The PRS SE McCarty 594 - Maybe the better choice?

Here I review and demo the SE McCarty 594, which is just as nice as the SE DGT and may be the better choice for many players.
I discuss the construction and features, demo the sounds, as well as presenting the guitar in a mix. I give my thoughts about the design features to consider when trying to decide between the SE DGT and the SE McCarty 594.
If you haven't seen my earlier review of the SE DGT, here's a link to that video:
• I have a PRS SE DGT. J...
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[@josephlerz6889]

I have changed my mind about PRS since the McCarty's and Silver Sky's. Otherwise I used to be all just Fender & Gibson / Epiphone. Now the options are getting more and more.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I honestly didn’t have the optimum start with the brand either, buying the original core Singlecut in the early 2000s and never really able to find my voice on it. Nowadays I enjoy them very much and agree they’ve been killing it with the newer models. Thanks so much for watching.

[@stevenjohannesson316]

Love your playing and insight. Plan on getting both eventually, but leaning towards the 594 first in the same finish. Just subscribed!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. Appreciated.

[@markfahey3921]

I have really enjoyed the few video's of yours leonard, I've always wanted a core PRS since they first came on the scene but for various reason's never had the funds - Now looking at SE models, your reviews are helping. Thank you, Mark.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, the SEs are a great way to get into PRS guitars without taking out a second mortgage. Or, if you can manage a bit more, the S2 line feels very much like the core models for way less. In either case you’re getting nice quality instruments. Thanks so much for watching.

[@bomccarty4826]

Just ordered mine yesterday from Sweetwater, based in part on your review. Even got it in the same color. This old cowboy biker just connected with that. And the sound ..... just what I've been looking for. Please keep up with the awesome artistry.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. I hope you’re very happy with it and thanks so much for the support.

[@IAmTheIsland]

Great video - nice playing, not over hyping anything, and a voice made for radio! Thanks!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Very happy you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@gregorygetable]

Nice playing, nice video. I bought S2 McCarty PRS before SE came out. Love it. My favorite is my Paul's SE.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Ah yes. I reviewed the SE Paul’s guitar last year and liked it as well. Thanks so much for watching.

[@FrazySting]

Another excellent video Leonard! Would love to see more content that has to do with playing in a band or live performances, maybe your experience doing all those things. Cheers.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks my friend. I appreciate the input. I’m always thinking of new content for the Tuesday, playing videos, so stay tuned.

[@briantinsley7864]

I got the 594, but got a great deal on the DGT also. Better is hard to say. 594 is a hard tail. rock solid tuning, individual coil splits, maybe a bit more versitle tonally. I just happen to love the pickups and feel of the DGT also. Hard to go wrong. Maybe slight edge to the 594 for tuning stability, but my old Santana SE never goes out of tune.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

You’re absolutely right. The only way to go wrong is by choosing the one that doesn’t meet your personal needs as well. Pickups in both are, in my opinion, the best SE humbuckers yet. There are features of the 594 I really enjoy, like the four knob controls and the slightly wider nut. For most it’ll probably come down to which neck carve you prefer or whether you need the Trem. Thanks so much for watching.

[@artform1364]

Thank you for the review. And I think it’s safe to say you got those blues licks down. Your nuance is impressive.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Very happy you enjoyed the review.

[@csharpminorseven]

Great blues guitar from the Bluesman incarnate - thanks for the really useful video review too.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

For happy you found it useful. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching.

[@Blues-man.]

Pretty guitar, sounds good got a great growl ! Your playing is impeccable as always.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@chrisschopenhauer6261]

the combination with the honey pot is the ice of the cake 👏what a smokey dirty blues sound like it !

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks Chris. Yeah, the Sweet Honey has really become my go to drive pedal. Sounds a lot like a cranked Fender tweed.

[@timholtguitar6999]

I just got one in vintage sunburst on Thursday. The pickups are insane. The guitar is light weight and resonant. Mine has a couple sharp frets, but not noticeable when playing. I also got to play the DGT. The pickups are comparable on both. I think the quality on the DGT was a touch better, but I couldn’t vibe with the neck and didn’t want a trim. Nice review and great playing!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well thank you so much. Yes, the SEs just seem to keep getting better. As I mentioned in my review, my preference is the 594 over the DGT, which honestly surprised me a bit, but I found the neck more comfortable as well, and that scale length is absolutely addictive. Enjoy it my friend.

