PRS 594 SINGLECUT or DOUBLECUT? Which I chose and why

#PRS #Paulreedsmith
Which Paul Reed Smith McCarty 594 models is right for you - the Singlecut or Doublecut version? In this video I reveal which model I chose, my decision criteria, and rational. I also share my opinion as to whether I think the PRS 594 is a direct substitute for a Gibson Les Paul or not. Which would you choose and why? Let me know in the comments below!
This is the 4th video in this series where I've compared each 594 among themselves and a Gibson Les Paul to help get a sense for the sonic similarities, differences, and personalities of each guitar.
Here are the KZbin links to my previous sound comparisons on my channel:
PRS 594 Singlecut vs. Gibson Les Paul: • PRS vs Gibson | Les Pa...
PRS 594 Doublecut vs. Gibson Les Paul: • PRS vs GIBSON | Les Pa...
PRS 594 Singlecut vs Double Cut: • PRS Doublecut OR Singl...
Happy to answer any questions in the comments below!
Rock on!
-Johnny Z

[@bubbabuckwheat]

I could watch that intro a thousand times and it would never get old. Thanks!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure and thank you for the amazing comment! I’d like to develop up into a full song and release it eventually.

[@brianhensien]

Your reviews are thorough and accurate and appreciated! It’s been great to kinda be on this ride with you and great choice!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Brian - glad to hear! It's been a fun ride for sure!

[@chrislittle1074]

Extremely well-crafted and thorough yet succinct comparison…and so helpful. My in-laws live about 5 minutes from the PRS factory in Stevensville MD, and knowing my next guitar will also be my fist PRS, I recently spent a couple of hours playing demos in their shop (super fun setup for test driving their models, and incredibly friendly, helpful staff). 43 years ago, my folks bought me a classical guitar for my 9th birthday (still my prized material possession), and that’s the guitar on which I learned to play everything - which of course was mostly rock - until I was able to buy my own electrics. Thus, the slightly beefier PRS McCarty “Vintage Pattern” neck immediately appealed to me. But between the single and doublecut 594s, I just couldn’t put my finger on why I overall preferred the double when actually playing them, despite being initially drawn to the single on paper and aesthetically. You surgically put into words what I was feeling about the two - I walked out of the shop surprised to overall favor the doublecut but just couldn’t say exactly why. That said, and echoing your perspective, both are major rigs and worthy of one’s money. Now, thanks to PRS allowing me to really test-drive both, and your fantastic comparison, it’s off to a PRS dealer to pick up my S2 McCarty 594 doublecut. Cheers!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for sharing, Chris - what a lovely comment and I enjoyed reading it! That is so cool that your in-laws are so close to the factory and PRS allows demos. Let me know what you end up buying and your thoughts on it. Thanks for the kind words!

[@volkerschomig7108]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us in this four-part mini-series - great guitars and beautiful music, presented in an absolutely personable way. I was looking forward to the next episode every time. Congratulations on your choice of the Double Cut, an exceptionally beautiful instrument. I was lucky enough to acquire a PRS McCarty DC a few years ago, an instrument that really "spoke" to me. Take care and I'm looking forward to what's to come. Best regards, Volker

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure and thanks for the kind words - it gives me so much energy to know that others enjoyed the content as much as enjoyed making it! Congrats on finding a PRS that “spoke” to you - it’s a great feeling as you well know.

[@sundroppunk1280]

JZ: I’m so happy for you per choosing the guitar that speaks to your soul. The decision is/was yours exclusively…speaking for myself, I want to thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. The expedition has been inspirational! You have an authenticity that not only comes through in conversation but shines throughout your playing. I foresee many good fortunes to come your way…keep doing what you’re doing man, you are on a magnificent trajectory. ✌️

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks so much for the incredibly thoughtful words! It’s a real pleasure to make these videos and have others join in the journey.

[@josegallegosdds]

Great video! Really insightful and well constructed thoughts and comments. Fantastic tones and drop dead gorgeous guitars.👍🏼

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the kind words, Jose! 🤘

[@50Something]

Great choice and killer chops man!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@thieveryguitars6206]

Either would have been a great call but the Single Cut really sings. Great playing as always. You have some cool gear. I would love to see a video showing the amps and pedals you have too.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks and very true indeed! Great to know there’s interest in learning more about my signal chain - noted! I have some other content in the pipeline at the moment, but would like to get to my signal chain at some point in 2023.

