PUPs for PRS Custom22

[jijoe]

Hi All

I am agonising over what to do with a Custom 22. Unfortunately I am in the same camp as many who can't quite connect with the tone of this very nice instrument and I am going to give it one last bash before dropping it for something else.

It's the mid range focus (mid range plank as somebody in the forum called it) - there just isn't enough complexity and interest in it for me. I've tried all kinds of EQ adjustments with amp and 10 band EQ. The plank will not dial out. I understand from reading other threads that the materials and construction may be the fundamental issue and I get that. It has Dragon II's in it as per stock.

However, my question is - has anybody else who has suffered the same angst with the plank managed to cure the issue with alternative PUP's.

What experiences have you had with this. Many many thanks in advance.

And I have to say, I am a new member to this forum with only a few posts, but the contributions that I have seen from the people here are fantastic - gracious and informative sharing of expertise and experience - absolutely tremendous - thanks again.

Joe

[grungebob]

I didn't like like hte pup's in mine either for quite a while but I kept playing it because its the best playing guitar i've come across so far. I tried EQ pedals and different amps and nothing seemed to help much. I cant recommend any alternate pups BUT.... I love my Dragon II's now. I messed around a bunch with pickup height and pole piece height and now its sounding fantastic, thick ballsy tone on the hums and a sweet clarity in the split positions. Mine has the 5 way roatary and I think its really key to getting all the usable tones out of these pickups. My Friends 3 way custom gets the ballsy tones but its split sounds are just not there even when we set it up like mine, he's even toying with the idea of getting the 5 way.

It'd be a shame to get rid of such a well playing instrument and I really do think that if you played with the pickup height and pole height you will get it sounding great.

[amc]

welcome to tgp........

what example of dual humbucker set neck guitar tones are you hoping to emulate?
what genre of music?
mainly used for hi-gain or low-gain?

most people do not ask these basic questions when seeking input from fellow tgpers.

not caring for hi-gain/metal tones for myself, lollar imperials (low gain) were my choice
to replace the dragon 1s (an early cu22). the lollars sweet bluesy tone worked for me.

[jijoe]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your comments.

I have messed around with pick up height - been up and down like a hoors drawers. I preffer the PUPs sitting quite low but this seems to intensify the nasal effect a bit - so right now I'm at low to middle. Have also fitted oil & paper caps.

In terms of guitar tones I wouldn't say I'm trying to emulate a particular tone - more trying to find a voice that I enjoy - but very much appreciate the direction of the question. I think the genre's would be classic rock, blues, jazz. Would like to achieve a nice compex clean and a lot of tone variation with vol control on crunch to mid gain. Yes - low gain perhaps PAF type sounds. Sweet is defienetly a nice description of where I'd like to get to. Not into heavy gain/metal etc.

If I was to make a comment on the inbetween tones - I actually like this function as well and the 5 way rotor doesnt cause me a problem at all. A mellow alder bodied strat type tone would be nice here - the Dragon's are probably not too far off that now.

The simple answer may be to just buy another guitar - but as you say guys the C22 is such a good instrument that it would be a shame to toss it - specially for another bagatelle. Have been GASing on a Yamaha SA2200 - 335 type - but there may be a bit of a nasal tinge to this as well.

Might be asking too much - but if I can tweak this PRS in I would be happy with that.

Thanks again guys for your thoughts and suggestions.

Joe

[whitewave]

I had the same problem, so I've tried some boutique pickups in a PRS.

Lollar Imperial are always a very good match in a PRS. Right now I have a set of Imperial High Wind but I had regulars too. They're simply a perfect match, both of them. High wind are a bit hotter so slightly darker (less highs).

WCR are another perfect match. I'll put a an American Steel set in it.

I don't love PAF replica on a PRS, so avoid Mules or stuff like that, but maybe it's just me and the mids.

Tried some Duncans and Rio Grande too, nothing to suggest except maybe for a custom custom in the bridge.

[THebert]

The newer PRS pickups are quite different than the dragon IIs and I think they would be more to your liking based on your post. See if you can go to a store and demo the 5708 or Grissom pickups. But to me some of what you are hearing is due to the relatively small amount of mahogany and poly finish, and that won’t change with pickups.

[AudioWonderland]

I would definitely replace the Dragon II's They are an odd bird to be sure. I have had good success with a number of Duncan pickups. Just depends on what you want

[Bluedawg]

The newer PRS pickups are quite different than the dragon IIs and I think they would be more to your liking based on your post. See if you can go to a store and demo the 5708 or Grissom pickups. But to me some of what you are hearing is due to the relatively small amount of mahogany and poly finish, and that won’t change with pickups.


I love the 57/08s and the 09 versions as well ... based on playing new guitars with them

The only issue is that you can't buy them directly ....

You either have to buy a PRS with them already installed

or send your PRS to the factory and they willl install them for $450 ... and they will only do that for a PRS guitar, no other brands

Or keep an eye out for a used set

:bonk

[Taller]

Been playing PRS guitars for almost 20 years now, and the stock pickups have always been the weak link, IMHO. Well, except for the Dragon 1 pickups that were in my '94 Cu22.

I've got S-D 59's in my McCarty. Side by side comparison with my then new St22 with Dragon 2's...hate to use the cliche, but the S-D's sounded like taking the blanket off of the amp compared to the Dragon 2's. The St22 now has Tom Short Tombuckers.

My SC245 has Tom Short Tombuckers - the Marc Ford set. The stock 245's again sounded decent, but compared to the S-D's in my McCarty - not nearly as clear sounding. Gigged it for the first time last weekend - Holy Smoke-a-bowl! Can't wait 'til the next gig.

Duncan makes great pickups if you're on a budget. Tom Short and a host of others make great pickups if your wallet will allow.

Bottom line - it ain't the guitar - it's those congested pickups.

[AudioWonderland]

Been playing PRS guitars for almost 20 years now, and the stock pickups have always been the weak link, IMHO. Well, except for the Dragon 1 pickups that were in my '94 Cu22.

I've got S-D 59's in my McCarty. Side by side comparison with my then new St22 with Dragon 2's...hate to use the cliche, but the S-D's sounded like taking the blanket off of the amp compared to the Dragon 2's. The St22 now has Tom Short Tombuckers.

My SC245 has Tom Short Tombuckers - the Marc Ford set. The stock 245's again sounded decent, but compared to the S-D's in my McCarty - not nearly as clear sounding. Gigged it for the first time last weekend - Holy Smoke-a-bowl! Can't wait 'til the next gig.

Duncan makes great pickups if you're on a budget. Tom Short and a host of others make great pickups if your wallet will allow.

Bottom line - it ain't the guitar - it's those congested pickups.

Duncan makes great pickups period a do a lot of other guys. Its a real golden age for pickups