Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on February 05, 2009, 12:52:50 PM
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Fernando asked for this under another topic, and other folks may be interested too, so I thought I'd start a fresh thread rather than derail something else.
I've had a little bit of time now with my PRS McCarty Rosewood, and as I also have a regular McCarty with a mahogany neck I've been able to do some comparisons. Which is nice :) All other things are pretty much equal (same shape mahogany body, maple top, PRS McCarty pickups, stoptails etc) so the only real difference between the guitars is the neck.
First impression when I was playing at home is that the McRosewood has a clearer tone. It's a bit more hi-fi. The string definition is better and there's some chime to the notes, an extra shimmer. By comparison, the stock McCarty sounds a bit muddier and 'harder'. The McRosewood also seems to have more very-top-end and more very-low-end, and a less obvious midrange. It makes the guitar sound a bit Strat or Tele-like at times, with a balanced EQ, and with more gain there's a low-mid 'growl' that I really like.
Rehearsing last night with Doppelganger, my two guitar rock band, I was switching between guitars to compare them in a band mix. Straight away the regular McCarty had more push into the room, more meat. The focussed midrange came through strongly and it was easier to hear that guitar, it was very punchy. In comparison, the McRosewood sounded cleaner and more delicate and was better suited to clean and crunchy tones. With plenty of gain, the lower midrange made it stand out less when all things were roaring. It sounded a bit thinner on lead lines in particular. It still sounded great though, don't get me wrong, it just didn't 'cut' as well as the regular McCarty.
So to sum up:
Rosewood neck compared to mahogany neck
+ lack of finish feels superb to play, extra shimmer to the notes, great harmonics, superbly balanced for clean and crunchy tones, would be the first choice from my guitar collection for recording humbucker tones
- it doesn't push as well in a live band and gets a little 'lost', single notes don't have the fullness of the mahogany neck guitar (not noticeable in isolation, only in a band mix)
I found the differences to be subtle at home, but once you add a band they become more noticeable. I really do like the rosewood neck's tone, and it's got me thinking about Modern Eagles again :roll: Especially as I only really use the McCartys at home - I'll be using my Mira Maple top for gigging as it's easier to replace should the worst happen.
So there you have it! Hopefully that's of use to you Fernando?
Of course, I realise that this thread is completely useless without a pic ;)
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/McSet.JPG)
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Oh yeah! very usefull, thanks a lot for taking the time to do it! :D
But got me a little bit scared, the reviews I had before was that you wouldn't feel much difference between mahogany and rosewood, but to be truth, I don't think the guy who said it has a very proeminent ears :lol:
Well and wanted all the punchness of Mahogany without the need of finish :(
Let's see what happens... I'm going with Black Korina body and Alnico IV Mules
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Ah forgot! What a trio, hein? :D
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It will be different to mahogany, and from what I've read my experience is similar to a lot of other people. If you're only playing at home, it's not an issue and the tone is nicer (to my ears).
I think this may be why not many big bands are using rosewood necked guitars........
Ah forgot! What a trio, hein? :D
I love 'em :D
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I don't play with bands, but I gotta do it... Start to get inquiet about :lol:
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Excellent info... many thanks. One day I 'd love a McRosewood, it's the only PRS that I really want.... one day... one day :)
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Basically off topic, but have you ever done a similar comparison with the McKorina, Dave?
Does it basically need the maple top for that "push" you referred to in a band setting?
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Hi Phil,
The McKorina behaves the same as the McCarty. It behaves like a slightly more mid-focussed McCarty, with a rounder top end and less sparkle. It also sits very well in a band mix, really punchy.
It's the rosewood neck that makes a lot of difference to the midrange push, the maple top just adds a bit more 'zing' to the basic tone.....
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how much difference is there in weight between them? I'm just thinking a heavier neck might unbalance the guitar but I really can't see a PRS being unbalanced
thanks twinfan
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They're fairly similar, although the McRosewood is a touch heavier overall. It's still balanced though, and certainly not as heavy as your average Gibson LP.
I guess rosewood is denser than mahogany as a rule, as it's more oily, and therefore it will be a bit heavier?
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i think i prefer a McNugget...
ahahah...
ah.
ah.
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I guess rosewood is denser than mahogany as a rule, as it's more oily, and therefore it will be a bit heavier?