[@2musiclover534]

1qqq

[@JeanDo]

Happy new year man ! Congrats on your choice , this one was really tough! Great video , as always 👌🏻👍🏻

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Happy New Year! Thank you and indeed it was tough (though a nice dilemma to have)!

[@youKnowWho3311]

I have loved this series primarily because I am on the Private Stock journey. I knew you would go for the double cut! That single is no slouch either. Both excellent examples of the types of craftsmanship available to us as players in the modern era.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Your intuition was right on! Glad you enjoyed the series. I couldn’t agree more - it’s an embarrassment of riches in terms of craftsmanship available in the modern era. So many mind blowing options being made today.

[@Hhenriette]

beautiful in depth video. awesome. striking and mesmerizing music too, thanks for your observations and sharing your experiences.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you!

[@Hhenriette]

@@RatherBeRiffing :))

[@scottdematteo]

Love your videos, and playing. One suggestion as also being a huge IPA and Treehouse fan, please pour that beer in a nice Tree House glass. You'll enjoy it more and we'll get to see the color of the beer as well. I only mention this being your making the effort to spotlight a beer. Keep the great content coming.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Scott! Great suggestions. The IPA thing was quite spontaneous and I’m still quite new to that scene so I very much appreciate your tips!

[@TheFuzzFunk]

I don’t know if you were channeling it, but you had this similar sounding “Who’s crying Now” journey melody lead thing going and it was tasty! Also I ain’t even through the vid but saw the other two and I know you keeping that doubt cut.. sounds better and looks amazing! Keep rocking man! Def want to hear all I can from your original stuff where ever it may be!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Not consciously as I hadn’t heard that song in probably 20+ years, but just gave it a listen and totally hear the similarity. Yeah, that DC really spoke to me and I think folks like yourself could sense that. Appreciate the encouragement and will definitely keep rockin!

[@jeremydahm2124]

I've got one in violet. Love it. Set neck very straight, action low, zero buzz. Incredible playing guitar. Everyone loves pattern thin but even in my size med hands this neck feels fantastic.

[@dennyclosser8456]

I have been looking at both of these guitars for quite some time now. I too already have a Les Paul, and I have a older Custom 24, which I love, but I’m just looking for the different voicing I’m hoping to find in one of the 594’s Great video, my first time catching you and I am definitely subscribing. Well done

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Denny! I think a 594 would compliment your LP and C24 nicely - good luck in your search and I appreciate the sub!

[@AJG76]

Great reviews ! Lovely presentation with a hint of ASMR 😂

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Adam!

[@lorenzo-agnes]

So happy for you - great choice and perfect resolution to this engaging series. Best of both worlds to launch into 2023 - looking forward very much to see what comes from the dc and lp.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for watching the series and for the thoughtful words as always, Lorenzo! I look forward to sharing more in 2023!

[@josephdow5428]

Amazing tones and composition!!!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks - much appreciated!

[@subrotomandal7173]

Wooohhhaaa !! Mind Blowing now really tempt to buy PRS MCCARTY 594 SINGLECUT

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I know the feeling :-)

[@miskalaine]

The figuring on that double cut.. 🤤 Nice tones in the intro, very EJ esque :)

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! That big wide flame drew me in 😀

[@grantglover1799]

I’m personally very happy with your decision. I truly believe that it does a great job in giving you another voice in your arsenal vs the SC. I think most could be happy with either. If a decision is to be made however, I would have came to the same conclusion as you. Wouldn’t have been heartbroken either way though.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said, Grant! Couldn’t have said it better.

[@msspi764]

This is late but… I think the sound on both types of guitars are pretty similar. This is particularly true with PRSs. I like the balance and the weight of a double cut. To each their own.

[@Hawkeye--bc2wt]

I have both and they are AWESOME 👍.

[@ioannisstavropoulos4319]

Such great instruments. Congradulations on your tastefull playing!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@ulissespacifico]

Thanks for sharing!!!! Keep posting brother...

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure - will do! Thanks for the encouragement man!

[@ulissespacifico]

@@RatherBeRiffing I Just bought a 594 single cut cause you!!! I’m Strat player more then Les Paul but you make sound so good I could resist PRS should give you 👍🏼 up. Thanks

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@ulissespacifico Awesome - congrats! I love Strats too.

