My 594 is the highest quality guitar I own, but I didn’t think the pickups worked well for worship. There was extended low and high end that didn’t sit well in a mix. I changed the pickups to Seymour Duncan 59s and it was a match made in heaven. The 594 is now my main worship guitar. I tried the 59s in several guitars and wasn’t crazy about them, but they really came to life in the 594. One worship set was all it took.
While I was researching, PRS had confirmed that the S2 pickups are better quality than the SE pickups however they’re both made overseas. The S2, while built in USA, has all electronics from abroad.. Doesn’t make it bad… but buyers should know. It’s nowhere mentioned in their catalogue therefore one has to assume they prefer you don’t know.
The differences while apparent are subtle at best. While I thought the Core had more mid range clarity and overall sounded better to my ears the amount better was hardly $2000 better. The S2 still sounded amazing and it would be difficult to really hear any differences in a full band mix. Great video!!
There is a bigger difference beyond tone and looks for me. Clearly the Core is much nicer and sounds better. Electronics will solve 90% of that though... To me it is more about owning something that is elegant and finely crafted, the Core is something I would pass to my children and become an heirloom. The S2s are a compromise in nearly every way. Something I would gig the life out of, mod, and trade in for a new model when I wore the frets out. The Cores are lifetime instruments, I would upgrade frets as needed. 50 years from now, the core will be highly sought after.
Kills me that it's in fractal and not a tube amp. S2 sounds and looks great. I wouldn't feel bad about replacing the pickups in it while I would doing that in a core for some reason.
what if I buy an S2 and change a pickups to core model pickups, will the sound be the same as the core model or better than the S2 stock pickups? To me the pickups would make a big different for the sound imo.
You can EQ the tonal range, but there isn't much you can do to improve articulation. Aside from consistency, the biggest thing the 58/15LTs have over the SE pickups in the S2 is they're MUCH more articulate... better note separation and clarity :)
All of these YT guitar tone comparisons ought to come with a disclaimer. TH-cam compresses the crap out of ALL audio down to a medium quality mp3. The compression algorithm also isn't optimized for guitars, making it difficult to determine the real tonal difference between them. How can you make a legitimate tone comparison when TH-cam's compression filters out half the tones before we even hear them?
Any guitar above 1500$ will never have a noticeble difference in sound than a mid range price guitar. The difference is in materials and human work put in. So the question is if you are willing to pay the price for the "quality" o garantee that your guitar is made from the "best" materials and from the "most capable" people. Most of us will say no, but then again many think that an expensive guitar sounds better. I had an epiphone guitar that sounded better than the gibson model that cost twice. Also I had a yamaha pacifica 112 that sounded better than every squier I played. But yeah sound is pretty subjective in the end.
I can agree to some degree with your first assessment of any guitar above $1500 will never have a noticeable difference. But i respectfully disagree because I think that we just cant hear the difference. We don't have a sense of perfect pitch nor have we played guitars in the highest of high levels. I have never played Marsden's "The Beast" before but I can tell you there something in the guitar that he hears that others just can't. It is the same situation with wine and whiskey. Someone can tell you that they taste blueberry cotton candy with a butterscotch finish. I have no clue what they are talking about but just because I can't hear the $10,000 difference doesn't mean it's not there. But that is why i bought a mexi strat instead of the american...because i'm stupid and can't tell a difference. Not saying you are stupid btw! cheers!
@@collinaitcheson728 pretty interesting answer. I would just say that there’s a difference between perfect pitch and tonal difference. What we are talking here is not the pitch or intonation which can be accurately checked but tone which is subjective. What guitar sounds “better”? One with a humbucker or single coils? This wood or that? Any difference in these options won’t justify more than 1k dollars although someone might sell you an “exotic grade AAA wood” or the “king’s invisible cape pickup” and many people will buy it thinking that they can “hear” a difference just as no one wanted to point out that the king was naked in the story.
The fact that the two guitars, years apart in production, using roughly similarly wound pickups, same bridge and saddles at identical amp settings, sound marginally different, is a testament to what really counts when it comes to the sound of guitar.
If you can't tell the difference, then don't pay the difference. The same thing could be said for the S2 vs the SE lines, or SE vs a $200 Harley Benton. If you're unable to appreciate the difference in quality and craftsmanship, then save your money until you can :)
@@ShamanicSavant There is no difference in the quality and craftsmanship between these two guitars, only a difference in design choices. The pickups maybe are the only slight exception here, and they don't amount to more than 10% of the price.
Recently had an opportunity to play both of these back to back. They both sound amazing but I haven’t stopped thinking about the core.... My wallet is in trouble
I've had an se and ce. I now have neither and got a core model 594 10 top. It's worth every penny to me. The ce is fantastic but the 594 is the nicest instrument I've ever touched.
@@marcustan4404 Then you'd have 2 overpriced run of the mill guitars instead of one unique work of art. You could buy 10 Harley Bentons for the price of the S2 :)
I have an S2 594. I agree that the pickups lack a bit of clarity compared to the core model, but tweaking the amp knobs or playing through a brighter amp will give you all the clarity that you need or want. The coil splits really do sound like great single coils and not tapped humbuckers. Unfortunately, they use cheap electronics on the S2. I had to replace both volume pots right out of the box because they were scratchy and cutting out. I also replaced the sloppy pickup selector switch with a nice Switchcraft that I already had. Fortunately, the seller sent me 2 new PRS pots and it's working great, though I would have preferred to be playing my brand-new guitar rather than working on it. The last thing for me is that the neck finish was a bit sticky so I GENTLY sanded it with fine grit sandpaper and scotch brite and it's nice and smooth feeling now. In spite of some issues it has turned out to be a great guitar, although for $1700 I should not have had to do anything to it.
I had to do a lot of work on my S2 right after i bought it. Very disappointing. Worst problem was the fret end dressing. The E strings roll right off the fretboard I don't fret them perfectly perpendicularly.... Glad I didn't have to spend more to find out PRS is nothing but marketing BS
@@cironicholas526 It comes down to materials and time allowed per guitar. The notion that only an American can make a quality product, is outdated, yet still clung to by many. The truth is, if you took the Core materials and procedures to any far east factory, you'd have a full Core model, but at an S2 price. Of course, that's never going to happen.
