Let's see some PRS pics and share your stories about them

[VonBonfire]

Those Blonde Fenders are something...

It was a blonde showman, heh heh.

 

[VonBonfire]

SE Custom 24 vs SE 594 double cut? The used 594's are running under $600.....

I liked the 85/15's through some store amps but didn't really try them through my rig. Seemed kinda fat and juicy though.

What are the 58/15's like? Described as PAF-like which bothers me since I hated Seth Lovers as they are described as "PAF" type pickups all the time. PRS pickup stuff is massively confusing. I think they should address some of the confusion.

I noticed the 594 is an 1/8" thicker. Seems like that ultimately wouldn't amount to a hill of beans and it seems like on average the guitars are about the same weight. I like the switching of the 24-08 (mini toggelz heh heh) better but the TCI pickups also seem weird. Maybe I should just get the axe I want and then throw the Santana's in there.....

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

SE Custom 24 vs SE 594 double cut? The used 594's are running under $600.....

I liked the 85/15's through some store amps but didn't really try them through my rig. Seemed kinda fat and juicy though.

What are the 58/15's like? Described as PAF-like which bothers me since I hated Seth Lovers as they are described as "PAF" type pickups all the time. PRS pickup stuff is massively confusing. I think they should address some of the confusion.

I noticed the 594 is an 1/8" thicker. Seems like that ultimately wouldn't amount to a hill of beans and it seems like on average the guitars are about the same weight. I like the switching of the 24-08 (mini toggelz heh heh) better but the TCI pickups also seem weird. Maybe I should just get the axe I want and then throw the Santana's in there.....

This is the one my wife got me for Xmas. I've had 2 USA 594 McCartys, one a singlecut, the other just like this one and it is an incredible guitar for the money. Pickups are slightly hot PAF, a little hotter than the Slash 2.0 set in my LP. But it is amazing how close it sounds to my LP. Also a looser low end but I love them as is and have had them next to my Buddies USA 58/15 McCarty and they are damn close. Split tones are great. Plays amazing with as low of action as anything I own. Only bitch is the tuners suck horsecock. I will change them one of these days for Kluson revolutions. Highly recommend. I also owned an S2 for a while and loved it as well. For me, McCarty double cuts and Wolfgangs are just the best designed guitars ergonomically.

 

[VonBonfire]

This is the one my wife got me for Xmas. I've had 2 USA 594 McCartys, one a singlecut, the other just like this one and it is an incredible guitar for the money. Pickups are slightly hot PAF, a little hotter than the Slash 2.0 set in my LP. But it is amazing how close it sounds to my LP. Also a looser low end but I love them as is and have had them next to my Buddies USA 58/15 McCarty and they are damn close. Split tones are great. Plays amazing with as low of action as anything I own. Only bitch is the tuners suck horsecock. I will change them one of these days for Kluson revolutions. Highly recommend. I also owned an S2 for a while and loved it as well. For me, McCarty double cuts and Wolfgangs are just the best designed guitars ergonomically.

Thanks for this Mike. I've been looking at the SE line for a while trying to figure out which one to ride with when I finally climb back out of the $ hole. I love LP's but the upper fret access is somewhat limiting for high flying blues licks. It's mostly gonna function as a couch and blues jam guitar so I don't wear out my Gibson shredding at home, lol.

Per a custom 24 I had at the house overnight....yeah, the tuners left something to be desired but it did hold tune. I liked the 85/15's. The shorter scale of the 594 seems more up my alley. Hot PAF doesn't sound bad but everything I've tried that was described as normal PAF I found to be too bright. I suppose if I hate them I could slap a set of the Santana S pickups in there or a set of 85's in. I see people trying to get crazy money for SE pickups on ebay...seems weird.

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

Thanks for this Mike. I've been looking at the SE line for a while trying to figure out which one to ride with when I finally climb back out of the $ hole. I love LP's but the upper fret access is somewhat limiting for high flying blues licks. It's mostly gonna function as a couch and blues jam guitar so I don't wear out my Gibson shredding at home, lol.

