NGD

[Andrew W]

Sounds like you may become a PRS convert, if you haven't already  ;)

The very early McCartys had Lollar pickups I think, they also had very rounded cover corners and were in the first 100 run signed by Ted McCarty.  I think yours has the regular McCarty pickups built by PRS.

I don't know if the photos really show it, but the covers on my guitar have really very rounded corners also. It was something that caught my eye as it was such a pronounced feature. Is that a general McCarty design element?

[Twinfan]

It's just a feature of the very early pickups, which after looking at the pics again is what yours has  :)

I don't know how different they are to the current model, but they're quite well regarded.

[gwEm]

if they are Lollar pickups, they're the absolute dogs bollocks

[Twinfan]

Right, I've done some digging as I was unsure of the details.

1)  Very early ('94 to '95) McCarty guitars had pickups that did not coil split, had very rounded corners and were co-designed with Lindy Fralin (not Jason Lollar, sorry).  They were covered Dragon I neck pickups and were around 9k.

2)  The '95-on McCarty pickups were split via the tone pot, kept the rounded corners and were 8k neck 9k bridge - different to the Dragon I neck pickups used up to now.

3)  Around '97ish the covers got the more normal sharp radius.  They've stayed the same since.

Andrew - do your pickups split via the tone pot?  If so, then I reckon you're in bucket #2?

[HTH AMPS]

That is one tasty guitar - especially for someone like me who is usually left cold by PRS axes.

[Andrew W]

I am indeed in Bucket II and I'm very happy to be in it. To be honest, it's a slightly strange sensation to have a new guitar and not immediately want to rip the pickups out of it and replace them with something better as that has been my experience with every new guitar I've had since I can remember.

Thanks for doing the research by the way. :)

Right, I've done some digging as I was unsure of the details.

1)  Very early ('94 to '95) McCarty guitars had pickups that did not coil split, had very rounded corners and were co-designed with Lindy Fralin (not Jason Lollar, sorry).  They were covered Dragon I neck pickups and were around 9k.

2)  The '95-on McCarty pickups were split via the tone pot, kept the rounded corners and were 8k neck 9k bridge - different to the Dragon I neck pickups used up to now.

3)  Around '97ish the covers got the more normal sharp radius.  They've stayed the same since.

Andrew - do your pickups split via the tone pot?  If so, then I reckon you're in bucket #2?

[Philly Q]

Right, I've done some digging as I was unsure of the details.

1)  Very early ('94 to '95) McCarty guitars had pickups that did not coil split, had very rounded corners and were co-designed with Lindy Fralin (not Jason Lollar, sorry).  They were covered Dragon I neck pickups and were around 9k.

2)  The '95-on McCarty pickups were split via the tone pot, kept the rounded corners and were 8k neck 9k bridge - different to the Dragon I neck pickups used up to now.

3)  Around '97ish the covers got the more normal sharp radius.  They've stayed the same since.

What's the best source(s) for PRS info, Dave?

[Twinfan]

The PRS forum I use, Birds and Moons, is where I usually find most info.  Failing that, good old Google!  :lol:

[hunter]

Very nice top/colour and I like that it has dots.

It looks like THE McCarty, like the perfect example, the one that represents the line so to speak. Everything is in harmony and symmetry or something.

I wonder what difference the solid rosewood neck on mine makes tone wise.

[Twinfan]

I wonder what difference the solid rosewood neck on mine makes tone wise.

In my experience, you get a bit more top end "sparkle" and a bit less lower mids  :)

[Andrew W]

I wonder what difference the solid rosewood neck on mine makes tone wise.

In my experience, you get a bit more top end "sparkle" and a bit less lower mids  :)

Did they alter the pickups for the rosewood necked versions to enhance that effect? Seems like they do muck around with the electrics quite bit.

[Twinfan]

My Eagle has different pickups, but Hunter's McCarty had the same pickups as yours as stock.  I had the same in all my McCartys too, including my McCarty Korinas...

[Andrew W]

My Eagle has different pickups, but Hunter's McCarty had the same pickups as yours as stock.  I had the same in all my McCartys too, including my McCarty Korinas...

Gotcha. So all flavours if McCarty in a given year will have the same pickups. And the last time they got a range-wide revamp was 1997. I'm interested in how different post '97 pickups are compared to mine. Did you notice a huge difference in tone?

[Twinfan]

The only difference between yours and mine/Hunters is the covers.  They moved from brass to nickel.  I think the difference will be slight and mainly in the top end?  I think yours will be a little more muted?

[Twinfan]

Another nice McCarty for sale here if anyone's interested...

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_guitars_detail.asp?stock=px-G15ES2262