@@cironicholas526 Paul is the consummate bullshitter to be sure, but the core line is his bread and butter that gets all the attention to detail. If it weren't for the core line, nobody would even be interested in PRS. So he uses the excellent core line to sell a crapload of not so excellent SE and S2 lines. Good marketing leads people to believe they're getting core quality just because it carries the PRS name. Cheap guitars are just that... cheap :)
I own PRS guitars at every level. The trick is to find the guitars that speak to you. Just because it’s not worth the extra money to you doesn’t mean it won’t be to someone else’s hearing. “ Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
I like the way the S2 sounds. Just like the OP says. The S2 sounds warmer and rounder. The S2 is my next guitar I have already made that decision. I am just stuck on what color to get? They are all good. The only things I do not like about the S2 is the low buck Kluson style tuners and the black nut breaking up the bound look. Aesthetics I know. The rest of that S2 is amazing.
Let's face it - a $99 Squier Bullet Strat would sound good played through an Axe FX III. 😉 That said, when I closed my eyes I found that sometimes I actually preferred the sound of the S2. And I definitely like the S2 finish better. I think I'd take it and pocket the $2000.
Put headphones on and you can hear the difference. Is it $2000 worth? I don’t think so. I think PRS has gotten way to out there on their guitar prices. That piezo guitar they sent all the TH-cam channels is $1799 and made in Asia. That’s insane! I always wanted a Tremonti but it’s a down payment on a car. I’m fine with a Les Paul Traditional Honey Burst with 57 pickups. The sustain is incredible.
I have a Core C24 Piezo that is phenomenal for worship with the acoustic settings then a Tremonti. I want a 594 SC as well but probably can't swing another core so I have been looking at the S2. This was VERY helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to do it (just like your Helix patches that save me a ton of time!)
Great comparison! I have the S2 McCarty 594 in Whale Blue and have been considering changing out the pickups for Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers because I love lower power, unpotted pickups. I don't play much high-gain music and no longer stand in front of a big amp so that's not an issue. Thanks for the video!
Prefer the Core by a slim margin, but I think you could definitely tweak the AxeFx III to get them even closer. In the end I don’t think the Core is worth $2k more from a tonal perspective, it would have to come down to how it plays and feels.
They both sound great. If you can fit the bill for the core go right ahead. If your budget only allows you the S2...there you go. I have a S2 custom 24 and it does the job for what we do at church. Blessings....
I have a core McCarty 594 with p90s. It’s an absolute beast. I love mine to pieces. Truth be told, I almost bought the S2, but the deal I got on mine was too good, and I prefer P90s. After time with the S2 however, I’d happily play one at gigs. They are fantastic.
The Core model pick-ups are a bit more open-sounding but as others said it's pretty subtle. I would assume that the core modules have higher grade tops than the S2 as well. With out putting each one of them in my hand side by side who know if there is a feel difference. Having said that you could always get an S2 and replace the pickups with the core model pickups and still save $1500.
Core pickups are better but you can upgrade the S2 for like $300 or less. I have an S2 Starla and Vela and they are both very good guitars that feel great and are incredibly stable. S2 pickups and electronics come pre-wired from G&B pickups in Korea. Everything is spec'd and approved by PRS. McCarty's all receive a bone nut, no locking tuners. The S2's get the same nut as the Core line. The big price difference is hand finish work like sanding on the violin carve.
True, but what you get overall can't be. The S2 594 is more overpriced by comparison when you consider all aspects. People buying a core model are looking for more than just a playable guitar. These kinds of opinions are driven more by economic feasibilty than practicality. Most people tend to buy the best they can afford :)
Hey Brian, good video brother! Question for you? I’m just about to receive a PRS S2 McCarty 10th anniversary with American electronics and the American 15/58 Pups. In your opinion, from doing the video, do you think that the American pickups, identical to the core series, would make the guitars almost in discernible tone wise? Thanks!
Core is definitely brighter and more open sounding and the S2 more focused. Guessing it’s the low turn USA pickups on the Core. The S2 would sound brilliant with Suhr Thornbuckers I bet, low output PAF neck with hotter warmer bridge...
Definitely is not $2000 difference worth. They sound different, S2 less clear, but with a gentle high-mids boost on the S2 you can't tell the difference. In a mix, it would be indistinguishable. Both are remarkable top guitars for sure.
The s2 has import electronics and pickups. And a few other small differences. I think the tuners are different also. But afaik the bridges and tailpieces are the same.
Hey, I can answer some of these! The S2 and Core 594 share the same tuners, bridge, and tailpiece. The Core has a bone nut and the S2 uses the same PRS nut that we use across both the Core and S2 line. The electronics in the S2 aren’t the same as the Core and the pickups are indeed made elsewhere to PRS specs. The finish is currently the same on both lines. The 2017 you have was before the McCarty line got vintage style tuners which is why they still have the Phase III.
MicahChaney The vintage tuners are a showstopper for me. I was prepped to buy a Core until that change was made.... I get the “vibe” aspect, but make them locking (like the Silver Sky).
I owned a Custom 24-08. It felt great but for that price there’s a big diminishing return. I ended up selling it. Wouldn’t mind the S2. I’m not big on super expensive guitars. Not into overseas guitars either. I like a middle ground. Like the USA Gibson Faded Cherry models. The top of the line I like is the Gibson Les Paul Standard/Traditional. I don’t need super fancy.
The neck finish and the frets are finished differently for sure, aside from the electronics and pickups etc. There is a considerable amount more work in finishing. S2 are great guitars though. And if you have any skills you can upgrade the parts and finish the neck and frets. Or get someone to do that if you aren't confident. I'd look at both core and s2 used before deciding. Seen really nice core guitars in excellent condition for 14-1900. And S2 for around 800-1000 PRS pickups are nice but not my choice so I'd probably change them anyway. Really stuck on arcane and gravelin pickups.
Love the blue sparkle, have a blue sparkle Duesenberg Starplayer TV and it’s awesome. Got a few very traditional SBs, nothing wrong with having a little bling in the posse!
