too deep (to accommodate thicker strings). It also has a longer scale length, 25.5" - tuning 9-42's to normal vs 10-52's down a step might more or less even out, but I'd expect there to be a difference in feel, that you'll lose some of the "slinkiness" that it has from the factory specs. However, with a good setup you should be able to make it work.
Best advice I could give is to play one in person. If that's not possible, then order from an online dealer with a good 30 return policy. Then you can decide if it's for you, and make any changes from there if you keep it

 

[Stephen J.]

I would communicate your intentions to change the setup with whoever you purchase from. They will likely be willing to do the setup for you.

 

[Maertl513]

The SE Mark Holcomb is a nice guitar. I keep it in standard D or Drop C. The .010 - .052 gauge inspired me to have it on all new acquired guitars.
I bought recently a extended range, multiscale, fanned frets guitar with Ernie Ball head stock, which I prefer more due to stiffer strings.

As already mentioned by recent forum members: You can fore sure set the guitar to standard tuning and .009 - .042 gauge. But it is absolutely necessary to have the either proper rasped slots at the bridge and the nut to ensure tuning stability to full extent. And the tension of the truss rod needs to be adjusted.
Depending if you want to buy new or second hand the pickups could be different. The old ones come with the Alpha & Omega signature, the current ones have the Scarlet & Scourge set, which is updated in the voicing.

Mine has the Alpha & Omega.

 

[Paz]

For me personally I would use 10-52 in standard tuning, seems way too light for drop C!

 

[GSmith1713]

I can answer this with authority. I’ve tried my Mark Holcomb in C standard with 11’s, D standard with 10’s, and (currently) E standard with 9’s. Play’s fantastic and the action is very low. It’s stupid easy to play assuming you have the skill. I did get it setup by my local luthier but since then I’ve only needed to adjust the saddles for intonation.

 

[RCG]

Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate it but decided to get a new McCarty 594 double cut away SE. I went to my local Guitar Center and had them order it through their online store. I did that yesterday. I got the turquoise.

 

[bodia]

Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate it but decided to get the McCarty 594 double cut away SE. I went to my local Guitar Center and had them order it through their online store. I did that yesterday. I got the turquoise.

Congrats