New to electric guitars; which PRS non-tremolo model should I look at?

[Draskers]

After learning on cheap acoustics, I’m now ready to move onto an electric guitar, and having tested a few at a local guitar store, believe PRS seem the most comfortable and best design/look.

Only problem is I’m not entirely sure what model to go for out of the core McCarty, core McCarty 594 or the core Paul’s Guitar (I don’t want (or think I need) a model with a Tremolo). I unfortunately can’t test them side by side due to stock availability (and don’t have the knowledge of testing at separate stores and being able to differentiate) so will take a punt on ordering online.

Is there any advice, recommendations or pointers anyone can give on what I should be looking for, or what model I should purchase as my first electric guitar?

Lastly, I’ve seen in a website called ‘Reverb’ a ‘Wood Library’ version of a McCarty 594… it has different colours than the PRS site lists such as ‘Autumn Sky’ and ‘Copperhead’ that have a Korina back/neck and some brass hardware…. are these real, or fake?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[RC Mike]

Where are you located? There's likely a dealer within driving distance that has a few models that would at least let you sample some features, such as neck size.

 

[Bobd]

I have tremolo (it is vibrato actually..)and fixed bridge electrics, and (until now at least) never used the tremolo. I never install the arm. The thing with the springs is that they give a sort of natural reverb.

The guitars you mention have a different voice. The McCarty's sound more like a Les Paul, the Paul's Guitar more single coilish. Whatever you prefer.

I would suggest to try several models anyway, with or without a fixed bridge as the necks shapes feel / are different too ...

Whatever PRS core you may decide to, the guitar is not to blame if you don't sound good !

 

[Stephen J.]

Which models did you try? The neck shape is where some people get picky. The McCarty and Paul’s Guitar have different shapes and scale lengths (Pattern 25”) than the 594 (Pattern Vintage 24.594”).

 

[Slo-mo]

If you have to visit multiple stores, you may not have to worry about comparing models. I played several PRS models back when I bought my first and when I picked up the one I bought, there wasn't a comparison needed - I just knew right away it was coming home with me. The neck just fit my hand perfectly. I took it right out of the shipping box and when the sales guy wanted to take a look and play it, I replied "NO! its mine now and you're not touching it! Just ring me up and I'll be on my way."

No guarantee you'll have similar experience, but you never know.

 

[Rider1260]

You have it down to 3 really great PRS guitars. In my experience it will just be your first so it does not matter which you start with
Happy hunting

 

[dmatthews]

After learning on cheap acoustics, I’m now ready to move onto an electric guitar, and having tested a few at a local guitar store, believe PRS seem the most comfortable and best design/look.

Only problem is I’m not entirely sure what model to go for out of the core McCarty, core McCarty 594 or the core Paul’s Guitar (I don’t want (or think I need) a model with a Tremolo). I unfortunately can’t test them side by side due to stock availability (and don’t have the knowledge of testing at separate stores and being able to differentiate) so will take a punt on ordering online.

Is there any advice, recommendations or pointers anyone can give on what I should be looking for, or what model I should purchase as my first electric guitar?

Lastly, I’ve seen in a website called ‘Reverb’ a ‘Wood Library’ version of a McCarty 594… it has different colours than the PRS site lists such as ‘Autumn Sky’ and ‘Copperhead’ that have a Korina back/neck and some brass hardware…. are these real, or fake?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Welcome @Draskers
Yes, "Wood Library" is real indeed. PRS USA made guitars include S2, Core, Artist Package, and Wood Library. I have an AP and WL 594. They are fantastic guitars.

 

[DISTORT6]

Don’t forget to check the used market.

 

[László]

The only reliable way is to play them. You should check out all three you’ve mentioned, in person, plugged into an amp, if possible, even if at different shops or playing a friend’s.

It’s also a good idea to check out the demo videos on the PRS guitars website to get an idea of how each model sounds and differs from the others.

The Paul’s Guitar and McCarty have the same scale length and neck carve, and i think have the same body thickness. These all affect both feel and tone. They differ in pickups and switching options. The feel of the neck will be similar if both are set to factory spec.

The 594 has a shorter scale length and its own switching and control options, similar to a Les Paul but with a bit more full range frequency response. The neck is carved with an offset to fit the hand, but again, personal pref matters most.

The 594’s 2 piece bridge is anchored to the body at 4 points instead of 2 points like the single piece bridge. Each has its charms, the two piece having a bit “woodier” tone, maybe because the added anchor points vibrate the body differently.

The McCarty and 594 have very similar pickups but differ in controls and switching.

You might want to try a trem model even if you don’t plan to use a trem. Some models have a different neck carve, different scale length. Some don’t.

The trem models have excellent locking tuners that also make string changes faster. A trem has a little “give” on string bends since it’s attached to springs, and it has a body cavity for the trem and the springs that affect the sound. I like, and have, both trem and 2-piece bridges, and have had the others - also excellent, Some of the trem models have different pickups, which hugely affects tone.

You can’t beat a PRS, but if you haven’t played electric guitar, try some Fenders, Gibsons and many others.

Plenty of people play them and have their reasons. One size does not fit all!!

It’ll help you appreciate the differences between other brands and the PRS and you’ll have a broader knowledge and experience.

If you’re gonna drop 5-6 grand on an instrument don’t make it a wild guess based on pretty pictures and think that’s gonna work out.

Reverb exists because plenty of folks say, “I didn’t bond with the guitar.”

And then sell the thing they were excited to buy.

You’re new to electric guitar. By all means take the plunge, but at least get something you’re sure will work for you!

 

[Paul B]

Sounds like you’re ready to jump into the deep end but have no swimming experience. Consider looking at the SE line. You can buy a roomful for half the cost of a core. For a new player (or a pro) they are beyond great. I have a core CU 24 and subsequently 4 SE’s. The one I grab most often is the SE Silver Sky.

 

[Monahan]

Welcome to the group!

If you're looking strictly at the US made stuff, check out these current "hard-tails":

Tele-type bridge:
- S2 Vela (there are versions featuring, gloss finish, satin finish, and a semi-hollow model)
- NF53 (bolt-on neck)
- Myles Kennedy signature (bolt-on neck)

Tune-O-Matic style:
- S2 McCarty (three different versions)
- Core McCarty 594 (the "594" refers to its 24.594" scale length)
- Core McCarty Hollowbody II

Wraparound bridge:
- Core McCarty (25" scale length)
- Core McCarty Hollowbody II piezo
- Core Paul's Guitar

Of course there's Private Stock, which is only limited to your mortgage LOL!

That's just a quick look at what you can find on the PRS Website and probably missed one or two.

Personally, I'm in LOVE with the NF53. Originally I thought I would need a tremolo, but honestly 99.9% of the time I never use it-- and frankly I hate that adjacent strings fall out of tune during bends-- so the Tele-type bridge is my favorite.

Hope something there helps!

~M