I have the PRS S2 594 35th anniversary .. the guitar itself is like custom core quality the woods used are the same as the core playability better then my core 22 custom and 24 custom BUT!!! the electronics and pickups are straight garbage I do not know why the guys doing reviews say these pickups are decent my Wilkinson classics made in china are far superior lucky for me I had some Dimarzio pickups laying around the DP190 and DP192 classic air with coil tap now this guitar is incredible so be prepared to buy pickups because those 85/15 S are terrible cannot believe Paul would put that garbage in his guitars !!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was an enjoyable and excellent review,you need to do more my friend,I preferred the S2 the lovely grained top,I couldn't hear the difference between the two,these beauties are definite 'Gibson Killers'.
When above a certain price range, the difference between an expensive guitars and more expensive guitars will become exponentially small. Sometimes you're paying for double the money for an extra 1%, does it worth it tho? I guess as long as you like it, it's worth every penny.
The thing is tho, for what you get the S2 is more overpriced than the core model. You can find S2 Standards for 800 bucks brand new and the resale value is comparitively worse than the SE line :)
Man, PRS just makes a beautiful sounding, playing, and looking guitar. You really can't go wrong with any model in any price range, you will indeed get what you pay for. Great video as always Brian, God bless you brother!
If your going to do a comparison video, you should at least do a little homework. Every time he explains the differences, he says I feel like, but I don't know. Well, you should probably know if your comparing the two. It's all on their website. Pickups are different, made in house vs sub contracted out. The nuts are different, bone vs plastic. The tuning pegs are different. The curve on the maple caps is different, bevelled edge vs violin carved. The necks are definitely different, one piece to scarf jointed. they feel different and when it comes to little things like slightly pushing on the body in the opposite direction of the neck they react different. So yes, huge price difference but justified IMO. Gig with an S2, keep a Core at home.
There is BARELY a difference. Yes, it's there, but...it's like a $5 difference. Not a $2100 difference. And it's all subjective. I like the "cheaper" one better. The pickups are a little meatier, and I prefer that. The treble is a bit too piercing on the Core.
I had a S2 594 which I liked but I traded it towards a core model. It wasn't just the subtle difference in tone, there was a difference in sustain and the overall feel of the guitar that made me want to spend the extra money and get the core. You're right in that it's subjective but I definitely do not regret paying the extra for the core. It's become my number 1 guitar.
Great video, but somehow and you can call me an idiot, but I refuse to pay AU $6000 for PRS. I own 2 Gibson Les Paola: one is Classic and another one is 70th deluxe and I can’t fault them in any possible way. I’m thinking to get the Standard one, it’s $4500 here in Australia. When you hold Gibson you can (or at least I can) feel the history of craftsmanship but to me PRS is overly overpriced. I did try a couple of them for a few weeks (thanks to Sky music here in Melbourne, Australia) and I returned both of them. Yeah, I know guitars are very personal things, like women… Just my own 2 cents…
Electronics and Hardware in the s2 are still overseas while the wooden body of the s2 is USA made. I played it and was underwhelmed. Either get the real thing or an SE (which somehow sounds better than s2). Or pay an extra $200 more than the s2 for the All American CE with all American parts. You'll pay more than that modding it anyhow so just pay it up front.
Core sounds better. Doesn't sound $2,000 better though. IMHO if i had the cash to actually choose either, I'd get the S2, some nice pickups, and still have enough leftover for a whole other guitar, amp, or some effects.
@11:00 - I don't dislike the colour - but I'm not buying a PRS to get sparkly blue. I'm not paying that much money to pass up some of those incredible burst designs in the various colours available.
It's the same as a Stratavarius v some other violin. Very little difference in sound. When your playing at a gig/concert nobody can tell the difference.
WHAT TO MY EARS, THE S2 SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS A BLANKET OVER THE PICKUPS WHILE CORE SOUNDS LIKE THERES LOT MORE BREATHING ROOM. DIDN'T EXPECT THIS SINCE S2 REPUTATION WAS SO GOOD.
I would to say out the 2 guitars, I do like the s2 over the core guitar because i think you are right it has more warmer pick ups i guess it come down to how much money you want to spent
There's also some compression from youtube. I do find that there's a slightly more detectable higher end in the core. The tonality is similar but the S2, to my ears, didnt quite sustain the same.
Même si je n'ai que des notions d'anglais la vidéo est très bien faite pour que l'on comprenne l'essentiel. 2000$ c'est beaucoup et la vidéo permet de se faire une idée avant d'acheter car là ou j'habite il n'y a pas de possibilité d'essayer des PRS. Pour moi je préfère le son plus rond et plus chaleureux de la S2. Merci pour ce comparatif.
I think think this is a spot on review. I own a starla s2 and have the same thoughts compared to the core model. A little “warmer” or “dull” depending on who you are is very accurate.
@@ark8tct I think buying an SE or S2 and changing the pickups (in time) is not a bad idea. 1 month ago I finally received my guitar, I choose an SE model (PRS SE custom 24 in Charcoal Burst) because it was way cheaper than a S2 or a Core model. So far this guitar is really nice, looks good (personal opinion) and plays great. Maybe one day I'll upgrade the pickups if I find the money, but to stay with these pickups is not a problem. The only thing I don't really like with my guitar is the push/pull knob to split the coils, it is not really natural to split the pickups that way when you're playing, I would have prefered a ''switch'' selector (like the pickups selector on Les Paul style guitats). But I didn't find any other problem with the guitar. edit : if you finally pull the trigger on a PRS, please let me now about your experience , I would love to have your feedbacks too
Where something is made has less importance for me now as a guitar player. The S2 may be made in the USA, however the pickups which make a huge difference in tone are not! So some of the components are imported. There is significant more clarity in the core model. And yes, warm does not necessarily make a pickup better.
Great comparison! The side by side was very well done, I wish more would do it that way. I heard pretty much exactly what you described in the tonal differences. In a mix you probably couldn't tell which is which unless your Paul Reed Smith. :D My take on the two is, if you can comfortably afford the Core, buy it. If not, buy the S2. If you don't like the S2 sound, swap out the pickups. You only have half the money invested so go for it. You can always put it back. I have a '17 594 in whale blue... Blue IS my favorite color, so you can guess which side of the "what do you think of this color" question! I own a dozen guitars, except for the weight (My shoulders are giving out), it is my favorite!