Per a custom 24 I had at the house overnight....yeah, the tuners left something to be desired but it did hold tune. I liked the 85/15's. The shorter scale of the 594 seems more up my alley. Hot PAF doesn't sound bad but everything I've tried that was described as normal PAF I found to be too bright. I suppose if I hate them I could slap a set of the Santana S pickups in there or a set of 85's in. I see people trying to get crazy money for SE pickups on ebay...seems weird.

It holds tune okay once you get there but its like trying to drive a top fuel dragster on a speed bump filled parking lot. Love it otherwise.

 

[VonBonfire]

It holds tune okay once you get there but its like trying to drive a top fuel dragster on a speed bump filled parking lot. Love it otherwise.

I figured if I got one I would swap for the better tuners at some stage. They just want a damn fortune for the core model tuner sets. That was my only real complaint with the Custom 24. Otherwise I really liked it.

 

[Sixstringflannel]

I've posted a mine a few times but what the hell here goes again. I got this last year, kind of a dream guitar for me since I grew up in the nu-metal era staring at PRS guitars in musiciansfriend magazines in class all day. The bridge pickup is swapped out for a tremonti because the 58/15LT's just didnt sound the best for the style I play, which is chonky hard rock and some metal stuff. Clean though the pickups sounded amazing. My buddy knows how to throw down some Mayer licks and when he played Edge of Desire it was one of the most beautiful guitar tones I had heard (and this was through an SL67 mind you!). Funny I thought I couldnt play faster on anything other than my Charvel but this one just got easy for me and the neck profile has never bothered me.

Story: Had an extremely rough year lone wolfing it for my last company and being burnt out to a crisp working retarded hours and carrying my team. Missed a lot of family time, two little ones and a wife at home. Anyways, kind of has a "cutting through the waters" look to the top which symbolized a rough time but it was sink or swim and I chose to swim. Big Adam Jones fan but wanted something different than an LPC, but the specs are essentially LPC with the ebony board, maple neck, hog body, etc. My girls were going through a bird watching phase so the birds make me think of them, prior to I would have been jonesing for half moons. My wifes eyes are this deep blue color too (partially how I was able to sell her on it too lol). My first acoustic guitar that I used to play out when I was 16 was an Ibanez cutaway that was similar to this color, so it feels like a full circle. Big reminder to me of putting in the hard work, blowing the mind of your 16 year old self wondering "how tf did I get here", and remembering what fueled that fire. Anyway this is all just cathartic symbolism - a relic and a reminder.

I know people like to shit on these and yes I spent an ungodly amount of money on this guitar (and this is the only time I've allowed a purchase like this, and likely the last), but iconic tones to me are Fender guitar > Fender Amp, Les Paul > Marshall, PRS > Mesa. Whether that iconic tone is sonic or just a vibe, thats what it is to me.

Oh and Von, realized you didnt ask for my sappy life story wrapped up into a piece of wood, but you got it, and if you read this I probably owe you a beer or some other beverage, but you'll probably want some neo soul infused velvet slipper-gasm inducing footwear, and honestly I might be able to make that happen.

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

I figured if I got one I would swap for the better tuners at some stage. They just want a damn fortune for the core model tuner sets. That was my only real complaint with the Custom 24. Otherwise I really liked it.

Kluson supreme 18:1 are only $60 a set. I'll measure and see if they fit. If so they are great tuners.

 

[VonBonfire]

I've posted a mine a few times but what the hell here goes again. I got this last year, kind of a dream guitar for me since I grew up in the nu-metal era staring at PRS guitars in musiciansfriend magazines in class all day. The bridge pickup is swapped out for a tremonti because the 58/15LT's just didnt sound the best for the style I play, which is chonky hard rock and some metal stuff. Clean though the pickups sounded amazing. My buddy knows how to throw down some Mayer licks and when he played Edge of Desire it was one of the most beautiful guitar tones I had heard (and this was through an SL67 mind you!). Funny I thought I couldnt play faster on anything other than my Charvel but this one just got easy for me and the neck profile has never bothered me.

