TEST: PRS McCarty 594 Semi-Hollow

 Who would have thought that Paul Reed Smith, who always reminds me latently of Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, would hit the taste of the time with his PRS Guitars in the mid-eighties and become one of the biggest names in the business. His combination of Strat and Paula trademarks and the introduction of the "medium" scale length of 63.5 cm were sensational innovations of their time and secured the newcomer great interest from artists such as Carlos Santana or Al Di Meola. In the meantime, the manufacturer has also been able to shed its "dentist and lawyer clientele" mentality a bit by introducing some less expensive models, even though the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow we have for testing serves old clichés to the hilt with a retail price of about 4,500 euros.

The construction of the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow

As with almost all PRS guitars, the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow is based on a high proportion of Paula ingredients, such as a mahogany body and neck plus a maple top, which in the model I have is so intensely grained as if a photo wallpaper had been pasted on it. Really impressive, if you are a friend of "living room cabinet look", whereby this comparison is not meant judgmental.

The neck is made in "Pattern Vintage Proifile", which means that the shaping of the neck changes asymmetrically with the frets upwards in the profile. However, this effect is done very subtly, so we don't have a transition from fat "D" to slim "C" or anything like that here. The saddle is made from the bones of a dead animal, while the tuners are Modefied Phase III models with a comparatively short gear ratio. Whether you like the black locking screws on top is something everyone should decide for themselves.

The fingerboard is made of rosewood with the wonderful name "Dalbergia latifolia" and accommodates 22 frets. The fingerboard inlays are once again the Birds motifs, although the association to poultry decreases a bit towards the top and the 21st fret honestly reminds me more of a turtle :-) As pickups, the in-house 58/15 LT are used, which can be switched with a 3-way switch and can also be switched to single coil by means of two push/pull pots, which after all a basic selection of 8 sounds (neck humbucker, bridge humbucker, neck single coil, bridge single coil, neck + bridge humbucker, neck plus bridge single coil, neck humbucker + bridge single coil, neck single coil plus bridge humbucker). Then there is a two-piece bridge construction in tune-o-matic style with a tailpiece where the strings can also be hooked from the top, as known from the early Ibanez guitars of the eighties.

The special feature of the instrument is the combination of the body dimensions of a solid body with the vibration behavior of semi-acoustic instruments, such as the ES series from Gibson. The advantage over a real hollowbody is the much lower tendency to feedback, both in the bass and treble range and, as with this instrument, the handiness of a solidbody, which also comes with a ridiculous weight of well under 3 kg, which can be weighed on a kitchen scale.

However, anyone who now hopes that the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow could approach the volume of a hollowbody or even acoustic guitar in terms of volume, must unfortunately be disappointed. The volume, which the guitar produces unamplified, hardly differs from that of a solid body.

The PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow in practice

Actually, it's self-explanatory, but I'll say it anyway just to be on the safe side. This guitar is not a hard or heavy guitar, heavily distorted lead sounds or even high gain suit this instrument about as well as a blues evening with a B. C. Rich. Probably everyone has already thought of that, but it should be mentioned anyway. So let's turn primarily to the main habitat of the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow, that is, anything clean or with a moderate crunch.

First of all, the resonance behavior of the instrument is truly very appealing. The combination of wood and pickups never makes the instrument sound biting or harsh, regardless of the selector switch position. The basic sound of the instrument is round and mellow at all times, just perfect for the sometimes strained blues claim. By the way, can a musician who can put almost 5,000 Euros on the table for an instrument really have the blues? Probably not, but he can still play a good blues depending on his skills.

Let's start with the neck pickup. In humbucker mode, the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow delivers a very nice round and smooth sound, much in the style of its bigger sisters. With this sound alone, the entire jazz spectrum can be covered, although the sound is a tick more clarity and freshness than comparable ES consorts. By no means better or worse, just different. If you go into single coil mode, the sound gets a significant boost attack. A little less warmth than a comparable P-90, but clearly more than a slim representative of the Fender class.

Highlight of the two PU's, however, is the bridge pickup, which benefits the most from the design. Unlike many other representatives in this position, at no time there is a feeling of sharpness or unpleasant bite. Despite its position, the sound remains soft and shines with a high assertiveness without hurting. This pickup in particular benefits from the wood selection in single coil mode. Despite single coil operation, the sound remains round and sensitive and does not leave the route of smoothness like many Strat colleagues. While many single coils in this position like to drift towards the aggression of a rockabilly sound, which can be quite welcome, the 58/15 LT always remains true to its constructional source material and never leaves the track of clarity, coupled with a soft basic sound.

What in individual operation already provided for benevolent nodding of the head, is consistently continued in the combination of the two pickups together with different coil tapping, whereby it seems completely impossible to make out a clear winner here. The different areas of application in which the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow can find its home are too large. Jazz, definitely, blues, also very much, but how about some funk beyond the Nile Rodgers sounds? Both PU's in single coil mode and then the right amp, preferably something like Bassman or Twin / Dual Showman and the party can begin.