I have a 2017 594 WL in Jade Green. It has a really special top, kind of in between quilt and flame, a solid rosewood neck, green paua birds, AAA cocobolo FB, SA Ribbon Mahogany body, and Jade Green is normally a PS only color. It's an heirloom quality instrument that plays as good as it looks :)
The core model has a brighter and more open tonality which I preferred, but they're not worlds apart. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'd be claiming that the core model was warmer and more vintage sounding if the audio tracks were switched.
I like the core sometimes and the S2 sometimes during the clean. I like the core more for the overdriven rhythm but like the S2 more for the lead tones. I agree core had more top end but I like the warmer lead tone from the S2. I am a home hobbyist so I could see maybe springing for an S2 but doubt I would ever drop +$2,000 for the core as tone was very close. I have an S2 standard single cut and it is my favorite guitar even about a 1997 Heritage H535.
The difference in clarity would be a lot more noticeable in a live comparison. With TH-cam's audio compression at about 1/6th the quality of a CD, any perceived differences are likely a placebo effect. If you're hearing that thru your monitor, phone, or cheap PC speakers it's even worse. YT's BEST audio quality is around 220kb/s... about even with medium quality mp3s but not optimized for music. While fun when you're shopping for a new guitar, in a practical/technical sense YT tone comparisons are worthless. People hear what they want to hear, and don't think their wallet doesn't affect that :)
$2000 more for a guitar what dont sound better, and looks verry ugly. Full colered against a beatyful burst marple? Hwo will buy a full colered, if he can get a thrue beauty and $ 2000 cheaper? I dont understand.
The Core 594 we had was a custom one-off color that PRS sent us. If you search for them you’ll see them in all kinds of awesome finishes. They look way better than the S2’s (although the S2’s look great).
The clean sounds sounded the most different to me. Seemed like the Core had more clarity and sounded a little more three dimensional. In the lead tone comparison, it sounded like the reverb was little thicker or being pushed a little harder, so i'm wondering if the bridge pickup in the Core has a higher output level than the S2.
I picked up a PRS SE Tremonti for $250 in the UK. It's a great guitar, and since i will never spend more than 500 for a guitar, on PRINCIPLE! , it will just have to do.
The neck on the S2 is functionally a 3 piece neck, the neck on the core is functionally a 1 piece. (The little wings on the headstock are another 2 pieces that I'm not counting) Theoretically the 1 piece neck has better sustain, but in practice the 3 piece is cheaper to make.
You can only do a legit comparison if you play it in person. $2000 difference ? Nah I buy a S2 model change the pickups to my liking and have a proper guitar setup and I'm good with it. The tonal difference is very subtle. More likely will go with the materials and attention to details.
Sound the same to me and further more why did you play them with so much delay? You can't even hear what the guitars really sound like. Not a good demo.🤔
I have 3 PRS Core guitars (a standard McCarty, a Smokeburst (Lacquer) McCarty and a Sunburst (lacquer) 245. I bought an S2 594 Thinline and liked it but wound up selling it. I liked the lightness and thought it was well built but was not a fan of the pickups and lack of a HSC. Aesthetically I didn’t like the plastic birds or bevel cut body. Rather than spend $1700 on an S2 (too much IMO) I would suggest getting a used McCarty for the same price; you’ll be getting a better guitar and won’t suffer any depreciation.
PRS guitars are starting to become much more popular with Sunday morning guys. Including me. The silver sky and the 594 cover like 90 percent of what I would ever need. They need a tele. I still love my fenders and reverends but the prs is most played at this point. (Yeah. I have ditched my gibsons. Just don’t work for me. I understand the love but the 594 just hits better with me )
![เปิดบ้าน พี่ตูน Bodyslam หลังใหม่คนแรก ที่ภูเก็ต l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/flFwcmyDQSk/mqdefault.jpg)
My 594 is the highest quality guitar I own, but I didn’t think the pickups worked well for worship. There was extended low and high end that didn’t sit well in a mix. I changed the pickups to Seymour Duncan 59s and it was a match made in heaven. The 594 is now my main worship guitar. I tried the 59s in several guitars and wasn’t crazy about them, but they really came to life in the 594. One worship set was all it took.
Hi Desi, is your 594 a Core model? Just curious as I have an S2 version.
Jerry McKenzie Core.
Lol imagine pulling LTs for any SDs 🤮
@@thenumber1bobo Lol imagine being a pretentious and judgmental snob just because someone has a different preference than you 🤮
@@thenumber1bobo Agreed, it's like upgrading your Ferrari with Honda parts :)
While I was researching, PRS had confirmed that the S2 pickups are better quality than the SE pickups however they’re both made overseas. The S2, while built in USA, has all electronics from abroad.. Doesn’t make it bad… but buyers should know. It’s nowhere mentioned in their catalogue therefore one has to assume they prefer you don’t know.
Yeah, S2 is a good modding platform. USA made bones, which is the important. Cores you don't touch haha.
Thank you!!!
The differences while apparent are subtle at best. While I thought the Core had more mid range clarity and overall sounded better to my ears the amount better was hardly $2000 better. The S2 still sounded amazing and it would be difficult to really hear any differences in a full band mix. Great video!!
Get both birds in hand and the differences aren't so subtle :)
@@ShamanicSavant maybe, but is the core $2000 better? I think not. Brian even said they both feel very similar to play.
There is a bigger difference beyond tone and looks for me. Clearly the Core is much nicer and sounds better. Electronics will solve 90% of that though... To me it is more about owning something that is elegant and finely crafted, the Core is something I would pass to my children and become an heirloom. The S2s are a compromise in nearly every way. Something I would gig the life out of, mod, and trade in for a new model when I wore the frets out. The Cores are lifetime instruments, I would upgrade frets as needed. 50 years from now, the core will be highly sought after.
Kills me that it's in fractal and not a tube amp. S2 sounds and looks great. I wouldn't feel bad about replacing the pickups in it while I would doing that in a core for some reason.
what if I buy an S2 and change a pickups to core model pickups, will the sound be the same as the core model or better than the S2 stock pickups? To me the pickups would make a big different for the sound imo.
I think with some knob twiddling you could make them sound so close you could tell them apart. The Core has great clarity.
You can EQ the tonal range, but there isn't much you can do to improve articulation. Aside from consistency, the biggest thing the 58/15LTs have over the SE pickups in the S2 is they're MUCH more articulate... better note separation and clarity :)
$2000 difference is not just in tone... construction method, hand building, fit/finish, materials, electronics spec, premium finishes, case, etc....
