McCarty or DGT

[Quickdraw]

Looking to buy my first PRS and trying to decide between a McCarty and a DGT. I am leaning towards the McCarty, but don’t have the opportunity to play either.

Would it be overly simplistic to say that a DGT is a McCarty with a tremolo and slightly hotter pickups (and separate volume controls for the bridge and neck pickup)? I realize that the neck shape and frets are different as well.

I don’t know that I want the tremolo, and I am thinking that the pickups may not be as hot/high output on the McCarty, so that leans me to the McCarty.

How different are the 58/15 pickups from the DGT pickups?

Thank you!

 

[Huggy Love]

You've got a lot of questions and variables here, I think you should make the effort to take a trip to a large stocking PRS dealer and get some first hand experience.

 

[Boogie]

The DGT pickups shouldn't be approached as "hot". While the do have some grunt on 10, they are not what you think of as hot pups, in character. No darkness, no compression. They respond to the volume control better than most other pickups I've played. Arguably some of the best pups I've ever owned.

The carve and frets are my favorite of any and all guitars. Period. Most comfortable. 11s don't feel like 11s. It's an effortless combination.

The trem, even if you never touch it, does something magical to the tone. It's louder, sustains better and contributes to the total package, which, to me, wouldn't be the magic guitar it is without a trem. To each their own, but the DGT has to have it.

58/15s are nice but boring, to me, in comparison to the DGTs.

 

[Quickdraw]

Thanks Boogie! That is useful information.

 

[ViperDoc]

It should also be noted that a stock DGT setup involves FIVE springs on the trem bridge, so it's solid as a rock while being available when needed. Plus, I'm a huge fan of .011s, the tone is just huge. The McCarty is bangin, too, but is a different guitar. If you're not into the trem, the McCarty will not disappoint. The DGT, however, is likely the most versatile tone machine in the PRS lineup. The tone pot splits, and the Volumes are wired in parallel to enable pickup trimming in any switch position. I don't even know why other guitars aren't wired that way. Never made sense to me. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you get, you're going to open the case and pitch a tent, guaranteed. Enjoy!

 

[László]

Both are great guitars. I have a McCarty with maple neck (it was a special wood library run), but I've played the DGT.

Honestly, I think Boogie, whose post precedes mine, gets an absolutely fantastic tone out of his DGT and Super Dallas amp that's hard to beat. His DGT is a good example of the kind of killer tone the guitar has. On balance, I think the DGT is a guitar with a big "personality." It's got a special vibe. It's not going to sound like anything else.

I get to cut a lot of tracks for my work with the McCarty. And I think the McCarty is more of an all-rounder, with a great deal of versatility. Boogie says it's more boring, but I think of it as more adaptable. So in the versatility contest, it's my feeling that perhaps the McCarty has the edge.

Would I have as much versatility with the DGT? Beats me. Maybe so? But I have other PRS guitars that do that, so my choice this time was the McCarty.

At least that's how I think of the two guitars. In either case, you cannot go wrong. Both are superb instruments in every way.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

It is my understanding that the big difference is the flavor on the lower strings -- the 58/15s are more even across all the strings, whereas the DGT is more staggered to play to the strengths of the strings. Is that correct?

 

[vchizzle]

I'm torn on a recommendation. Im not a trem guy at all, but I'm a huge fan of the DGT control layout. I wish it was on every double cut away guitar. It was a no brainer to put it on my private stock. I've really only spent time with one actual DGT guitar in my life. It sounded great. From what I recall the neck was really comfortable but I'm not uber neck sensitive. I can't compare the 2 sets of pickups as I haven't spent enough time with either. I love McCarty guitars too. Put an extra volume knob on there and that's what I'd recommend if you're not a trem guy. There's always the tremol-no if you wanted to have it be a solid non moving bridge. I just can't say enough how much the DGT control layout inspires me. So many tone combos with 2 volumes. Of course, you have to be willing to work the controls for that to be of any value. I have one of my McCartys wired with 2 volumes, no tone because it's that important to me. It's a tough call, both are great guitars.

 

[Boogie]

... the McCarty.... Boogie says it's more boring...

I should clarify: I find the 58/15 pickups boring, in comparison to some of the DGT pickups (there are variations from year to year as they continued to evolve the product). The McCarty is a wonderful model that is the basis for the DGT. I've played numerous PS versions that spoiled me forever, but the general McCarty is fantastic in its own right. Don't let my enthusiasm for the DGT downplay the McC.