Story: Had an extremely rough year lone wolfing it for my last company and being burnt out to a crisp working retarded hours and carrying my team. Missed a lot of family time, two little ones and a wife at home. Anyways, kind of has a "cutting through the waters" look to the top which symbolized a rough time but it was sink or swim and I chose to swim. Big Adam Jones fan but wanted something different than an LPC, but the specs are essentially LPC with the ebony board, maple neck, hog body, etc. My girls were going through a bird watching phase so the birds make me think of them, prior to I would have been jonesing for half moons. My wifes eyes are this deep blue color too (partially how I was able to sell her on it too lol). My first acoustic guitar that I used to play out when I was 16 was an Ibanez cutaway that was similar to this color, so it feels like a full circle. Big reminder to me of putting in the hard work, blowing the mind of your 16 year old self wondering "how tf did I get here", and remembering what fueled that fire. Anyway this is all just cathartic symbolism - a relic and a reminder.

I know people like to shit on these and yes I spent an ungodly amount of money on this guitar (and this is the only time I've allowed a purchase like this, and likely the last), but iconic tones to me are Fender guitar > Fender Amp, Les Paul > Marshall, PRS > Mesa. Whether that iconic tone is sonic or just a vibe, thats what it is to me.

Oh and Von, realized you didnt ask for my sappy life story wrapped up into a piece of wood, but you got it, and if you read this I probably owe you a beer or some other beverage, but you'll probably want some neo soul infused velvet slipper-gasm inducing footwear, and honestly I might be able to make that happen.
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Amazing looking axe and great story to go with it! Thanks for sharing. You don't owe me a beer for all that, but I'll still take one anytime haha!!!

Kluson supreme 18:1 are only $60 a set. I'll measure and see if they fit. If so they are great tuners.

Keep me posted on that Mike, I appreciate the info!

 

[Akira]

The Custom 5 seems beloved by members here.

I personally hate the Duncan 59 and think it sounds flat and lifeless but that's just my experience.

How sweet is that!! Share some pics when you can. The pickups you listed are solidified in the rock world and will not be off the mark of what you are seeking, I would imagine. I would also always recommend checking out some Planet Tone pickups and contacting Jose via the chat for any questions, as I thoroughly enjoy their products over most makers in general, including the big name ones.

Congrats!! Post a pic when you get a chance, would love to see it!

I haven't tried any of those pickups in a PRS before but have experience with all but the Black Winter. I'd think the Custom 5 would be a good fit. It's got a good treble response so should help you maintain definition when down tuned. Might also consider the Distortion which appears to have less mids than the Black Winter at about the same resistance. For the neck, the Pearly Gates might be a good fit. It's brighter, too, and a little more lively than the '59.

I'll agree with VonBonfire that I've found the '59 to be rather flat and lifeless, but again, that's just my experience.

Thanks guys! Yeah, I think I'm pretty much set on doing a Custom or Custom 5 in the bridge, but not sure what to do for neck. Thanks for the honest opinions on the '59. Might look into the Sentient or indeed the Pearly Gates. Have also thought about BKP like the Nail Bombs but I feel like I could spend a million years going back and forth over options

Here's a pic of the PRS! It's in great shape for being over 20 years old. Definitely the prettiest guitar I've ever owned.

 

[ChurchHill]

For the neck, what about the Alnico II Pro, not necessarily the Slash versions. Other than that, I think the Pearly Gates will be a good match with a Custom or C5.