All of these YT guitar tone comparisons ought to come with a disclaimer. TH-cam compresses the crap out of ALL audio down to a medium quality mp3. The compression algorithm also isn't optimized for guitars, making it difficult to determine the real tonal difference between them. How can you make a legitimate tone comparison when TH-cam's compression filters out half the tones before we even hear them?
Hello,
"dark blue metallic" on the Core594 is beautiful!
Any guitar above 1500$ will never have a noticeble difference in sound than a mid range price guitar. The difference is in materials and human work put in. So the question is if you are willing to pay the price for the "quality" o garantee that your guitar is made from the "best" materials and from the "most capable" people. Most of us will say no, but then again many think that an expensive guitar sounds better. I had an epiphone guitar that sounded better than the gibson model that cost twice. Also I had a yamaha pacifica 112 that sounded better than every squier I played. But yeah sound is pretty subjective in the end.
I can agree to some degree with your first assessment of any guitar above $1500 will never have a noticeable difference. But i respectfully disagree because I think that we just cant hear the difference. We don't have a sense of perfect pitch nor have we played guitars in the highest of high levels. I have never played Marsden's "The Beast" before but I can tell you there something in the guitar that he hears that others just can't. It is the same situation with wine and whiskey. Someone can tell you that they taste blueberry cotton candy with a butterscotch finish. I have no clue what they are talking about but just because I can't hear the $10,000 difference doesn't mean it's not there. But that is why i bought a mexi strat instead of the american...because i'm stupid and can't tell a difference. Not saying you are stupid btw! cheers!
@@collinaitcheson728 pretty interesting answer. I would just say that there’s a difference between perfect pitch and tonal difference. What we are talking here is not the pitch or intonation which can be accurately checked but tone which is subjective. What guitar sounds “better”? One with a humbucker or single coils? This wood or that? Any difference in these options won’t justify more than 1k dollars although someone might sell you an “exotic grade AAA wood” or the “king’s invisible cape pickup” and many people will buy it thinking that they can “hear” a difference just as no one wanted to point out that the king was naked in the story.
The fact that the two guitars, years apart in production, using roughly similarly wound pickups, same bridge and saddles at identical amp settings, sound marginally different, is a testament to what really counts when it comes to the sound of guitar.
If you can't tell the difference, then don't pay the difference. The same thing could be said for the S2 vs the SE lines, or SE vs a $200 Harley Benton. If you're unable to appreciate the difference in quality and craftsmanship, then save your money until you can :)
@@ShamanicSavant There is no difference in the quality and craftsmanship between these two guitars, only a difference in design choices. The pickups maybe are the only slight exception here, and they don't amount to more than 10% of the price.
The color for S2 is insane, what a cool, rock style color.
The tone is the key🎸🎸🎸
Recently had an opportunity to play both of these back to back. They both sound amazing but I haven’t stopped thinking about the core.... My wallet is in trouble
Can buy two s2 with core price
Quality over quantity bro, every time! Go the Core, bruh! I loooove that blue sparkly, violin carve stunner....I'd give my first born son for it!
I've had an se and ce. I now have neither and got a core model 594 10 top. It's worth every penny to me. The ce is fantastic but the 594 is the nicest instrument I've ever touched.
@@marcustan4404 Then you'd have 2 overpriced run of the mill guitars instead of one unique work of art. You could buy 10 Harley Bentons for the price of the S2 :)
I have an S2 594. I agree that the pickups lack a bit of clarity compared to the core model, but tweaking the amp knobs or playing through a brighter amp will give you all the clarity that you need or want. The coil splits really do sound like great single coils and not tapped humbuckers. Unfortunately, they use cheap electronics on the S2. I had to replace both volume pots right out of the box because they were scratchy and cutting out. I also replaced the sloppy pickup selector switch with a nice Switchcraft that I already had. Fortunately, the seller sent me 2 new PRS pots and it's working great, though I would have preferred to be playing my brand-new guitar rather than working on it. The last thing for me is that the neck finish was a bit sticky so I GENTLY sanded it with fine grit sandpaper and scotch brite and it's nice and smooth feeling now. In spite of some issues it has turned out to be a great guitar, although for $1700 I should not have had to do anything to it.
I had to do a lot of work on my S2 right after i bought it. Very disappointing. Worst problem was the fret end dressing. The E strings roll right off the fretboard I don't fret them perfectly perpendicularly.... Glad I didn't have to spend more to find out PRS is nothing but marketing BS
@@cironicholas526 It comes down to materials and time allowed per guitar.
The notion that only an American can make a quality product, is outdated, yet still clung to by many.
The truth is, if you took the Core materials and procedures to any far east factory, you'd have a full Core model, but at an S2 price.
Of course, that's never going to happen.
@@cironicholas526 Paul is the consummate bullshitter to be sure, but the core line is his bread and butter that gets all the attention to detail. If it weren't for the core line, nobody would even be interested in PRS. So he uses the excellent core line to sell a crapload of not so excellent SE and S2 lines. Good marketing leads people to believe they're getting core quality just because it carries the PRS name. Cheap guitars are just that... cheap :)
Short answer, there is only a slight difference between the two guitars, so definitely not worth an extra $2,000 for the core model.
I own PRS guitars at every level. The trick is to find the guitars that speak to you. Just because it’s not worth the extra money to you doesn’t mean it won’t be to someone else’s hearing. “ Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
Yeah I can here the highs are more pronounced and harmonic. But they both sound great. I am a fan of my core model.
I like the way the S2 sounds. Just like the OP says. The S2 sounds warmer and rounder. The S2 is my next guitar I have already made that decision. I am just stuck on what color to get? They are all good. The only things I do not like about the S2 is the low buck Kluson style tuners and the black nut breaking up the bound look. Aesthetics I know. The rest of that S2 is amazing.
You’re broke that’s why you will be getting the s2
The consensus here seems to be if you've got the money the core sounds better, if not then the S2 sounds better. What a cowinkydink :)
I check out the Whale Blue color on s2 wow🚀
Core sounded a bit brighter and more articulate? Probably pickups mainly? On balance I prefer the look of the S2. The figured top looks great.
