PRS Doublecut OR Singlecut? | Private Stock McCarty 594 Guitar Comparison
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Should I keep the PRS 594 doublecut or singlecut? Watch the video and help me decide!
In this video I compare two breathtaking PRS 594 McCarty Private Stock guitars to see what kind of sound difference there is between the doublecut and singlecut versions. I was surprised how similar they were and also didn't expect one of the subtle differences. Comment below to let me know what you're hearing!
I hope this video is helpful for anyone considering a PRS 594. I think they are a modern classic.
Happy to answer any questions in the comments below!
Rock on,
Johnny Z
Hi! I'm Paolo from Italy. Gorgeous guitars... both. The double cut increase the playability, but the single cut is aestetically more pleasant. The sound is gentle, luminous and warm... such a great guitar! (Forgive my english... io parlo italiano/je parle francais) thanks for your recension
They are both simply stunning.
It all comes down to personal inclinations and feeling. I'd go for the single cut but only cos I already have a double cut (even though it's not a McCarty).
p.s. great vid!
Thank you! Well said … it is really personal preference, especially with instruments like these.
The double cut has a touch more air in its tones, meaning there is the best of a bright Les Paul and the deeper parts of a strat in it. I think it has more legs, so to speak. If possible, keep both coz they’re spectacular :)
Thanks for your observations! I like those analogies. Seems to be a couple comments so far about the DC having more air, which I also experience when playing it. If possible, I’ll try to keep both but I’ll most likely have to say goodbye to one of them.
DAMN!!! The top on the double cut. Wow, amazing.
To my ears, the single cut is a tad smoother and fuller sounding; and the double cut has more bite.
Personally I'd be keeping the double cut as it suits my playing style more.
But I guess it really comes down to the other guitars your have to cover what you want tonally.
Both are beautiful and you definitely can't go wrong with either.
Awesome playing as always.
EDIT: Just keep both. lol
Thank you and appreciate your observations! Keeping both seems to be a growing consensus 😂. The DC’s top spoke to me too and was really pleased to find it had a tone to match! Good point about how it fits with the rest of the collection. I think the DC compliments the rest of my collection more than the SC.
It’s the double cut for me. The sound is just incredible. But mostly, it just feels better in my hand than the single cut. I don’t know why, but the SC feels smaller when I’m playing it. And with my big hands the last thing I need is a smaller guitar. 😂
Singlecut all the way! Both are great but I always go to the singlecuts. Gorgeous look for the Singlecut as well.
I think the double cut sounds much better. It seems to be much more defined … to me it’s really special. Especially in context with a band it will support your playing better!
I closed my eyes during final solo and only opened when I distinctly heard one guitar was thicker beefier in the upper lows lower mids. They sounded very close but I consistently opened my eyes on the single cut.It had more nuanced character but the double cut had more clarity and focus. Id prob use doublecut on solos that need to cut through a mix and the single cut on parts where the guitar is either heavy rhthm or solo alone like blues or some such.
As someone who's owned and loved both, I would keep the double-cut. That said, it's really personal preference. There's nothing you can accomplish on the one that would be impossible on the other. I would say play the one that feels best in your hands. I listened to your LP video comparison with the singlecut and to be honest, it was hard to tell the difference, even through my studio monitors on this end. I really had to pay attention. In the end, the guitar that feels best to you should be the one that you play the most. Rock on!
Thanks for the comments, Jim - wise words! I’m leaning DC as it does feel a bit better to me. Another good test for me is how many new riffs/licks does a guitar give me since at the end of the day it’s about creative expression (the DC has been delivering on that for me as well).
Both guitars are to be reconned with, the double cut has a lighter/brighter sound than the single cut. I havent been a fan of the PRS headstock design but must admit its grown on me, either that or Ive smartened up. As usual & no surprise, exquisite playing!
Thank you! Headstocks are indeed such a delicate thing aesthetically, especially with how ingrained the classic Fender and Gibson designs are.
They both look and sound great, but esthetically I prefer for the SC, as it has an amazing and rare one-piece top and an incredible finish, which is also more original. You don’t mention the neck shapes and their weights, comfort is important too. Sonically, although they come very close, I really like the extra brightness and clarity of the DC. So I think I would go for the DC, but it’s a heartbreaking choice!
Keep both. The Singlecut has the 58/15LT+ if yours had the standard pups. They are a bit hotter which is why there appears to be less bass. It is subtle but there. I think it gives it more of that vintage LP bite.