[@dlj1285]

Those are some absolutely beautiful guitars. Wow. You are a lucky man, both in terms of these guitars and your talent. Deciding which of those 2 beauties to get rid of would be a problem that I would love to have…lol

[@BarCynBeaulieu]

Both are very nice indeed ! Go PRS ...

[@WeldmanJones-gj7dl]

Have to admit, I keep re- watching this video just to hear the music at the beginning. Wish you had an album bro.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! That means a lot as I’m especially proud of this piece of music. I’d love to feature it on album someday!

[@ShamanicSavant]

Hehe, I came back to see if you'd made a choice yet. When I bought my core 594 I looked at a lot of both and came to the same academic conclusions, but my ending up with a DC wasn't based on any of those. It just happened to be the one that grabbed me after weeks of "not the one" on everything I looked at. I was ready to either give up or settle (and I wasn't about to settle for $5k) when my 594 love popped up at Eddie's in their latest WL run. I knew instantly that my search was over. It's an absolutely perfect compliment to my Gibson LP Custom, which is even less well behaved than a typical R9. The 594 is more refined/articulate and the coil splits are the best I've heard, but it doesn't have that rabid dog nasty bark of my LPC. Now that it's officially a part of the stable, the next order of business is to replace those cheap Kluson copy tuners with the Phase IIIs it should have had to begin with. SE hardware on core models and above is an insult. The only thing "better" about them is the marketing trying to convince you cheap hardware is an "upgrade". The only advantage Klusons have is nostalgia, they were never great and have always been butt ugly. I buy a PRS for what's great about PRS... innovation and technical perfection. If I want Gibson nostalgia, I'll buy a Gibson, not a wannabe that gave up its own unique identity to become a bad imposter. Get the Phase IIIs, that gorgeous guitar deserves nothing less. You'll thank me later for planting this seed in your head :)

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Congrats on finding one that spoke to you! The LP and 594 really are more complimentary for the reasons you mentioned. I haven’t had any issues with the tuners, but will concede that they do look a little cheap.

[@maxhighstein]

Thanks for this review. I'm particularly grateful you mentioned that the doublecut is better balanced for playing seated. People rarely discuss this issue. I've been considering one of these (the new SE version) and had a singlecut to try out, and it tipped over to the body side when I played the first note. Same with a "Paul's Guitar" I tried out. But I suspect the issue had less to do with the double or single cut than simply the weight of the body. Because of the design of the body, if it's heavy it's going to be tippy. In contrast, I have a PRS hollow body guitar (lighter) that balances beautifully.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure and thanks for the comments! I play mostly sitting these days so it’s important that it’s balanced. I think you’re right in that the weight influences that quite a bit.

[@timothy5974]

Hey nice comparison. I own strays and a cheap tele, but nothing nice. I wanted a Les paul but just out of my budget. I’m going to go get a PRS SE version of this guitar. Because I want a single cut I will probably go this route and maybe later a DC. New subscriber and your production work and playing are great. 🤓👍

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Timothy! SE’s are great guitars so definitely worth checking out. I appreciate the sub - rock on!

[@JohnPakalenka]

The spot I would call a beauty spot! Gorgeous guitars!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I like it - Beauty spot it is!

[@TheJimty]

Great choice. The single cut was fantastic but that double cut is a killer guitar and spectacular to look at too.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, James - well said! The process and everyone's comments were really helpful to get to place where I felt good about letting one of these amazing instruments go.

[@dimmutavu4855]

Nevermind it’s the video lol I just wasn’t patient enough. Thank you for making this video. Now to save my Pennie’s for that gorgeous baby.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure. It will be worth it!

[@RiZenAsH]

I’ll be glad when I finally have the money saved up for a PRS McCarty 594 wood library edition. I just gotta find the right one that speaks to me. So many beautiful guitars to pick from. Beautiful playing as always.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! The patience will be worth it, especially waiting to find the one that speaks to you. I really wasn’t in the market for another 594, but the DC spoke to me, hence this video series😁.

[@ShamanicSavant]

That's what I did... gave up wine for a year to pay for mine :) WL runs are a great deal if the dealer has good taste... Eddies and Brian's are standouts for me. They can be the next best thing to a PS at half the price. I'd be looking at used in mint condition along with new ones. Since 2019-2020 many of the former WL options are no longer available. The best 594 WL years as far as available options were 2017-2018.

[@TheHuester44]

I’d go with the double cut just my personal preference. Both guides are nice.