Let's face it - a $99 Squier Bullet Strat would sound good played through an Axe FX III. 😉 That said, when I closed my eyes I found that sometimes I actually preferred the sound of the S2. And I definitely like the S2 finish better. I think I'd take it and pocket the $2000.
Put headphones on and you can hear the difference. Is it $2000 worth? I don’t think so. I think PRS has gotten way to out there on their guitar prices. That piezo guitar they sent all the TH-cam channels is $1799 and made in Asia. That’s insane! I always wanted a Tremonti but it’s a down payment on a car. I’m fine with a Les Paul Traditional Honey Burst with 57 pickups. The sustain is incredible.
That's a great guitar, I'd be fine with it too and I own a core 594 :)
I have a Core C24 Piezo that is phenomenal for worship with the acoustic settings then a Tremonti. I want a 594 SC as well but probably can't swing another core so I have been looking at the S2. This was VERY helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to do it (just like your Helix patches that save me a ton of time!)
Brian Ewald said the S2 594 is a nitro finish at last year's NAMM. Sorry if I spelled his name wrong.
Great comparison! I have the S2 McCarty 594 in Whale Blue and have been considering changing out the pickups for Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers because I love lower power, unpotted pickups. I don't play much high-gain music and no longer stand in front of a big amp so that's not an issue. Thanks for the video!
Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays sound amazing clean and with a bit of drive.
@@xF1revolution thanks, I sold the 594 more than a year ago
@@RickMcCargar what were u thinking!! lol
Great comparison, thanks!
I have owned both the core and the S2 and I preferred the S2.
Prefer the Core by a slim margin, but I think you could definitely tweak the AxeFx III to get them even closer. In the end I don’t think the Core is worth $2k more from a tonal perspective, it would have to come down to how it plays and feels.
They both sound great. If you can fit the bill for the core go right ahead. If your budget only allows you the S2...there you go.
I have a S2 custom 24 and it does the job for what we do at church.
Blessings....
I have a core McCarty 594 with p90s. It’s an absolute beast. I love mine to pieces.
Truth be told, I almost bought the S2, but the deal I got on mine was too good, and I prefer P90s.
After time with the S2 however, I’d happily play one at gigs. They are fantastic.
P90's are great pickups,my favourites are the Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers.
Add that much delay and verb and you can’t really tell what the True Tone of the pick ups are
The new S2 is all American made and uses the pickups from the core model.
There is so little difference now. It’s insane.
The Core model pick-ups are a bit more open-sounding but as others said it's pretty subtle. I would assume that the core modules have higher grade tops than the S2 as well. With out putting each one of them in my hand side by side who know if there is a feel difference. Having said that you could always get an S2 and replace the pickups with the core model pickups and still save $1500.
And lose most of it when you sell it to get a core :)
Clarity in chords in OVERDRIVE on the Core
If it were me, I would just go with the S2, put some upgraded pickups in it, and call it a day.
Core pickups are better but you can upgrade the S2 for like $300 or less. I have an S2 Starla and Vela and they are both very good guitars that feel great and are incredibly stable. S2 pickups and electronics come pre-wired from G&B pickups in Korea. Everything is spec'd and approved by PRS.
McCarty's all receive a bone nut, no locking tuners. The S2's get the same nut as the Core line.
The big price difference is hand finish work like sanding on the violin carve.
I think people are too easy to spend more money to get unheeded (at best) results. Subtle tone differences, for instance, can be matched with EQ.
True, but what you get overall can't be. The S2 594 is more overpriced by comparison when you consider all aspects. People buying a core model are looking for more than just a playable guitar. These kinds of opinions are driven more by economic feasibilty than practicality. Most people tend to buy the best they can afford :)
Hey Brian, good video brother! Question for you? I’m just about to receive a PRS S2 McCarty 10th anniversary with American electronics and the American 15/58 Pups. In your opinion, from doing the video, do you think that the American pickups, identical to the core series, would make the guitars almost in discernible tone wise? Thanks!
Core is definitely brighter and more open sounding and the S2 more focused. Guessing it’s the low turn USA pickups on the Core. The S2 would sound brilliant with Suhr Thornbuckers I bet, low output PAF neck with hotter warmer bridge...
Jarick Losey I put the Suhrs in my Harley Benton and they are perfect.
Definitely is not $2000 difference worth. They sound different, S2 less clear, but with a gentle high-mids boost on the S2 you can't tell the difference. In a mix, it would be indistinguishable. Both are remarkable top guitars for sure.
The s2 has import electronics and pickups. And a few other small differences. I think the tuners are different also. But afaik the bridges and tailpieces are the same.
Core model just sounds louder it me. Tweak the s2 through the amp. Save yourself a lot of money.
Hey, I can answer some of these!
The S2 and Core 594 share the same tuners, bridge, and tailpiece. The Core has a bone nut and the S2 uses the same PRS nut that we use across both the Core and S2 line. The electronics in the S2 aren’t the same as the Core and the pickups are indeed made elsewhere to PRS specs.
The finish is currently the same on both lines. The 2017 you have was before the McCarty line got vintage style tuners which is why they still have the Phase III.
MicahChaney The vintage tuners are a showstopper for me. I was prepped to buy a Core until that change was made.... I get the “vibe” aspect, but make them locking (like the Silver Sky).
If you will be playing guitar at the next Super Bowl during half-time then by all means buy the Core!
I owned a Custom 24-08. It felt great but for that price there’s a big diminishing return. I ended up selling it. Wouldn’t mind the S2. I’m not big on super expensive guitars. Not into overseas guitars either. I like a middle ground. Like the USA Gibson Faded Cherry models. The top of the line I like is the Gibson Les Paul Standard/Traditional. I don’t need super fancy.
The neck finish and the frets are finished differently for sure, aside from the electronics and pickups etc. There is a considerable amount more work in finishing. S2 are great guitars though. And if you have any skills you can upgrade the parts and finish the neck and frets. Or get someone to do that if you aren't confident.
I'd look at both core and s2 used before deciding. Seen really nice core guitars in excellent condition for 14-1900. And S2 for around 800-1000
PRS pickups are nice but not my choice so I'd probably change them anyway. Really stuck on arcane and gravelin pickups.
There's better clarity and brilliance with the Core. I think it's the pickups.(edit - I commented before he described the differences haha)
Love the blue sparkle, have a blue sparkle Duesenberg Starplayer TV and it’s awesome. Got a few very traditional SBs, nothing wrong with having a little bling in the posse!
