Out With The Old, In With The New!

[Doug B]

I've been a Les Paul player for decades and got my first one in March of 1972. But for the past 15 years I've had problems with my back to the point that I can only stand for 15 minutes while playing either of my Lesters. That was really getting to me because I much prefer standing to sitting while playing. I finally figured out that 8 lbs was my standing limit. So I've been looking for the right guitar where I could still stand and play for an hour-long set. It's been a long search.

Fast forward to November. I started looking at PRS. I bought 3 SEs (Custom 2408, Zach Myers and HB II w/ Piezo) and love all of them. I started looking for the 'right' Core model, hoping that I could trade my 2006 R9 for it. The R9 is in excellent shape, but it just doesn't get played anymore. At 9 lbs 6 oz it was just too heavy. I was at our local shop last Friday and tried out a USA HB McCarty 594... and I fell totally in love. I mean that guitar talked to me all weekend! So I cleaned up the R9 and its case and went back Monday. An hour later I walked out with the McCarty.

I took some quick pics but I'll try to get some better outdoor shots. It's nice knowing that somebody will be rocking that R9 shortly, instead of it sitting in a closet unplayed. And this McCarty is 5.8 lbs of beauty in both looks and tone. One curvy redhead moved out and another younger one moved in! I couldn't be happier.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Congratulations, what a beauty!

 

[Deleted member 5962]

There is absolutely NOTHING in the world like a beautiful curvy redhead!

Oh, and I like your guitar too.

 

[SinSir]

Congrays! What a killer guitar

 

[andy474x]

So hot!

 

[Aahzz]

Freaking gorgeous!

 

[dmatthews]

Dayum dude... You scored, congrats!

 

[g.wizz]

What a head-turner, congrats may you enjoy it for a long time.

 

[ViperDoc]

OMG. That is one of my fave finishes of all time. BEST GUITAR MADE. Congrats!

 

[DISTORT6]

Excellent upgrade.
Congrats.

 

[Jock68]

You will not be disappointed, they are just amazing.

 

[aphantomvaper]

Maaaaaan...that's crazy nice. Well played!

 

[Shrews824]

Very nice!!! Congrats on the acquisition. I'm in somewhat the same boat @Doug B . I can't stand and play very long at all anymore. I'm also only able to do so for about 10-15 minutes with my Les Paul and then my back starts killing me. The PRS is a definite blessing in that regard (and many others of course). Cheers to many hours of jammin'!!!!

 

[Bob Hundemer]

Great looking guitar.

 

[bodia]

Yeah, that's a hottie!

 

[HANGAR18]

I've been a Les Paul player for decades and got my first one in March of 1972. But for the past 15 years I've had problems with my back to the point that I can only stand for 15 minutes while playing either of my Lesters. That was really getting to me because I much prefer standing to sitting while playing. I finally figured out that 8 lbs was my standing limit. So I've been looking for the right guitar where I could still stand and play for an hour-long set. It's been a long search.

Fast forward to November. I started looking at PRS. I bought 3 SEs (Custom 2408, Zach Myers and HB II w/ Piezo) and love all of them. I started looking for the 'right' Core model, hoping that I could trade my 2006 R9 for it. The R9 is in excellent shape, but it just doesn't get played anymore. At 9 lbs 6 oz it was just too heavy. I was at our local shop last Friday and tried out a USA HB McCarty 594... and I fell totally in love. I mean that guitar talked to me all weekend! So I cleaned up the R9 and its case and went back Monday. An hour later I walked out with the McCarty.

I took some quick pics but I'll try to get some better outdoor shots. It's nice knowing that somebody will be rocking that R9 shortly, instead of it sitting in a closet unplayed. And this McCarty is 5.8 lbs of beauty in both looks and tone. One curvy redhead moved out and another younger one moved in! I couldn't be happier.

You have chosen wisely.

 

[Keith B.]

Cool upgrade

 

[WA Paul]

Congrats! When I was younger, I thought heavier guitars sounded better. Now I know better

 

[Daryl Jones]

Any fine instrument deserves to be played, somebody will love that LP as much as you did I'm sure. I'd never say this in front of my missus, but there is always something to be said for a younger gal. Nicely done!

 

[RickP]

You won’t regret that change! I had similar back issues, and the HB 594 and HB Spruces have been Heaven-sent. Perfect guitars, no sacrifice whatsoever in tone and playability. I am so sure you’re going to love that transition.