Help me choose PuPs for a PRS Custom 24

[guitarbuddha]

Anyone have suggestions for replacement set of humbuckers for a PRS Dave Navarro Custom 24? I'm done fighting the stock Vintage Bass (neck) and HFS Treble (bridge) trying to find the right tones.

Playing through a Riviera Venus 6 1x12, 30 watt Class A with 6V6s (bought from a fellow TGPer!)

I'm in an all 80s cover band (skinny ties, no spandex) so need a versatile PuP set that will coil tap nicely to get me a jangly cleans, then switch out to a solid AC/DC crunch, and then on into hair metal madness. We play everything from Madonna to Van Halen, so I need a set of PuPs that covers the bases.

Unfortunately I'm on a budget. Duncan 59s, JB and Jazz seem like an easy and affordable option, but wondering what else is out there. Never replaced PuPs before, so teach me what to consider. I have an old Dimarzio Super Distortion lying around, but not sure if it's worth using.

I've tried lowering and raising the stock pickups, adjusting pole pieces, but just haven't been happy with the sounds I'm getting. I can get usable tones on each pickup, but once I do, the other pickup is useless. I need help! Thanks!

[snowblind56]

I put Bare Knuckle Rebel Yells in my Standard 24. Pretty much describes what you are looking for. Pricey, but well worth it.

[BrianmKillebrew]

IMO you already answered your question. The JB/Jazz set is perfect. 59's sound good also, but not quite enough of something for me (never been able to point it out). I have JBs in 4 of my guitars right now, and love duncans in general. Look on the bay for deals, and as for installing the pups, there are a lot of quality guides and youtube videos on the matter. It's not hard, per se, but easy to get wrong the first time.

[guitarbuddha]

the JB/Jazz seem like a safe bet, but I've heard people say they lack personality. But maybe that's what I want, somehting middle of the road that i can dial in in many different ways. the bareknuckles look cool, but a bit pricey for me. their output profile (14k and 8k) are real similar to the HFS treble and Vintage Bass. How did they compare? Do they feel even? I don't know how the JB/Jazz line up output-wise. I want the engraved ray guns!

[BrianmKillebrew]

Originally Posted by guitarbuddha

the JB/Jazz seem like a safe bet, but I've heard people say they lack personality. But maybe that's what I want, somehting middle of the road that i can dial in in many different ways. the bareknuckles look cool, but a bit pricey for me. their output profile (14k and 8k) are real similar to the HFS treble and Vintage Bass. How did they compare? Do they feel even? I don't know how the JB/Jazz line up output-wise. I want the engraved ray guns!

To be totally honest I can't remember the outputs on them, I just know I love the sound. I've never been able to tell what that really means anyway because that little number never gave me any indication of clarity or gain structure. And being fair, I've found what I liked in a pickup and stuck with it so I'm not super familiar with other options, although I had a duncan distortion in my old ibanez RG and I didn't like it at all!

[Fran6]

I had the same frustration with my 2007 PRS SC Trem. No matter what settings or amp I tried I couldn't get the guitar to sound (By the way, I also have the Riviera Venus 6). I considered selling the guitar. I just installed the PRS 57/08's and OMG, what a huge difference! The guitar is alive, both clean and with high gain, coil-tapped or in humbucking mode. Amazing clarity and note definition.

[magicaxeman]

I was gonna say PRS 57/08's would be the best bet

[snowblind56]

Originally Posted by guitarbuddha

the JB/Jazz seem like a safe bet, but I've heard people say they lack personality. But maybe that's what I want, somehting middle of the road that i can dial in in many different ways. the bareknuckles look cool, but a bit pricey for me. their output profile (14k and 8k) are real similar to the HFS treble and Vintage Bass. How did they compare? Do they feel even? I don't know how the JB/Jazz line up output-wise. I want the engraved ray guns!

The output of the Rebel Yells is about the same as the HFS/VB, but that's about it. The clarity of the BKP's is amazing. In my guitar, the PRS pickups were muddy. Definitely not the case with the BKP's.

[tnt365]

I'd go with a Seth Lover 4 conductor (or if you can find a '57 classic 4 conductor) in the Neck, then a Seth Lover or '57 Classic Plus in the bridge.

The JB/Jazz set costs 189.99 at GC, I just got a set of seths for $185 NEW on the bay. However, if your guitar is bright, go with the Seths, if your guitar is somewhat darker sounding, go with the JB set.

[guitarbuddha]

Fran6- love to hear how you use the Venus 6. Gorgeous amp. So many options. which is why i'm going crazy about my tone. that amp and this guitar should play itself! I might PM you if that's cool?

I talked to a tech at PRS and he suggested the 57/08s, or 59/09s. I think they're putting those in the new Customs instead of the HFS and VB now. But I think you can only get them through PRS and it was something like 400 installed?

is there another brand with a comprable set to the 57/08s?

TNT365- good suggestions. i find the guitar real dark, so maybe the JB/Jazz. But I think they're even cheaper than that: 130 at GC for the "Hot rodded" set which has a SH-2 Jazz at the neck and an SH-4 (which I think is the JB, right?): http://www.guitarcenter.com/Seymour-...52-i1127363.gc

the 35th Anniv re-issues are $189, but they're single conductor, but i think i want the 4 conductor to coil tap?

any other opinions on the SD 59s? they're nice and affordable too

[gulliver]

Originally Posted by snowblind56

I put Bare Knuckle Rebel Yells in my Standard 24. Pretty much describes what you are looking for. Pricey, but well worth it.

How does the rebel yell compare to a JB or AT-1? I have a Mule and like it, but would like something thicker for a different guitar ... but don't want super distortion type side effects.

[snowblind56]

Originally Posted by gulliver

How does the rebel yell compare to a JB or AT-1? I have a Mule and like it, but would like something thicker for a different guitar ... but don't want super distortion type side effects.

I think the JB is slightly hotter, but definitely harsher and can be honky, too loose in the bass and have an annoying mid-spike.

All Bare Knuckles are supremely clear. No matter how much gain you are using, single notes still ring out. It's more harmonically rich, smoother, and more responsive. There is a certain something in BK pups that you dont find in others, they are far bigger sounding and richer. You really have to try them out in person to understand what I am talking about.

[RSRD]

anyone tried suhr pickups in their CUs?