I have a 2022 McCarty 594 Doublecut with artist package finishes but graded a 10-top and I love it! Quilted maple top, mahogany body, flame maple neck, and ebony fingerboard.
However, I am still getting a Singlecut version next.
Both sound incredible, and you make them sound really good! I still cannot decide, and am currently looking at either a Yellow Tiger double cut or a Dark Cherry Burst Single cut (2022 models)
Thanks, Nick! The struggle is real, but good news is you will end up with a great guitar either way. I like the newer hardware and pickups so 2022 is a good year for that. Good luck deciding!
Wow! Great comparison. Both guitars are spectacular. I prefer the tone on the double cut slightly over the single cut. I'd take the pickups out of the double cut and put them in the single cut. The double cut does have the slight edge tonally, but the single cut is just so beautiful to look at.
Time for a shootout between your Wildwood LP and the double cut.
Thank you, Mike! I’m leaning DC too. Love the suggestion to compare the DC and WWLP and will plan on it (I think their voices will compliment more than compete, but let’s see!). Rock on!
Just the video I've been waiting for. Incredible job on this comparison and phenomenal playing/tones!
Thank you, Chris! Glad the video was what you were waiting for!
I own the McCarty 594 10 top. I continue to watch your vids due to your outstanding playing. Wow.
Thank so much, John - happy to know that!
Keep both. While they do sound a pretty similar, I do hear differences that I think are each beautiful in their own ways.
When I’m in the weeds on these decisions I throw out all the talking points and focus on the moment that grabs me. In this video 6:30-6:38 is the moment that I can’t stop listening too. That’s the one I keep.
Love your style btw.
Thank you! That’s a great approach. I happen to love that moment as well. That part just speaks on the DC and I love the airiness. I actually wrote that motif on the DC so there’s that too!
Another spectacular comparison/contrast video! Tough decision ahead; however, which ever model you choose will be right for you. I’m appreciative for the content you are sharing…you’re definitely on the right path! 🎸🤙
Thanks for the kind words and glad you dig the content! I’m planning to do several more vids like this among my 59LP style guitars, including a couple of other special ones I haven’t covered yet. Should be fun! 🙏🤘
I much prefer the double cut. It’s crisper and clearer. Looks nicer too. :)
Both excellent examples of PRS craftsmanship. I’d say keep both!
I couldn’t let the dc go tbh. It’s beautiful and sounds great.
I agree that the DC has more bottom end. It’s overall fuller and a touch warmer to my ears. The SC is more focused. Usually I tend to like more present or brighter guitars, but I would pick the DC even thought it doesn’t have locking tuners.
Thanks for the observations, Grant. More focus is a good way to describe the SC too!
Keep both!!! Please! Great playing and amazing guitars! 👌🏼
Thanks for the kind words! If I could I would! 🤘
@@RatherBeRiffing how much would you sell the SC ? You bought it at wildwood guitars , right ?
Im always a fun of SC aesthetically and sonically.. But for this video, my eye is on the DC.
Sonically, the DC is airier with nice clarity. I preferred it for everything except the high gain tones. For high gain, the SC has better attack and is slightly brighter. I'm assuming the TCI vs the non-TCI pickups are the main reason for the difference.
Visually, they are both stellar but I'm a sucker for a quilted maple top and a one piece at that.
Ergonomically, the DC is easier to reach the upper frets with the heel joint being lower on the neck due to the body shape and the body is about 5mm thinner than the SC. I own two 2021 Core 594s, one DC and one SC, so I have personal experience. I will never part with either.
Having also listened to your LP vs the DC video, it seems like the LP and SC sound more similar than the DC. But I'll wait for the LP vs SC video for my final verdict on that.
My suggestion is to keep the DC as the SC will sound and feel more similar to the LP.
I could listen to you play all day long.
Wow thanks for the kind comment!
Although I find the Singlecut looks nicer the double cut has something really special. Watching you while playing I also had the impression you enjoyed the double cut more and felt more engaged with this one.
Quite perceptive! I did feel more engaged with the DC. I’m still in the honeymoon phase with it, but I think I am bonding with it more in general. As others have commented as well, it just has something special going on.
I've always preferred the SC versions, but I loved the DC this time, the tone is more unique, it has more personality. I always thought the 594 to be a little sterile sounding, but these improvements (Bridge, tci pickups) just WOW
Well said, man! This has been my experience too. These improvements are legit!
Great playing and great tone. We have a similar style, so I'm drawn to your vids.
