PRS Newbie Advice

[Shocker]

Hello all! I’m admittedly a PRS newbie, somewhat overwhelmed by all the amazing options that I’ve got presented to me in the used market right now. I’m hoping you all can help me make a decision. Here’s the options:

20th anniversary McCarty, $1700 local (which seems like a bargain, my second fav color)

2023 S2 standard 24 $1000 (3rd place on color)

2017 S2 custom 24 $1400 (most desirable color)

2017 S2 standard 24 $925 (least desirable color)

For my skill level I know any of these guitars will be more capable than I am. Please help me understand the differences between the others, what you’d pick and why!

Thank you.

 

[DISTORT6]

Hello all! I’m admittedly a PRS newbie, somewhat overwhelmed by all the amazing options that I’ve got presented to me in the used market right now. I’m hoping you all can help me make a decision. My budget is under $2k Here’s the options:

20th anniversary McCarty, $1700 local (which seems like a bargain, my second fav color)

2023 S2 standard 24 $1000 (3rd place on color)

2017 S2 custom 24 $1400 (most desirable color)

2017 S2 standard 24 $925 (least desirable color)

For my skill level I know any of these guitars will be more capable than I am. Please help me understand the differences between the others, what you’d pick and why!

Thank you.

20th Anniversary McCarty. 100%. Especially if you have no need for a trem.
It’s a core model that is above any and all S2’s.

 

[Bogner]

Pick The McCarty For Sure! Great All Around Guitar That Does Everything Amazingly Well. It Is Solid, Stable And Stays In Tune. A Straight Forward Masterpiece IMO. For The Price You Mentioned, It Is A No Brainer Choice.

 

[strat63]

I think the original McCarty is a classic and it would be the only choice for me out of those given. This is not to suggest there is anything wrong with a S2 model, but they aren't in the same ballpark as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Russ73]

I have a bunch of S2s they're stellar...some of the prices you mentioned though are high IMO...are those new prices?? Used they're high...also check out davesguitar.com that's Daves guitar shop they have alot of great inexpensive S2s....but if you want 22 frets, which is my preference...and a hardtail that McCarty sounds like a great deal if it's a Core....

 

[FatFingerBlues]

Go play the McCarty since it's local
you'll know after a minute or two of playing it
if it's the guitar for you
if not its knowledge gained and you move on

as for the S2's
what you need to know is all of the S2's prior to this year
(with the exception of the Anniversary editions of 2023)
came with the import version of the electronics and pickups
So 2024 and up got the Core electronics
now the import versions are not bad but this knowledge gives you some bargaining power
and better helps you decide if the S2's are worth it to you

Play the S2's before you buy one if you can
but any PRS guitar is a good choice
just know that there is always a possibility you may not bond with one
if you don't, sell it and move on
PRS always hold their value well

 

[Herr Squid]

There are no bad choices there. The 20th McCarty is going to be the nicest in terms of wood choices and build features. If memory serves, the 20ths were built in about 2005. PRS pickups back then were generally not as highly regarded as they are now. Definitely give that McCarty a try if you can and see if you swoon over it.

 

[FragileThunder]

Can you play each of them? If you can, do. You’ll know.

Those are all great guitars, and while we can all offer our preferences, the truth is those guitars aren’t apples to apples. Electronics, neck shape, body style, number of frets etc. separate the McCarty from the 24s, and there’s variation between the Standards and the Custom as well. Don’t spend your money blindly because of what we say on the interwebz- the only person you need to please is you.

All that said, I had an S2 Custom 24 for a couple of years. Fantastic guitar in every way but the neck was not for me. I’ve learned I’m happiest with a Wide Fat neck. My McSoapy (McCarty with P90 pickups) on the other hand is the first guitar I reach for.

 

[Gtrbldr]

I will echo what others have said. I'd check out the McC first, if price is not an issue. After owning several models I kind of settled on the original McC. That guitar just fits: bridge, neck, playing ergonomics etc.

The 20th is a core guitar and even though it is 20 years old: properly cared for that does not matter a bit. All my PRS guitars are between 13-20 years old and are in great condition. You get what you pay for .

Pickups of the McC can be a little underwhelming as said, but are easily replaced and I expect the S2 Pickups might not offer that much more.

 

[spawnofthesith]

Mccarty is a no brainer both as a guitar and at that price imo!