[@piemmetubo]

Thank you! Although I like very much the DGT, I chose the 594. I feel in total agreement with your reasons.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

And thank you so much for watching my channel

[@johnpalmer5367]

Hi just got the SE 594 last week and I am breaking in my fingertips. My question though is what are your settings, guitar and amp, when you are playing your blues licks at 6:40? Thanks!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Hey, thanks for watching. It’s my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and it’s usually set about the same: treble on 6 or 7, bass about 4, and volume on about 7, which provides some drive, especially with humbuckers. It’s specced out like the blonde version, with the Celestion Neo Creamback.

[@gadtan777]

Hey Leonard . Great videos ! Im thinking of purchasing a prs se. Need your advice. In your opinion between SE paul's guitar , DGT and mccarty 594 , which of the 3 has the best split coil in terms of tone and least volume drop ? Thanks in advance

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Well, I no longer have all three guitars to do a direct volume comparison, but honestly, I think they’re pretty comparable in that regard. PRS does a good job of minimizing both volume drop and 60 cycle hum in split mode. As I understand it, they accomplish this by using a resister at the push/pull pot, which allows a small amount of the second coil through. This helps the split sounds to be more useable. Though truthfully, as with the majority of split humbuckers, I don’t find them close enough to true single coils pickups for much lead work. It’s a great rhythm sound though.

[@gadtan777]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 thanks for sharing ! Your guitar playing is inspiring. Keep up the good work ! Maybe you can do some songs tutorial in your channel :)

[@rogerpr364]

Love the blackgold and all the sounds,,yep that could very Well be my next purchase! Thanks for posting, again I'm repeting myself but it is what it is, you make any guitar sound great! Cheer's

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@stickmanmusic5840]

I have several PRS SE guitars, most with tremolos. Each feels/sounds a bit different but having played many in that lineup, I'm used to the 25 inch scale length. I recently tried a 594 and was surprised how good it felt. I preferred that to the SE Santana (which I sold). I also liked the 58/15 pickups, which are different than the 85/15 common to much of the SE lineup. This could well be my next guitar!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, I think the 58/15 S pickups are some of the very best SE pickups. The DGT S pickups are also very nice. Both are better for me than any of the previous SE humbuckers. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewstearle7395]

Beautiful color,sounds great

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks, they do a nice job for sure.

[@mrartistbill]

Love your reviews and your tasty guitar playing. Could you mention what strings, picks and amp you are using in this video? Thanks

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Well, let’s see. The strings were fresh so I didn’t change them, so they should be the PRS classic 10-46 (I normally use same gauge GHS Boomers). The amp is my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and my picks are Dunlop Primetone Standard Smooth, 1.3 mm.

[@MarsHalekGuitar]

Sounds great in your hands, that's for sure!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend.

[@bobbychubb6913]

I love this guitar it's my favorite now for almost a year now and I still can't wait to play it. My other guitars collect dust since I got it. I played a three hour gig the day I got it and countless gigs since. These are workhorse guitars for sure I have a Santana too. Both are dependable stay in tune sound great and fat necks like old Gibsons.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, I enjoyed that one. You’re right, a great workhorse guitar that won’t require a second mortgage. Thanks so much for tuning in.

[@hairulnizam0809]

Love your reviews!! Which SE you would recommend? DGT, McCarty 594 or Paul’s Guitar? Looking for my first PRS😅

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. So glad you’re enjoying what I’m doing here. Between those three, you’ll find the quality identical so it’ll just come down to feel and features. If you want a trem, then it’ll have to be the DGT. I do think the pickups in both the 594 and especially the DGT sound a little better to my ears. But perhaps the main factor will be the neck, and they’re all quite different.

[@hairulnizam0809]

Thanks! Will try both the DGT and 594. I’m leaning more to the 594. But the DGT has many good reviews. Thanks again. Keep doing what you are doing. Cheers!!

[@cross-hairz800]

​@hairulnizam0809 which don't you go with update???

[@CentaurusRelax314]

I have the same guitar-same finish. I tried to change the knobs for the USA Lampshade, and pulled the entire shaft out of the pot.... No bueno.... Not sure yet about the pickups. They are incredibly *LOUD.* Were yours (especially the bridge) very high (height-wise)?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s interesting. I haven’t tried it but I’ve heard of quite a few people putting the USA knobs on SEs. I didn’t find the pickups especially hot but they are higher output than I would have expected given the “LT” indicates low turn. I did lower and balance them. Humbuckers seem to achieve better clarity with a little distance from the strings. They’re not bad pickups but we’re I keeping the guitar I’d eventually put in some of my favorites.

