Thinking about a DGT or McCarty

[dangeroso]

I’d be curious to hear the good and the bad about the PRS McCarty and the DGT. One concern that I’ve heard is that they both are a little dark sounding, although it appears that the DGT is less so. Any other things I need to know about either? I’m hoping to get some playing time to check them out this weekend.

Thanks!

[paintguy]

Depends on your needs but it's hard to beat a DGT.

Dual volume controls, larger frets, outstanding pickups, great coil tap sounds... DGT typically has a trem although I almost never use mine and the McCarty usually has a wrapover. DGT has a DGT neck carve that is less wide than a McCarty which sports a wide-fat neck carve.

I believe most would say a DGT, but the narrower neck carve does not agree with all. Another option is a McCarty with DGT pickups if you can find a pair.

Good luck! Try to play a few and compare if possible.

[jetydosa]

Both great guitars. I dont consider either of them dark.

DGT is a bit more versatile, better split sounds, and trem obviously. McCarty has wider and thicker neck which may or may not be your preference.

[scuba200ft]

I think McCarty's are the perfect PRS. Comfy, great scale, great neck, and many are light.

I tried going the DGT route a few times, owned 3, and all three were HEAVY as hell.

Dont know if thats spec'd or not, but there ya go.

[amc]

mccarty's are my favorite guitars from prs.
the thinner dgt neck just doesn't do it for me.

a mccarty with dgt pickups would be a great improvement....................

just my 2 cents, ymmv.

[jetydosa]

Originally Posted by scuba200ft

I tried going the DGT route a few times, owned 3, and all three were HEAVY as hell.

Dont know if thats spec'd or not, but there ya go.

Nah, Ive owned 2 DGTs that were ~7.5lbs. I saw on Wildwood the other day one that was ~7.3lbs.

[mojoslide]

McCarty's are my favorite guitars. I have two as my only electrics right now. I did just upgrade the pickup in my number one to a Rio Grande BBQ. That's only thing to improve on with a McCarty, the pickups - although for more vintage tones the stock pups are really excellent. I just wanted more low end grunt from the guitar for heavier styles. I like the wide/fat carve the best too.

[itstooloudMike]

If you're typically a Strat kind of guy, and want versatility, with some added Les Paul flavor, you can't beat the DGT. If you're typically a Les Paul guy, and don't want to stray too far from that camp, you will like the McCarty. I've had both, and still have my DGT. I love it!

[Jon C]

I'm in the DGT camp if you can work with the thin neck carve. Not dark at all. Not heavy at all (7.5 lbs IIRC), very versatile. YMMV, I think you'd have to play both to know what works for you.

[romeintmed]

DGT = swiss army knife. Convincing les paul sounds. Tele type split coil on bridge. Strat type split coil on neck.

McCarty = Les paul-esque.

Both are great, but there is a reason that many Nashville session players have a DGT in their arsenal.

I've owned both and prefer the DGT but you can't go wrong with either.

[kleydj13]

I love my McCarty. I put some GFS mean 90's in there and they make me happy.

[joesnewmatch]

Both are great, no question. Feel like a trem? I never liked them until I picked up the DGT. Ever play a gutiar with high 6100 wire, or 11s? Both are on the DGT, and (at least IMHO, as well as others) that makes a big difference in playability and tone. If split tones and versatility is a factor, go with the DGT. Regardless, play both, decide for yourself. My signature line has my vote...

[gtraddict]

I have found them both to be bright as with all PRSi like what most people said. All the McCarty's I have tried and had were maple topped would have like to have the all mahogany version which would more than like suite my needs better.

[muddyboots]

love my stock '95 mccarty and '04 rosewood neck mccarty soapbar standard. i rotate 'em!

[Radagacuca]

i had 2 mccartys that i both sold. compared them to my les paul(s) all the time and preffered the lp tones. have a dgt now that i like quite a bit. it has more of it´s own thing going and is very versatile. i can enjoy my pauls and the dgt for different reasons which is a good thing.
best playing guitar i ever owned too. i LOVE that neck carve!