I have the PRS S2 594 35th anniversary .. the guitar itself is like custom core quality the woods used are the same as the core playability better then my core 22 custom and 24 custom BUT!!! the electronics and pickups are straight garbage I do not know why the guys doing reviews say these pickups are decent my Wilkinson classics made in china are far superior lucky for me I had some Dimarzio pickups laying around the DP190 and DP192 classic air with coil tap now this guitar is incredible so be prepared to buy pickups because those 85/15 S are terrible cannot believe Paul would put that garbage in his guitars !!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was an enjoyable and excellent review,you need to do more my friend,I preferred the S2 the lovely grained top,I couldn't hear the difference between the two,these beauties are definite 'Gibson Killers'.
When above a certain price range, the difference between an expensive guitars and more expensive guitars will become exponentially small. Sometimes you're paying for double the money for an extra 1%, does it worth it tho? I guess as long as you like it, it's worth every penny.
The thing is tho, for what you get the S2 is more overpriced than the core model. You can find S2 Standards for 800 bucks brand new and the resale value is comparitively worse than the SE line :)
Guitar paints remind me of bowling balls.
But besides that theyre both beautiful
Man, PRS just makes a beautiful sounding, playing, and looking guitar. You really can't go wrong with any model in any price range, you will indeed get what you pay for. Great video as always Brian, God bless you brother!
I love the S2 sound
If your going to do a comparison video, you should at least do a little homework. Every time he explains the differences, he says I feel like, but I don't know. Well, you should probably know if your comparing the two. It's all on their website. Pickups are different, made in house vs sub contracted out. The nuts are different, bone vs plastic. The tuning pegs are different. The curve on the maple caps is different, bevelled edge vs violin carved. The necks are definitely different, one piece to scarf jointed. they feel different and when it comes to little things like slightly pushing on the body in the opposite direction of the neck they react different. So yes, huge price difference but justified IMO. Gig with an S2, keep a Core at home.
There is BARELY a difference. Yes, it's there, but...it's like a $5 difference. Not a $2100 difference. And it's all subjective. I like the "cheaper" one better. The pickups are a little meatier, and I prefer that. The treble is a bit too piercing on the Core.
I had a S2 594 which I liked but I traded it towards a core model. It wasn't just the subtle difference in tone, there was a difference in sustain and the overall feel of the guitar that made me want to spend the extra money and get the core. You're right in that it's subjective but I definitely do not regret paying the extra for the core. It's become my number 1 guitar.
Great video, but somehow and you can call me an idiot, but I refuse to pay AU $6000 for PRS. I own 2 Gibson Les Paola: one is Classic and another one is 70th deluxe and I can’t fault them in any possible way. I’m thinking to get the Standard one, it’s $4500 here in Australia. When you hold Gibson you can (or at least I can) feel the history of craftsmanship but to me PRS is overly overpriced. I did try a couple of them for a few weeks (thanks to Sky music here in Melbourne, Australia) and I returned both of them. Yeah, I know guitars are very personal things, like women… Just my own 2 cents…
Would love to see your review of the SE once available
One on the right sounds best over all.... but left is doing good work too. Sounds great. once effects are on its hard to tell in a live setting.
Electronics and Hardware in the s2 are still overseas while the wooden body of the s2 is USA made. I played it and was underwhelmed. Either get the real thing or an SE (which somehow sounds better than s2). Or pay an extra $200 more than the s2 for the All American CE with all American parts. You'll pay more than that modding it anyhow so just pay it up front.
The S2 has more of that mid-frequency LP sound to me. Both great sounding guitars though. I'd be happy with either one.
Core sounds better. Doesn't sound $2,000 better though. IMHO if i had the cash to actually choose either, I'd get the S2, some nice pickups, and still have enough leftover for a whole other guitar, amp, or some effects.
@11:00 - I don't dislike the colour - but I'm not buying a PRS to get sparkly blue. I'm not paying that much money to pass up some of those incredible burst designs in the various colours available.
Are the bridges identical or does lower line America made S2 have Nashville style bridge with larger screws robbing tone ?
I'm sorry, but I'd crawl over broken glass for that violin carve....if that was the only difference..that would be enough!
It's the same as a Stratavarius v some other violin. Very little difference in sound. When your playing at a gig/concert nobody can tell the difference.
WHAT TO MY EARS, THE S2 SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS A BLANKET OVER THE PICKUPS WHILE CORE SOUNDS LIKE THERES LOT MORE BREATHING ROOM. DIDN'T EXPECT THIS SINCE S2 REPUTATION WAS SO GOOD.
i'd be swapping electronics anyways. they both look killer!
That has to be one of the ugliest 594s I've ever seen. If you're just going to cover a core in paint, it may as well be an S2 :)
I love the dark blue metallic!!!
I would to say out the 2 guitars, I do like the s2 over the core guitar because i think you are right it has more warmer pick ups
i guess it come down to how much money you want to spent
I love the blue metallic!!!
Give us a CNC violin carve on the s2. We don’t care whether it’s hand carved or not! 😂😂😂
I need my ears checked. I had headphones on and couldnt tell much difference at all. I guess ive been listing to my music too high .
There's also some compression from youtube. I do find that there's a slightly more detectable higher end in the core. The tonality is similar but the S2, to my ears, didnt quite sustain the same.
Même si je n'ai que des notions d'anglais la vidéo est très bien faite pour que l'on comprenne l'essentiel. 2000$ c'est beaucoup et la vidéo permet de se faire une idée avant d'acheter car là ou j'habite il n'y a pas de possibilité d'essayer des PRS. Pour moi je préfère le son plus rond et plus chaleureux de la S2. Merci pour ce comparatif.
The 58/15 lt sound more openly and clearly. The 58/15s sound more dull to me.
I think think this is a spot on review. I own a starla s2 and have the same thoughts compared to the core model. A little “warmer” or “dull” depending on who you are is very accurate.