[@javamon]

I have the same guitar in sunburst. The pickups are quite good. I also bought a pair of the USA 58/15 LT pickups but I'm not sure it's worth the effort to install them. What do you think?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Hard to say for sure, but most feel the USA pickups are a little smoother and richer. Still, if you’re happy with the stock pickups, then probably no need to switch. Thanks for watching.

[@javamon]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Yeah, the USA pickups are probably a little better but these are the best SE pickups so far, IMO. The worst part about this guitar is the tuners, they are just really inaccurate. Do you still have the guitar?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@javamon I still have it for now. I like it but of course I can’t keep all the guitars I like.

[@javamon]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Pickup comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpeTq5aErt-JmKc

[@KozmykJ]

I just got an SE DGT, toaday in fact. I'm loving it. The neck width at the nut on this one is 43.25mm.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Glad you’re enjoying it. Interesting that yours is slightly wider at the nut. PRS says 1.656 (or a hair over 42 mm) and that what I got as well but it goes to show there’s way more hand work building these than people suppose. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Lordofmrak]

What amp/gear are you using for that intro and demo? Sounds amazing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. I’m plugged straight in to my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. No pedals, just the amp turned up to about 7, which gives a nice, natural drive. Thanks for watching.

[@spencerfrankel414]

Nornally a guy to play heavier music. But i am totally at ease listening to your playing. Thank you so much (i think ill end up with both of these guitars but will start with the 594 i think because 2 part bridges always feel nice for chugging and tuning stability greetings from Australia 😁🇦🇺

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s nice to hear. Wish I could get to Australia but I had to retire from touring about 10 years ago and my long distance traveling days are over. The 594 is probably my choice overall as well. Thanks so much for watching.

[@guitarzan0515]

That is a beautiful guitar! Better keep it😬 Gotta Love those PRS guitars!! Drive On!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Ah, if only I could keep them. But my channel would grind to a halt pretty quickly.

[@updem]

Both are very impressive guitars. I feel like the DGT pickups have more punch, and retain more character when split while the 594 pickups split sound thinner to me. Both sound like very good instruments that would be hard to go wrong with.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I agree the DGT pickups are some of the best SE pickups. But yeah, both are nice guitars. Thanks so much for watching.

[@joehiatt1992]

Just ordered the 594 in V.Sunb.,have a core dgt & stripped 58 & many more

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Hope you love it and thanks for watching.

[@ggreloaded5269]

Killer guitar! I have the S2 McCarty model and can’t put it down

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah they’re super nice guitars. If you haven’t seen my later video comparing the SE to the S2 check that one out as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZCom6B7ZaaFiqs Thanks for watching.

[@dingleberry6486]

After plenty of debate between the two, I went with the 594 over the DGT. Something about the voicing of the DGT pickups were just underwhelming to me in comparison to the punchier pups on the McCarty.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I tend to agree. I thought the DGT pickups were nice, but the 594 had some of the best SE pickups I’ve heard. I don’t remember what all I said in the video, but I also preferred the 4 knob controls and the fat rounded neck of the 594. Thanks for watching.

[@650thunderbird]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks.

[@leedee4968]

😊

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

👍🏼😎 Thanks for watching.

[@im58woody]

Sounds like Rodney Dangerfield

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

LOL. I’ve had people tell me I “make it talk”, but that’s a whole new level. 😆

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

You said clean. That’s not completely clean….

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Okay., but that is my clean sound. The fact is, a small Fender amp doesn’t produce that sterile, pure clean unless it’s set too low to be at all responsive. How about, straight in, no pedals, no extra gain, better?

[@justiceforall6412]

I bought this model in the sunburst, I have an American PRS in my collection. However once the prices broke $3-4K, I stopped buying those guitars. No luxury item is worth that IMO. The point I want to make is this; I love this thing as much as I love my higher end Gretsches, Fenders and boutique guitars I own. I haven't put it down since I got it this past weekend. The pick ups don't really split. They tap, but they obviously don't sound like most pup taps. A very good, well made guitar at a more reasonable price point.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I agree. I’ve reviewed quite a few SEs now and the quality and playability has been consistently good. Occasionally the pickups could be improved, but the pickups on both the SE 594 and the SE DGT are among the best SE pickups in my opinion. Thanks so much for watching.