[@tedisakoolkat]

Was I the only one who caught the ”who’s crying now?” Tag in the intro solo? ;) I have both, both are amazing, but I’ll pick the singlecut anytime. I LOVE the finish on yours

[@jeffjfindley4802]

No, you were not!!! lol

[@tonyenglish5153]

Double cut IMHO and I have a Custom CE 24 limited run and will play a 594 before long as well. I like the thin wide neck and haven't played the 594 yet and looking forward to that.

[@francesco0185]

Good choice. I decided to have both but mine are not private stock (just a 594 McCarty singlecut and a 594 double cut 10 top with matching neck). I like your videos a lot: high quality sound and images. And great gear! A question for you, please: what Strat model was that? Great top and fretboard woods!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you - I appreciate the kind words! Great guitars you have there as well. The Strat is a partscaster I modeled after several specs form the Eric Johnson Virginia Strat. There’s a video series about it on my channel. Great eye as I also love the woods on that guitar.

[@landguitar]

tough choice between 2 Private Stock guitars...both are awesome. Having owned an original, pre-lawsuit single cut some years ago, I finally decided it was always going to be a step-child to my LP's. My current PRS' are all double cuts for just the conclusion you came to; they aren't LP's, they have their own voices and tones and I like them for that. They DO play VERY nicely as well. I just pulled the trigger on a new 594 DC, looking forward to enjoying that very soon! I DO love that Desert Burst Dragon's Breath top; so nice! Thanks for doing this!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

My pleasure, Bill! Well said and congrats on the new acquisition! This SC has a DC twin spec'd at the same time by the dealer in the same finish - I've watched the used market for years hoping it may surface, but not yet - maybe someday!

[@landguitar]

@@RatherBeRiffing Interesting! That would be a great find! That happened to me on a boutique builders guitar I had played and always wished I had bought - years later I happened to see it on his website as a trade-in and I immediately snapped it up! It CAN happen! All the best!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@landguitar Awesome to hear - all the best!

[@johnmcaleese8459]

I own a McCarty 594 double cut 10 top Black and Gold. I've watched your video probably a dozen times. Obviously not to hear your opinion after the first time. I watched because your playing is just beautiful. You also have a nice speaking voice. Calm and you've mastered the English language. PEACE FROM PHILADELPHIA

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, John! I appreciate the feedback and makes me want to go make another video!

[@johnmcaleese8459]

​@@RatherBeRiffingQuite welcome. Man, the opening of this video is playing as I'm replying. Wow, damn.. Anywho, you can bet that I'd be checking it out if you do make other vids. More interesting than the videos from the cats who work for PRS. ( Especially Mr. PRS). PEACE.

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Fabulous video.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

@@RatherBeRiffing Seriously -- extremely helpful, and accurate... I've had a DC for a couple of years now, and LOVE it, but of course I want to complement it with an SC.... I tried one out a Sweetwater last week and it was amazing, but felt surprisingly different in a good way. Totally buying it, so for me the correct answer is both, and bag the LP because they don''t tune!!! lol.... I actually love 'em, but.... yeah.

[@adamswanson8216]

I actually play a Gibson, Les Paul double cut standard with custom B pick ups and I also have a double cut 594 Wood library. Both of them are fabulous guitars, but they both have custom pick ups and them. The PRS has the wiz Annette. Thanks great demo. I really do prefer the whiz, premium PAF clone guitar pick ups for my Gibson and for the PRS I have just ordered a set of the Wiz beast tribute guitar pick ups for the less Paul Gibson beast standard. 7:04

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Very cool! Would love to try Wizz

[@MickTattersall]

You made the right choice here mate. I'm a single cut guy myself but pretty sure I would have gone with the double if I had a Les Paul.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, man! That was definitely a factor for me too.

[@jameshagan429]

So I have the 594 single cut core 10top and I love it. I can’t put it down. So please tell me what pedals you are using to get that sound. It’s incredible.

[@dtworzguitar5775]

Me personally am a double cut guy too Great video

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you!

[@godface81]

great playing and tone. love it. Im in the process of trying to decide as well. thanks. p.s any thoughts on a double cut 24 or a single cut 594 both are the high end versions.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! Good luck with your decision and let me know how it works out. I associate the custom 24’s with more modern music. I personally feel better on 22 frets (24 feels cramped up high) and I have a love/hate relationship with 25” scale lengths and therefore prefer the 24.594 scale. Personal preferences aside, they’re both great models and worth checking them both out to see which one you bond with more.