 

[JoJo]

I'm a proud owner of a 2015 DGT and I'm absolutely loving it, when it comes to feel and ergonomics: the DGT neck profile feels absolutely great, a full C throughout the registers, the nut is a bit more narrow than on other PRS necks, the fat fret wire makes bending a joy.
The controls layout is very handy, too: the independent volume controls allows blending the two pickups to taste in the middle position. That guarantees for extra tonal versatility...

When it comes to tone, however, there is a catch: not everybody likes the sound of the DGT pickups (permanently). The single coil tones are superb, while the humbuckers tones are, well, special...
For me, it took almost a year to finally come to the conclusion that these pickups can be a bit ear-piercing in the higher registers, while the bottom end lacks definition. That has been - for me - especially true, when played clean or just breaking into crunchy territory.

Some users here had similar experience, some made extensive effort experimenting with the volume and tone controls to find their (personal) sound, as David Grissom himself does.
Others - and I'm one of them - replaced the pickups with something more to their taste. I transplanted a set of Bare Knuckle Abraxas humbuckers into my DGT, thereby also replacing the volume pots by push/pull-pots, allowing for individual coil-splits. The tone pot allows now an additional phase switch when both pickups are engaged.

While my DGT tended to "scream" sometimes with the original pickups, she now rings deeply like a bell. The annoying higher registers are tamed now, the lower end is meaty, but never lacking definition. She's a real Les Paul killer now, ideally suited for anything from jazz, country, folk, blues to classic rock.

So my recommendation would be always to compare the DGT and the McCarty directly: they will feel differently, especially because of the different neck profiles and fret wires. You should also try which control layout suits you better.

They will also sound differently, mainly because the DGT's pickups. That, however should not be a problem: if you like the DGT's feel, it's rather easy to switch the pickups for something that suits you better, may it be a \m/ pickup or something more classic, like a (hot) PAF clone.

But, quite honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either guitar. But you really should try which one feels better in YOUR hands before you spend your money...

 

[RonnieD]

The DGT pickups shouldn't be approached as "hot". While the do have some grunt on 10, they are not what you think of as hot pups, in character. No darkness, no compression. They respond to the volume control better than most other pickups I've played. Arguably some of the best pups I've ever owned.

The carve and frets are my favorite of any and all guitars. Period. Most comfortable. 11s don't feel like 11s. It's an effortless combination.

The trem, even if you never touch it, does something magical to the tone. It's louder, sustains better and contributes to the total package, which, to me, wouldn't be the magic guitar it is without a trem. To each their own, but the DGT has to have it.

58/15s are nice but boring, to me, in comparison to the DGTs.

I'm with ya all the way on this one, except for your last sentence as I've never played 58/15's. I most definitely share your sentiments about the DGT though! For me it was THE model that finally made me stick to PRS, the proverbial "gateway" if you will. Btw, I rarely if ever use the trem too, but I get what it adds to the overall resonance of the guitar.
RonnieD

 

[Boogie]

... DGT pickups... can be a bit ear-piercing in the higher registers, while the bottom end lacks definition.

It's my opinion that this is the result of rig mismatch. You have to voice pedals/amp/cab for the guitar otherwise you can get less than the best out of a guitar. Overloading the amp input will certainly yield mush when you dig into the strings with these pups. Gain balance the pedals and amp and back down the guitar volume to 8 should bring the definition back.

 

[watelessness]

The great thing about these types of threads is that you hear both sides of the question. Both are great guitars which is why no compelling argument has been made to denounce either.

In addition to the 85/15's, you can also find versions of the McCarty with 57/08 pickups, 59/09's, etc. If you look at used gear you can also find the old-school McCarty pickups, soapbars, and even different woods like korina. The DGT also comes in a mahogany version.

I have had at least 4 of each and can only suggest that you order both of them and determine which one you find most comfortable to play while at the same time filling the empty sonic space in your tonal palette.

 

[Boogie]

Don't forget the Nearfield version!

 

[JoJo]

It's my opinion that this is the result of rig mismatch.

I doubt that "mismatch" is the right term here. You're right insofar that adjustments of the amp/pedals as well as on tone and volume controls might optimize tone on the stock DGT. That way, you most probably will get the best out of it. I, however, couldn't do it, even after playing that guitar as my main ride for almost a year.

My requirement is that a guitar should sound "right" to me (with all pots on ten) when I plug it into my rig that is set to take also other guitars (mainly Stratocasters, that is, but also my Hollowbody II). The DGT pickups were not able to deliver that, especially with clean or slightly crunchy amp settings. With the volume turned back, the DGT quickly sounded thin to me when plugged into such a clean rig.

