The McCarty has the same 25 inch scale length as the customs. The McCarty headstock is at a steeper angle than the Customs. Also, the McCarty has a slightly thicker body and a one piece bridge. The McCarty only has a wide fat neck profile (or whatever it's called now). I have a McCarty and a few customs. I think the McCarty has a nice, fat sound. Part of that may have to be due to the solid rosewood neck.