PRS 594 HOLLOW vs SOLID body | which to choose?

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In this video I compare the Paul Reed Smith 594 hollow body guitar with the PRS 594 solid body.
I do several sound comparison and share my observations in order to answer the following questions:
1. How similar or different do they sound?
2. What tradeoffs to consider when choosing between the two?
3. Is there a place for both the hollow body and solid body PRS 594 in the collection?
4. Ultimately, should I keep both?
Happy to answer any question in the comments!
Rock on!
Jonathan Z

Пікірлер: 92

  • @Think_Up
    @Think_Up9 күн бұрын

    That solid body is the best looking 594 I've ever seen. This video was extremely insightful.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    8 күн бұрын

    Thanks and glad to know! I remember seeing it land on the dealer website and was struck by its unique look. It sold fast. It later came up on the used market and I couldn’t resist. I think the wide reverse chevron flame really flatters the PRS DC design

  • @francescogaibazzi2431
    @francescogaibazzi24312 ай бұрын

    Actually my favorite gear channel, the music you make for your comparison it's very touching in every single video

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Francesco! I’m soon going to be uploading a 5 song EP of instrumental music on my channel. Stay tuned!

  • @johnmcaleese8459
    @johnmcaleese84592 ай бұрын

    Sorry, tried to compare especially owning a 594 10 - top but found myself just watching and listening to you play. Beautifully of course. Wow.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the thoughtful comment, John - much appreciated! Thanks for listening.

  • @brianhensien
    @brianhensien2 ай бұрын

    I always look forward to your uploads. It’s one of those things that stops me in my tracks. Masterful playing, mood and sound. Really appreciate you!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Brian - I appreciate knowing that!

  • @nickh1933
    @nickh19332 ай бұрын

    Fantastic tones!!!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Nick!

  • @waynescally6615
    @waynescally66152 ай бұрын

    Well done, great presentation

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @ivanradkov
    @ivanradkov2 ай бұрын

    awesome riffing and awesome guitars!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Matt-pc5pp
    @Matt-pc5pp2 ай бұрын

    This video was killer and extremely helpful. My brother is literally on the edge right now between the hollow body and the solid body 594 and I think this video is going to help him out a lot. Also, I’m very excited to see the shootout between the hollow body 594 and the 335 styled guitar. Thank you so much for your quality content.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and thank you! I hope your brother finds the video helpful. The good news is he really can't go wrong with either guitar, but I hope he's happy with which ever he chooses. The 335 vs. 594 will be a fun comparison and will plan to do so!

  • @ktm3602
    @ktm36022 ай бұрын

    I would love to see you compare the 335 and 594 Hollow body. I have the 594 Wood Library and bought the 594 HB in Wood Library mainly because I'm a big Ted fan but preferred the smaller body of the 594 HB and was always curious how similar they sounded. I also have a DGT Wood Library. Even though they are all very similar I can't part with any right now. Always enjoy your comparisons and really enjoy your playing style.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the kind words! I'd be happy to compare the two. Nice guitars you have there. I can totally understand not wanting to parting with either of those.

  • @jamestonguet1737
    @jamestonguet173728 күн бұрын

    HBII for the 594. DGT for solidbody ...

  • @sirzee75
    @sirzee752 ай бұрын

    Great video thank you. I've watched it twice so far. Exquisite playing as always. Hurry with that album please !

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and thanks for the kind words! I'm working on videos to go with the album release as I type this :-)

  • @grantglover1799

    @grantglover1799

    2 ай бұрын

    As soon as that album is out I want it!

  • @dragonsquare2802
    @dragonsquare28022 ай бұрын

    For me it is definitely the hollow one that I prefer somehow, although the solid body does have some examples where I thought it is a better fit for sound and part.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @ErikStone1
    @ErikStone12 ай бұрын

    If I had to choose between those 2, I would go with the Hollow Body. Since you already have the Solid, there's no need to trade it unless the hollow body speaks to you more - in a way that you can't stop thinking about it. If you can afford both, more power to you, but man are those things pricey. I was going to say that guitars don't grow on trees, but they kinda do in a rudimentary way...lol.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    haha - nice one! I appreciate your advice. I'm bonded with the solid body so it would be hard to give that one up. That said, the hollow body has a great voice.

  • @ccaputa
    @ccaputa2 ай бұрын

    They both sound great.

  • @stevenrocky4718
    @stevenrocky47182 ай бұрын

    Exquisite playing as always. Would love to see you make a video on the amps and pedals you own and which ones are your favorites.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Steven! Great suggestion - I plan to do so!