Definitely heavier - those rosewood Teles weigh a ton! Even, apparently, the semi-hollow ones.
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I thought as much. In which case, the guitar isn't that heavy then! I'll probably take it to the Manchester Meet if people want to check it out.
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Oooohps!Another one,Twinfan?You go fast :)!Nice review.It confirms what was said by others but you're explaining it better :lol:..I've read most of your reviews about your Mc's and,so,it gives a clear picture of the differences between them.Keep it up!I'm waiting now for the ME review :)!Lucky b.....d !
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ME? Ha ha! :lol:
I wish I had that kind of cash :(
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ME? Ha ha! :lol:
I wish I had that kind of cash :(
We shall see...... :wink:
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:lol:
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Believe me, I'm trying to think of ways to raise it but I can't without getting rid of bunch of guitars I like :(
Ain't gonna happen.
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I guess rosewood is denser than mahogany as a rule, as it's more oily, and therefore it will be a bit heavier?
well, oilier people tend to be heavier?
:? :lol:
seriously, though, nice review. just out of interest, does the rosewood-necked one have a one-piece neck, or is it a separate fretboard?
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Separate fretboard Dave - no skunk stripe, so they have to get the truss rod in somehow ;)
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My first ever GAS for a PRS! Looks very nice Twin! I take it PRS don't make these anymore? Can't seem to find it on their site. And how much was it?
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Cheers!
You're right, they don't make them any more. The mahogany/maple McCarty model was discontinued at the end of 2007. Full retail on the guitar would have been around £3300, and it probably left the shop floor around £2600 in 2005. I got it for £1599 :D
It's got some 'mojo' already - some slight wear on the back, a warped cavity cover, a cracked pickup ring, a slightly ropey volume pot, a worn case and a slight ding on the top that I put in it after having it for 20 minutes! Whoops! It's unusual for a PRS not to be pristine, but they say the best guitars get played don't they? I'm actually keeping all the fixable faults as it gives it a personality :)
It's getting a pickup swap in the near future too.
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It's unusual for a PRS not to be pristine
A long time ago I bought a PRS EG from a guy who told me it was nearly mint - to me it looked pretty much a relic! But I bought it anyway.
Anyway, he showed me his Custom 24 - it had a huge circular patch on the top where his nails/fingertips had worn off all the finish. I've still never seen another PRS that beaten up. He must've had Rory Gallagher sweat! :lol:
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I got it for £1599 :D...but they say the best guitars get played don't they? I'm actually keeping all the fixable faults as it gives it a personality :)
Thats some price, i'm actually thinking about spending that much on a guitar in the near future. I'll keep my eye out!
I know what you mean about keeping faults too, all the gold hardware on my Epi Les Paul Custom is more or less nickel coloured now, and the bridge pickup is actually turning green. A bit of character is always nice!
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Separate fretboard Dave - no skunk stripe, so they have to get the truss rod in somehow ;)
ah, ok. thanks. doesn't really matter, to be honest, just was wondering. :)
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No probs!
Thats some price....
Some price good, or some price bad? ;)
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I got it for £1599 :D...but they say the best guitars get played don't they? I'm actually keeping all the fixable faults as it gives it a personality :)
Thats some price, i'm actually thinking about spending that much on a guitar in the near future. I'll keep my eye out!
I know what you mean about keeping faults too, all the gold hardware on my Epi Les Paul Custom is more or less nickel coloured now, and the bridge pickup is actually turning green. A bit of character is always nice!
It's not bad, although prices have taken a dive in the past few months. You'll also tend to pay a premium on RW necks. If you're looking for PRSi importing them yourself is the cheapest bet but you have to buy unplayed.
FWIW my Cu22 Artist Pack cost me ~1250 all in, and my rosewood necked Cu24 Artist Pack ~2k. The 22 was an exceptional deal via ebay, the 24 was a bit more but was basically unplayed and I got that one from a guy on birds & moons. These prices were before the current situation so if you have the money to spend this year you may find some good deals out there! ;)
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Imports from the US are rubbish now the exchange rate has shifted :(
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Very nice review Dave. Three dam nice looking guitars too.
Enjoy!
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No probs!
Thats some price....
Some price good, or some price bad? ;)
Good! For a PRS anyway.
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Indeed. It's a great guitar, love it to bits!