Which should I keep?

[Brad737]

Caution...long cork-sniffing dissertation to follow...

Hello all,

I've really been tweaking and streamlining (try to at least) my collection lately, and I'm now getting to the difficult part...deciding which of my really special old friends to let go. One thing I've been trying to do is reduce the number of "redundant" guitars. For the most part, I've been doing pretty well...I sold my 88 Standard when I got the 85. Sold my green 86 Custom when I got the VY 86, etc. But now I'm hitting the wall where my PRS Collection really hits home...the McCarty/ Modern Eagle camp.

The McCarty and Modern Eagle series are my personal favorite PRS guitars. My Faded Blue Jean ME1 was my #1 guitar for almost 3 years...but there have been 2 additions that have bumped her down. First was an Emerald Green ME that I upgraded with some zebra Dragon 1 pickups. Then came my Private Stock ME245. That's absolutely the greatest guitar I've personally ever played. So, as much as I love the FBJ ME1, I think it may be time to sell her. As a matter of fact, I listed her for sale a couple months ago, but couldn't do it, and pulled the ad.The other guitar I'm considering selling is a 1999 McCarty with a Brazilian rosewood neck and fretboard. This was basically the precursor to the Modern Eagle series...

Here is the dilemma. Both are fantastic guitars. The ME1 has been played a lot, and has some scratches and dings. Also, the top has faded a bit. Still, this is a kickass guitar of the highest order. I've read some estimates that there were approximately 1000 Modern Eagles produced among the 3 types...Doublecut/Stoptail, Doublecut Trem, and Singlecut Trem. Also, Faded Blue Jean seems to be the most popular color. By comparison, the McCarty is in fantastic condition...very, very close to mint, with all case candy, etc. This was one of a Limited Edition of only 250 guitars. From a feel and playing perspective, they're pretty much the same guitar.

So my question is which of these would you keep? I'm simply running out of room in the basement, so one HAS to go. Right now, the Modern Eagles seem to be selling for around $4500 to $5500. I really haven't seen many of the BRW McCartys actually change hands, but they typically list from around $2800 to $4000. Which do you think would be more valuable from a collector's perspective in 15-20 years when the kids are in college? As sweet as the ME1 is, I think the condition and rarity of the McCarty might make it a better investment over the long term.

What do you all think? If you could keep only one, which would it be?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[Paul L]

Tough choice, but I voted for the ME. Of the two, I prefer the FBJ finish, and from an investment standpoint (if you plan to sell it down the road) the ME will probably fetch more money, even though the McCarty is the rarer of the two. I'd probably ditch the Trainwreck and keep both.

 

[Brad737]

I only have 6 amps. Those aren't the problem. It's the 42 frickin' guitar cases in the basement.

 

[markie]

I say Keep the McBrazzy Brad. You have another Modern Eagle, which will keep you from missing this one too much. Also, The ME would be a lot easier to replace in the future.................... should you want to do so. The McBrazzy is a rare bird & hard to replace. You just don't see them very often!

 

[Spikedog007]

I voted for the McBrazzy to, since as Markie said, you already have another ME.

And btw...I have plenty of room to store some of your guitrars for you....Just saying...

 

[John Beef]

I flipped a coin for you. Not just any coin, a vintage 1943 S mint US dime. Heads was the ME, tails was the McBrazzy. The McBrazzy lost. The coin has spoken. You have your answer.

 

[Paul L]

I missed the part where you have another ME. Not sure that would change my vote, but it is something to consider. Depends on how similar they are to each other (the MEs).

 

[JustRob]

I can't decide which one I want to buy more. How long is this poll open?

Was that too selfish? Just kidding. I don't envy the decision you have to make at all.

 

[Johnnyboy94]

after reading all of thos, I went with the McCarty, as it would be harder to replace should you wish to down the road.

 

[Brad737]

They're both doublecut stoptails...only difference is the green one is one of the NOS guitars...but it's the early spec, with hybrid hardware and a 2007 serial number. Plus the Emerald Green is in brand new condition.

I missed the part where you have another ME. Not sure that would change my vote, but it is something to consider. Depends on how similar they are to each other (the MEs).

 

[south89]

I say keep the McBrazzy

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Keep the not blue one.

 

[justmund]

IMO if you own 42 guitars (with several high end PRSes), I'm not sure if this should be a purely monetary decision? I do have no idea how much college costs in the US though, here you basically take an interest free loan out with the Government which you slowly pay back once your income goes over a set threshold. What I'm saying is will you have enough money in the kids college fund regardless of which one you keep now?

Perhaps some emotion and/or sentiment should be taken into the equation, and how about how the guitars feel/sound? Why has the Emerald bumped the FBJ down, is it purely condition, or is it because she's new (OS)? Will she give you more enjoyment over the coming years, or will you kick yourself for selling on the old favorite? Nostalgia can be a PITA sometimes...

My vote by the way, is to knock out a wall in the basement, or put in some overhead storage, and make some more room

 

[Egads]

Weird. I didn't see a voting option to keep both!??!

 

[László]

Keep the not blue one.

+1

 

[Brad737]

Very interesting. Combined with the other forum, the two guitars are neck and neck.

I do appreciate the advice, gents. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks,
bs

 

[Tim]

Brad, I didn't vote because 'trade the Modern Eagle to me' was not an option!!!!

 

[JMintzer]

Keep the BRW McCarty, and put 57/08s in it...


Jamie

 

[jfb]

I would keep the ME I because I dislike vintage tuners that much.

 

[Brad737]

I'd love to. You have a ton of awesome guitars, but I really am running out of space. Besides, I still have 12 PRSi, with a Braz 408 on the way.

Brad, I didn't vote because 'trade the Modern Eagle to me' was not an option!!!!