Maybe a few words about the sustain of the guitar. Due to the construction of the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow, you can not expect a sustain of a continuous neck. But you don't want to. A Semi Hollow is rather played out of the unique combination of attack, resonance and soft sound, all under the aspect of the
feedback and handling compensation of a hollowbody. But now the surprise, for a Semi Hollow the sustain is indeed impressive. You can really feel the high quality workmanship and the rock solid construction of the instrument.

Also, there are almost no dead spots to be found, which is still something special for an instrument made of wood. As always with almost all guitars, there is a hint of sustain robbing resonance behavior in the area around the 14th and 15th fret on the treble strings, but as I said, we are dealing with wood here and this behavior is completely normal.

Basically, we can say that the instrument sounds as expected from the store price. It sounds very good and it is very expensive, basta. The rest is up to you, but the fact is that the PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow is worth this price, regardless of your personal budget. However, whether one is willing to pay this price, I may not judge. Economically seen certainly not, because who looks at the current live fees of a blues or jazz band, knows that one will be able to afford this instrument only under subsidy of a 9 to 5 job.

Conclusion

The PRS McCarty 594 Semi Hollow is a tonally excellent, structurally perfect and visually appealing instrument of the upper league, which can convince especially in the clean and subtly distorted range. The only thing that could keep the ambitious jazz and blues player from buying the instrument is the typical PRS-heavy retail price, which does not fit the typical budget of a jazz player or blues player.


Additional Informations:

PRS Guitars - Crafting Excellence in the World of Musical Instruments

Introduction:
PRS Guitars, short for Paul Reed Smith Guitars, is a prestigious American guitar manufacturer renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovative designs. Founded in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith, the company has established itself as a major player in the competitive musical instrument industry. With a strong focus on producing high-end electric guitars and amplifiers, PRS has earned a dedicated global following among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

1. Company History and Founder:
The journey of PRS Guitars began with its founder, Paul Reed Smith, who developed a passion for music and guitar-making from an early age. Born on February 18, 1956, in Bethesda, Maryland, Smith's fascination with guitars led him to experiment with creating his own instruments during his teenage years.

In 1985, after years of refining his craftsmanship and gathering valuable insights, Paul Reed Smith officially launched his guitar company. Initially operating out of a small workshop in Annapolis, Maryland, PRS Guitars quickly gained recognition for its distinctive designs and impeccable attention to detail.

2. Vision and Philosophy:
At the core of PRS Guitars' philosophy lies a commitment to excellence in every aspect of their instruments. The company strives to create instruments that inspire musicians to reach new heights of creativity and expression. Their vision is to bridge the gap between traditional guitar designs and modern innovation, catering to a wide range of musical genres and player preferences.

PRS Guitars places a strong emphasis on handcraftsmanship, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to ensure that each guitar is meticulously built to perfection. They believe that every instrument should be a work of art that embodies the passion and dedication of the skilled luthiers who create them.

3. Product Range:
PRS Guitars offers an extensive range of electric guitars, catering to various playing styles and tonal preferences. Their iconic models include the Custom 24, Singlecut, McCarty, and SE series, among others. Each model showcases unique designs, premium materials, and versatile electronics that appeal to a wide spectrum of musicians.

Aside from guitars, PRS also manufactures top-notch amplifiers and guitar accessories, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive brand for discerning musicians.

4. Artist Collaborations:
One of the key factors contributing to the success of PRS Guitars is its collaborations with world-renowned artists. Over the years, numerous legendary musicians and guitarists have endorsed and used PRS instruments on stage and in the studio. Notable endorsers include Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Mark Tremonti, and David Grissom, among many others. These partnerships have not only elevated the brand's visibility but have also led to the development of signature model guitars tailored to suit the specific needs of the artists.

5. Innovations and Technological Advancements:
Innovation is a constant driving force behind PRS Guitars. The company continuously explores new technologies and materials to enhance the performance and playability of their instruments. From the proprietary PRS tremolo system to the versatile electronics configurations, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of guitar design.

Moreover, PRS actively engages in research and development, collaborating with engineers, luthiers, and musicians to ensure that their products remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving music industry.

6. Manufacturing Process:
The production of PRS Guitars involves a combination of modern machinery and skilled handwork. The company's state-of-the-art factory in Stevensville, Maryland, spans over 150,000 square feet and houses dedicated departments for wood preparation, guitar assembly, finishing, quality control, and more.

Skilled artisans work meticulously to shape and assemble each guitar, paying close attention to every detail, from the selection of premium tonewoods to the application of immaculate finishes. The careful craftsmanship ensures that every PRS instrument meets the highest standards of playability, aesthetics, and tone.

7. Social and Environmental Responsibility:
Beyond their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, PRS Guitars is also committed to social and environmental responsibility. They source their tonewoods from sustainable and responsible suppliers, and the company actively engages in initiatives to minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact.

Furthermore, PRS supports music education programs and charitable organizations that promote access to music for aspiring musicians and underserved communities.

Conclusion:
With over three decades of experience, PRS Guitars has earned its place as an industry leader, revered by musicians worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and artist collaborations has resulted in iconic instruments that continue to inspire generations of musicians. As the company continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the guitar-making industry, contributing to the world of music with its timeless creations.