I have a Semi-Hollow Experience PRS 2018 SC594, I've been gassing for a Double-Cut, but to be honest, they are so similar, and both incredible (mine's a LTD, but a mere core 😉) I'm shocked at how similar they are with the body shape difference. I say keep both, toss something else, but definitely keep the Single Cut.
Thank you! Well said - I was also surprised how similar the SC and DC were! The semi-hollows are great and would love to compare one to the solid body DC in the future.
Your playing skills are terrific! Great class and gusto...
Thank you - I appreciate the kind words!
Very nicely edited video and great playing! Man, they both sounded great and are gorgeous. I'd keep both if I could, though I'm more drawn to the double cut.
Thanks, man! Appreciate it! I’d love to keep both, but want to thin the herd. Also drawn to the DC, but the SC is not easy to let go. Rock on!
SC for me...that would be this morning, while others I would pick the other one :)
SC would stay at home based on songs listened today.
One is better fit for some genre while other is for others...
I noticed that playing different guitars makes me adopt my style to them. With LP I just go for sustain and less notes while with Tele for more tones, less "stops" and using some open strings...it's even different inspiration and philosophy playing on the same backtrack and that is the magic of playing an instrument.
Keep both, you don't need a car :)
p.s.: that "e" pullofs to "d" at 7:54 reminded me to intro of Dry country song by JBJ
Well said man! I can very much relate to these points. I also adapt my style to different guitars, which makes even harder for me to let one go 😁.
Sounds amazing… both guitarsd are spectaculare, but I am not sure I have ever seen a better looking PRS than the double cut; good thing I didnt see it at Willcutt first! I have swortn to never sell my Moden Eagle 1 or eary 87 vintage yellow, but they may have had to go for that one. All kidding aside… great playing and amazing guitars!
Thanks, Paul! It was love at first sight, but I actually fought off my g.a.s when I initially saw it new on their site. I said to myself that if I ever saw it on the used market that I’d have no choice but to grab it. As much of a pipe dream that was, it resurfaced used on Reverb a couple of months later and we know the rest of the story from there 😁.
@@RatherBeRiffing Wow… I guess I missed that you picked it up used. Definitely a good thing that I didn't see it. Special guitar, for sure… Really great channel, BTW.
@@abellimages Thanks, Paul! Indeed - it was on Reverb for about 5 minutes 😁.
Really well made video. Wow.
The camera work, the lights, the calm way you speak. The content alao, but this stands out. ❤
Great video. The single cut just sounds fuller and clearer somehow, and more pleasing to me in all gain levels. Your playing sounds good on anything though.
Thank you! Appreciate your observations and the kind words. I did notice that clarity nuance in the AB solo section especially.
lmk if you decide to let one go. Both sound great!
They are similar enough to be interchangeable and probably couldn't tell the difference in a Mix so it comes down to personal choice. I prefer the DC myself as they are generally a bit lighter and have better access due to joining the body at a higher fret so the heel isn't so intrusive - very 'minor' differences of course - like the tonal difference too considering you'd also get minor tonal differences between DC's or SC's due to differences in their natural materials.
I have known people to 'prefer' the SC just because the toggle switch on the upper horn 'looks' odd there on a DC in their opinion. In my opinion, it really does come down to individual preference because in a mix, no-one could tell whether you were playing a DC or SC 594. Both sound incredibly similar and with a slight 'tweak' of amp/EQ settings, you could get them sounding even closer - especially as they sound so similar with the 'same' Amp/EQ settings.
Therefore, I would choose based on weight, based on aesthetics etc as they both sound 'similar' enough to be interchangeable...
Well put and thanks for the input!
They are both an awesome guitar my dear friend!! Both sounds great!!
Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you! Then I a can’t choose wrong 😁. Much appreciated as always!
Late to the pole, but the single cut sounds fuller to me. Not to mention is a 10 on looks especially that single piece top is absolutely stunning. It's really a no brainer and tbh a part of me thinks you were already going with the single cut anyway.
Thanks for the comments, Antonio. I ended up keeping the DC, but a part of me wishes I kept both as that SC is irreplaceable for the reasons you mentioned. Rock on!
Simple choice for me, as I don't like quilt tops. However I do think the DC is just that little bit nicer tonewise. As you say, probably the TCI pickups.
I can relate. Quilt and or one piece tops are not my personal preference, but I had the opportunity to pick up SC used at less than half of what it retailed for so I went with it at the time. I’m really impressed with the TCI pickups and curious how they’d sound in the SC, but not enough so to break out the soldering iron ha! 😁
The single cut is slightly darker and warmer, the double cut high top is usefulr for piercing solo. Its your choice really.