The core sounded shrill to me. Beautiful guitar but much prefer the s pickups
Could you compare an SE to an S2 to a Core model or something like this please ? I guess it should be interesting
@@ark8tct nope, I didn't find any comparaison between these 3 models
@@ark8tct I think buying an SE or S2 and changing the pickups (in time) is not a bad idea. 1 month ago I finally received my guitar, I choose an SE model (PRS SE custom 24 in Charcoal Burst) because it was way cheaper than a S2 or a Core model. So far this guitar is really nice, looks good (personal opinion) and plays great. Maybe one day I'll upgrade the pickups if I find the money, but to stay with these pickups is not a problem. The only thing I don't really like with my guitar is the push/pull knob to split the coils, it is not really natural to split the pickups that way when you're playing, I would have prefered a ''switch'' selector (like the pickups selector on Les Paul style guitats). But I didn't find any other problem with the guitar.
edit : if you finally pull the trigger on a PRS, please let me now about your experience , I would love to have your feedbacks too
Where something is made has less importance for me now as a guitar player. The S2 may be made in the USA, however the pickups which make a huge difference in tone are not! So some of the components are imported. There is significant more clarity in the core model. And yes, warm does not necessarily make a pickup better.
Great comparison! The side by side was very well done, I wish more would do it that way. I heard pretty much exactly what you described in the tonal differences. In a mix you probably couldn't tell which is which unless your Paul Reed Smith. :D My take on the two is, if you can comfortably afford the Core, buy it. If not, buy the S2. If you don't like the S2 sound, swap out the pickups. You only have half the money invested so go for it. You can always put it back.
I have a '17 594 in whale blue... Blue IS my favorite color, so you can guess which side of the "what do you think of this color" question!
I own a dozen guitars, except for the weight (My shoulders are giving out), it is my favorite!
I have a 2017 594 WL in Jade Green. It has a really special top, kind of in between quilt and flame, a solid rosewood neck, green paua birds, AAA cocobolo FB, SA Ribbon Mahogany body, and Jade Green is normally a PS only color. It's an heirloom quality instrument that plays as good as it looks :)
Now take both and put Lambertone pickups in them and redo the test, same pickups
The core model has a brighter and more open tonality which I preferred, but they're not worlds apart. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'd be claiming that the core model was warmer and more vintage sounding if the audio tracks were switched.
I like the core sometimes and the S2 sometimes during the clean. I like the core more for the overdriven rhythm but like the S2 more for the lead tones. I agree core had more top end but I like the warmer lead tone from the S2. I am a home hobbyist so I could see maybe springing for an S2 but doubt I would ever drop +$2,000 for the core as tone was very close. I have an S2 standard single cut and it is my favorite guitar even about a 1997 Heritage H535.
The difference in clarity would be a lot more noticeable in a live comparison. With TH-cam's audio compression at about 1/6th the quality of a CD, any perceived differences are likely a placebo effect. If you're hearing that thru your monitor, phone, or cheap PC speakers it's even worse. YT's BEST audio quality is around 220kb/s... about even with medium quality mp3s but not optimized for music. While fun when you're shopping for a new guitar, in a practical/technical sense YT tone comparisons are worthless. People hear what they want to hear, and don't think their wallet doesn't affect that :)
I’m guessing I’m going to get all the great comments from Gibson haters… lol
Must say that the bridge pup on the S2 is pretty good. The Core seems to shine on the other positions to my ear.
Couldn’t hear a difference worth $100 so much less $2000. Man your levels are hot blasted my ears in the monitor phones!
$2000 more for a guitar what dont sound better, and looks verry ugly. Full colered against a beatyful burst marple? Hwo will buy a full colered, if he can get a thrue beauty and $ 2000 cheaper? I dont understand.
The Core 594 we had was a custom one-off color that PRS sent us. If you search for them you’ll see them in all kinds of awesome finishes. They look way better than the S2’s (although the S2’s look great).
How about a lesson/tutorial for that clean piece you played? 😀
The clean sounds sounded the most different to me. Seemed like the Core had more clarity and sounded a little more three dimensional. In the lead tone comparison, it sounded like the reverb was little thicker or being pushed a little harder, so i'm wondering if the bridge pickup in the Core has a higher output level than the S2.
No.
It’s lower output
Hi!! Create a video the test versus in McCarthy Core vs S2 vs SE.
That dark blue metallic is awesome
I picked up a PRS SE Tremonti for $250 in the UK. It's a great guitar, and since i will never spend more than 500 for a guitar, on PRINCIPLE! , it will just have to do.
The neck on the S2 is functionally a 3 piece neck, the neck on the core is functionally a 1 piece. (The little wings on the headstock are another 2 pieces that I'm not counting)
Theoretically the 1 piece neck has better sustain, but in practice the 3 piece is cheaper to make.
To my ears, that aligns with these neck manufacturing techniques.
Do both models have the same pickups?
You can only do a legit comparison if you play it in person. $2000 difference ? Nah I buy a S2 model change the pickups to my liking and have a proper guitar setup and I'm good with it. The tonal difference is very subtle. More likely will go with the materials and attention to details.
Sound the same to me and further more why did you play them with so much delay? You can't even hear what the guitars really sound like. Not a good demo.🤔
I don’t think there is nearly enough delay. Like not even close.
I have 3 PRS Core guitars (a standard McCarty, a Smokeburst (Lacquer) McCarty and a Sunburst (lacquer) 245. I bought an S2 594 Thinline and liked it but wound up selling it. I liked the lightness and thought it was well built but was not a fan of the pickups and lack of a HSC. Aesthetically I didn’t like the plastic birds or bevel cut body. Rather than spend $1700 on an S2 (too much IMO) I would suggest getting a used McCarty for the same price; you’ll be getting a better guitar and won’t suffer any depreciation.
LOVE the Core metallic blue!!!!
Would be better to hear the differences from a tube amp.
PRS guitars are starting to become much more popular with Sunday morning guys. Including me. The silver sky and the 594 cover like 90 percent of what I would ever need. They need a tele. I still love my fenders and reverends but the prs is most played at this point. (Yeah. I have ditched my gibsons. Just don’t work for me. I understand the love but the 594 just hits better with me )
Easy to hear the core is brighter. It's like someone turned down the tone knob on the S2.
I like the clarity and brightness of the core but the s2's warmth is also quite nice. I does seem to get a bit muddy in the more distorted effects.
The 58/15LTs are much more articulate, warmer = muddier :)
I bought the S2 and dropped in some 58/15 LT pickups. Best bang for my buck. Killer guitar