[@zuazuamusic]

Awesome video. It helped me have a preference towards the guitar I’m looking for. Have you consider trying out a Heritage custom core H-150? Also from your experience what you heard from Heritage. Did you ever consider comparing this guitar with the ones you just reviewed?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Alejandro! Glad to know the video helped guide you in your guitar journey! I’d haven’t tried a H-150, but hope to someday.

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

I just bought an SE McCarty 594 in black gold burst. Both sound and play beautifully. But I opted to go with the double cut. I just think it looks better…Less “Blocky”. But that’s just my personal taste.

[@brunopradomusic]

I have now exactly a standard les paul and a 594 core double cut. I'd like to have the sound heaviness of the les paul and the tuning stability of the PRS. Would you consider the SC would be both? Or it's still not the LP sound? I mean, the body and bite of the sound? I'm so fed up of having to tune the Gibson from song to song. Thanks

[@paisteplayer1040]

Both... I have a single and double.. Both artist tops.. both exceptional.

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

EXCELLENT.

[@dimmutavu4855]

So may I ask what the exact specs is that you have man. What year and what color option is that? Your double cut is freaking Gorgeous❤❤❤❤

[@josephstark4944]

Really appreciate this series. I’m coming back to guitar after 15+ years and am looking for something to relearn on. I’m between a C24 SE and the McCarty SE (DC). Any thoughts on which would be a better learner?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

That’s awesome! Both good choices. Personally, I’ve never bonded with 24 fret PRS’s as they feel too crammed in the upper registers.

[@tonyg656]

After going on this journey with you I am struck by your honesty and integrity. Making this kind of choice when one is at this level of guitar playing and recording does come down to subjective taste and standards. Both are great guitars for sure but it’s refreshing to see and hear why you made “your” choice. Keep up the great work and enjoy your new ax. Can’t wait to see more from you in the future.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Tony - I appreciate the kind words and comments like this mean a lot to me!

[@AJMichaud1]

Would love to know your amp/fx setup for this video, if you don't mind

[@amoruzz]

Both look awesome. I prefer the dragon's breath finish best. 👍

[@RatherBeRiffing]

The dragon’s breath is a sight to behold. I’m still a little in shock that I actually let it go.

[@Crazy_Cane]

Beautiful choice man! Glad to see you happy about the guitar. What was your signal chain for the intro?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks - I appreciate that! The intro guitar is a Vemuram Jan Ray with Keely Halo delay run stereo into a Two Rock Bloomfield Drive and Blankenship twinplex. I have a video posting soon about how I got my solo tone in that series of vids.

[@Crazy_Cane]

@@RatherBeRiffing awesome, I’m looking forward to it

[@2000bhoy]

You made the correct choice in my opinion but i would completely understand if you had gone the other direction. (It would be like choosing between Messi and Ronaldo........) Both freakin awesome in your hands. In mine, not so much! Wishing you great success in 2023 from Scotland!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Steve - much appreciated! Great analogy!

[@kgfenderbender]

I really enjoyed your comparison of the 594 to the Les Paul. The way you articulate the similarities and differences is really unique. Would love to see you do a similar comparison of Silver Sky to the Stratocaster!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, Karan - glad to know! That would be a fun comparison! If I can get access to a Silver Sky, I’ll definitely do so!

[@ministryofguitar]

Great video. I personally prefer the singlecut and I completely agree about how 594s sound different (ahem ahem better) than Les Pauls. I have to ask about your lighting set up. How r u getting the flame to stand out so well. I’m going to be creating a new setup in my new place so appreciate any quick tips

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks! Just a basic side light and key light. The guitars are doing most of the work as these particular tops pop under almost any lighting conditions.

[@ministryofguitar]

@@RatherBeRiffing thank you for the revert. Good to know you are getting such great results with a usual setup

[@Sam-2468]

Love your playing. What kind of genres do you like to listen to or draw inspiration from? The intro was beautiful, Is it a song or something you wrote yourself?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I wrote it. I love the question. Funny enough I play more than I listen at this stage of my life. Some formative influences include David Gilmour and SRV. I loved listening to EJ’s Ah Via Musicom as a teenager but never learned any of his licks as it was beyond my capability then. All these years later I think that influence has emerged in my playing. Records I’ve enjoyed recently are Tom Bukavac’s solo record and Trip the Witch. A favorite all time record is Miles Davis Kind Of Blue.