  • @cmonsterz
    @cmonsterz2 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video, Jon! Beautiful tones with both. Last year, I bought a CE24 semi-hollow. I’ve owned a regular CE 24 since 2021. While both guitars have a BUNCH of shared traits, the semi-hollow CE’s voice is significantly warmer than that of the standard CE. I’ve been tempted to track down a hollow body 594. This video stirred those hot coals up quite a bit! I could certainly hear a difference between both guitars in this video (clean and driven). I don’t prefer one over other and feel like both stand alone on their own individual merits.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you! It stirred up those coals in me too. I didn't think I needed a hollow body 594 and now I'm wondering. I like your point about them each standing alone on their merits - totally agree!

  • @KyleCastroTheDrummerBoy090613
    @KyleCastroTheDrummerBoy0906132 ай бұрын

    Sounds great my dear friend!! Awesome guitar sounds reviews!! Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you as always!

  • @lorenzo-agnes
    @lorenzo-agnes2 ай бұрын

    Just ordered a 594 Hollowbody this morning, before seeing this video. The vid made me smile coz I made the right choice :) All around excellent as usual, thank you.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    No way! That's a cool coincidence, Lorenzo! Great choice. What finish did you get?

  • @lorenzo-agnes

    @lorenzo-agnes

    2 ай бұрын

    @@RatherBeRiffing McCarty burst and it’s a 10 top - truly beautiful. I have an original, first year release of the HB II, which I’m passing on to my son. Of all the guitars I’ve owned , this is still my best sounding axe. Violin burst - a special guitar.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    @@lorenzo-agnes I love that you are keeping it in the family! McCarty burst is personal favorite. Enjoy!

  • @samz9121
    @samz91212 ай бұрын

    I got a Vintage Burst ZM and had it modded to the 9s. Still my number 1 to this day. (Lambertone Cremas were my pickups of choice)

  • @michaelschneider7590
    @michaelschneider75902 ай бұрын

    What a great series! (I’d seen the hollow body 594 vs Thorn first….) Yes, would enjoy more along these lines! Perhaps, please, include the updated S2 594 with USA pickups & electronics. And don’t overlook the Thinline!

  • @joebarkan
    @joebarkan2 ай бұрын

    I've got more than a few nice two-humbucker guitars. And I've realized that while I hear differences among them, almost no one else would, and they are all interchangeable for me use. I could play any gig I might play with any of them. In fact, a couple of years ago, I had a 6 week theatre gig, and I think I used all of them (solid, hollow and semi-hollow) over the course of the run (30+ shows), and no one said a thing (not even the sound guys). On balance, I prefer solid-body guitars over hollow and semi-hollow. I think the only reason, other than fashion (or collecting) to choose that hollowbody, is for looking more appropriately correct when you show up for a jazz gig. Thanks for the video.

  • @dustingmyguitars
    @dustingmyguitars2 ай бұрын

    Honestly, just came to hear ya jam! I recently acquired a Myers SE in that same Trampas green. Such a great guitar, I am putting in some Bonamassa PAFs just for fun

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Love it! My father has a Meyers SE and O was really impressed with it. I bet that pickup swap will be killer!

  • @mmmaslowski
    @mmmaslowski2 ай бұрын

    YES! Jonathan, this is EXACTLY the video I've been waiting for. Please keep doing what you are doing - arguably the most refreshing take on the guitar aficionado problems :) Great mini-compositions & the playing is outstanding. Blessings! EDIT: the mentioned shootouts would be great, especially with the Core 594. My personal would be against the DGT< but I know that you already have the McCarty 594 & DGT shootout video, so there's that :)

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Wow - thanks for the kind words! I appreciate the encouragement. I'll get working on the shootouts. I hadn't thought to compare the core 594 and DGT, but maybe I can borrow the latter back from my father and do so!

  • @mmmaslowski

    @mmmaslowski

    2 ай бұрын

    ​@@RatherBeRiffing Whatever you can, it will be greatly appreciated. Personally, I am debating between the DGT and the McCarty 594 HBII - very different guitars. The tone in my head is the DGT, more or less, however having played the fantastic S2 Vela Satin Semi-Hollow for a while, I know that having that resonance against my body and light weight matched with great sounding pickups might top my appetite for the DGT (which I love). On a separate note, Jonathan, your videos, music nuggets, and great playing are captivating - love them. I am voting for your channel in the coolest new YT channels of 2024 contest if there is one, and I mean it. VERY REFRESHING and highly enjoyable. Keep it up!

  • @jchris_fpv
    @jchris_fpv2 ай бұрын

    Hard to tell huge difference. There are some aspects that will stands for each but I think I cant find a difference that would say I prefer this or that. Thanks for sharing with us. Keep rocking mate. Cheers.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    My pleasure and thanks for the encouragement! I thought the differences were pretty subtle myself.

