Older Singlecuts vs. McCarty SC594

[JJDon]

Wanted to get some input/advice here. My SC594 is my favorite guitar I own (amongst PRS, Gibson, etc.). I especially like the neck on it and scale length which makes it easy to play. I'm currently selling some other gear to get another as I wanted to load it up with a set of Tremonti pickups (my current SC954 has BKP Holy Divers in it).

However, searching online, I saw older PRS Singlecuts out there including a 2006 Singlecut which got me thinking about maybe one of those. Besides pickups, I know the main differences between the old Singlecuts and SC594 are the one piece vs. two piece bridge and neck sizes.

Can anyone confirm is the scale lengths are the same or not? And in terms of neck, how different is the Singlecut's widefat neck vs. the SC594's vintage pattern neck? Do the guitar feel significantly different? I've noticed there is a lot of variation between generations of PRS guitars. I have two Custom 24s (a 2015 and a more modern one), and the differences between the necks, despite both being pattern thin, feel significant. Same with all other modern Custom 24s I've tried vs. the 2015. So I'm wondering if this is also the case with the older Singlecuts vs. SC594s. I know there is also the SC 58 and SC 245 which I don't know as much about, that fall between these two generations of guitars. Any feedback would be helpful!

 

[László]

Can anyone confirm is the scale lengths are the same or not?

They are not. The early ones were 25", same as most of the other PRS Guitars made at the time.

The SC245s and a few other models, like my PS McCarty Singlecut, are 24.5".

And in terms of neck, how difference is the Singlecut's widefat neck vs. the SC594's vintage pattern neck? Do the guitar feel significantly different?

Everyone's hands are different. If you go to a store and play the current Pattern neck, you'll be closer to the original instrument's Wide-Fat. The Tremonti models I think were Wide-Thin.

I've noticed there is a lot of variation between generations of PRS guitars. I have two Custom 24s (a 2015 and a more modern one), and the differences between the necks, despite both being pattern thin, feel significant.

A lot of hand work goes into finishing a PRS neck. It's not just the model year; no two are exactly alike.

So I'm wondering if this is also the case with the older Singlecuts vs. SC594s. I know there is also the SC 58 and SC 245 which I don't know as much about, that fall between these two generations of guitars. Any feedback would be helpful!

I've had, and loved, all the Singlecut models. All of them have had slightly different features. The SC58, SC245, and earlier wrap bridges are machined aluminum; the 594s have cast zinc and brass bridges. The SC58 also had a 24.5" scale length.

There have been saddles that are pyramidal in shape, and others that are square. The McCarty SC I have has frets that are flatter on top. There have been several generations of tuning machines.

There have been different pickups offered over the years.

Some SC models had the Artist Package option, and it included the option of an ebony fretboard, and at one point, optional 53/10 pickups that were pretty cool. The McCarty Singlecuts made in the PS run had Madagascar rosewood fretboards.

The older models don't have coil splits; the 594s do. Most of the older models are finished in poly, current 594s are nitro, as was the earlier Ted. There have been limited runs of Soapbar models as well.

In the mid '00s PRS made a Singlecut with a slightly thinner body and a Trem. There are Wood Library runs with various differently spec'd woods and pickups.

They're all different enough in subtle ways that you might want to play a few before buying.

 

[dogrocketp]

The knob arrangement is also different. The early single cuts, aside from being 25” scale length, have just a tone and a volume. The 4 knob arrangement on core 245’s is different. The one I had didn’t have the coil taps, and note the knob placement. I think the 245’s sound thicker and more guttural. The reg singlecut, especially with the #7’s has a great unique sound, especially with overdrive.

 

[DISTORT6]

The knob arrangement is also different. The early single cuts, aside from being 25” scale length, have just a tone and a volume.

Nope.
First year (2000) Singlecut


Maybe you’re confused with the Standard Satin Singlecut. This is a 2006

 

[dogrocketp]

Nope.
First year (2000) Singlecut


Maybe you’re confused with the Standard Satin Singlecut. This is a 2006

Yes, I am confused.

 

[Prina]

The SC245s and a few other models, like my PS McCarty Singlecut, are 24.5".

The 24.5" models also include the SC 58, and the 'stripped'/less bling model the Stripped 58. They also have Pattern necks and 57/08 non-splittable pickups.

I never felt my 2011 Stripped 58 lacked anything:

 

[bodia]

The 24.5" models also include the SC 58, and the 'stripped'/less bling model the Stripped 58. They also have Pattern necks and 57/08 non-splittable pickups.

I never felt my 2011 Stripped 58 lacked anything:

That’s a hottie!

 

[László]

The 24.5" models also include the SC 58, and the 'stripped'/less bling model the Stripped 58. They also have Pattern necks and 57/08 non-splittable pickups.

I never felt my 2011 Stripped 58 lacked anything:

I had a Stripped 58, too! Also an SC58 Artist Pack with ebony board and 53/10s. Until getting the McCarty Singlecut, they were my two favorite SC models, ever.

Between the two I leaned toward the Stripped 58 for most things.

 

[Herr Squid]

I'm pretty ignorant of neck shapes unless I find them offensively large or small, so no commentary from me on that.

I'll talk about the differences between "old" (pre-594) and "new" 594 PRS singlecuts.

Scale length on the old ones was either 25" (original SC and SC Trem) or 24.5" (SC58, Stripped 58, SC245). The 594s introduced the 24.594" scale length that gives that family its name.

The old-school (pre-594) Singlecuts do have a different 4-knob layout and orientation. On the old ones, the volume knobs are placed close to the bridge as opposed to being closer to the neck Les Paul-style on 594s. Owning both, I usually don't get too mixed up. Usually.

The older pickups are generally hotter and less bright and clear than on the 594s.

Also the old-school ones have the single-piece bridge as opposed to the Gibsonesque bridge and tailpiece on the newer ones. I find the older ones much comfier if I'm doing very much palm muting.

I think the old-school SCs are great instruments and still own two of them. Buuut the buying public accepted the 594s as being more "vintage" and I think at this point PRS has sold a ton more 594s than old-school singlecuts.

 

[dmatthews]

I have a 2000 SC with Bare Knuckle Rebel Yells, and it rocks.



I also have a 594 SC Semihollow Artist Package that I put 58/15 LT+ pups in, and it slays. It's number one!



If you love the 594 Pattern Vintage neck and 594 scale, stick with it.

 

[Max Headroom]

Love my 2012 Stripped 58 which is also a bit unusual being a 10 top.
Killer tone and playability even in my hands

 

[AP515]

The knob arrangement is also different. ...

Nope.
First year (2000) Singlecut...

Actually you are both right. The Gen 1 singlecut does have the 4 knob layout, but it is a forward leaning diamond. The 594 is a backward leaning diamond, like the LP. This makes the relationship between the volume and tone for the front and back pickups different. Not a big deal, but it is a difference.

 

[DISTORT6]

Actually you are both right. The Gen 1 singlecut does have the 4 knob layout, but it is a forward leaning diamond. The 594 is a backward leaning diamond, like the LP. This makes the relationship between the volume and tone for the front and back pickups different. Not a big deal, but it is a difference.

My reply was directed towards the "just a tone and a volume" part.