[@Sam-2468]

Thanks so much for the reply! I honestly wasn’t sure I would get one. That’s super impressive I would 100% listen to your music if you put it on Spotify. Love your tone and playing on top of the awesome writing. And I definitely need to check out some of your influences. I’m on the younger side so I’m not too familiar with music before the 2000s. If it’s anything like your playing im sure I’ll enjoy it more than current popular music. I’ve heard some people refer to music back then as “real music” haha.

[@NINEWALKING]

Still sad to see that SC go. Choice is the right one and in the case that I needed to do it, I would have made the same choice. Still I hate feeling I got few times, when I have parted with some guitars.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I appreciate you sharing. I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve moved a guitar and have had some regret afterwards. I’m happy I kept the DC, but I didn’t “need” to sell the SC but chose to thin out my collection on principle. The neck pickup on the SC made me play a certain way that my other guitars don’t so it’s a strange feeling not to have it anymore. But now I know for the future!

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

Have you done a copmparison with Stats? If not, you have a new video idea! 😃Love to hear your tone on a Strat!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Great idea! I’m working on a DGT vs HSS Strat comparison at the moment. Stay tuned!

[@wingfoil_mallorca]

@@RatherBeRiffing Sounds good. I’ll keep an eye out for that video! Cheers mate

[@erikhartley2494]

I have an older 2010 Core Starla and absolutely love it. I definitely prefer the look of sjnglecut guitars. Also that intro song… 😱 🤤

[@hilaryspiteri]

Same here. I own a Starla bigsby core. Much underrated, must say, but truly unique and fantastic 😊

[@Sam-2468]

Ikr did he write that? What genre would that be classified under cuz I been listening to the wrong kind of music lol

[@leesamuelson]

usually see the weight of the DC less than the SC. So is the DC thinner in the body than the SC?? the mass would make a difference in tone and sustain.

[@abellimages]

Great playing and killer 594’s, but I am partial to the original shape, doublecut!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Paul!

[@fritzhieke7209]

Great video, helped me alot! 4:22 Why are you shaking the guitar? It makes zero to the tone. Or is this a new poser thing? SCNR

[@kirkfabbri2618]

I'm torn between a McCarty 594 and a C24. Have you compared those? Do you have a preference?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I haven’t directly compared them, but have played older C24’s (late 90’s). My impression is that they are quite different.

[@Adipsia1]

I'm totally with you in choosing the DC over the SC. You already have a beautiful Gibson Les Paul which is that wild animal.. as is mine. I love your idea of sending the 594 DC to Kim at Historic Makeovers. Are you considering the full Brazilian or just ageing ? :)

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was thinking refinish and light aging as I’d like to keep the unique PRS features in tact (flamed maple neck bonding, birds, already has Brazilian board, etc). Honestly though, the more I’ve thought about it, it’s more of a fantasy that I’m unlikely to pursue.

[@firststep7750]

You've stunning PRS guitars. I'm curious if you gig with any of them or those private stocks are purely studio only?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! I don’t, but only because I have other guitars that work better for me live. I’d have no hesitation taking these out if they were right for the gig as I’m not precious about this stuff.

[@carminelombardi9575]

I haven't played either models, however from my reading up on it, many say that the string tension is looser on the single cut like a les paul for bending.. Is this true?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I didn’t notice any difference in string tension between the SC vs DC 594. The 594 model is noticeably slinkier, like a Les Paul, compared to PRS models with a 25” scale length.

[@ktfoinc106]

Video 5 please! Swap 594 bridges and redo sustain test, my guess would be the SC bridge will give longer sustain vs the DC since your SC had the older heaver bridge, and the DC has the lighter bridge... unless the SC has already left the building. anyway, well down

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Man that would have been an interesting test but the SC is out the door. Wish I’d thought of that when I still had both!

[@guitarman1888]

What delay and reverb do you use, sounds amazing

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks! Keeley Halo on way in and a late in post (Valhalla plugin).

[@Ryan-no5bf]

Good video and awesome guitars. Just a suggestion though, try having longer especially when you are just conveying your thoughts. So many cuts makes this feel choppy. And more normal conversation would make it feel more natural and not rehearsed and "perfect"

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the compliment and feedback! Many of the cuts are to remove “Umms” and loud breaths that I find distracting, but should get better at avoiding with more practice on camera. Great to know there’s appetite for less “perfect” vibes.