  • @grantglover1799
    @grantglover17992 ай бұрын

    Really dig the playing as always man! Loved both, but since I gravitate more towards solid bodies I have to give it up to the PS. Loved the “fluffiness” of the Hollow though. I would love to see a deeper 594 rabbit hole as well as the 335 type shootout.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks as always, Grant! I think "fluffiness" describes the HB well. Glad to know others want to join me down the rabbit hole!

  • @LastTitan297
    @LastTitan2972 ай бұрын

    Another superb video Jonny. You definitely bring out the very best of the hollow body with your arrangement and style of play - but I’ve been obsessed with that solid body 594 of yours since it’s first appearance so it wins every time for me 😂 I think it’s actually the mids that catch me every time listening to it they seem to land so sweetly and round out the whole sound in a way that beats the DGT, the LP, the single cut and the hollow body. Would be very interested in your take comparing a core/S2/SE 594!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you - I appreciate the kind words! I'm still in love with the 594 DC myself. It's an inspiring guitar. It's got the look, feel, and tone. Noted on the Core/SE 594 comparison!

  • @magnus7439
    @magnus74392 ай бұрын

    They both sound spectacular, but I found myself a little more drawn to the hollow body version of the guitar. To me it sounded a bit more open, but it's not really by a wide margin. Which one I'd get? The one that weighs less.... and that I could afford, which is neither at the moment.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks! I hear the subtle openness of the HB too.

  • @nathansnelgrove
    @nathansnelgrove2 ай бұрын

    It's interesting, because the sound difference very subtle, as you noted. I think it would mostly come down to player feel. I think the solid body has a bit more attack, which makes sense. I think part of what some of us might "like" about the hollow body is that it sounds *just* different enough that we might sound more interesting in a mix. Weight is a big deal though.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the observations, Nathan. I like how you described it as subtle but different enough - I think so too.

  • @TS-nb9ko
    @TS-nb9ko2 ай бұрын

    Wow that 594 is beautiful

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @anthonylevas4123
    @anthonylevas41232 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Remarkable violin like tone and analysis as usual! Would you be willing to share your Keeley Halo settings, can’t seem to get the same fantastic tone.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Anthony! I’m using the factory ‘halo’ setting. I use it in stereo which sounds more exciting to me than mono. I also use a stereo reverb that the Halo blends into.

  • @claudialuciano3033
    @claudialuciano3033Ай бұрын

    Wow! You're reviewing all my favourite guitars! What is is right with you? My advice is simple: keep both... and try a Prs Santana core... I invite you playing together here, near where I live in italian riviera (may be Portofino or Alassio)... on holiday of course (take with you two lovely girls)... thank you and I pray you to speak slower in the next videos... because I'm mother tongue italian and I find difficult following you in english... thank you so much!

  • @JoshSnyderBand
    @JoshSnyderBand2 ай бұрын

    Hey Jonathan - your content has been nothing short of spectacular! Thanks and keep up the awesome work! Question, if you don’t mind: What pick do you use? Thanks!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the kind words, Josh! I use Dunlop Herco Holy Grail .75 mm. They add a little extra chirp.

  • @JoshSnyderBand

    @JoshSnyderBand

    2 ай бұрын

    @@RatherBeRiffing Hey thanks for sharing - Really dig your phrasing, and your vibrato is very musical! Have a great day!👍

  • @macauley70
    @macauley702 ай бұрын

    Thanks alot..great videos and beatiful guitars... i think the same than you , not too much diferences with amp in sound.. do you think that the same guitars with not wax pickups will have more diferences in sound plugged to an amp? gretings from the sunny Barcelona

  • @ryanvergara3603
    @ryanvergara36032 ай бұрын

    I am considering buying a Double Cut SE 594 lately. Can you do a comparison of it and a Double Cut Core McCarty 594?

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Cool! Glad to know and would be happy to compare the SE an Core in a future video.

  • @galijanach
    @galijanach2 ай бұрын

    Hollow body sounded "darker" but open. The solid body sounded tighter and brighter as expected.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Agree - well said!

  • @fredcarter7003
    @fredcarter70032 ай бұрын

    Keep both

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Always the correct answer!

  • @dragan4658
    @dragan46582 ай бұрын

    Both guitars are amazing, especially when you're playing them. Your videos have convinced me to get a Prs for my collection. Im not really a true player, I sort of noodle and consider myself a collector of entry level to mid-grade guitars. Im not sure if I should get an entry level Prs for around $600 or a $1500 Prs, Im leaning towards the $1500 guitar and was wondering what your thoughts were on this? Greatly appreciated! Edit: ide like to see a comparison between an SE and the hollow body.😅

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I think the PRS 594 is a great model at all price points. I will do a video with the SE 594.