That double cut is really nice. I may have to check out a PRS for my next guitar. Not sure how many guitars you have, but based on your videos you have some really nice single cuts.
Definitely worth checking out. They’re making some killer stuff these days! I do have a lot of SC’s so the DC is more complimentary to the collection for sure. I think it is sonically too and will compare it to my Les Paul in my next video. I think there will be more contrast in that comparison.
I think you play great on both, but it is clear that your playing is smoother and stronger on the doublecut. Can't lose with either one but you looked and sounded more comfortable on the double. For me, I'd prob take the singlecut as I am more comfortable on those.
Thanks, William! Great points. I ended up keeping the DC and those reasons were part of my deciding factors.
Single cut PRS twins. It's cleaner, more articulate.
Hi can u only have under 3k subs...wishing u 100k plus!!!
Thank you for the kind words! Maybe someday 😁
First off, I love Treehouse IPA. I’ve had that same one. Been there a few times. I live in Maryland but make it up there every few months. I have five McCarty’s three double cuts, two singlecut. I play les Paul’s a lot as well. I tend to favor both your and mine double cut. But love ‘‘em all. The double cut seems to breath more and have a more living breathing tone. Both nearly sound identical over CZcams but being you’re splitting hairs that’s my input. I use a helix, would love to reproduce your preset you're using on it.
Treehouse + guitars = can’t go wrong 🍻 . What’s your favorite brew?
The DC does seem to breath more, which I’m really enjoying. It’s a bummer how much YT homogenized the sound, but to your point, the guitars are more similar than different.
Haven’t gotten into modeling yet, but would love to try and get some of these tones captured in a Helix or the like.
Each time I go there it’s always something different. Tonight I’m sipping on Treehouse Guava Treat.
Nice comparison! Indeed, there's something special about the DC, but both sound incredible, your playing is fantastic!
What's the finish on the DC, is it the Mccarty sunburst?
Thanks, Cedric - appreciate the kind words! The finish is “vintage amber burst”.
Hello Johnny, do you still own the guitar double cut? I saw this particular on a website (sold), so I was wonderong if you sold it in the meantime or if you purchased it from that particular site. Thanks!
Liked. Gorgeous guitar - both. Quick Q if I may: Does the doublecut fit in the singlecut's case such as a LesPaul case? Thanks.
My vote goes to the DC...and that's coming from a die-hard 594 SC lover/owner.
And as always, incredible playing!
Thanks, Chris! I think that says a lot about this DC and I’ve been surprised myself as I’ve favored SC’s as several PRS’s have come and gone over the years. I’m happy I’ve found a DC I like more b/c I’ve always preferred the DC’s looks.
Double Cut, TCI pick-ups?
LOVE the PRS, Thank You!
My pleasure! Yup, TCI in the the DC.
I prefer the sustain of a single cut but both shapes sound great!
I do find my SC has a bit more too, but no deficit in the DC. Thanks for the comment!
Great video! just subscribed.
Thank you, Steven! Appreciate the sub as well!
Hi Johnny whats the name of the yellow color of the double cut? Thanks
Antique natural
I'm torn, they're both great looking, great sounding guitars. I have the DC, but it was more about the specific guitar than any preference between the two. I do think the DC is more ergonomic and less of an LP clone. When I was trying them out, there weren't any clear differences between them that couldn't be attributed to individual guitars sounding different. I could have gone either way, but the one that grabbed me just happened to be a DC. It's from a WL run that Eddie's did back in 2017. Really special top that's in between a flame and quilt done in Jade Green, with WL options no longer available since 2020. Personally I think the TCI thing is a marketing gimmick, the original 58/15LTs are phenomenal pickups. The cheap plastic Kluson clones were also marketed as an upgrade, but they're not. Glad mine has the Phase IIIs, they're so much more fitting on a $5k PRS. I love your playing, wish I was that smooth on a guitar :)
I can relate to all of this really. I’m bonding more with the DC, but can’t conclusively say what the difference maker really is. Best I can infer from the whole TCI thing is that it’s a manufacturing tech that enables PRS to more accuracy voice to their preference consistently - doesn’t make them inherently bette than non-TCI pickups. Agree, the 58-15 LTs are great pickups either way! I like the look of the tulips, but the material does look cheap.
@@RatherBeRiffing So which did you end up keeping?
I like the dark prs nice
I don’t like the look of the DC but, I think it did sounded better on this one though the SC has that quirkily curling high end that is more like a Jimmy Page sound. If you like the look I’d keep the dc. Btw, god you play well.
