shopping for a new PRS...

[henryjurstin13]

Was all set to buy a DGT last year, but then needed said cash for the arrival of our son. Prepping to buy again & was wondering about other models besides the DGT. I own an Archtop II & a McCarty. I know I want this next one to have a trem, 22 frets, and coil splits - and will be purchased used.

Is the DGT too close in sound to my McCarty? I've given thought to a CE22 (and possibly new pups/wiring), but I'm not very keen on the idea of a project.

 

[Egads]

Have you played a 408 or Paul's? Different tones, but not way out there. Perfect coil taps. I, personally like the bite of the Paul's bridge over the 408, but dig both.

 

[henryjurstin13]

Have you played a 408 or Paul's? Different tones, but not way out there. Perfect coil taps. I, personally like the bite of the Paul's bridge over the 408, but dig both.

No & I'm not anywhere close to a PRS dealer...

 

[László]

I think you'll find the DGT different from the McCarty sound, perhaps more vintage, and the controls and pickup blending give you a wider range of tones than the McCarty.

I wouldn't rule out a CU22 or a 408, either. They're terrific guitars. It all depends on what you're looking for.

 

[tbp0701]

This may not be helpful but if you're not set on coil splits I recommend watching for a Swamp Ash Special in your travels as well.

 

[henryjurstin13]

I'm definitely set on coil splitting. I play 11's & the fact the the DGT was designed with 11's in mind - that's a big interest.

 

[watelessness]

What is it that you seek in coil split, quack or serious old-school single coil tones? The DGT has great quack but I've never been able to get it all the way into true single-coil territory. If that's what you seek, try a 513 or older SAS with a 5-way blade.

 

[henryjurstin13]

What is it that you seek in coil split, quack or serious old-school single coil tones? The DGT has great quack but I've never been able to get it all the way into true single-coil territory. If that's what you seek, try a 513 or older SAS with a 5-way blade.

Quack? You aren't referring to a strat's #2 & #4 kind of quack are you?

I've got a strat that will do authentic, old-school single coil... I'm just wanting a new (to me) PRS that is very versatile with 22 frets & a trem. Budget is gonna hover very close to $1,500. I know the budget is very limiting, and to top that off - I can't demo any in person as there aren't any local to me.

 

[justmund]

If you don't mind not having a pretty top, why not a Brent Mason? Prob the most versatile (stock) PRS around.

 

[henryjurstin13]

If you don't mind not having a pretty top, why not a Brent Mason? Prob the most versatile (stock) PRS around.

If only I could demo one.... I don't need a pretty top at all!

 

[justmund]

Well I can tell you the 408s are fantastic pickups (I have them in an Alder body). Sounds like whatever you do you're going to have to bite the bullet eventually and buy something unplayed. Whether that's a CE, BM, DGT etc it's the risk you're going to have to take no matter what yes?

What's the 2nd hand market like where you are?

 

[Rider1260]

Since you have a McCarty
I would look at CU22 or 408 ( or a 408 standard ) you will be very happy

 

[henryjurstin13]

Well I can tell you the 408s are fantastic pickups (I have them in an Alder body). Sounds like whatever you do you're going to have to bite the bullet eventually and buy something unplayed. Whether that's a CE, BM, DGT etc it's the risk you're going to have to take no matter what yes?

What's the 2nd hand market like where you are?

used market local to me isn't that great, but I'm not opposed to buying from forums/ebay/etc...

Since you have a McCarty
I would look at CU22 or 408 ( or a 408 standard ) you will be very happy

I used to really dig the CU guitars, but as I've gotten a little bit older - they seem to sound a lil too modern (and hot in the pickups). I tend to lean towards mellower/warmer pups. I would really like to demo a 408 though..

 

[henryjurstin13]

Bump with a lil update... Went to a nice store yesterday (played a P22, and several 24 frets) & have a DGT for the weekend from a friend. I was slightly underwhelmed by the DGT, perhaps I just realized how much I dig my McCarty (which is a good thing).

Can someone link me to a pickup selector diagram showing how a SAS 5 way blade & push-pull works? I'm thinking maybe a SAS or 513 might be next to try out.... Picking a guitar ain't easy!

 

[DHW]

http://www.prsguitars.com/csc/switching.html

 

[henryjurstin13]

http://www.prsguitars.com/csc/switching.html

Thanks!!!!

Does the SAS w/5 blade get quacky in tapped positions 2 & 4?

 

[aristotle]

From what you describe as what you're looking for, I'd say a CU22 or a P22 with 53/10s. Seriously....see if you can find one to try out.

The easy answer is a 513 though. Easy-peasy to get a strat-like quack with those. Still though, my vote is CU22 or P22 with 53/10s.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

For cheaper $$$ , see if you can find used Swamp ash Special...yeah, the older ones ...might not be as quacky as you want, but great varieties of tone, and the best necks. under 1500.00 used

 

[henryjurstin13]

For cheaper $$$ , see if you can find used Swamp ash Special...yeah, the older ones ...might not be as quacky as you want, but great varieties of tone, and the best necks. under 1500.00 used

I think the SAS is officially on my radar now, especially the 5 blade version... And I've gotta play a 513.

 

[henryjurstin13]

The SAS w/5 way that is still on my radar, but it isn't local to test drive.... how will it compare to my McCarty or a DGT (which I still have on loan)? This particular SAS is priced very, very fairly - but isn't really easy on the eyes - which coupled with not being able to test, makes me very reluctant. I'm also curious about a CE22.... anyone been close to my shoes & can offer some tonal guidance?