I am considering an exchange of my new S2 Singlecut Dark Cherry burst for the 245 McCarty Singlecut in Tobacco burst. This is the PRS TOM/Stoptail version. What are the benefits for double the price? Doing this would require me selling one of the very few "to spec" LP Burst kits I have kept unassembled for years as a Master and perhaps one or two collector grade hand planes which are irreplaceable. They are truly special items. Thus, I would have to be convinced I will have more than "cork-sniffer" status. Comments sincerely requested. I am a real rookie electric player going very serious for therapeutic reasons. Thank you.
S2 Singlecut to 245 McCarty Single Cut--Benefits Gained for $1500 ?
- Thread starter Ol'Lefty
- Start date
gball
New Member
The only thing that should convince you is that you go play it, are blown away by it, it does something the S2 doesn't, and you can't live without it so it is worth it to you. Anything else doesn't matter.
watelessness
Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2012
- Messages
- 2,934
What is motivating you to consider this move?
There will be differences. Whether the differences are improvements or just different stuff is up to the buyer to decide.
If you're advancing rapidly as a player, the differences may be more readily apparent, in the way of pickups, hardware, etc. Incidentally, the current McCarty Singlecut is a Private Stock level guitar, and the SC245 is a Core guitar, they're a little different. Again, different may or may not amount to better.
I have the McCarty Singlecut and it's an incredible guitar, though pretty darn expensive!
If you're advancing rapidly as a player, the differences may be more readily apparent, in the way of pickups, hardware, etc. Incidentally, the current McCarty Singlecut is a Private Stock level guitar, and the SC245 is a Core guitar, they're a little different. Again, different may or may not amount to better.
I have the McCarty Singlecut and it's an incredible guitar, though pretty darn expensive!
kes7u
Wife's husband and Dog's dad
As Les mentioned, you may be confusing 2 different guitars. The McCarty Singlecut is a Private Stock, and unfortunately would be well more than double the price of your S2.
The SC245 is a Core instrument, which is likely what you are describing. You can look around for the physical differences between an S2 and Core instrument, but ultimately it is up to what you feel and hear.
The SC245 is a Core instrument, which is likely what you are describing. You can look around for the physical differences between an S2 and Core instrument, but ultimately it is up to what you feel and hear.
Sadly, I have a warranty issue, but it is being handled generously and promptly. To be honest, I don't have a single primo guitar in this house. That is unusual for me. Either my S2, repaired or exchanged is the last guitar I will buy. I'm 68 and not very healthy. I am also on very limited income. I really like the S2 and frankly, it IS a primo guitar with a spectacular top considering its price range. At the same time, I have several sets of custom HB's here and loads of first quality pots and caps and vintage wire and I know that I would do a harness of my own for the S2 even though I like the tone. No factory can provide better than what I have in parts inventory. But, I just love to work on and build guitars. I would like to die with one fine factory guitar in the house ( for my grandson). I am impressed with the S2 and can only wonder what such a big step up could bring. If there are no objective differences that can be quantified, I need to know that.Here is a simple minor example-- do I get real pearl birds, or the same white plastic? Is there a palpable different feel to a core model? I contacted PRS about tuner upgrade to core-they replied- no benefit, same guts. I think the S2 is a genuine phenomenon, but it is my first PRS-- babe in the woods! Thanks for help-desire more!!
PS--By the way, I have yet to see any other S2 with top-figure like mine and I can't count on either the retailer (still a very good one) or PRS to pick its equal and in addition, I have been able to achieve a perfect, clean and low setup on this S2.
This is the finish adhesion issue. I have about a 3/4" or longer lifted section at the junction of the rosewood fretboard and mahogany neck at the 11th fret, treble side. I am tempted to waive finish warranty and fix it myself with water thin CA glue, cover with Teflon, tape-clamp it and then razor scrape and polish. But, I don't know where else it may reappear. From reading on forums, this is commonly handled by exchange. So, that is the situation- the only dealer in- stock guitar I liked is the core McCarty. Dealer is treating me well and I have it packaged for return, prepaid- I have had it a couple of months.
This is the finish adhesion issue. I have about a 3/4" or longer lifted section at the junction of the rosewood fretboard and mahogany neck at the 11th fret, treble side. I am tempted to waive finish warranty and fix it myself with water thin CA glue, cover with Teflon, tape-clamp it and then razor scrape and polish. But, I don't know where else it may reappear. From reading on forums, this is commonly handled by exchange. So, that is the situation- the only dealer in- stock guitar I liked is the core McCarty. Dealer is treating me well and I have it packaged for return, prepaid- I have had it a couple of months.
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If comparison between the S2 and a Core is only about being worth the price increase, for most people the answer is no, it isn't worth it. The S2 will be close in tone, playability, quality and looks. Unless the 5% increase in each of these categories is worth $1500 to you, don't bother. However, if the goal is to have a "Core instrument when you die", then it is worth it. Just depends on what the goal is.
For me, I'd keep the S2 and look for a used SC245 in the $1500 price range. Best of both worlds.
For me, I'd keep the S2 and look for a used SC245 in the $1500 price range. Best of both worlds.
markintime
Wood Grain Devotee
My own thought: I believe my grandson would be very happy to have the guitar that made me the most happy, knowing how much it meant to me during my lifetime. I would hope that would be enough to make it that "special" to him.
I have heard directly from PRS that they will be doing a strip to bare wood, prep and respray on my neck, all under warranty. I am happy with that because my S2 has truned out to be in the top 3 of electric guitars I have owned- right in there with a 1990 Gibson Custom Shop "Lucille" ( in that era, they were all CS), a gorgeous flat sawn top, lemon/natural mahogany 2001 LP Classic with S-D ( a '59 and the other, I can't recall the model) replacement pickups that I got to the best low action I have ever achieved ( equaled with my S2) and another LP, GTOTM, Antique Wine ( that model had non-greenish inlays and extra inlay in the headstock bound headstock and double bound body and also achieved a great action; quite good tone with original pickups. So, I am happy that I will get to keep my now-favorite guitar. Present diagnosis- finish gap at mahogany/rosewood join, gap and finish lift prompted by the wax I applied--no blame placed upon my wax choice, a premium micro-crystalline from England, "Renaissance." Used at the royal British museums. I have used it for many years on many guitars, from French polish to Chinese acrylic and custom sprayed nitro-cellulose lacquer. I pay the premium price because of the protection it provides to frequently and vigorously handled items-for example, my hand planes.