[@timothy5974]

I recently saw a video ola testing gear and it was a PRs mt15 and Tremonti model. He said it was unbalance because he felt the horn was too short. Do you find the 595 unbalance and falling off your leg? Great quality and playing.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Timothy! Interesting point from Ola. For me, the SC is fine sitting down, but the DC feels a bit better.

[@timothy5974]

@@RatherBeRiffing thanx for conversing. I do want to see the double cut. Thank you for your input.

[@ShamanicSavant]

I know exactly what he's talking about, but I don't see how it has anything to do with the horn. It does sit a little differently than my LP and did tend to slide off at first, but it's a minor adjustment you make without really thinking about it :)

[@warlockbob5518]

I swear, I'm always looking at the Singlecut but always playing the Doublecut.

[@saleenX02]

You need to do a WHOLE SONG out of that intro. I’ve listened to it over and over several times.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you, David - means a lot! I will include it in my next project.

[@saleenX02]

@@RatherBeRiffing I totally dig the little Neal Schon-esque lick, but just the overall tone and progression of the track would work awesome as a full-length track. Anyhow, cheers! You’ve got a new subscriber here!

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

As much as I love single cut guitars, it's not a Gibson Les Paul it does sound slightly different as it's a PRS. For that reason alone I'd go with the double cut PRS shape. In the end you really can't go wrong & it comes down to YOUR preference.

[@keith.loves.lasagna]

I didn't watch the video but single cut for the top lol. I'm sure tonally is close enough that a pickup change or tweak on the amp can compensate. But you can't tweak or mod that gorgeous top 😉

[@theregisteredmurse]

Beautiful playing and tone. Mind sharing your signal chain?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you! Running a stereo pair of blackface style amps run clean (Two Rock Bloomfield and Blankenship Twinplex), Vemuram Jan Ray for light drive/cleanish parts, Analog Man King of Tone for lead, and Keeley Halo in stereo for ambience.

[@theregisteredmurse]

@@RatherBeRiffing Right on! A few follow-up questions. 1. So no reverb there? 2. Is the KOT stacked into the Jan Ray for the lead parts or just strictly the KOT? I'm on the list like everyone else for the KOT haha

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@theregisteredmurse Some spring reverb from the two rock and a plate in post (Valhalla plugin). The KoT was by itself with both channels stacked. I should have got on that list so many times I’m kicking myself. I found one used at a reasonable price relative to market, but still a premium. It’s a great pedal though.

[@theregisteredmurse]

@@RatherBeRiffing haha I hear you, I got on much later than I should have as well. Thanks for the info and great playing. Keep ‘em coming!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@theregisteredmurse thanks, man - will do!

[@timwhite5562]

Are these normal Cores or Private stock? They look VERY dressed up for a Core.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

These are indeed PS.

[@garyslash7552]

Good choice 🙂

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Gary - I'm feeling good about it for sure!

[@patrickd1805]

both!

[@barry3045]

im team SC , but the DC is a sexy guitar. its a nice problem to have , choosing between these beautiful guitars.

[@roberttaylor-branco3217]

Did you sell the single cut already?? I’m sure I’ve missed my chance but, very interested if you haven’t sold it yet!!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks for the inquiry, Robert - it has indeed been sold.

[@roberttaylor-branco3217]

@@RatherBeRiffing pity, but it is beautiful, I’m sure it was gone pretty quickly! I’ve been looking for a private stock, single cut with a beautiful one piece top like that. Very hard to find something that nice in Europe. Looks like it may be time for a US holiday to scout about over there. Thanks for the heads up and the great content!

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@roberttaylor-branco3217 Thank you! It sold fast. Good luck in your search!

[@Scott__C]

Good info. Unfortunately for me, my two forays into Gibson weren't good. After around $5k on an LP and a special edition SG, they won't get any more of my money. PRS are SO consistent. Gibson should have Paul to consult about how to achieve consistency. My McCarty is great. And so are my S2 models and SE guitar.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Man that’s frustrating. I got lucky with mine. Completely agree about PRS consistency - they set the benchmark there.