A Fender Princeton Reverb was particularly happy to unmask the (at least for me) annoying habits of the DGT pickups.
But also my Orange Thunderverb 50 only leveled out the stinging upper frequencies and lacking bass definition when set to Classic Rock overdriven tones. When set to the sweet spot, just breaking up, it got a bit annoying again with the DGT.
Both amps work well with my Strats, my HBII and even my 408MT (that will leave me soon, sadly having a Pattern Thin neck).

If you're working mainly or only with a DGT and really go into detail when setting up your rig, you will probably get your tone (at least David does) sooner or later. But that will mean that you have to be extra careful to always find the right position for the DGTs volume and tone pots (and keeping them set to this position in the heat of battle). For a pro that might be OK. For me, it's not.

I think that the DGT pickups are just that: David Grissoms pickups.
But that doesn't mean that they will suit everybody else (even if given some time to get accustomed to them)...

But again: the DGT is a great guitar, and for me it's no sacrilege to switch the pups to something that suits ME better.
That way, I got the best of this guitar and I don't repent a second that I have bought it.

I personally would always chose a DGT again over a McCarty, as the neck and controls of the DGT are just to my taste.
And those things cannot be as easily changed as a set of pickups and potentiometers...

 

[László]

I think that the DGT pickups are just that: David Grissoms pickups.
But that doesn't mean that they will suit everybody else (even if given some time to get accustomed to them)...

Absolutely true. No pickup is for everyone.

 

[RonnieD]

I too have found that I least prefer my DGT's when the controls are dimed. However, the DGT is what clued me into how versatile employing the tone knobs can actually be, especially in the middle position, and also when using gibby's. Ever since I seem to enjoy playing every guitar initially wi the tone knobs set around 7 or 8 and go from there. What a rainbow of colours! When in the "heat of the battle" though, I most often resort to the bridge position on 10 with my DGT (and an EP Booster). The room and venue also seem to effect the overall tone, even when using the same gear and levels. To each their own though, all guitars are fun to play at different times. I just happen to currently be on the PRS bandwagon for the longest time ever in my 35 years of playing! I just love the quality and overall tones. And to be honest, in my neck of the woods, it's nice to be playing PRS while everyone else is playing something else.
RonnieD

 

[Boogie]

... a guitar should sound "right" to me (with all pots on ten) when I plug it into my rig that is set to take also other guitars...

Absolutely! With the exception of the pots on 10 (I fiddle with these constantly with certain guitars to dial it in), this was the precise criterium for my selection process. My Cu24 with HFS/VB pups wouldn't meld with anything else I have in any other guitar, and my rig never worked with anything else when dialed in for this guitar. When I got the DGT Std., I already had a new single channel amp that I wanted to be the foundation for the rest of the rig. It was a departure from the multi-channel modern beauty I played for almost 25 years, but it worked so well with all of my guitars except the super hot HFS-equipped Custom24. Once I popped out the HFS for a 59/09, everything came into focus. The DGT was such a joy to play, I dialed everything in to optimize to it. The Strat, Junior, 335 and LP all dropped into the same setup flawlessly. Even my troublesome Cu24 now played well with others on the playground. It took about 3 years of searching and 2 years of tweaking to get it down, but the DGT was instrumental in making it happen. It's pickups, for me, made the difference but I can see how stylistic and taste differences would go a different direction. Nothing wrong with it...it's just success of the same kind, with a different flavor.

 

[Luke Gibson]

It's my opinion that this is the result of rig mismatch. You have to voice pedals/amp/cab for the guitar otherwise you can get less than the best out of a guitar. Overloading the amp input will certainly yield mush when you dig into the strings with these pups. Gain balance the pedals and amp and back down the guitar volume to 8 should bring the definition back.

....I'm still a PRS newbie, I've had my DGT only for a couple months but totally agree with backing the volume down to 8. I feel like I discovered the true voice of my DGT when doing so. I've never owned a guitar that has such a broad range as my DGT. I really love the middle position with the bridge volume on 8 and neck volume on 5-6..... I'm using a Friedman Smallbox which has plenty of gain. As to the question of McCarty or DGT, I don't think you could go wrong with either, try both and choose the one that speaks to you. Good Luck!!!

 

[Korina Jack]

Both great! I love the simplicity and elegance of the McCarty, but the DGT has always peaked my interest. Hummmm