Saving has begun - seeking advice

[TheCraftsman]

So… my 2 SE have blown me away really, I’m starting to plan for my next guitar and I’d love to own a Core model. I’ve been looking at the Mc594 and also love my SE 24-08 but no need to duplicate so, my question is, from dreamy clean cleans to rock / heavy rock…. Where would you go?

Purposely not discussing budget just interested in feel and experience from others and gathering as much input as I can because I’m not sure where I am I’ll be able to actually go test for myself…


Damn this addiction

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

594, CU22, McCarty for starters

 

[Anachronism]

There are a lot of great options, including the aforementioned 594.
I would suggest that the hollowbody (especially with piezo) might be an under-the-radar option here. Amazing cleans and can handle plenty of gain.

 

[bodia]

Santana, of course!

 

[Gtrbldr]

I'd check CU22 and McC as well.

 

[andy474x]

Can you give us any kind of hint where you’re trying to go? We can recommend great instruments all day, but it depends…

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Probably something with the LT pickups.

 

[TheCraftsman]

I’m not a metal player more edge break up and something that will handle high gain. I’ve got a HB Gretsc, I’m not looking for Strat like tone as my CUz24-08 gives me what I need there

 

[Russ73]

OP I'd look into one of the S2 offerings...I have 6 of em and swear by them...new or used they're a bargain...maybe a Standard 22 Satin or Vela they're all fantastic instruments and play as well as any American guitar made...

 

[Prina]

If you're tending towards vintage LP style look check out the Stripped 58. Killer 57/08 pickups with a complexity of tone that my S2 594 can't match.

 

[Gtrbldr]

If you're tending towards vintage LP style look check out the Stripped 58. Killer 57/08 pickups with a complexity of tone that my S2 594 can't match.

Good advice

 

[DISTORT6]

I’m not a metal player

I can’t help you.

 

[Black Plaid]

The Custom 22 is discontinued, there are probably plenty out there still, but just be aware.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Santana, of course!

All other guitars are trash.

 

[MWebster]

The S2 McCarty 594 Thinline does the dreamy cleans and hard rock thing. The new ones have core pickups and electronics. Also thinner necks. Lots of people here love them so that's what I would recommend. Not crazy expensive either.

 

[TheCraftsman]

OP I'd look into one of the S2 offerings...I have 6 of em and swear by them...new or used they're a bargain...maybe a Standard 22 Satin or Vela they're all fantastic instruments and play as well as any American guitar made...

There’s an option on an S2 near me but not loving the satin light blue sparkle finish and he wants too much for it to be honest. The thing is I’m looking for I suppose a forever piece, something I can hand down to my son. I grew up playing Hondo and encore and never really had the funds to spend on fenders or PRS, Gibson etc.

For a forever guitar I just want a ‘true core’ piece I guess to settle that voice inside me that always strived for those things when I was young as well as said, something I hope to pass to my son when my time is up.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

For a forever guitar I just want a ‘true core’ piece I guess to settle that voice inside me that always strived for those things when I was young as well as said, something I hope to pass to my son when my time is up.

This is similar to my thinking when I bought my 594 SC 10-top. It's like the ultimate LP-style guitar, perfected

 

[andy474x]

If you like the 594, and based on what info you’ve given, I’d recommend going all-out and getting a wood library version. I got one a few years back and nothing else can touch it, in terms of an SE or S2 - I even put USA pickups in an S2, and don’t get me wrong it’s great, but nothing does it like the core version. Mine has an African Blackwood fretboard (on recommendation of the fine folks here) and the note attack and separation is fantastic, and the midrange push is massive compared to the SE or S2. When I think “heirloom instrument,” that’s the guitar that comes to mind, hands down. Of course, you can look at other woods with the WL program, too, but if you pick correctly, the result is just something else.

 

[Greywolf]

While not trash , owning all of the core models except a Cu24 I'd agree .The Santana is the one that rules them all.

Just for grins try this .. on reverb search on how many used Santana cores are available compared to any other model I think you'll find VERY few sell their's .

 

[Maertl513]

Considering the stylistic comfort zone, I would suggest a guitar, which is capable for cleans and distortion. From my experience it should be a guitar, which carries singlecoil and humbucker option.
First guess would be (contemporary model line) a Fiore, a 509 or a NF-53 (or MK signature).
If second hand would be an option, too, a 513 is always a guitar to check.