[@ShamanicSavant]

I've heardl the internet horror stories, but my 2016 LP Standard and 2018 LP Custom both arrived every bit as flawless as my 594 WL. The Custom definitely looks and feels more like a handcrafted instrument, but there isn't a flaw on it anywhere. It also has the most perfectly cut nut I've ever seen on a new guitar. My sample sizes are small tho, so maybe it all just depends on your individual luck :)

[@Scott__C]

@@ShamanicSavant That's great, but I think that's the point. It's completely hit or miss, even now 5 years after new management have taken over. The attitude seems to be give celebrity endorsers great guitars and let everyone else roll the dice.

[@mdfreakinwaiz]

Intro has a full release?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Not currently, but I’ll post more about musical releases in the future. Thanks for asking.

[@nathanashmore5148]

The double cut has a better spectrum of frequencies, sounds more open plus it looks different compared to your LPs.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Well said, Nathan! That helped me realize the right decision for me.

[@javamon]

I love that singlecut! Did you end up selling it?

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I did and am still in shock that I let it go!

[@javamon]

@@RatherBeRiffing I would have a hard time giving that one up. My guitars are like old friends and lovers; every time I pick one up I think "I remember you, with all your flaws and beauty". 😊

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@javamon That hits home for me. I can totally relate! First time I let one like this go and it feels like I let a part of me go as it brought certain things out of my playing that other guitars don't.

[@notyraveragefreak]

intro uffffffff!!!!

[@mboyer68]

I just pulled the trigger on same guitar same color too. And I chose the DC because, A. I'm starting to get higher on the fretboard and B. I have an Epiphone and a Gibson LP so I don't need another single cut. I'm an engineer and I can never understand why people are so focused on sustain? But if you are then I believe you should test sustain using a capo. How you hold the string down is an unacceptable variable that's easily fixed....with a capo, placed between the frets in the same exact place during testing. Not just between the same frets, but on the same spot within maybe 0.05" or better. There's a way for you to test the way you check sustain now to see how consistent your finger pressure is, you perform the test maybe 20 times with each guitar and see if you fall within one standard deviation. I do experiments for my job, sorry:) Why do you like sustain so much?

[@Brykk]

I actually prefer the look of the single cut, but i much more prefer the feel of the double cut. Especially in the upper register. I can just play the double much better up past about the 15th.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I understand that!

[@ShamanicSavant]

Btw, I wouldn't do anything paint wise. With that top, I think a burst would detract from, not add to its natural beauty. I was watching the movement in the flame as you moved it around and it's spectacular from edge to edge. The other thing is, PRS bursts tend to have painted backs, and I prefer a natural back with nice woods. Aesthetically, PRS is all about the pretty woods for me, the less paint covering her natural beauty the better :)

[@RatherBeRiffing]

I hear you. I prefer natural backs as well. Now that I’ve had more time with it, I’m not going to mess with it.

[@ShamanicSavant]

@@RatherBeRiffing That thing is one of the most tasteful PS guitars I've seen. Too many are gaudy, like the customer was only thinking about individual traits and not how they'd come together. Your 594 came together REALLY well... all except for those tuners :)

[@RatherBeRiffing]

@@ShamanicSavant Good point. I could see the temptation of option overload, but like a more tasteful and cohesive aesthetic myself.

[@webgrafikvenc.a.8724]

I prefered PRS SE 594 Singlecut, it´s a Jewel.

[@Axman66]

+++ wow these are the most beautyfull Mc Carthys i have ever seen+++ i would die giving one back..... what a torture must this be?+++ cool Video++

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, Axel! I feel fortunate to have had two incredible specimens at once and it was indeed a pain to let one go.

[@gpparaguay]

Singlecut 💪🏻

[@ryanwhitley5427]

The doublecut selector switch just looks weird to me.

[@RatherBeRiffing]

It took a while for me to get used to the look of it. Strangely enough now I sort of prefer it (especially functionally).

[@ryanwhitley5427]

@@RatherBeRiffing It's a beautiful guitar. Guess I'll have to try one and see if I get used to it :)

[@ShamanicSavant]

It does at first, but if you also play an LP it's where it's supposed to be :)

[@uncountedvoter9449]

Very Neal Schon-esk. Nice

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thank you!

[@tonechaser7174]

I agree with the decision here. Basically on the simple fact that when you play a double cut it's just easier to get to the higher notes. The tone of the double cut on PRS is thick yet high so you kinda have an all in one guitar that you can use the rest of your life. Both are amazing guitars though tbh. Great playing as usual man

[@RatherBeRiffing]

Thanks, man! Indeed the DC is a great all round guitar. I didn’t got deep into the coil splits, but some really usable tones there too.