Well....
I spent some time playing the 594. (As usual, lol) At first I wasn't really digging it. It wasn't gelling with my Bad Cat HC30. I tweaked out the amp, and found that the more I lowered the gain and bass the better the guitar sounded. Then I switched to a cab with an Alnico Blue speaker. THEN everything clicked into place. I was looking to achieve a smooth but crunchy sound, and I got it. Once I got the tone dialed in on the amp many amazing things became possible on the guitar....
Working the volume, tone and splits I was able to be rewarded with tones that covered the spectrum from near Tele-like to full-on Classic Rock. As with my SC245 and S2 Singlecut Standard, I found that my favorite sound is both pickups, neck split + volume rolled down to 8. Flipping the switch between that, the neck, and the full bridge humbucker is very satisfying for my needs.
Another thing I noticed about the 594....it's heavy!! I don't weigh my guitars because it's not a big deal to me, but - much like the Johnny Hiland - this guitar has some heft. It's still comfortable hanging on the strap. I tested a 594 at a local shop a while ago. I remember it being pretty light, and me not liking it. I think I prefer this design with some weight.
Regarding the neck....
I have to say I am not as enamored as others are. It's not bad, but I am not finding it earth-shattering either. Part of it might be that the guitar is still strung with 10s and my arthritic fingers began to struggle after about 20 minutes of playing. I just popped 9s on it, and I'll need to finish my set-up later on after dinner. So far though I am still preferring the Wide-Fat or Pattern neck.
Regarding the pickups....
I have the 85/15LT pickups in my Custom 22 Wood Library. However, they seem VERY different in the 594. I have to say based on the factory heights, I am not digging them. I figure while I am doing my set-up I'll lower them. I'll mess around and get to what's "best". No worries there. It's just a matter of adjustment.
Compared to my other PRS'....
At this point, I would have to say it's not jumping out as being a "replacement" for anything. It really does seem to do what the SC245 does. I have to play them side-by-side to recognize the differences. I will say I am a more than a little surprised that I am not totally blown away by this guitar. It's weird - I got this 594 and the CE24 Semi Hollow brand new out-of-the box - but the CE24 rocked me to the core and it's all I could play for several days. It inspired me to play. Maybe I am depressed (lol) but it took me almost 36 hours before I actually plugged the 594 in!!!
Wrapping this little "review" up, I'll say that I think the 594 is gonna be a cool addition. However, I have a gut feeling it might be like some of my other guitars - case queens only pulled out for specific "needs". I was kind of hoping for a workhorse...but it's too early to rule that out, isn't it - especially since I haven't even finished tweaking it for my tastes!!