  • @dragan4658

    @dragan4658

    2 ай бұрын

    @RatherBeRiffing Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.

  • @michaelostermann4198
    @michaelostermann41982 ай бұрын

    Is the hollowbody trampas green? Tough to tell. Really nice! You should try a collings i35lc vintage. Those are also fantastic 335 style guitars.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the suggestion, Michael - I've played a few Collings I-35 LC's. It's on my bucket list. The PRS is indeed Tampas green.

  • @bluesrock4696
    @bluesrock46962 ай бұрын

    The solid body was more focused with a tighter sound. The hollowbody was more airy or breathy. I think that a pickup swap could accentuate the differences between the two. I dropped a set of 57 Classics in my 594 Semihollow and put a treble bypass on it. I really like the sound vs. the 5815 LT’s.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    I share your observations. I always liked 57 classics. I bet they sound great in your 594.

  • @kueikueikuo1421
    @kueikueikuo14212 ай бұрын

    I love this hollowbody guitar tone ! What Amp you used in this video~? :)

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    14 күн бұрын

    Two Rock Bloomfield Drive and Blankenship Twinplex.

  • @hkguitar1984
    @hkguitar19842 ай бұрын

    This is gonna be great, let me fire up my Studio Monitors and give a listen.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    It was a fun one to make!

  • @hkguitar1984

    @hkguitar1984

    2 ай бұрын

    ​@@RatherBeRiffing IMO, the 594 Hollowbody seems to have a slightly sweeter tone, especially so with the neck pickup, however, as you stated it may come down to a difference in feel when playing. Would be nice to own both, however the solid body version would cover everything just as competently. With the PRS 594's milled-out mahogany body you couldn't really compare it to a traditional Gibson ES style as they use a laminate top, back and sides where as this PRS is made from carved solid maple top/back and the mahogany body that has been milled out. Not sure which "ES" style guitar you briefly held up to compare with the PRS, my guess is maybe a Collings I-35 or maybe a Collings I-35 LC. The Collings I-35 LC would be more like a Gibson ES-335, where as the Collings I-35 is constructed more like the PRS Hollow Body. IMO, the I-35 Collings (not the I-35 LC) with its comparable construction to the PRS 594 Hollow body and would be a great comparison. At the end of the day I agree with you, it coming down to feel, sometimes that is what can make the difference when inspiring great play. It would be difficult to choose between only one or the other with these PRS 594s. Great sound/tone comparisons, I really appreciate your format of using the short back-to-back playing riffs makes it easier to compare the passages played on each instrument. Great Content Sir, Thank You

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    @@hkguitar1984 My pleasure and thanks for the kinds words and insightful comments as always!!! I hadn't considered the 335 vs. 594 aren't apples-to-apples given the different construction. My "335" is a Grantura by Ron Thorn. It's closer to the Collings I-35 LC (smaller body with lam) but has a Korina neck and BRW fingerboard. It's an incredible guitar, but I'd still like to add a Collings to the mix!

  • @hkguitar1984

    @hkguitar1984

    2 ай бұрын

    @@RatherBeRiffing YES, Ron Thorn's guitars are amazing, very nice Sir. Thanks for the content, I'll be watching for you.

  • @norseman61
    @norseman612 ай бұрын

    I thought the difference might be a little more pronounced, but tonally they differed in the way I expected. I thought the hollow body would sound throatier and mellower, and kind of …. hollower. And I was right! But oh my god, the top on that solid body might be the most spectacular one I’ve ever seen. Like a tiger on acid; with the guitar being the tiger, while I’m on acid.😳

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    14 күн бұрын

    Hahaha… great description. That top drew me in instantly too.

  • @ulissespacifico
    @ulissespacifico2 ай бұрын

    Let crack a beer open, turn on the stereo sit down and enjoy, this is going to be a good one… 😎.

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    Love it!

  • @Kymerican
    @Kymerican27 күн бұрын

    Dude, you look like Chris Cornell…

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    26 күн бұрын

    Haha… thanks, Justin! He’s one of my favorite artists of all time! Best concert I ever saw was him solo with his acoustic.

  • @ccaputa
    @ccaputa2 ай бұрын

    Jonathan, you mentioned a 335 and 594 comparison. You also did a little take on Eric Johnson that sounded great. It reminded me that I recently purchased a 1961 Gibson 335 with original PAF's, etc. Anyway, it was once owned by Eric Johnson, so I would like to see that comparison!

  • @RatherBeRiffing

    @RatherBeRiffing

    2 ай бұрын

    That is incredibly cool! I saw EJ live this past year and he is still smoking. Thanks for the request and would be happy to compare the two.