Thanks, Henry! Interesting observation about the high end of the SC! It also reminds me of JP’s sound. The DC has less of that quality, but my Gibson Les Paul covers that well (so another reason to keep the DC instead 😀).
I would probably prefer the singlecut version. But if I wanted a double cut I'd just get a custom 24 because they would have more versatility than the 594 doublecut
What about the custom 24 do you find provides more versatility? I had a killer DGT that I thought was super versatile, but shied away from the 25” scale length over time.
Is there somewhere I can download the intro song
Double cut keep !
Can you send me which ever guitar you decide to part with. They are both spectacular :-D
😁😁
Really nice presentation.
Thank you, Thomas!
The double cut sounds airier, almost as if the notes are able to breathe more. The pickups on the double cut seem to be less hot too. I think the doublecut’s tone has its own unique character, which is cool
Thanks for your observations - all spot on with how I’ve been experiencing the DC so far!
@@RatherBeRiffing thanks for the content! Which one have you come to prefer so far?
@@Squall6575 My pleasure. I’m going in circles hence the video 😂. I will say I do prefer the DC visually. At the moment I’m leaning DC tone wise, but the SC has something going on I really like too. 🤷♂️
@@RatherBeRiffing best of both worlds! I have myself a top notch Japanese crafted 58 Les Paul, which honestly puts every r8 Ive tried to shame. All this to say that I think ive got the single cut stuff covered. Im definitely considering a core Mccarty 594 DC for my next purchase.
@@Squall6575 What Japanese brand? I heard great things about several. The DC is also their iconic original design, which I appreciate.
The SC sounds brighter and kinda telie, i like it better.
The carves are very pretty.
They especially pop in this lighting!
Double cut. Just a little brighter
Double cut sounds sweeter probaly due to tci I have both models with Brazilian and TCI my single cut is semi hollow love both semi hollow probably more versatile , due to semi hollow
I’m digging the TCI pickups. Would love to try a semi hollow version someday.
What strings are you using? Also, what do you think about PRS amps?
Daddario nickel 10’s. I haven’t tried PRS amps, but would like to.
@Rather Be Riffing right on. Thanks, man. Keep up the content.
to my ears Doublecut sounds like a blend of Les Paul and Strat, Singlecut sounds like blend of Les Paul and Tele
I have both and would agree the double cuts have a bit more meat in the tone.
Single Cut sounds more like a Les Paul with its slightly thicker tone. The double cut like everyone else says, its a little brighter and open.
That is Cutaway Or A Traditional Concave Shoulder
Singlecut all the way. More air warmth bottom. Dc more mid focused. Think its better to have the max. Broadband sound first, and then trim it with a simple eq. Easier to cut then to boost. Just sayin Caus many would say keep the dc for live band context. Keep sc.
Do you know what the finish color is called on the double cut?
Just checked the spec sheet. It's called "antique natural".
@@RatherBeRiffing Thanks kind sir. Beautiful playing. Take care.
@@michaelostermann4198 Thanks, Michael!
How can I have a sound like this, in LINE 6 helix
I don’t know because I’ve never tried a modeler. I’d suggest trying to approximate my chain with a neutral light overdrive into a higher headroom fender black face style amp set clean into a 4x12 Marshall style can, experiment with stacking different overdrives, and add some effects to taste (stereo delay and stereo plate)
What color is your double cut
Antique natural
DC has something special ... wide chalky cutting sound. Is the DC 1lb+ lighter than the SC?
I don’t have the weights. They feel pretty similar despite the singlecut being thicker.
It's pretty clear you like playing the double cut better
Lp sc comparison coming yet?
Will post the 594 SC vs LP by Friday this week!
I'm a singlecut kinda guy, so...singlecut it is for me.
String gauge?
10s
i have the double cut 594. The guitar is perfection in every way. So perfect, in fact, that I think it sacrifices personality. I still prefer my LP over the 594. Imperfection is beauty.
Very true! I like ‘em both depending on my mood.
Single cut !
It seems to me more les Paul like
I thought so too
🙏🎸☯️🕉️
I like the depth and fullness of the single cut.
The double cut is breathy and has a crispness to its tone, which is lovely.
But I'd keep the single.
Well said! I think that sums up the fundamental character of each guitar perfectly!
@@RatherBeRiffing I can't wait to play either!
The double cut if u want that true prs vibe.
I’m thinking the same 🤘
Both !
They do make a nice couple, don’t they!? 😁
The difference is barely noticeable 🤷♂️
It’s subtle for sure