As for BKP, the Nailbomb is a great pickup, but pretty over the top, more like a Duncan Distortion with much more clarity and definition. In PRS, I've had great luck with their Crawler set, seems just the perfect amount of tone and gain and matches the voice of most PRS well (mine are in a CU25). Another great set is the Rebel Yell, more like a vintage Nailbomb and in the ballpark of the Custom and C5. If you wanted something a little more vintage, their Mule sounds like a great hot PAF.

That sure is a beautiful McCarty! I've always loved that color! Congratulations, again!

 

[Akira]

For the neck, what about the Alnico II Pro, not necessarily the Slash versions. Other than that, I think the Pearly Gates will be a good match with a Custom or C5.

As for BKP, the Nailbomb is a great pickup, but pretty over the top, more like a Duncan Distortion with much more clarity and definition. In PRS, I've had great luck with their Crawler set, seems just the perfect amount of tone and gain and matches the voice of most PRS well (mine are in a CU25). Another great set is the Rebel Yell, more like a vintage Nailbomb and in the ballpark of the Custom and C5. If you wanted something a little more vintage, their Mule sounds like a great hot PAF.

That sure is a beautiful McCarty! I've always loved that color! Congratulations, again!

Dude, super appreciate it!

Wow. You've tried a bunch of humbuckers! I've only once changed out one stock pickup ever. Changed out the stock bridge humbucker on my first guitar (a MIM Fender strat) to a Dimarzio Tone Zone. Thought about doing it for my ESP Standard Eclipse as I don't love the EMGs, but got hit with option paralysis and ended up keeping them Am hoping I can nail down an option for the PRS before going on tour in July.

Will definitely look at the Alnico Pro II as well. This is a dumb question, but with aggressive pickups like the Duncan Distortion and Black Winters (and even the Nail Bombs), are they for lack of a better word too harsh or sharp sounding when it comes to solos (or at least slower, not as shreddy solos)?

I've heard a lot of good things about those Bareknuckle pickups like the Rebel Yell and Mule. I think my main concern is I'm primarily playing in D Standard and Drop C and not sure how they would handle the lower tuning. Also, I noticed when Warmoth recently did a limited run of fully built Meadowhawk guitars, they had BKP Crawlers for pickups

Thanks again for all the help/advice!

 

[Music&Chaos]

Dude, super appreciate it!

Wow. You've tried a bunch of humbuckers! I've only once changed out one stock pickup ever. Changed out the stock bridge humbucker on my first guitar (a MIM Fender strat) to a Dimarzio Tone Zone. Thought about doing it for my ESP Standard Eclipse as I don't love the EMGs, but got hit with option paralysis and ended up keeping them Am hoping I can nail down an option for the PRS before going on tour in July.

Will definitely look at the Alnico Pro II as well. This is a dumb question, but with aggressive pickups like the Duncan Distortion and Black Winters (and even the Nail Bombs), are they for lack of a better word too harsh or sharp sounding when it comes to solos (or at least slower, not as shreddy solos)?

I've heard a lot of good things about those Bareknuckle pickups like the Rebel Yell and Mule. I think my main concern is I'm primarily playing in D Standard and Drop C and not sure how they would handle the lower tuning. Also, I noticed when Warmoth recently did a limited run of fully built Meadowhawk guitars, they had BKP Crawlers for pickups

Thanks again for all the help/advice!

The nailbombs and the like are great for rhythm but I find the scooped nature to them to be intense for my style of lead playing. One of my main guitars goes between drop C and D standard. I used to have BKP Silos in it but swapped them out for a set of Planet Tones.

 

[ChurchHill]

FWIW, I don't think any of those are too harsh for solos. They've got an edge to them, but I just roll the tone back a little if it's more than I want.

Crawler, Rebel Yell, Mule, Nailbomb, all handle D standard just fine and I'm sure they would drop C, too. None of them are really bass heavy, so they don't get muddy. All the BKPs I've tried have a lot more definition across the board than almost every Duncan or DiMarzio I've tried.